While many of us think the whole point of a purse is to carry around beauty products (I have an eyeliner and a lip gloss permanently stored in the side pockets of every bag that I own), it's not always necessary. As it turns out, there are many men's products that women can use too, not only in case of emergency, but all the time. Personally, I have my boyfriend's extensive stash of Kiehl's and Jack Black products to thank for such a situation, many of which I've taken over as my own.
If you've ever found yourself stranded at a dude's apartment with a beauty emergency — whether it be in the middle of a dinner party or the morning after an "adult" sleepover — you know that it's often difficult to navigate the strange, boy-scented products staring back at you when you secretly raid the medicine cabinet. What the heck is aftershave? And what are you supposed to do with pomade? Is it ever ok to use men's deodorant?
To answer your questions: It doubles as amazing perfume; it's basically hair gel that will give you amazing curls; and hell yes.
After all, why should the guys get to keep all these amazing beauty products for themselves? Here are a few that this writer swears by for all of her beauty needs.
1. For Puffy Eyes
Kiehls Eye Alert, $22.50, Kiehls.com
This eye balm has actual caffeine in it, which reduces fine lines in the skin under your eyes and makes you look more alert.
2. For a Smooth Shave
Anthony Shave Cream, $18.50, A mazon
Since it tends to be used on their faces (and not all of the annoying places that society expects women to shave on a regular basis), men's shaving cream usually has extra moisturizing components that women's cream lacks. Try this one from Anthony, which smells like rosemary and eucalyptus.
3. For Preventing Razor Burn
Lucky Tiger Organic After Shave And Face Tonic, $13.50, Amazon
I don't know who decided after shave was a mens-only thing, but I vote we all get on board with it. After all, women hate razor burn too!
4. For Taming Fly Aways
American Crew Classic Pomade, $11.49, Amazon
Unlike gel or mousse, pomade (which has traditionally been associated with men's hairstyles) won't leave your hair crunchy. Instead, they can actually soften your hair and add texture to your curls and waves. Apply to wet curls and scrunch with your fingers for best results.
5. For Chapped Lips
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm, SPF 25, $10, Amazon
I love all Jack Black products (even though they're "technically" meant for men), and this lip balm is the best out there. The mint flavor makes your lips feel cool and gives them a plump, shiny look.
6. For Silky Hair
Malin + Goetz Shampoo + Conditioner Kit, $42, Malinandgoetz.com
The peppermint shampoo and cilantro conditioner can be used either together or individually, and each smell deliciously, but not overwhelmingly, masculine. The shampoo skips out on chemical detergents and employs natural peppermint instead, and has an olive oil base to leave your strands silky smooth.
7. For Extra-Dry Armpits
Old Spice Pure Sport High Endurance Deodorant (Two-Pack), $8, Amazon
There are, thankfully, women's deodorants out there that are strong enough to compete with men's, but there is something to be said about the musky, classic power of Old Spice. Plus, it works really, really well to combat sweating and body odor (I guess those boys in the high school locker room were onto something).
Images: Andrew Zaeh/Bustle; Courtesy of brands
