A Man and His Dove(s)

By Bill Ervolino

Dove became a household name in the 1950s with a line of bath products -- notably a bar “soap” made from a groundbreaking synthetic compound that took animal fats out of the equation -- sold in more than 80 countries around the world. And you thought it was merely an American standard!

The mastermind behind that breakthrough, a paisan named Vincent Lamberti, was born in Connecticut and spent most of his professional life (he died in 2013 at the age of 86) at the Lever Brothers research center in Edgewater, New Jersey.

In recent years, Dove’s parent company Unilever (which also owns Faberge, Elizabeth Arden and Calvin Klein cosmetics) has launched new product lines aimed at today’s more sophisticated adult market, while addressing the environmental concerns of its clients.

Dove’s men’s line, Dove Men+Care, is a terrific addition to the family, combining the company’s familiar fresh scent and tingle -- it really does feel as fresh as it smells -- with hints of natural charcoal, clay, sage and sandalwood.

Its Extra Fresh Body and Face Wash ($8.39), Fresh & Clean Fortifying Shampoo + Conditioner ($3.97 - $5.98)  and Extra Fresh Non-Irritant Antiperspirant Deodorant stick ($4.43) are sold separately and in kits well-suited to the dads-and-grads market, and welcome for active males, who like keeping one product in the shower and the other in their gym bag or overnight kit.

This isn’t Prada we’re talking about, but the Dove Men+Care line could easily become your guy’s go-to line. I highly recommend it for its affordability. The packaging, primarily gray and green, is masculine and utilitarian. And that fresh scent...well, it’s an international bestseller for a reason. You just can’t beat it.