Grooming Tips From Jan Vilhelm Ahlgren

Jan is the man behind Vilhelm – one of Europe’s finest fragrance houses – and newly launched BIBBI Parfum. He’s also a Swedish ex-model. Of course you want to know his secrets for looking and feeling good each day…

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My life is so full with family, friends and work, I don’t actually have much time for grooming. I maintain a basic routine, use good-quality products and elevate self-care whenever I have time to myself.

I’ve gone back to a simple morning routine. It starts with very cold shower followed by a dollop of Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrate (a moisturising secret from my modelling days) and a double espresso. I’ll often watch old episodes of Fawlty Towers while I’m moisturising. For me, kicking off the day with laughter is hugely important for my mental and physical health, especially as I approach middle age.

I'm a real sucker for aesthetics. Back in the early days of my career, skincare brands had a very clinical look and feel, whereas today shelf appeal is just as essential as the formulation. I love to surround myself with a small, carefully curated collection of products that bring me joy. For me Gezeiten is unrivalled for the presentation and ingredients of its skincare.

My shaving routine depends on where I am. I travel constantly. If the bathroom has decent lighting, I will treat myself to a razor shave using products from Truefitt & Hill.

I recently discovered Bynacht Hypercharged Glass Skin Serum and I’m obsessed. The first time I used it, the effect on my skin was immediate, literally an overnight transformation. It’s pricey but worth it. Jessica Hoyer, the founder, is an amazing individual whose expertise I trust.

I’m given a lot of products to try because I’m in the industry. I love experimenting, especially with interesting textures, but I tend to go back to the brands I love and trust, including Augustinus Bader, NIOD and Ultra Violette.

I always use SPF. For as long as I can remember, I’ve spent every summer mostly outside. That means I need a good sun cream like Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50 and La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF50.

I’m currently on holiday in Sweden with my family and my grooming routine is delightfully minimal. I’m happily embracing a more care-free ‘Robinson Crusoe’ approach. As I’ve got older, keeping hydrated is the key to better looking (and feeling) skin.

My haircare routine varies wildly. At the moment, I’m using Oribe Shampoo Moisture + Control and R+Co Ring Tone Curl Defining Cream, followed by a mix of argan oil and salt water spray from Swedish brand BRUNS to make freshly washed hair look more natural and textured.

I prefer the ease and speed of using a lightweight serum to layering lots of different products. Right now, I’m using NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex and, twice a week, the Bynacht serum.

For body cleansing I love anything from Diptyque. Though I've developed quite a fondness for slathering on Gezeiten’s Intensive Anti-Ageing Day Cream which I know is a face cream and therefore incredibly indulgent. I need to use it much more sparingly. Augustinus Bader The Body Cream is so luxurious and one of the products I share with my wife. I’m also a huge fan of Susanne Kaufmann, especially the Mountain Pine Shower Gel because it reminds me of my Swedish roots, and the Marigold Body Oil. I’m also a fan of bio-olive oil and not fussy about the brand. I’m happy to use whatever the pharmacy stocks.

I can't even begin to explain how crucial fragrance and scents are to me. They bring so much joy to my life and my family. This summer, I’m wearing our BIBBI Parfum Swimming Pool during the day – it’s bursting with fresh basil, spearmint and eucalyptus. I layer with Boy of June in the evening, when the notes of bergamot, incense and black pepper add depth and warmth.

I enjoy wandering around Liberty, losing track of time and aimlessly discovering new brands. I buy most of my grooming products there. My other beauty mecca is Skins in Amsterdam, another great destination for new and interesting brands.

Follow @J an_Vilhelm_Ahlgren

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