Michael Stefanov

Michael Stefanov is a Brooklyn-based writer. He has written extensively about grooming, fragrance and style for GQ, Robb Report, Men’s Journal, InsideHook, and Travel + Leisure. Formerly the market editor at Esquire and a contributor to Men’s Health, he has developed guides and reviews covering everything from colognes and coats to conditioners and collagen. During his time at Esquire, he scoured the industry for pieces that were not only worth investing in but also made for engaging stories and timeless advice. He approaches every subject with the same obsessive curiosity, and it’s this dedication that has earned him a reputation as a trusted voice for thoughtful recommendations. Whether writing about a stellar scent or a perfect denim jacket, his goal is to inspire readers to discover what resonates with their own sense of style and self. Beyond writing, his interests include vinyl records, old books and the kind of cool weather that pairs perfectly with both.

All Articles From Michael Stefanov
A hand pressing the top of a hand soap bottle with the soap falling onto an open palm with a blue background

Grooming Products Worth the Splurge

From an $80 face wash to olive oil-infused hand soap, these are the premium essentials to add to your routine

A blue bottle, a green tube and a white tube on a tile background

Face Facts: These Are the Best Shaving Creams

Whether you’re looking for better glide, less irritation or a standout scent, there’s an elevated formula for you

Intuitive and intentional.

This New Grooming Brand Wants to Streamline Your Routine

Get to know the up-and-coming men’s grooming and wellness line from the former president of Kiehl's

Hair clays

The 8 Best Hair Clays for Effortless, Lived-In Texture

A little grit, a little hold and a lot of movement for hair that looks better as the day goes on

creed wild vetiver and malin+goetz vetiver fragrances side by side

These Fresh Vetiver Colognes Are Made for Spring

The classic note smells as new as ever

Necessaire and Horace deodorants

8 Stellar Deodorant Sticks to Keep You Smelling Fresh

There's a formula that fits your sweat situation

Men's grooming products from the Blind Barber (left) and Brightside (right)

The Best Grooming Brands to Know Now: Blind Barber and Brightside

In this edition, we’re highlighting two barbershop-born brands that’ll help give your hair that just-left-the-chair feeling

Bar soap from Flamingo Estate and deodorant from Freaks of Nature

5 Exceptional Grooming Products Worth the Splurge

Is that deodorant, cologne or cleanser really worth its premium price? In the case of these men's essentials, absolutely.

men's exfoliating products

The Best Men’s Exfoliators to Refresh Your Skin for Spring

Shed dead skin and get ready for the glow-up

Diptyque L’Eau Trois and Sage & Salt Sacred Ember, two of the best incense colognes for men

The 8 Best Incense Colognes for a More Meditative Rotation

From a Diptyque classic to a new entry from Sage & Salt, these magnetic fragrances are more accessible than you might think

Two eye creams that are great for men: Horace Under-Eye Moisturizer on the left and Ursa Major Forest Alchemy Eye Cream on the right

The 9 Best Eye Creams Will Make You Look and Feel Rejuvenated

Turns out you don't need to live with dark circles, wrinkles and puffiness

Upgrade your lip balm game.

The Best Lip Balms Go Way Beyond ChapStick

These formulas hydrate, repair, protect and soothe

Hand Creams Hero

You Need a Stellar Hand Cream in Your Cold Weather Routine

Get on board with this seasonal skincare essential

Beau Domaine

The Best Grooming Brands to Know Now: Beau Domaine

This vineyard-rooted skincare line championed by Brad Pitt brings together science, sustainability and luxury

Best Woody Colognes Hero

The Best Woody Colognes That Go Deeper Than the Base Notes

Spanning spicy, citrus, floral, gourmand and resinous profiles, these fragrances show just how versatile woods can be

These grooming upgrades make all the difference.

How to Refresh (And Upgrade) Your Grooming Routine

Your grooming game could use a makeover