Christmas beauty presents for boys

That should probably read 'grooming' rather than 'beauty' - boys can be silly about the idea of 'beauty' products. A mens range won't have a moisturiser, it'll have a 'face protector.' Much more manly, obviously.

I'm married to a dandy, in the nicest possible way. Mr London is what is known as Just Gay Enough ('JGE') a state where a man cares about his appearance, can make vaguely helpful suggestions and comments on yours, but is still interested in you as a lady 'that way.' Consequently he loves getting grooming gifts for Christmas, and over a decade with me has given him some expensive tastes. On the plus side, he always smells lovely and the only vaguely manky bit left on him are his feet - his hobbit feet defeat almost all foot creams, apart from the rather utilitarian Scholl cracked heel treatment. Here are some presents that have been particularly well-received over the years:

Jo Malone colognes and shower gels
There are lots of Jo Malone scents that are suitable for men too, and this has the added advantage that I can pinch his stuff to fragrance combine with mine. Mr London loved Sweet Lime & Cedar in the summer with the Lime, Basil & Mandarin shower gel, and this winter he's getting Black Vetyver Cafe cologne and Pomegranate Noir shower gel. Other past 'manly' favourites have been Vetyver, Grapefruit and Amber & Lavender.

Dr Brandt R3P eye cream
This is a serious eye cream - Mr London only became interested in eye creams a couple of years ago and has gotten more concerned about laughter lines as he slowly approaches 40. The R3P is very rich, but it sinks in well and does seem to be able to help even the deeper lines (although it can't get rid of them entirely.) The Dr Brandt line has unisex packaging, so it's a good one for men looking for some serious anti-ageing. The spf 30 day cream is another good one for the boys, as it leaves a matte finish. Dr Brandt is available at SpaceNK, and this eye cream is £65.

Kiehl's skincare
Mr London swears by the unscented Blue Eagle Shaving Cream for his easily irritated skin. He also likes the Ultra Facial Cleanser, a foaming wash,  and Ultra Facial Moisturiser spf 15. Again, Kiehl's is nicely unisex in its packaging.

Aesop Sage Scalp Cleansing Shampoo
Mr London has quite a dry scalp, and he's used this Aesop shampoo to keep it comfy and flake-free for years. Aesop is available at Liberty, and online at mankind.co.uk.

Alterna Hemp Hair Concrete
A matte, strong-hold hair putty that doesn't destroy the hair, and holds up those slightly silly front-tufty styles that Mr London still likes. Available at alternauk.com.

For more grooming gift ideas, I'd recommend a look at the excellent groomingguru.co.uk.