The inexorable rise of the “Cool Dad” — that divisive often comical subset of pater familias — has turned gifting into an increasingly sticky challenge. When it comes to Father’s Day, the difficulty is all the more evident. Cologne? Your dad owns 12. Electric shaver? Please, he’s only into cutthroat razors. Drug store moisturiser? Don’t even think about it.
Let’s face facts: if you intend to impress Dad in 2020, you’re gonna have to do better than discount pomade off of Amazon. Fortunately, we can help with that. Check out our selection of indulgent self-care-themed gifts for Father’s Day below.
(The products featured in this article have been independently selected by our editors. Occasionally, we may earn a commission when you buy through our retail links.)
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- Buly 1803 horn-effect acetate beard comb
- Braun Men's Series 9 wet and dry shaving system
- John Lobb travel shoe care set
- Loewe '001' Eau de Parfum
- Lorenzo Villoresi 'Carrara' marble shaving brush
- Shiseido Total Revitalizer Cream
- Sisley Regenerating Hair Care mask
- Sunday Riley 'Acid Appeal' skincare kit
This mottled acetate comb, handcrafted by French apothecary Buly 1803, is perfect for stoic fathers who’ve been hard at work on their respective “quarantine beards” these past few months. Coupled with a soft felted carrying pouch (which prevents the teeth from breaking or catching inside your jacket pocket), this is an excellent tool for straightening unruly facial follicles throughout the day — even if dad is back at the office.
HK$171 (approx) from Mr Porter
When it comes to the act of shaving, no instrument will ever approach the sheer beauty and romance of a cutthroat razor. That said, it’s not always the right tool for the job — especially for men who are heavily stubbled and have limited time on their hands. For such situations, it’s good to give dad an option like the Men’s Series 9: Braun’s latest intelligent shaving solution. Capable of 40,000 cross-cutting motions per minute, the Series 9 is a precise and comfortable way to shave at speed — so that dad can save his traditional wet shave routine for weekends.
HK$3,133 from Bloomingdale’s
‘Self-care’ doesn’t necessarily boil down to pedicures and a facial. For some men, quality alone time might include a spot of clothing-related maintenance: ranging from the brushing of jackets to footwear polishing. If that sounds like your dad (and he travels frequently for work) then this John Lobb shoe care kit will be right up his alley. The buttery ‘dune’ leather kit comes loaded with buffing and polishing cloths, a brush, one tin of beeswax-based shoe polish and a shoe horn — everything a man needs to keep his formal footwear in excellent nick whilst on the road.
HK$7,518 (approx.) from Lane Crawford
In 2020, there’s no shortage of traditionally ‘masculine’ musks and ouds with which to impress dad, but if you’re looking for something that’s certain to surprise, trust Loewe to cover your bases. JW Anderson’s critically revered fashion label brings a flair for abstraction to its first ever men’s fragrance, 001. Said to “capture the sensual and passionate energy of summer,” this EDP is equal parts wood and citrus: leaping forth with primary notes of zinging Italian bergamot and a bassline of arboreal cedarwood. In Hong Kong, no matter the season, we think this’ll be a surefire winner.
HK$740 from Sephora
Turn a mundane task into something indulgent with this Lorenzo Villoresi shaving brush — made using pure badger hair bristles. Prized for their fineness and pliability, badger hair brush heads provide smooth drag and produce an extremely creamy lather during shaving. Still not impressed? The handle is made using statuary-grade marble from Carrara — Tuscany’s spiritual heartland for masonry and sculpture.
HK$891 (approx.) from Lane Crawford
Suitable for a variety of skin types and dermatologist-approved, Shiseido’s colourless ‘Total Revitaliser’ is ideal for the man who wants effective skincare in his life without the frippery. This lightweight cream — closer in weight and consistency to a gel — is fortified with Shiseido’s proven Marine Protein Complex: formulated to protect against future signs of wrinkling or ageing. For dads who can barely be bothered to use a daily facial cleanser, this is a great way to combine hydration and firming in one super-convenient package.
HK$577 (approx.) from Mr Porter
This one’s for all the silver foxes of the world: Sisley’s best-selling ‘regenerating mask’ has been designed to energise the scalp, penetrating it with a highly concentrated complex of shea, macadamia, camellia and hazelnut oils. Optimal for dry and flat locks, just apply it like you would any old conditioner and let sit for 10 minutes. Ideal for older gents who favour a well-coiffed, high-sheen hairstyle.
HK$609 (approx.) from Mr Porter
On the off-chance you’re as confused about resolving your dad’s skincare concerns as he is, then why not leave it to the professionals to do all the hard work? Cult beauty brand Sunday Riley has gathered together a range of its complexion-boosting bestsellers into one convenient set, dubbed ‘Acid Appeal Volume 1’. A healthy cocktail of lactic acid, vitamin C and alpha arbutin is used to fight dark spots and discolouration, whilst stimulating an immediate improvement in the skin’s complexion.
HK$920 from Sephora
Randy Lai
Editor
Having worked in the Australian digital media landscape for over 5 years, Randy has extensive experience in men's specialist categories such as classic clothing, watches and spirits. He is partial to mid-century chronographs and a nice chianti.
