BEAUTY /
MEN
February 3, 2015
New Series: Gaku Fujimura | What's the Difference Between Men's and Women's Cosmetics?
New Series - Gaku Fujimura | July 2013
Molton Brown's "4-IN-1 Sports Wash" Truly Understands the Male Psyche
What's the Difference Between Men's and Women's Cosmetics?
What fundamentally separates men's cosmetics from women's? I believe it's the pursuit of functionality. Of course, some women's cosmetics, like BB creams, can perform multiple roles. However, I don't think they are as overtly focused on functionality as men's cosmetics are.
Text by FUJIMURA GakuPhotographs by JAMANDFIX
Men's Cosmetics: The Mission is Maximum Effect with Minimum Action
For women's cosmetics, the sense of well-being derived from the texture and scent, and the feeling that using them enriches one's life, are inherent from the start. Well, there are also many serums for wrinkles and dark spots, which are functional, but...
On the other hand, men's cosmetics typically emphasize "using this will achieve X," loudly proclaiming their functions and effects. Perhaps for lazy men, straightforwardness is best.
Fundamentally, men's skincare primarily aims to address problems, and only a very small minority seek happiness through cosmetics. The mission is to achieve maximum effect with minimum action. Therefore, it's no wonder that multi-functional all-in-one cosmetics are popular.
A Wash Item That Understands the Male Psyche, With Four Functions
I was impressed by how well this product understood the male psyche. It's the"4-IN-1 Sports Wash" from Molton Brownreleased on July 4th. It's a multi-use "wash" type product that can cleanse the body, hair, face, and even shave beards. While there have been products that could wash two areas simultaneously, such as face and body, or face and beard, or hair and body, products with four functions were rarely seen. This was because different cleansing strengths were needed for different uses, making it difficult to combine them. However, this product has achieved it. This is, in fact, a quietly remarkable feat.
So, I tried it. I wondered if the strong cleansing power would leave my face dry, or if the lather would be difficult to rinse off since it's also usable for shaving. I tested it with a slightly critical eye, but my concerns were unfounded. It rinsed off cleanly, yet it worked perfectly for shaving. Molton Brown truly excels at crafting quality products.
It's Sensual, Simply Designed, and Smells Great!
I also love its stylish design, which looks great in the bathroom. I don't think men's cosmetics can succeed these days on functionality alone.
Another aspect I appreciated was the scent. The exquisite fragrance is a hallmark of this brand. It contains cassia, which is apparently known as a natural deodorant. Its refreshing scent is invigorating. It seems perfect for morning showers or use at the gym. With its four functions, it's also ideal for businessmen who want to pack light for trips.
Often, multi-functional products tend to lack sensuality. They seem to imply that as long as they are practical, they don't need to be enjoyable to use. But this one has a simple design, a pleasant scent, and I really like it. The 4-IN-1 Sports Wash has turned out to be quite a useful item.
4-IN-1 Sports Wash (Left)
Price & Volume | ¥3,780 (200ml)
The main ingredient is cassia bark, known as a natural deodorant. In addition to skin-conditioning agents, it features the brand's unique Ultra-Shine Complex to enhance hair's luster, and guar gum for a smooth shave, all contributing to its high level of refinement.
Molton Brown Japan
Tel. 03-3660-7996
www.moltonbrown.co.uk
www.moltonbrown.co.jp