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It’s happened. Finally. The caveman has moved on in one huge evolutionary leap. He is now, the stylish, professional, well-groomed, at the same time masculine and sensitive new male, the metrosexual. But to live up to his new role in society, modern man must first learn a few tricks for keeping his hair neat and skin clear; he must learn to use new tools like facial scrubs, beard trimmers and nail clippers.

The leap forward is a journey in male grooming that, for some, is filled with danger, misadventure and mishap. Here are a few tips to help him along his evolutionary march.

Male grooming – an overview

Remember when Tarzan was the ideal ladies man? Or Billy the Kid, the perfect scruffy gentleman type? But at some point James Bond entered the picture and scruff was out only to be replaced by a cultured, well-groomed, pretty yet handsome, tux-wearing, spy. Adapt or die they say, Tarzan, so here is your quick guide to becoming Bond. But don’t worry, beards are still in, but we’ll get to that later.

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First things first. Skin care is number one on the metrosexual list of things to do now. Get a good cleanser, facial scrub and toner, as well as moisturiser. There are fine men’s facial products out there, to keep it masculine around the basin. Drinking enough water in a day and eating fresh veggies and fruit also contribute to good healthy looking skin. Eye cream is also good for post- party puffiness. Gone is the whisky drinking, forgotten soldier look.

Shave properly, if you don’t like any of the latest beard styles. If the beard must go, then do it properly. Shave with a good razor after showering, or use plenty of hot water. Use a shaving brush to apply good quality shaving crème. Remember to shave with the grain and to use non-alcoholic balm afterwards.

Keep exercising after which one should always shower, and apply antiperspirant before going out. Male grooming is all about looking and feeling great. And a happy man is an attractive man, so smile a lot. Dirty teeth won’t work, so you know what to do, just introduce an extra brush a day as well as a rinse with mouth wash.

Holding on to some ruggedness

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Let’s face it, beards will always be cool. They are masculine and stylish, if well kept, and they retain some sort of natural male wildness. At the recent Golden Globes superstars were sporting beards and moustaches. Some looked good and others didn’t work, proving that the metrosexual man, who has an in-depth male grooming regime, should not overlook the beard. Esquire magazine did an interesting thing with the red carpet facial fluff, allowing experts to give their yes and no to certain beard styles: Colin Farrel’s moustache paired with a ‘soul patch’ and chin strip got a yes, as did Brad Pitt, P Diddy and Ari Folman, but Sting, Ricky Gervais and Tony Salhoub were no-nos. The metrosexual man wants to be a YES in this category.

Beards.org have great tips for maintaining a slick beard, that is healthy, clean and looks awesome. From choosing the right tools like beard and hair trimmers and combs, to trimming guides and selecting the right mirrors. This will change your face as well as your bathroom.