When it comes to your face, it doesn’t hurt to spend a few extra dollars to make sure you’re equipped with the right products. No, just because you buy a brand that doesn’t come from Wal-Mart doesn’t mean you’re a metrosexual, but there are things you can learn from highly preened men.

For the past few weeks I’ve taken the Lab Series Facial care products out for a test drive face. My face. Here’s my report:

Lab Series Invigorating Face Scrub ($18)

The Lab Series Face Scrub is designed to give you smoother, clearer skin and closer shaves. I only shave every third day, but using this product on a schedule of twice a week has proven to be quite beneficial. Some dermatologists will tell you that using an exfoliating scrub isn’t necessarily the best thing to do, but my real-world application proved otherwise. It helped unclog pores (some of which I had really never seen before), and prepared my skin for a fantastic shave. Men with chronic dry skin should avoid exfoliating scrubs though.

Lab Series Multi-Action Face Wash ($16)

The Multi-Action Face Wash proved to be my favorite product in the Lab Series cleaning line-up. In my opinion, it’s also one of the best priced. The foaming cream cleanser did a great job of washing away grime from my face (which is dirtier than it sounds) and left my skin with a distinctively healthier hue. There are small exfoliating beads within the cream which help control ashy skin by smoothing out dry or patchy skin - something I fight during the dry winter months. I’ve purchased two of these bottles since testing the Multi-Action Face Wash out. One I keep at work and one is for my bathroom at home. I plan to purchase a third for the gym bag, too.

Lab Series Daily Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 15 ($37)

If the word “moisturizer” bothers you as much as it does me, then please raise your hand. Terrible vernacular aside, the Daily Moisture Defense Lotion from Lab Series is awesome. It holds all-day long and is completely free of any scent, a big plus in my book. The continuously hydrating formula is intended to help condition your skin all day while the anti-oxidants in the formula help prevent signs of aging. You’ll also find technology in this cream (creamology?) that protect your skin from UVA rays, smoke and pollution. Yes, at $37 its pricey, but used in moderation this bottle will last you well over a month.

Verdict: You’re going to be walking out the door  less $50 with one a Lab Series Face Wash and the Lotion. Lab Series has dedicated their entire product lineup to skincare for men and you get what you pay for, in spades. I don’t mind spending a few extra bucks to make sure my skin stays in good shape. It’s just an essential for me, but to each man his own. What I do recommend is you spend some time with a few products figuring out what works for you. You do it with everything else, so why not the one part of you that’s visible to every single woman, man, and interviewer?