Grooming practices vary around the world, and in this Olympic year we wondered how American men stack up against their foreign counterparts.
So we invited some 8,500 guys—Men's Health readers in Indonesia, Turkey, Italy, Mexico, Germany, Brazil, France, the U.K., and the U.S.—to share their insights, preferences, and concerns about grooming. We were surprised by both the similarities and the differences.
Consider the mustache: Here, it's synonymous with villains, ironic hipsters, and Tom Selleck. In much of the Middle East and India, it's a ubiquitous symbol of manhood—without a hair of irony.
Still, men across the globe generally agree that good grooming reflects confidence, attractiveness, professionalism, and overall health. Grooming helps define the way we see ourselves and the way others perceive us. So see the eight products and tips that can help men everywhere look world-class.
MORE AT MEN'S HEALTH
SHAVE CREAM
The Art of Shaving Ocean Kelp Shaving Cream
When it comes to shaving, glycerin and plant-derived oils are your friends. In this shaving cream, they'll help the razor glide across your skin, preventing irritation and leaving your mug smooth and nick-free.
$22, theartofshaving.com
SHAVE GEL
Bulldog Original Shave Gel
Aloe vera soothes while the natural oils moisturize. Plus, it's free of parabens and synthetic scents—for a sleek shave, naturally.
$10, meetthebulldog.com
(See more: The complete guide to suits: 57 rules of style)
POSTSHAVE LOTION
eShave After Shave Soother
This fast-absorbing, water-based lotion leaves skin soft but not oily. Even better: You can use it on the rest of your body for head-to-toe moisture.
$27, eshave.com
SHAVE OIL
Caswell-Massey Essential Pre-Shave Oil
Save face with a preventive step. Just a thin layer of this blend of castor, olive, and almond oils will lock in moisture and protect you from cuts and scrapes.
$18, caswellmassey.com
READER AWARD: SHAVE GEL
Gillette Fusion ProGlide Hydra Smooth Shave Gel
Shea butter softens even the coarsest beard for a shave that leaves your skin touchable long after the razor is back on the shelf.
$4, gillette.com
RAZOR
Gillette Fusion ProGlide Styler
Shave and trim with one device. Three combs let you trim sideburns and scruff at different lengths. Or pop the razor attachment onto the trimmer for a clean, close shave. One stand holds all the elements.
$20, gillette.com
ELECTRIC SHAVER
Panasonic Arc3 ES-SL41 Electric Shaver
It adjusts to your face's contours and features three 30-degree blades, ensuring a close and cut-free shave—with or without water.
$90, panasonic.com
