It was once seen as a vanity led niche – men who bought beauty products were either the punch-line of jokes or generally just seen as “unmanly”. However, now the sales of male products is big business with huge multi-nationals such as L’Oreal, Unilever and Estee Lauder reporting that men are now willing to spend sizeable sums of money in an effort to take care of their skin.
So what has prompted this rise and how can you get these products for less?
Growing interest
According to a Reuters report, facial product sales for men make up only a minor fraction of the global market – but at $97billion it’s a growing share. Indeed last year, skincare sales for men increased by 17 per cent to $2.4billion with the Asian market proving particularly strong, accounting for 83 per cent of sales.
South Korea in particular is seen as setting trends for male grooming. There has been a surge in interest in Korean boy bands, who are seen as handsome with great skin and hair, as well as perfect teeth. The country is now the largest market for men’s skincare in the world – with men also splashing out on BB cream, which is an anti-blemish product with a light tint that is considered to be a make-up product. However, in Europe and America there is still a preference for a more rugged look.
The success of male beauty products saw Unilever launch its first Dove men’s line of products back in 2009; with television commercials featuring US basketball star Shaquille O’Neal. Similarly, L’Oreal has made a concerted push into the area of men’s beauty products by hiring comedian and actor Hugh Laurie as a frontman.
How expensive are these products?
Beauty products are notoriously expensive and the men’s line-up is no exception, making it increasingly important to shop around for bargains.
Thankfully there are health and beauty voucher codes available at Moneysaver.ie. Among the offers currently available are Mankind voucher codes – Mankind is a specialist in men’s grooming products including shaving and deodorant products. Currently, it is offering 15 per cent off all grooming products – but you must act fast because this deal is about to expire.
Among the other leading health and beauty stores offering voucher codes at Moneysaver.ie include the likes of House of Fraser, Holland & Barratt, Livingsocial.com and more. You can also currently capitalise on a host of Gorgeous Shop voucher codes, such as the chance to save £10 when you spend £120 at the online store.