It seems that after living in the shadow of their upper-lip brother, the beard is staking its claim as the one true facial accessory. Many of the shaving/grooming vendors at the expo are specifically catering to the new wave of hairy-faced gentlemen.
Beard oils, shampoos, butters, and balms are all staples of the modern beard-owner. All these products focus on giving you that perfect beard, reigning in the loose hairs, giving it that sheen or that matte finish, and protecting your beard from the elements. As a bearded guy who hasn’t really ever thought about these things, I’ve certainly brought my beard game up. A lot of emphasis is put on the natural ingredients used in the products, from avocado to lanolin, an extract from sheep’s wool.
Locally, two companies definitely stand out in the beard game, Always Bearded Lifestyle and Cutthroat Shaving Company. Both companies offer similar products, but differ enough to warrant checking both out. They both focus on a traditional line of beard/shaving products, balms, oils, shampoos, and butters. These products are meant to improve upon the natural greatness that is a beard, by making them not only look great, but also add a natural scent that is pleasing to the most discerning tastes, and a softness to increase beard-touching by whoever you want touching your face.
Cutthroat, a relatively new company, sticks with a few oils, shampoo bars and shaving pucks. However, the lack of products is by no means a negative, as with many of the exhibitors, less is more. The focus on quality, natural ingredients in their products, making what they do have all that more valuable. In the words of Ron Swanson, why half-ass a bunch of things when you can whole-ass one? Always Bearded definitely has a bigger line of products, and they focus more on the beard maintenance side of things. Their line expands beyond just the oils and shampoos, and incorporates balms and butters.
The lanolin-infused beard balm out of Detroit will definitely pique the interest of the Canadian beard grower, as lanolin works as a natural protection against the cold winter climate. There is definitely a lot out there these days to take care of your beard. Beard owners are even getting into the health awareness game as well. In the spirit of Movember, Always Bearded Lifestyle has begun Decembeard, partnering with Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada. As well as the beard growing fundraiser, 10% of the clothing sales from Always Bearded go to the CCAC. What’s better than having a great looking beard and helping out your fellow man?
Keep checking out CraveOnline for more from The 2014’s Gentlemen’s Expo in Toronto, Ontario.
