Avoid Sunburn this Summer

Back when ladies and gentlemen ruled the Earth, translucent white skin was the pinnacle of natural beauty and elegance – anyone sporting a tan was assumed to work outside and therefore be much lower down the social strata, and so not worth thinking about.

In the second half of the 20th century, with the erosion of class divides and the growth of air travel, a tan was highly desirable, making most people look younger, less tired and generally much more attractive.

Following the ‘tanorexic’ pandemic of the late nineties / early noughties, we like to think that most Brits now have a sensible approach to tanning, getting colour in their face through light, restrained sun-worshipping rather than installing a sunbed in their lounge. But there are times when even this goes wrong, resulting in a red face and permanently damaged skin.

With the unpredictable weather that afflicts the UK, showers in the morning often result in clear blue skies and the potential for sunburn in the afternoon. Gents are more likely to suffer than women, simply because we are less inclined to put on a daily moisturiser with SPF protection. A light, non-greasy cream such as Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturiser can be used every day and contains SPF 20, so you don’t have to worry about being caught if the sun does decide to put his hat on.

Another scenario that catches a lot of guys out is sun exposure during or after exercise. Even a light jog or cycle around the park will result in manly perspiration, which combined with wiping down your face can result in the nullification of some sun creams. Using a water resistant lotion such as Brave Soldier’s Solar Shield will guarantee protection, no matter how hot and sweaty you get.

BUY ONLINE

JACK BLACK DOUBLE DUTY FACE MOISTURISER

BRAVE SOLDIER SOLAR SHIELD

Father’s Day at Murdock

Original Father’s Day Gifts

Here’s your four week warning: Father’s Day. June 20th. So now you have ample time to get your dad something a bit special, something more than the usual pair of socks or bottle of scotch.

Here’s a couple of original gifts to treat your old man:

1.    Father’s Day Facial and Shave

A good wet-shave is something most dads appreciate; there’s something inherently mature and fatherly about the process. The traditional cut-throat shave is a masculine form of pampering that stays on the right side of indulgence. By including a revitalising facial, this experience has a modern, functional twist that any practical minded bloke can enjoy.

BUY FATHER’S DAY FACIAL AND SHAVE

2.    Murdock Leather Bags

With Father’s Day falling at the start of the summer, it is a perfect time to get your dad something useful and practical, especially if he is a keen traveller. Our collection of quality, hand-crafted leather bags are ideal for any well travelled gent. Whether you pick up a handy wash bag for grooming essentials, or a larger weekend bag for city breaks, these are gifts that any father will cherish.

BUY MURDOCK HANDMADE LEATHER BAGS

3.    Murdock Shaving Essentials

Men are practical creatures who like nothing better than receiving presents they can actually use and that will enhance their lives. For such guys, a new piece of shaving kit is the ultimate gift – and the Murdock range ticks all the boxes: hand made in Sheffield, all equipment has a sturdy feel and is built to last, with brushes and razors that can be used and enjoyed daily.

BUY MURDOCK SHAVING BRUSHES, RAZORS AND ACCESSORIES

Summer Colognes: Hierbas de Ibiza

Smells and scents can evoke memories and powerful responses almost instantaneously, which is why colognes that remind us of summer are so popular; we all like to reminisce about exotic holidays and lazy, sunny afternoons whilst sweating in an office cubicle or packed into the tube.

With this in mind, you can either go two ways this summer; firstly, pick a conventional summery fragrance, so something floral or citrus, and conjure up existing experiences, or you could try a bold new cologne and enjoy making some brand new memories.

HIERBAS DE IBIZA – AGUA DE COLONIA

Whether you’ve been or not, we all know about Ibiza’s reputation for hedonism – many a gentleman has suffered an unfortunate lapse into debauchery on the White Isle.

Agua de Colonia Fresca is a light, herb-citrus cologne inspired by the spirit and freedom of Ibiza. It’s composed entirely from the natural flora of the island, so really does capture Ibiza’s essence.

Buy a bottle now and prepare for an exciting summer.

Murdock Shoreditch Stylists Recommend…

     

Murdock at the BRIT Awards 2010

The nominees for this year's BRIT Awards, held on Tuesday 16 February at Earl's Court Arena, London, have been announced. We can exclusively reveal that joining the likes of Robbie Williams, Dizzee Rascal, Jay-Z and Peter Kaye at the event will be a selection of Murdock barbers!

We've been asked to man a pop-up barbershop in the backstage area to take care of any last minute grooming requirements, so I imagine we'll be preening Mika's locks and finishing off Robbie's coiffure, we'll be there on rehearsal day and show day if any of you happen to be backstage, to book your slot backstage brits@murdocklondon.com.

If you fancy the same level as service as some of the world's biggest music stars, then book an appointment at one of our stores or treat someone with a gift certificate.

