Yes it’s a stereotype but isn’t it meant to be women who like to spend hours on their appearance? Beauty products, face masks, spa treatments and waxing are all things we usually see as being girly. But a new and different trend is emerging for men who like to indulge themselves in these luxuries and spend just as much time on their beauty routines.

I know what you’re thinking and no, it’s not just those modern ‘metrosexual’ men with fancy haircuts, fashionable clothes and regular visits to the health spa that are beginning to experiment with their beauty routines. More and more men from all different areas of society are starting to spend more time on their looks than just having a quick shave in the mornings.

A lot of this is probably down to the internet, and the way products are now readily available to any man without having to actually walk up to a beauty counter in a shop. Many men are very aware of the stigma attached to too much grooming and feel like their masculinity might be challenged if people knew they used skincare products. Sites like www.mankind.co.uk sell a huge range of different products from moisturisers to fragrances to anti-aging creams and make it easy for men to get these things without anyone else ever needing to know.

The amount of different male grooming products available is growing all the time, from basic shaving products and moisturiser to face masks or even makeup intended specifically for men. Brands like Anthony Logistics and Zirh have put years of research into men’s skincare, hand care and a shaving routine from either includes not only shaving creams but also all sorts of pre-shave oils and post-shave ‘healers’. For skin the Biotherm Homme range has a seemingly endless supply of different creams and lotions for every specific need, from anti-aging eye cream to energising or anti-dullness moisturisers.

So as for that stereotype about pampering being a women’s thing – it’s time to move over ladies because men are embracing their desire to look good and discovering the benefits of looking after their bodies.