A Grooming Gift Guide for the Travel Dude Who Leaves His Washbag Behind in Hotels

John travels a lot. He also has an incredible knack for leaving things behind on planes. Like the time he left his iPad mini en route to London from New York. Luckily, Heathrow has a separate website devoted to lost property (you have no idea how many people leave behind expensive electronics and handbags and never claim them back) and I managed to get it back for him. Last week, it was his work laptop during a flight to Berlin. And most recently? His beloved Wolsey washbag in canvas and leather, which I bought for him last year - along with all its contents.

So, I'm helping him rebuild his washbag - one item at a time. Because, you know, guys often need help with stuff like this. I was browsing Regal Gentleman online and found some nice products that maybe even John would think twice about leaving behind. Just maybe.

Bodhi & Birch Mint Thé Bath and Shower Therapy

Once, a friend came over to our house and was like, "Oh, has your baby niece been visiting?" pointing to the Little Explorer bubble bath sitting on the corner of the tub. I was like, "Um, no ... that's John's." So. This soothing yet invigorating bath/shower gel from Bodhi & Birch just might be a little bit more grown-up than bubble bath for babies. Just.

Sothys De-Stressing Eye Roll-On

For Valentine's Day this year, I gave John an eye-cream, along with a card that read, "Roses are red, violets are blue, here is some eye-cream - you need it because you have wrinkles. Love, Me xoxo". Romantical, no? Before you protest, I even bought it with my Boots points - no lie. That's how much I love him. For someone who gets a minimal amount of sleep (he's out the door by 6 a.m. every morning - sometimes earlier), this Sothys Roll-On eye gel is a must.

D. R. Harris & Co. Moisture Cream

"Do you have any moisturiser? My face is so dry" - is a whine that I hear a lot. He then proceeds to guiltily squeeze out a precise pea-sized amount of my Shiseido moisturiser as I stand over him to supervise like a hawk. The D.R. Harris & Co Moisture Cream is perfect fit for his bag, and will prevent him from stealing my Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream when he thinks I'm not looking.

Jack Black Daily Cleanser

John used to scoff at my facial routine. "It's too many steps!" he said. Then, one day, I taught him how to cleanse, tone and moisturise. The result? "My skin is SO SOFT!" he marvelled. I rolled my eyes and threw a washcloth at him. Now he uses a cleanser ... albeit in the shower. This Jack Black Daily Cleanser with gentle aloe will keep him from complaining about dry skin post-cleanse.

The Bluebeards Revenge Post-Shave Balm

So, post-shave balm is different than moisturiser, I've discovered (this is because I ran out of moisturiser during a trip to Madrid and used the posh hotel's luxurious post-shave balm on my legs instead and oh my goodness it was a game changer - I've been trying to find it ever since). It acts almost as a barrier and stops that post-shave irritation you get, so I think this Bluebeards Revenge post-shave balm is probably a good idea to keep in a dopp kit.

Joe Grooming Texture Paste

For someone who has significantly less hair than me, John certainly cares about it a lot more than one would expect. For example: we currently have one hair dryer at home and, because I'm sick of getting blasted away at 5:30 a.m. when I'm still trying to sleep, I've said I'll get him another one. "Yeah, but I don't want some crappy, cheap one," he remarked. I just stared at him. Anyway, this texture paste from Joe Grooming is great for subtle shaping - without that wet-gel look. Shudders.

Taylor of Old Bond Street Shave Brush 

I can't think of anything that currently looks more refined in our horrible bathrooms (which desperately need to be re-done) than this Taylor of Old Bond Street wet shave brush. When he has time, it's John's preferred method of shaving - with the soap dish and everything - and this brush is wonderful to use.

Joe Grooming Thickening Shampoo

Back to the hair. I don't think John ever paid attention to the quality of shampoo and conditioner he used until he met me. I like to think that I've broadened his beauty - I mean, grooming - horizons. I like that this Thickening Shampoo from Joe Grooming uses natural products like barley and hops to help thicken hair.

Hairbond Structure Professional Conditioner

Actually, I don't think John ever even used conditioner before he met me. And again, while he doesn't have long, flowing locks, even he notices the difference when he uses conditioner, commenting on how much softer and less wiry his blonde barnet (which I jokingly nicknamed "the Golden Fleece") is after conditioning.

So, there you have it. The nine products I'd drop into John's new washbag (he's still looking for a new one - I'm currently considering this or this as a present at some point). Any other suggestions?

This post was sponsored by Regal Gentleman.