Men's Grooming in Warmer Months

Summer changes the conditions that grooming products need to work in. Higher ambient temperatures, more time outdoors, increased sweat production, more sun exposure and the likelihood of travel all adjust what a routine needs to do and which products carry their weight through the season.

Most men don't need to overhaul their routine entirely for summer — but a few specific adjustments make a meaningful difference. This guide covers what changes, what stays the same and what's worth adding from April through September.

Skincare: The Key Adjustments

Moisturiser

In warmer weather, the skin produces more sebum naturally — particularly through the T-zone. A heavy moisturiser that works well in winter can feel congested and greasy in summer, potentially contributing to blocked pores rather than preventing them. A lighter, water-based formula — or simply a smaller application of the same moisturiser used through winter — works better from May onwards.

The Burrows & Hare Collagen Face Moisturiser is lightweight enough for year-round use without adjustment — it absorbs quickly without leaving a residue. Apply after washing or shaving, before sunscreen if you're spending time outdoors.

Exfoliation

Regular exfoliation is more important in summer than at other times of year. Heat increases sweat production, which combined with sunscreen residue and higher atmospheric pollution in urban environments can block pores more readily. An exfoliating scrub used two to three times a week clears any buildup, supports a cleaner shave and keeps the skin looking less congested through the warmer months.

The Burrows & Hare Exfoliating Facial Scrub works well used as a pre-shave step — it lifts hairs and clears the skin surface, improving the quality of the shave — or independently on days between shaves. See the full skincare range for both products.

Sun Protection

A light SPF applied after moisturising on days with significant sun exposure is worth including in a summer routine. It doesn't need to be a dedicated facial SPF product — a light SPF 30 or SPF 50 moisturiser works. Apply as the final step in the morning routine, after the moisturiser has absorbed.

Shaving in Warmer Months

Heat and sun exposure can make post-shave skin more reactive than in winter. Razor burn and skin irritation are more likely in summer — a few adjustments reduce that risk significantly.

Shave in the morning where possible, before significant sun or heat exposure for the day. Use a proper shaving cream rather than aerosol foam — the better lubrication reduces blade drag and makes post-shave sensitivity less likely. Apply a post-shave balm immediately after rinsing, while the skin is still slightly damp, and allow it to fully absorb before applying sunscreen.

For men who find summer shaving particularly reactive, the Eucalyptus & Peppermint shaving cream has a mild cooling and numbing effect that reduces sensitivity during the shave. The Sensitive post-shave balm — unscented and formulated for reactive skin — is the appropriate follow-up.

For a full overview of wet shaving technique and equipment, see the guide to wet shaving.

Beard Care Through Summer

Oil Over Butter in Warm Weather

In cooler months, a beard butter or balm provides the heavier moisture and hold that longer beards need. In summer, a lighter beard oil is generally the better choice — it conditions without the heaviness of a butter formula, absorbs more easily in warm temperatures and feels less congested on the skin underneath the beard.

The Burrows & Hare Beard Oil in CBD, Aloe & Cucumber is suited to daily warm-weather use across most beard lengths. Apply a few drops to the palm, work through a clean, slightly damp beard from root to tip and into the skin. A smaller amount than you'd use in winter is typically enough. See the full beard care range for oil, butter and balm options.

Beard Length and Summer Comfort

Many men find shorter beards significantly more comfortable through summer. The combination of heat, sweat and a heavy beard is an uncomfortable one. If you're considering trimming down through the warmer months, a barber visit rather than a home attempt is worth it for getting the shape right as the length reduces — the structure of a beard often becomes more visible and more important at shorter lengths.

Fragrance in Summer: Less Is More

Heat amplifies fragrance projection significantly. A scent applied at the same rate in summer as in winter will project considerably more strongly. The principle for summer fragrance is straightforward: apply less, and consider a lighter or fresher profile if what you wear through autumn and winter is a heavier, resinous or woody scent.

The Burrows & Hare wax cologne range has a practical summer advantage in its format — the solid carrier makes it easier to apply a small, controlled amount than a pump or spray applicator. The Florence scent — a Mediterranean citrus profile — is the most appropriate of the four for summer use, with a fresh, clean character that works in warm weather without becoming overpowering. Apply to the wrist and neck only; resist adding more on particularly hot days.

Solid cologne also doesn't spill in a washbag or hand luggage, which makes it the natural choice for travel through the summer months.

A Summer Routine, Summarised

Morning: Wash the face with warm water; apply exfoliating scrub two to three times a week in place of or after washing. Shave if needed, using a proper cream and post-shave balm. Apply moisturiser. Apply SPF before going out. Apply a small amount of fragrance to wrist and neck.

Evening: Wash the face to remove any sunscreen, sweat and pollution residue. Apply moisturiser. Apply beard oil if relevant.

The routine doesn't need to be more complicated than that. For the full grooming range — shaving, beard care, skincare and fragrance — all products are available online and in our Oxford and Marlow stores.