The Murdock Guide to Mayfair

The newest Murdock barbers and grooming store can be found in Mayfair, west London. Located on Stafford Street this is an area with a rich tradition of high fashion, quality tailoring and luxury grooming, so we feel right at home!

While other Mayfair barbershops and male grooming salons are either over-complicated and ultra-modern or antiquated and behind the times, we strive to find the perfect balance between providing the finest traditional services in a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere and offering the best in high-end male grooming products and gifts for gentlemen.

Here’s a look at some of our favourite destinations in the surrounding area:

Paul Smith

Little more than a stone’s throw from Murdock is the Paul Smith furniture and curiosities shop on Albermarle Street. Selling art, antiques and jewellery sourced from around the world, this unique collection is sure to interest any well-travelled Murdock regular.

With many pieces customised, refurbished or re-covered with distinctive Paul Smith designs, this is much more than a run-of-the-mill vintage or second hand shop; a great place to look for a unique and distinctive gift this Valentine’s Day.

Royal Academy of Arts

The Royal Academy of Arts located at Burlington House is a prestigious institution dedicated to the promotion of the fine arts, so definitely worth combining with an afternoon visit to Murdock for some relaxed and cultured down-time.

Upcoming exhibitions include ‘The Real Van Gogh: The Artist and his Letters’ from January 23rd.

Dover Street Market

A multi level fashion retail space created by Comme des Garcons founder, Rei Kawakubo.  With six floors of minimalist bare walls and steel beams there is ample room for the wares of over a dozen designers including Raf Simons, Junya Watanabe, Thom Browne and Moncler Gamme Rouge. The ‘blank canvas’ nature of the store allows designers to develop their spaces as they see fit, leading to a real sense of creativity and originality in an area of London better known for its traditional menswear.

Savile Row

A brisk stroll from Murdock Mayfair is the Mecca of tailored menswear; Savile Row. The short street is famous for its traditional bespoke clothing, boasting menswear luminaries such as Ozwald Boateng, Gieves & Hawkes, Kilgour and Norton & Sons, outlets every modern gent should be acquainted with.

The Murdock Guide to Winter Skincare

The ‘BIG FREEZE’ has gripped Britain, paralysing transport links, postponing sporting activity and generally causing mischief. In the midst of such ‘chaos’, skincare may well be low on your list of priorities, so here’s some handy advice to push it back up the agenda.

FACE

Taking care of your skin in the winter is crucial to looking alive and feeling just about human; it’s easy to neglect moisturising, especially when the mornings are cold and dark, and you minimise your grooming routine to try and squeeze that extra 15 minutes in bed.

Freezing temperatures and icy winds can dry out your skin in record time, leaving your face feeling tight and irritable and looking tired and worn. Regular moisturising (not just after shaving) will not only give you a nice luminous glow, but it will also make your face feel a lot more comfortable and relaxed, helping reduce stress and generally improving your life.

TRY: Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturiser

HANDS

It’s impossible to wear gloves ALL the time; eating, sleeping, toilet breaks… all occasions when gloves aren’t really appropriate. So to protect your hands 24/7, you really need to think about a hard-working hand cream.

Essential if you’re outdoors a lot, whether playing sport, maintaining the garden, or constantly smoking.

TRY: Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer

BODY

January is the month of resolutions and fitness drives, so it’s common to see a higher than usual amount of people pounding the pavements, cycling to work and generally keeping active. Unfortunately the cold weather means that going for a jog or a cycle can be fraught with danger; as well as icy pavements and dark street corners, one also has to consider the effects that extra exercise and extra layers will have on your comfort levels. Irritation and chafing can be a major hazard, so invest in an effective body moisturiser to keep everything working smoothly and painlessly. 

TRY: Brave Soldier Friction Zone

Murdock’s Classic Shaving Brands

Here at Murdock we have a deep respect for the fine traditions of wet-shaving. As well as ultra-modern skincare brands such as Jack Black and Zirh, we stock a great deal of more traditional products.

Here’s a quick run-through of the classic products that make great gifts for any discerning gentleman this Christmas:

Proraso

Established in 1926, Proraso has been the leading Italian barber shop shaving brand for many years. The secret behind Proraso’s enduring success is their combination of simple and effective formulas with bold, artfully designed packaging.

DR Harris

DR Harris is a traditional English brand with real heritage; formerly known as the Harris Apothecary, No 11 St James Street London, DR Harris dates back to 1790 and is the oldest pharmacy in London. For almost two centuries, this family business served the gentry and the Court of St. James. In 1938 they were granted the Royal Warrant as chemists to Her Majesty the Queen Mother. Customers have ranged from Ambassadors and Statesmen, Field Marshalls and Admirals to Drakes and Dandies.

We use these products exclusively in our Traditional Wet Shave.

