Just for men

• Hardworking hand lotion

Even if you’re someone who takes really good care of your fingernails, hands that have rough, dry skin can take you down a notch on the ‘good grooming’ scale. To take care of the problem as you sleep, whip up a thin paste by mixing together 2 tablespoons avocado oil, 1 tablespoon honey and 2 teaspoons glycerine. Now stir in 150g finely ground rolled oats or almonds until you have the right consistency. ‘Wash’ your hands and fingers in the paste, then slip on a pair of rubber or cotton gloves before going to bed. Rinse your hands in the morning.

• Skin rejuvenator

Diluted vinegar will not only tone your skin but also help to protect it from infections — and it’s easy to make vinegar—peppermint concentrate you can keep with your toiletries. Place 1 teaspoon dried peppermint (or 1 tablespoon fresh) in a sterilized bottle with a cap, then pour in 1/3 cup (80ml) apple cider vinegar. Screw the cap on tight and set aside for 10 days.

Strain the mint-scented vinegar into a second sterilized bottle. To use, dilute 1 tablespoon of the scented vinegar with 120ml boiled or distilled water and splash it all over your face to pep up the skin.

• Homemade aloe face mask

Men are no longer strangers to facials (some of them at any rate), but you don’t need to go to a salon to get one. Prepare a skin-friendly moisturizing mask at home with an aloe vera leaf, an egg yolk, honey and powdered milk. Start by slicing the aloe leaf open lengthways and scraping 1 teaspoon aloe gel into a small bowl. Beat in 1 egg yolk and 1 teaspoon warm (not hot) honey with a spoon, and then stir in enough powdered milk to make a thin but spreadable paste.

Use your fingers to spread the paste from hairline to chin, steering clear of the area around your eyes. Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes, and then remove it with your fingers and a wet face washer. Follow your facial with a splash or two of skin toner.

• Experiment with aftershave

For an antiseptic aftershave that smells really good, play around with some apple cider vinegar and the likes of orange flower water, witch hazel and essential oils such as bergamot and neroli. Experiment with different proportions until you find the formulation you like best, and then store it in a sterilized bottle with a lid.

• Double-duty scent for drawers

Keeping a bundle of cedar shavings or pine needles in a drawer full of T-shirts, jumpers or any other garments will not only give a fresh, woodland scent to your clothes but will also keep moths and other insect pests at bay. (You will find that dried bay leaves are an excellent choice, too.) Just places a handful of the shavings, needles or herbs into the centre of a handkerchief, bunch the four corners together and knot the bundle loosely before tucking it into a drawer.