I’m such a beauty fanatic that I get excited about testing ALL products – even those that definitely aren’t made with me in mind. Luckily, I can always come up with a good excuse for spraying, splashing, sniffing and spritzing!

Take this weekend, for instance. In case you’d forgotten, this Sunday is Father’s Day, which has given me the perfect excuse to try out the latest manly beauty treats – all in the name of research (I love this job!).

After much in-depth investigation (and quite a lot of Rosie and me squirting products at each other and deciding which fragrances we like the best!), I give you my pick of the best Father’s Day buys:

Ralph Lauren Polo Red Gift Set:
I always think Ralph Lauren products look super-chic, and this set is no exception. The gleaming scarlet products (the box includes an eau de toilette and a shower gel) look undeniably sleek and stylish. The fragrance – a mix of red grapefruit, red saffron and red cedarwood – is fresh and masculine without being overpowering: some men’s scents can be so strong they almost make you choke! This is a winner.

Clarins Men Grooming Essentials Gift Set:
Even the most old-fashioned men are cottoning on to the fact that caring for your skin is a worthwhile endeavour – not sissy, but smart. This kit packs in all the essentials, and is a perfect gift both for dads that need a little guidance with their grooming, and dads who know the score but always appreciate more. Packed into a cool-looking wash bag are an exfoliating cleanser, a moisture balm, a shaving lotion and a shampoo/shower gel. As with all Clarins products, these are stylishly designed and very effective.

Acqua Di Parma Collezione Barbiere Shaving Razor & Stand:
This wet-shave razor really is a thing of beauty. Crafted in Italy from sleek wenge wood and burnished brass, it’s so elegant any dad would feel super-stylish displaying this gift in his bathroom – not to mention looking super-stylish after a clean, close shave.

Crabtree & Evelyn Indian Sandalwood Eau de Toilette:
Few scents have the delicious masculinity that sandalwood does, and this Crabtree & Evelyn formula uses the age-old ingredient brilliantly. Adding citrus, lavender, vetiver and cedarwood into the mix, the result is a rich, woody aroma that feels both classic and contemporary.

Givenchy Gentlemen Only After Shave Lotion:
I love the look of this product – it has an unfussy, manly charm that is perfect for Father’s Day – not flashy but elegant and understated. This lotion has a subtly stylish fragrance, and its soothing and moisturising formula will calm and soften freshly shaven skin. Very chic.

Thierry Mugler A*Men Eau de Toilette Gift Set:
Bold and modern, this one is for dads who like a distinctive scent. The gift set features an eau de toilette, hair/body shampoo and a stylish Thierry Mugler Ipad case, and the fragrance itself mixes notes of peppermint, patchouli, caramel and chocolate: your dad will smell good enough to eat!

I’m pretty sure there’s something for every type of dad in my selection, but if not, I thoroughly recommend having a good testing session – whatever the occasion. It’s great fun and a brilliant way to get out of your beauty comfort zone and discover new likes and dislikes.

If you’re interested in any of my recommendations, do get your order in before 4:30PM today for Father’s Day delivery! Wishing all dads a very happy Father’s Day.

Until next week, stay gorgeous!
Love Binky xxx