Clubman

To say that the Pinaud brand and its Clubman line of fine men’s toiletries have staying power is an understatement. After all, men have been using the products since 1810 when Edouard Pinaud, a perfumer, opened a shop in Paris.

Today, Clubman offers a wide range of men’s grooming products. A popular seller, the Clubman Moustache kit includes a tube of wax and a custom moustache comb/brush.

Confianca

Mining their vast and proud traditions, Portuguese brand Confianca combine the original designs and packaging of their classic products with a dedication to high quality.

Murdock have taken on their premier man’s range, the O Melhor line (means ‘The Best’ in Portuguese). From the beautiful and stylish packaging to the soft lather of the soap and the classical masculine fragrance, it’s obvious that Confianca is a brand worth discovering.

Top 5 Original Stocking Fillers for Guys

1    Marvis Toothpaste    £6.50

Not only does Marvis clean and protect teeth, and taste terrific, but it even looks great in its colourful retro tube and elegantly sculpted cap.

With five flavours to choose from, there should be a toothpaste for everyone. Marvis really is an original way to enjoy a small amount of Italian luxury every day.

2    Moustache Mugs    £12.00

Moustache mugs are proving as popular as real-life moustaches;  we’re definitely in the middle of a facial hair renaissance. Designed by artist Pierre Ibruegger, these bone china mugs (made in England) allow the drinker to masquerade behind a selection of iconic 'taches whilst sipping their favourite hot drinks.

A great gift for a work colleague or as part of a ‘Secret Santa’ – guaranteed to raise a smile whenever someone raises their drink.  

3    DR Harris Mahogany Shave Bowl    £21.00

This affordable piece of shaving kit is of peerless quality; holders of a Royal Warrant for over a century, DR Harris know they’re stuff when it comes to shaving.

As a gift this will be appreciated by veteran wet-shave connoisseurs and newcomers alike. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone looking to start a collection of traditional tools such as a badger hair brush, whilst it’s luxurious lather ensures the soaps enduring popularity.

4    Gene Meyer Socks    £12.00

Okay so socks are hardly an original gift idea, and the trend towards brightly coloured men’s socks is at least a couple of seasons old, but these socks boast such a high quality of manufacture and design that they bring a refreshing sense of style to the underwear market.

5    Clubman Moustache Wax    £9.50

As previously asserted, moustaches are everywhere at the moment, so moustache wax is essential for guaranteeing that you facial hair reaches its true potential and stands out amongst a sea of ‘taches.

Clubman have been doing shaving since 1810, so you can rely on their moustache wax for a non-greasy hold, a dash of colour, and some light styling. Most fellas have never considered waxing up they’re facial furniture, which makes giving wax such an original idea.

A Quick Guide to Shaving Essentials

Unsurprisingly a lot of females are unfamiliar with the intricacies and subtleties of male wet shaving.  That’s okay – to be honest, we’d be a bit freaked out if you could recite the various parts of a badger’s anatomy that different shaving brushes take their hair from. (For more on badger hair brushes, read this.)

With the holiday season in full swing, Murdock have knocked together a quick guide to guarantee you can give the right shaving products.

PRE SHAVE

Pre-shave oil or lotion can be overlooked by even the most experienced shavers, but it is vital for getting skin and stubble ready for the caress of a razor blade. A good pre-shave product will lift any hairs away from the face and soften them up for easier cutting.

DR Harris have been servicing London’s gentlemen for centuries, more than enough time to perfect their Arlington Pre-shave. This light astringent prepares the face for the shave and also acts as an efficient toner, removing any dirt and residue for cleaner, fresher skin.

SHAVE

There are plenty of options out there when it comes to the actual shave; shave cream, shaving soap, shaving gel.. All of these variations serve the same purpose, to form a creamy lather, lubricate the skin and ensure the most comfortable shave available.

Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave with jojoba and eucalyptus is the future of shaving gel. Effectively combining a pre-shave oil with a shave cream and skin conditioner, this lightweight formula can be seen as three-products-in-one, perfect for anyone on-the-move, when time and space is at a premium.  

For a more traditional experience, try one of the DR Harris Shaving Soaps. Packaged in a sturdy and ornate mahogany bowl, this soap (when used in conjunction with a badger hair brush) will produce a rich and luxurious lather, enough to make every shave a relaxing and enjoyable routine.

POST SHAVE

Following even the smoothest, closest shave, there is always going to be a slight chance of irritation or dryness, so choosing the right post-shave option is important. Most guys are still reluctant to use a full time moisturiser, but a post-shave balm or cream is a much more acceptable, masculine option.

Once again, Jack Black and Zirh offer a number of modern, very efficient post-shave solutions, while Confianca’s O Melhor Balsam After Shave and DR Harris Arlington Aftershave Milk are more traditional, indulgent options.

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