We all make mistakes. Unfortunately, when they’re grooming mistakes, the whole world sees the error of our ways. So here’s how to avoid the seven worst skincare slip-ups…

MISTAKE NO 1: Piling on the eye cream

Eye creams can do wonders for puffiness, dark circles and fine lines but the skin around your peepers is very fragile and according to Noella Gabriel, Director of Treatment and Product Development at Elemis, smothering the area with too much eye cream can counteract its benefits. “Men often think that using more of a product leads to better results but it doesn’t,” she says. ”You can definitely have too much of a good thing!” So to get the most out of your Elemis Time Defence Eye Reviver gently pat a tiny amount (no bigger than a grain of rice) around each eye socket using your ring finger to apply. “This finger has the lightest touch so it’s perfect for applying eye gels,” she says.

MISTAKE NO 2: Washing in hot water

Your morning shower might seem like the perfect way to start the day but it’s not so great for your skin. Hot water tends to strip the skin of i ts natural, protective oils, causing it to dry out, so make a point of turning down the heat and shower with warm water or tepid water instead. Not only will you help your skin, you’ll help the environment too.

MISTAKE NO 3: Over-scrubbing

Exfoliation is great for removing dead skin cells, brightening dull skin and preventing ingrown hairs but many men approach like they’re sanding down a skirting board. And while it’s true that men are – quite literally – thick skinned, aggressive rubbing with a face scrub does more harm than good. “Rubbing harder won’t increase the product’s benefits,” warns Gabriel. “In fact, if you’re too aggressive you can irritate and sensitise the skin.” Instead, she recommends taking a little Time For Men Energizing Skin Scrub, mixing it with a little warm water in the palm of your hand and applying with gentle circular motions, avoiding the delicate eye area. “A light touch is all that’s needed because the particles in the scrub will do all the work for you,” she says.

MISTAKE NO 4: Rushing the morning shave

Speed dating might reap rewards but there are certainly no prizes for speed shaving. In fact, spending a few extra minutes each morning to prepare your skin for shaving can make all the difference to the eventual results (and prevent you from looking like a victim of Edward Scissorhands). Stubble expands and softens when wet, making it much easier to cut, so wet it thoroughly before shaving, wait a minute or two, before applying your Elemis Ice Cool Foaming Shave Gel. If you have particularly tough stubble try adding a layer of Elemis Smooth Result Shave Oil under the gel to make the shave even smoother. And never leave the house without applying Elemis Post Shave Recovery Mask to calm irritation and restore vital nutrients lost during shaving. The average man will spend 138 days of his life shaving so what are a few extra minutes?

MISTAKE NO 5: Filling the wash basin

Washing from a pool of water in a wash basin might seem like an efficient idea but according to Gabriel it’s another grooming no-no. “You should always use fresh running water when washing to ensure you thoroughly remove any product residues,” she says. “If you use the water you’ve just washed in it will contain traces of surface skin oils and you don’t want to be putting them back onto your face.”

MISTAKE NO 6: Shaving against the grain

Most men think that by shaving against the direction of hair growth they’ll get a smoother shave. In reality they just end up with razor burn, ingrown hairs and a neck that looks as if it’s been chewed by a bulldog. “Hair grows in all directions, especially around the neck, so it’s worth spending a minute or so examining which way the stubble is growing and shaving according to the direction of that growth,” advises Gabriel.

MISTAKE NO 7: Stealing your partner’s products

Just because it’s white and comes in a pot doesn’t mean it’s a moisturiser. In fact, if you’re not careful you could end up moisturising with your other half’s hair removal cream! And even if it is moisturiser, it won’t be formulated to suit men’s skin, which is thicker, oilier and ages differently to women’s. Using the wrong product is like filing your Audi with diesel (i.e. not a very good idea at all, unless the car is your ex-wife’s). So if you’ve been stealing your partner’s products up until now it might be time to invest in the Elemis Time For Men range which includes ten products specifically designed for men’s unique needs.