How to make your everyday beauty products gender-neutral, from shampoo to scents

And according to a poll by Escentual.com, it’s not just limited to hair products, as a third of men admitted to using the rest of their partner’s beauty stash, too.

In response to this, the number of product ranges that cater for both women and men is on the rise, and we can’t get enough of them.

SKIN SAVERS

Your skin is your largest organ, and regardless of your gender, it’s likely that you will battle with dryness, breakouts, sensitivity or rosacea at some point in your life.

“It doesn’t really matter whether you are a man or woman, great skincare should address skin challenges,” says Candice Gardner, education manager at Dermalogica.

And although there will be some slight differences between your complexion and your man’s skin (men tend to produce more sebum, making their complexions oilier in general), the primary skin needs are the same. “Retinols and vitamin C are beneficial for everyone, as is hyaluronic acid. Both women and men should select their products based on excellent clinical results,” says Candice.We love Garden of Wisdom Vitamin C 23% Serum + Ferulic Acid, £10, which makes up for what it lacks in man-deterring pretty packaging with its powerful brightness-boosting ingredients.

HAIR AND NOW

When it comes to your locks, the truth is it’s totally OK for us to be using the same shampoo and conditioner as men. “Men and women should feel free to use the same products because hair is hair, regardless of gender,” says hairstylist Adam Reed.

If you want to avoid the no-shampoo shower situation, we recommend going Dutch with him on salon-sized bottles, such as Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo, £35 for 1L and Conditioner, £38.50 for 1L.

“It’s the styling part where you may differ,” Adam adds: “you need to choose a product that suits your own needs.” Whileyou might look for smooth, sleek volume, men tend to opt for a more casual, grittier finish.

For a product that offers both, try Australian brand, Mr Smith. A penny-sized amount of Mr Smith The Foundation, £28, adds volume and body while still giving natural movement.

SHAVE THE DAY

One beauty tool that women and men do look for different qualities in is a razor. While we may want a luxe silk finish on our skin, our other halves are more worried about just getting the job done.

Something we can share with our partners, though, is shaving cream. Whether it’s his beard stubble or your legs that the blade has to contend with, a razor-friendly cream or foam is essential.

We love Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Shaving Cream, £19, as it’s packed with menthol and amino acids to deeply hydrate skin from within, plus camomile helps soothe irritation anywhere on the body.

KISS AND MAKE-UP

While it’s unlikely that your man will want to nab your blusher or eyeshadow, a dab of concealer to brighten any dark circles and a dusting of mattifying powder across his T-zone might be his thing. And men tend to look for exactly the same glow-boosting properties that we do in cosmetics.

Charlotte Tilbury Unisex Healthy Hydrating Glow Tinted Moisturiser, £35, is great for adding a glow to dull complexions, while the mega-pigmented creamy shades in Jecca Correct & Conceal Palette, £20, can be built up gradually to give even the most tired of peepers a boost.

MAKE SCENTS OF IT

Launched back in 1994, CK One was the first unisex scent, and the blend of bergamot, jasmine and amber in Calvin Klein CK One Platinum Edition, £40 for 100ml EDT will still hypnotise you whether you’re male or female.

Perfume and aftershave might seem worlds apart, but brands are now starting to nail both the sweet florals women tend to go for and his more citrus notes in just one fragrance. Genius. If you and your other half are both fans of fresh scents, try Diptyque L’Eau, £90 for 100ml EDT, which is packed with green mandarin and ginger for a citrus hit.

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