Brick Solid
By Michael Karlo Lim
“HALF-ITALIAN, one-fourth German, one-eighth Ilongga ang nanay ko.” Rico Yan rest in peace, not a single pubertal male asked about that missing genetic fraction back then and cleared the shelves of the “sikreto ng mga gwapo.” After all, generations of their smooth-skinned womenfolk all subscribed to the same single product. Finally, the new masculine formulation and branding allowed declaration of its use. While I laud that branding move and the considerations for the difference in dermatological requirements of men from those of women, the widespread use of astringents still failed to point out and address the needs of the individual skin type. Fast forward several years later and entire men’s lines are available from what used to only be male equivalents of female products.
Past the ordeal of aggressive acne, I’ve slacked off on skin care routines and am pretty much just wash-and-wear. Gravitational forces accelerated by time gives surety that everything that could would go South, and the man in the mirror began to see that pull. 22 Thatcher hooked me up with Brickell Men’s Products for skincare that is straightforward, easy and sustainable. Their formulas are engineered to deal with men’s tougher, more porous skin — whether oily, sensitive, combo or acne-prone.
Brickell’s provides daily cleansing, hydration, and protection for a clearer, brighter complexion and healthier skin. I took their quick skin health quiz on their website and got a rating of seventy-six: decent but with room for improvement for my oily/combination skin type. They also broke it down to the simplest of no-brainers: Cleanse, Hydrate, Protect.
The Clarifying Gel Face Wash has coconut-based cleansers that produce a luxurious lather to strip the face of dead skin, dirt, and oil while retaining ample hydration. Geranium, a powerful, natural antiseptic, removes facial impurities. Aloe nourishes and has a cooling effect that energizes with its use in the morning and calms at the end of the day. An essential oil blend of peppermint, eucalyptus, & lemongrass gives it a relaxing scent that makes it an absolute pleasure to use. The skin is left feeling squeaky clean without any tightness that indicates dryness.
I used Brickell Men’s Renewing Face Scrub once or twice a week as I felt the need for a deeper cleanse. It has natural scrubbing particles, Jojoba Beads & Pumice, to polish off dead skin cells, unclog pores, and to prep facial hair for a shave. Aloe Vera, Avocado Butter & Vitamin E nourished and refreshed the skin. Coffee Extract & Green Tea energizes by increasing circulation to the skin surface.
I follow with a quick swipe of their Daily Essential Face Moisturizer for lightweight and fast-absorbing all-day moisturization without the slick and shine. Aloe Vera and Hyaluronic Acid provide intense hydration to the skin cells. Jojoba creates a protective barrier to prevent skin water loss. Green Tea, along with Aloe Vera, introduces antioxidants to reverse signs of aging.
If my opening line isn’t any indicator, yes, I am at the point where aging is a concern. The all natural Brickell Men’s Revitalizing Anti-Aging Cream contains DMAE (Dimethylethanolamine) that contracts the underlying facial muscles of the face to prevent wrinkles. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) reduces age spots and arrests its development. Hyaluronic Acid reduces fine lines and prevents future wrinkles. Fine lines are almost immediately less visible with further improvements apparent over time.
Brickell’s also has advanced options including Day and Night Serums to revive and repair skin tissue at the layer where aging begins. Beyond facial care, they also have a full line of shave and beard care items as well as hair care and body products. Try some of these out as part of 22 Thatcher’s in-shop services and treatments or cop a set to experience these yourselves.
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