I’m very pleased to say that today’s post comes courtesy of Kenneth Soh, a London-based makeup artist working mainly in fashion with a few celebrities under his care too. He’s worked on fashion weeks in Milan, Paris and London since 2005 on shows like Paul Smith, Givenchy, Giorgio Armani, Aquascutum etc.

He’s also had work published in magazines including Vogue UK, Vogue India, Harpers Bazaar, Elle, Glamour, Marie Claire… Oh and if that wasn’t enough, his celebrity client list includes (among others) Sienna Miller, Alexandra Burke, Kelly Brooke, Matt Smith, Jensen Button and and Rosie Huntington.

All in all a very qualified industry insider who has access to almost everything skincare and cosmetics related. So, who better to ask about their favourite skincare products? Right then, i’ll leave it to Kenneth and the first part of his skincare favourites!

So here I am, writing a piece for SCforM: Skin Care for Men. I truly am flattered and love to share my views on what I’ve used and what I come across working in makeup for 16 years. So let’s get to business. I can’t say that these are the best of the crop out there but when it comes to skincare, I’ve used a lot over 16 years and these are the products that I’ve found to do the best job for me myself as well as the models I work on. One thing I will emphasize is that skincare is truly subjective. What works best on me might not be suitable for everyone. You really have to try and test to find what works for you.

After pondering on how to approach this piece, I thought the best way to go about it is via categories. So here we go.

• Bioderm’s Crealine H2O. A non-oily, soap-free cleansing water is what I always start with on someone’s face before makeup. Fast and very easy.

• Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil. Scared of the term ‘oil’? Don’t be, emulsifies with water and washes off for clean, soft skin.

• Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser. A light cream/lotion that you emulsify with water as well. Great clean skin after.

• Dermalogica Pre-Cleanse. Just like the Shu Oil to be used before cleansing for extra dirty faces. And Special Cleansing Gel for those in favour of a foaming cleanser.

Top Tip: Always cleanse twice. The first gets rid of surface dirt but the second really gets rid of underlying  grime!

A stage that is really important as you get older and also in the winter months when skin gets dry and scaly. Once a week is often enough but some are more gentle which allows more frequent usage (I still say once is enough).

• Alpha-H Micro-Cleanse. My definite winner. One to apply on and leave for 5 minutes while you breathe in the minty fumes (great for hangovers apparently) and then gently rub in.

• Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. Also a good non-abrasive one that you can use everyday even!

Top Tip: For days between exfoliating, remove cleanser with a hot steaming soft flannel buffs skin to glowy softness!

• Alpha-H Harmony Infusion. Gorgeous botanical infusion spray.

• Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner. Another good’un.

• Sisley also does a lovely Floral Spray Mist for those who like a bit of luxury.

Stay tuned for Part 2 in this series where Kenneth tells us his top picks for serums, moisturisers and other bits! If you’d like to take a closer look at Kenneth’s work, you can browse his website, his agency profile or follow him on Twitter!