Racquel Jenkins, a mechanical engineer by trade and beautician by choice, has merged both skill sets to design a no-fuss skincare kit for the urban, sophisticated and stylish male who is a little more concerned with aesthetics than the average.

With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, Jenkins noticed a niche that needed immediate attention. “I realised that with all the top-end brands in New York and Europe, there was not a specific line for men,” she told Under The Dryer (UTD). Jenkins developed four products for the face, designed to create a canvas without looking ‘made-up’. Regardless of generation or age, men are increasingly investing in their appearance, but there is still some resistance and Jenkins is fully aware of it. “It’s not make-up, it is man up,” she explained.

The kit, aptly named ‘Man Up and Be Bold’ by Racquel J, consists of four products: the Oil Controlling Moisturiser which hydrates the skin while reducing shine; the Invisible Matte Finishing Powder which reduces excess shine; the Vitamin E Lip Moisturiser; and the Suave Camouflauge Stick available in medium, dark and deep. The kit also includes a travel-friendly leather pouch that fits all the products.

Jenkins says her kit has all the essentials for the modern man, whether they be a television presenter, a corporate executive heading to an important meeting or a professional being photographed for a magazine publication, the Man Up and Be Bold kit is the new necessity.

All products are made in the United States. “I did not want to compromise my brand by going into the Asian market, so we decided to do everything American-made,” shared Jenkins. The official Caribbean launch which featured demonstrations on the faces of Grammy award-winning producer, musician & writer and Man Up’s male face of the Caribbean Paul ‘Pablo’ Stennett and award-winning tailor and celebrated menswear designer Carlton Brown, came Monday after the New York launch in July. With plans to launch in South Africa shortly, Jenkins encourages all men to Man Up, and Be Bold.

Man Up and Be Bold products will be available locally at Totally Male Club Spa & Salon. International customers can contact Jenkins by e-mailing racqsjmus@gmail.com.