Finding things the men in the house actually use can be a challenge, but I think I have finally cracked the code.
All Natural Leather Conditioner: Nourishing Simple Ingredients (2 and 4 oz) from Four Peaks Soapery
Living in a house with five children and a husband means there is always something happening. Between the laundry and the constant stream of activities, my home is often a whirlwind. Because I spend so much of my time foraging in the desert and making things in my studio, the men in my life have become very accustomed to the scent of herbs and the sight of soap molds everywhere.
For a long time, I focused mostly on things for the kids or for myself. But I realized that my husband and my sons appreciate the handmade side of things just as much as anyone else. They just want things that work and don’t feel like a fuss. I have spent a lot of time tweaking recipes to make sure they are practical for everyday life here in New Mexico.
The morning routine
I have always preferred a simpler way of doing things, and that includes how we handle shaving. I wanted something that felt substantial in the hand and didn’t involve a lot of plastic waste. It is a quiet moment at the start of the day, and having a good bar makes a difference in how the morning feels.
My husband likes things that are straightforward. He doesn’t want a ten-step process, just something that gets the job done and leaves his skin feeling clean. I make this with the goal of keeping it simple and effective.
- Easy to use with a traditional razor
- Simple ingredients for a clean feel
- Fits right in the soap dish
- Tallow Shaving Bar Soap – $6.79
Creosote Beard Oil: Desert Chaparral Infusion + Lip Balm* from Four Peaks Soapery
Taming the beard
Beards have become quite a thing in our house. Whether it is for a certain look or just a lack of shaving during the winter months, there is a lot of facial hair to manage. The desert air here is incredibly dry, and I noticed that their skin would get itchy if they didn’t have something to keep the hair soft.
I love using the plants I find around us. There is something so grounding about using scents that actually belong in the Southwest. When they wear these, it reminds me of walking through the brush after a summer rain or wandering through the piñon pines in the high country. I usually bundle these with a bit of lip balm because the wind here doesn’t spare anyone.
- Helps soften coarse beard hair
- Brings the scents of the desert indoors
- Includes a little something for dry lips
- Creosote Beard Oil: Desert Chaparral Infusion + Lip Balm* – $12.79
- Piñon Pine Beard Oil: Southwest Desert Scent + Lip Balm – $12.79
Natural Men’s Solid Cologne 4 pc Boxed Set from Four Peaks Soapery
A bit more hold
Some days a light oil isn’t enough, especially when the wind is kicking up. My sons sometimes need something with a bit more substance to keep everything in place. I wanted a balm that felt natural but still had enough grip to be useful throughout a long day of chores or school.
It is a nice ritual to see them take a bit of balm and work it in. It is a small way of taking care of themselves. I like that it smells like the woods, which fits right in with the way we live out here.
- Provides a bit more structure than oil
- Woodsy scents for an earthy feel
- Easy to apply with the fingers
Piñon Pine Beard Oil: Southwest Desert Scent + Lip Balm from Four Peaks Soapery
Subtle scents for the day
Not every man wants to smell like a heavy cologne, and I am certainly not a fan of those overpowering scents that fill a whole room. I wanted to create something that is subtle—something you only notice if you are standing close. It is more of a personal scent than a public statement.
I put these together in a set so they can choose based on their mood or where they are going. It is a thoughtful way to introduce them to different notes without committing to one big bottle of something they might not like.
- Concentrated scents in a solid form
- No leaking bottles in pockets
- A variety of options to choose from
Caring for the gear
In our house, we value things that last. We have leather boots and belts that see a lot of wear and tear from the dust and the sun. I have found that if you take a few minutes to care for your leather, it stays supple and lasts for years. It is just like how we care for our garden—a little bit of attention goes a long way.
I make this conditioner with simple ingredients because leather doesn’t need anything fancy. It just needs to be nourished so it doesn’t crack in the New Mexico heat. My husband uses it on his favorite boots, and it makes them look new again without any fuss.
- Keeps leather from drying out
- Simple and nourishing ingredients
- Great for boots, belts, and bags
It is a funny thing, but making these items for the men in my life has taught me a lot about what they value. They don’t need bells and whistles. They just want things that are honest, smell like the earth, and actually work. Whether it is a bar of soap or a bit of leather conditioner, these are the small things that keep the household running smoothly.
I hope you find something that your favorite men will enjoy. It always feels better knowing exactly what went into the things we use every day heart
You can browse all of these and more at my own shop, Four Peaks Soapery, right here.
Leave a Reply