The Times Australia
Fashion and Beauty

.

From a Girlfriend’s Moisturiser to a Men’s Skincare Movement: How Two Mates Built Two Dudes

  • Written by The Times



In a men’s skincare market that often feels like a choice between hyper-masculinity and poorly disguised women’s products,
Two Dudes stands out. It’s not trying to be macho. It’s not trying to be polished. It’s just real. And that authenticity starts with where the brand began—not in a boardroom, but in a share house bathroom with a borrowed tube of face cream.

The Accidental Skincare Awakening

Tomas Tappin wasn’t looking to start a skincare revolution. At the time, he was living with seven other guys, and skincare was barely on the radar. But he couldn’t ignore how seriously his girlfriend took her daily routine. There was something about the ritual, the intention behind it. So one morning, out of curiosity, he gave her moisturiser a try—and it felt… good. Surprisingly good.

That one moment sparked a quiet new habit. His girlfriend soon gifted him a proper starter kit, and Tomas found himself using it religiously. He didn’t talk about it. He kept it hidden from his housemates. But he loved how it made him feel—healthier skin, better mornings, and a little boost of confidence to start the day.

Two Mates, One Mission

A few years later, Tomas moved in with a new housemate and longtime mate, Michael McRae. Michael noticed the glow-up and was curious. He tried the products for himself—and instantly got it. Skincare didn’t have to be confusing or embarrassing. It just had to work.

What began as one guy’s quiet ritual quickly became a shared belief between two friends: that skincare should be straightforward, effective, and made with guys like them in mind. No fluff. No BS. No ridiculous 14-step routines. Just solid products for real dudes.

Skincare Made for Blokes, by Blokes

As they explored the market, Tomas and Michael couldn’t find a brand that truly spoke to them. Everything was either aggressively masculine or overly sleek and insincere. So they set out to build their own—from scratch. What started in a garage has grown into Two Dudes, now stocked in over 500 retailers across Australia and New Zealand, with more than 100,000 units sold.

Their Natural Deodorant has become a breakout success, selling out three times since its launch. The first two months’ worth of stock flew off shelves in just two weeks. Clearly, they had tapped into something that had been missing.

Keeping It Simple: The Core Range

The brand’s product range reflects its founding philosophy: keep it tight, effective, and enjoyable to use. The lineup includes:

• Daily Face Wash – A no-fuss cleanser that removes dirt and oil without drying you out.
• SPF Daily Moisturiser – Lightweight, hydrating, and protective—sun care without the greasy regret.
• Natural Deodorant (Coconut Rush or Zesty Forest) – Refillable, clean, and long-lasting; designed for pits that deserve better.

The deodorant has even become a finalist for Best Men’s Personal Care Product at the Clean & Conscious Awards—a strong nod to its quality and appeal.

Real Skincare for Real Guys

At its heart, Two Dudes is more than just a skincare brand. It’s a movement for men who care about their health but don’t want to be lectured. For guys who want to feel good and look after themselves—without the ego trip. And for anyone ready to ditch supermarket body wash in favour of something better.

From one girlfriend’s moisturiser to a growing community of thousands, Two Dudes is proof that when you build something real, people show up.

Times Magazine

Building a Strong Online Presence with Katoomba Web Design

Katoomba web design is more than just creating a website that looks good—it’s about building an online presence that reflects your brand, engages your audience, and drives results. For local businesses in the Blue Mountains, a well-designed website a...

September Sunset Polo

International Polo Tour To Bridge Historic Sport, Life-Changing Philanthropy, and Breath-Taking Beauty On Saturday, September 6th, history will be made as the International Polo Tour (IPT), a sports leader headquartered here in South Florida...

5 Ways Microsoft Fabric Simplifies Your Data Analytics Workflow

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their data analytics processes. The sheer volume and complexity of data can be overwhelming, often leading to bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Enter the innovative da...

7 Questions to Ask Before You Sign IT Support Companies in Sydney

Choosing an IT partner can feel like buying an insurance policy you hope you never need. The right choice keeps your team productive, your data safe, and your budget predictable. The wrong choice shows up as slow tickets, surprise bills, and risky sh...

Choosing the Right Legal Aid Lawyer in Sutherland Shire: Key Considerations

Legal aid services play an essential role in ensuring access to justice for all. For people in the Sutherland Shire who may not have the financial means to pay for private legal assistance, legal aid ensures that everyone has access to representa...

Watercolor vs. Oil vs. Digital: Which Medium Fits Your Pet's Personality?

When it comes to immortalizing your pet’s unique personality in art, choosing the right medium is essential. Each artistic medium, whether watercolor, oil, or digital, has distinct qualities that can bring out the spirit of your furry friend in dif...

The Times Features

How much money do you need to be happy? Here’s what the research says

Over the next decade, Elon Musk could become the world’s first trillionaire[1]. The Tesla board recently proposed a US$1 trillion (A$1.5 trillion) compensation plan, if Musk ca...

NSW has a new fashion sector strategy – but a sustainable industry needs a federally legislated response

The New South Wales government recently announced the launch of the NSW Fashion Sector Strategy, 2025–28[1]. The strategy, developed in partnership with the Australian Fashion ...

From Garden to Gift: Why Roses Make the Perfect Present

Think back to the last time you gave or received flowers. Chances are, roses were part of the bunch, or maybe they were the whole bunch.   Roses tend to leave an impression. Even ...

Do I have insomnia? 5 reasons why you might not

Even a single night of sleep trouble can feel distressing and lonely. You toss and turn, stare at the ceiling, and wonder how you’ll cope tomorrow. No wonder many people star...

Wedding Photography Trends You Need to Know (Before You Regret Your Album)

Your wedding album should be a timeless keepsake, not something you cringe at years later. Trends may come and go, but choosing the right wedding photography approach ensures your ...

Can you say no to your doctor using an AI scribe?

Doctors’ offices were once private. But increasingly, artificial intelligence (AI) scribes (also known as digital scribes) are listening in. These tools can record and trans...