Companies in the grooming and beauty space typically market products as specifically "for men" or "for women." Sure, the gender coding on beauty products isn't always super explicit. (And, of course, unisex skin and haircare products have been around for ever.) But for many casual CVS shoppers, the instinct to navigate that gray area and find the gender-appropriate product runs deep. If a soap smells woodsy but has neutral packaging, most of us probably make a snap judgement: This is a man’s soap. If it smells like lavender, it's probably for women. Here at GQ, we hope you’ll get past this layer of branding. Not only is it simplistic, but you're denying yourself access to a self-care goldmine. There are loads of products targeted at women that—surprise—work on men, too. The point isn't to use men's and women's products interchangeably, but to assess a purchase based on the goop that's inside the bottle, not the color palette of the sticker.

So, here are seven traditionally "feminine" products we can get behind. If you're uncomfortable with open theft, we've included links so that you can buy them for yourself.

Leave-in conditioner

Living Proof leave-in conditioner$16

Amazon

If your hair tends to mushroom in the humid months, or get dried-out from too much showering, you should really shampoo it less and condition it more. Another solution—and a good one for curly- and wavy-haired men in particular—is to use a leave-in conditioner, applied after the shower. You can use Living Proof’s before bed, or pre-styling in the morning (though it works like a lightweight styling cream at the same time). It tames frizz, prevents awkward ballooning, and restores hair to its natural, well-hydrated state.

Concealer

Revlon Color Stay concealer$9

Amazon

Here’s what concealer is not: Something you cake onto your entire face, or whatever your idea of makeup might be. Here’s what concealer really is: Something you lightly dab onto dark under eyes or unsightly pimples, as needed. They sell it in numerous skin tones, so that you can match your complexion. In a pinch it's great for hiding some under-eye bags after a big night or mitigating a breakout. Just tap it on with your pinky finger, and pat it in with your ring finger. Stick with a brand you recognize. Revlon’s blends in smooth and even.

Floral fragrance

Arquiste Boutonnière no. 7$190

Olivela

Floral scents actually work very well for men—in soaps, body washes, and most obviously in bottled fragrance. They don't read as obviously feminine or masculine. They just smell great. Once any scent is on its wearer—and away from its packaging—it is much more “unisex” and universal than any advertising will have you believe. With notes of lavender, gardenia, and violet, Arqusite’s Boutonnière no. 7 evokes spring and summer bloom. Citrus notes like bergamot and mandarin balance the scent, and I even like to wear it in winter to remind me that sunnier days are around the corner.

Dry shampoo

Kevin Murphy dry shampoo spray$24

Amazon

Guys with medium or long hair: Dry shampoo absorbs excess oils that make the hair turn greasy and limp. It’s also a good alternative to shampoo, if you don’t want to strip your hair of all its oils. (Those same oils hydrate and nourish the hair, keeping it healthy, full, and stylable. So it’s not great to use actual shampoo daily.) Use Kevin Murphy’s terrific dry spray every morning you don’t wash the hair (after it’s rinsed of product and dried). It’ll pump some volume back into your style, as if you just came from the stylist.

Blow dryer

Conair 1875-watt folding hair dryer$15

Amazon

Using a blow dryer to style your hair will magnify the usefulness of whichever product you apply: It gives you better, longer hold. Dryers lock in the product and the heat coaches each hair into place. They can also give you more volume, if your hair is looking a bit limp. Blow dryers come in many forms, and prices, but Conair’s compact dryer is a good one to start with, or to tote with you as you travel.

Watch Now:James Harden Owns the Iciest Watch You've Ever SeenHair spray

Macadamia Professional finishing spray$10

Amazon

After you style your hair, give it a once-over with some finishing spray. (It’s best done when the hair is dry, or else it can get crusty.) Hair spray prevents flyaways, frizz, and any unwanted ballooning that results from humidity. Macadamia’s spray has been one of my favorites for a few years. Use it after a blow dry, and your style should last the entire day, without looking or feeling overly touched up.

Cuticle cream

Badger cuticle balm$8

Amazon

I doubt “cuticle cream” is something you ever thought you’d need. If you look down at your fingers and notice hangnails, or even dry knuckles, then it’s definitely something you’d benefit from. Badger’s shea-butter cuticle balm works well on dry joints, cracked lips, and even as a beard tamer, too, which is proof that "feminine" marketing is often meaningless.

Adam Hurly has been covering men's grooming since 2013 (and for GQ since 2016). He is also a travel writer. In Fall 2024, Adam is launching Blue Print by Adam Hurly, a men's grooming platform. Adam resides in Lisbon (previously Berlin, NYC, and San Francisco). He is a Sioux Falls, SD, native... Read moreWriterInstagramRelated Stories for GQSkincareHair