Wealth of Man organic soap bar, one of many offerings at MenEssentials — Photo courtesy of MenEssentials
"This is a man's world, but it would be nothing, nothing, without your grooming essentials." Perhaps our take on the classic doesn't have the same ring as the James Brown version, but MenEssentials in Toronto will certainly make you rethink what is essential in any man's grooming routine.
Your entryway to looking and feeling awesome — Photo courtesy of MenEssentials
Although men who paid attention to their appearance used to be labelled as "metrosexuals," now they are just dudes who care what they look like. Plus, metro has gone the way of Brangelina and other words we hope die and never, ever come back. We deviate.
The Danforth MenEssentials store in its glory — Photo courtesy of MenEssentials
MenEssentials is filled to the brim with the high-end grooming tools that used to be available online only. Since it is 2014, they do have an online store (and a Twitter account), but it is certainly nice for a man to get a VIP shopping experience without having to tell his girlfriend that she certainly does not look fat in everything. It harkens back to the time when men wore bow ties and shaving was done for them (a trend that is coming back in the form of straight razors).
Il Ceppo travel set at MenEssentials — Photo courtesy of MenEssentials
The Toronto store is clean and modern, with a whiff of masculinity that isn't over the top. (We didn't see any leather chairs dragged out from man caves past.) It also welcomes the estrogen-carrying genders and makes a great pitstop for gifts for the guy who has everything or likes nothing. Take the socks and tie gifts out of your repertoire, ladies. It is time to give a man what he really wants (and get your mind out of the gutter, as we are staying on topic here).
An apothecary cabinet, or the manliest of essentials? — Photo courtesy of MenEssentials
Many of the high-end products at ManEssentials are exclusive to the store or could be found with the purchase of a plane ticket to Europe. It has fragrances from Penhaligon's, Floris and Hugh Parsons, with some available for women due to high demand.
Seth Harman, Managing Director, elaborates: "Our collection represents some of the best international and domestic brands in their respective categories. Being able to see, touch and smell them enhances the shopping experience and allows customers to be comfortable with their purchase."
At the store located in the Danforth area of Toronto, you can find thinning hair treatment or aftershave that will definitely get you more action than Axe.
Although no one has swagger like Jay Z, Kanye West, T.I. and Lil Wayne, you certainly come close.
Pick a product, any product — Photo courtesy of MenEssentials
