Date Night Essentials for Men
It’s date night and all you want to do is make a good first impression with your charm and confidence. But where do you start? From perfecting your grooming and skincare routines to selecting the right fragrance and outfit, we’ve curated a checklist of essentials to help you exude your best self (and secure that second date).
Whether you’ve matched online, met in person, or been set up by your mum’s well-meaning friend, going on a first date can create a lot of pressure. At the end of the day, it’s all about radiating confidence while being yourself and showing your date that you really want to get to know them.
Of course, a little boost in confidence never hurts because let’s be real, showing that you practise self-care can be incredibly attractive. Here’s a rundown of our top tips to ensure you’re prepped and primed for that upcoming date.
Step 1: Good Skincare, Better Confidence
If you ask us, higher self-esteem starts with proper skincare. Word on the street (well, according to a 2023 survey) is that 50% of millennials and Gen Z-ers only get into skincare because of going on a first date. We say props for the effort, but really, having healthy skin doesn’t just happen overnight. To reach desirable results, consistency is key, and if you’re just diving into skincare for the first time, here are a few must-haves to get you started:
Face Wash ✔
Finding a cleanser that’s designed for your skin type – whether that’s sensitive, dry, or oily – is crucial. Washing away the bacteria, dirt, and impurities that build up on your face throughout the day not only helps unclog pores and prevent breakouts, but also gives you a clearer skin complexion.
Face Scrub ✔
Face scrubs work in a similar way, though they are chemically more powerful than cleansers. This is because they are specifically designed to remove dead skin cells, and their use should be limited to 1-2 times per week at most, to avoid any unnecessary irritation. Bulldog’s got face scrubs crafted for every skin type, from sensitive to oily, and you can find the one that fits your preference here.
Moisturiser…with SPF ✔
Whether you’re new to skincare or not, you’ve probably heard people talk on and on about the importance of moisturising your skin – and not just once in a while, but every day.
The benefits of using a trusted moisturiser aren’t just limited to keeping skin irritation at bay. Continuous hydration helps prevent the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and using products with added SPF provides additional protection from UV rays. Yep, they damage your skin all year round – not just on hot, sunny days.
After all, when you’re feeling confident in your skin, you’re ready to take on anything. Discover our full skincare range here to build a personal, complete routine that’s right for you.
Step 2: Grooming The Right Way
Grooming is not just about shaving. Beard, hair, and body care play equally important roles in ensuring you look and feel your best. From keeping your beard well-trimmed and neatly styled to maintaining healthy hair, a comprehensive grooming routine is key to showing confidence and leaving a lasting impression on a date (or any other social setting).
Shaving
If you’re someone who tends to deal with razor burn or skin irritation, it’s time to invest in shaving solutions that are kinder to your skin. Plus, how well you maintain your facial hair can definitely reflect the effort you put into self-care.
Navigating the world of shave gels and razor blades can feel like mission impossible. You want something that’s effective yet gentle on your skin, but also sustainable and affordable. Our team has developed bamboo razors that are not only environmentally friendly, but built to last, all while giving you a precise shave. And when it comes to selecting blades – ours are coated with aloe vera, ensuring you don’t get dry or irritated skin post-shave.
Whether you’re into foaming or regular shaving gels, there are options for every preference. Our sensitive range, in particular, stands out for being fragrance-free, making it the ideal choice for those with extra sensitive skin.
How’s your checklist doing?
Shave Gel / Foam ✔
Trusty Razor ✔
Blade Up ✔
Hair-Care
Maybe you’re the type of guy who prefers a low-maintenance approach to grooming, and if short hair is your thing, that’s totally cool. But for those of us with longer locks, a simple application of the right styling product can make all the difference, helping you achieve the desired look and improving your hair’s natural texture.
Here’s a short rundown of what each product does:
Styling clay offers a matte finish and a flexible hold, perfect for achieving a natural, textured look.
If a sleek, polished style is more your vibe, a styling pomade delivers a strong, glossy hold that lasts all day.
Lastly, styling creams provide a lightweight hold with a natural finish, ideal for creating versatile looks with ease.
Styling product? ✔
Step 3: Fragrance: Yes or No?
Scent can be incredibly attractive, but it’s crucial to strike the right balance. Drowning yourself in cologne or layering multiple fragrances is a major faux pas. Opt for subtlety instead – you never know how your date will react to a strong scent.
If you’re leaning towards a potent cologne, pair it with a neutral deodorant to avoid overpowering your senses. Alternatively, if you’re sporting a deodorant with a more distinct scent like lemon & bergamot or vetiver & black pepper, consider skipping the cologne altogether to prevent a clash.
Remember, less is often more when it comes to fragrance. Don’t use it just for the sake of it. Your choice of scent should enhance the way you look and feel, not mask it or give off a sense of trying too hard.
Deodorant? ✔
Fragrance? ✔
Step 4: Date Night Outfits - Do’s and Don’ts
1. Do wear something that feels like you and is comfortable.
2. Don’t wear sportswear unless you’re meeting your date at the gym.
3. Do go for minimalism – such as a long-sleeved polo shirt, open collar sweater, or the timeless classic white shirt, with or without a quarter zip. For shoes, choose loafers, Chelsea boots, or the ever-popular white trainers – just make sure to clean them properly before your date.
4. Don’t mix too many colours. Instead, go for a neutral palette like beige, brown, white, or navy, and pair with only one bolder, more vibrant piece if you want.
5. Do bring a jacket or flannel with you, even if you don’t get cold… because your date might!
Step 5: Get Swooning
Tick off everything on our list, and you’ll be more than ready for your date. Remember – be yourself, let them know what you’re all about, and have fun. After all, that’s the most important thing!