Become the
best version
of yourself.
A research-backed guide covering every level of men's physical optimization — from daily grooming to fitness, fragrance, style, and aesthetic medicine.
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Start with a 30-second baseline audit, then answer 4 questions. We'll map your highest-ROI improvements and prioritise your plan accordingly.
Softmaxxing
Skincare &
Grooming
The highest-ROI improvement for most men. Consistent basics outperform complex protocols.
Core Skincare
UV damage causes ~80% of visible aging — SPF is non-negotiable. A 5-step AM routine done consistently outperforms any complex protocol.
- Daily SPF 30+ is the single most impactful anti-aging product available
- Retinol (0.025%–1%) rebuilds collagen and reduces fine lines over 12 weeks
- Niacinamide reduces sebum, pores, and uneven tone
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) brightens and protects against free radicals
- Moisturizer maintains barrier function and prevents dullness
Style & Tailoring
Clothing is an optical illusion. Proper fit manipulates perceived proportions — broadening shoulders, lengthening the torso. See Visual Guides for diagrams.
- Jacket shoulder seam must land exactly at the natural shoulder tip — nothing matters more
- V-necks and open collars lengthen and define the neck
- Vertical patterns create height; horizontal create width
- Neutrals (navy, charcoal, black) project authority and elongate the frame
Facial Hair & Brows
A well-groomed beard can visually enhance jawline projection by 15–20%. Eyebrow shaping directly alters perceived eye shape — no procedure needed.
- Keep beard shortest at cheeks, longest at chin to elongate the face
- A sharp defined neckline creates the illusion of a stronger jaw angle
- Cleaning the unibrow and shaping the arch raises perceived eye openness
- Thicker medial brows (inner third) signal higher testosterone aesthetically
Hair & Hair Loss
Hair frames the face. Hair loss is addressable if caught early — act before it becomes a surgical conversation.
- Finasteride (1mg daily) is the gold standard for DHT blocking — requires prescription
- Minoxidil (5% topical or oral) stimulates regrowth independently
- Microneedling (0.5–1.5mm) combined with minoxidil shows strong clinical results
Fragrance
Scent bypasses rational thought and connects directly to memory and emotion. A signature fragrance creates a powerful invisible impression that lingers after you've left.
- Apply to pulse points: neck, wrists, inner elbow — heat activates projection
- Woody/aromatic scents (cedarwood, vetiver) read as masculine and grounded
- Rotate 2–3 fragrances seasonally: lighter in summer, deeper in winter
- Apply to moisturized skin — fragrance lasts significantly longer
Dental & Smile
The smile is one of the most evaluated features in any social interaction. Daily dental hygiene and targeted whitening deliver disproportionate ROI — structural corrections belong in the Hardmaxxing section.
- Sonic brushing removes ~10× more plaque than manual — the single most impactful daily upgrade
- Tongue scraping eliminates sulphur-producing bacteria responsible for 80–90% of bad breath
- At-home whitening (Carbamide or Hydrogen Peroxide) works via oxidation — requires consistent contact time
- Whitening toothpastes primarily abrade surface stains, not intrinsic colour — manage expectations
Skin Undertones:
The Colour Framework
Undertone is the permanent hue beneath your surface skin tone — it doesn't tan or change seasonally. Getting this right is the single fastest way to sharpen your clothing choices, hair colour, and metal selection.
- Identify: Veins look greenish. Gold jewellery sits naturally. Tans easily.
- Clothing: Camel, olive, terracotta, warm brown, off-white.
- Hair: Golden brown, warm blonde, chestnut. Avoid ash or platinum.
- Metals: Yellow gold, rose gold, brass.
- Identify: Veins look blue/purple. Silver sits better. Burns before tanning.
- Clothing: Navy, charcoal, burgundy, forest green, pure white.
- Hair: Ash brown, cool black, platinum. Warm tones make skin look ruddy.
- Metals: Silver, white gold, platinum.
- Identify: Veins look blue-green. Both gold and silver work.
- Clothing: Most palettes work. Grey, taupe, blush all sit well.
- Hair: Any natural tone — cool or warm. Experiment freely.
- Metals: Both gold and silver.
The Eye-Area
Protocol
Dark circles, puffiness, and crow's feet are among the highest-impact ageing signals on the male face — yet they receive the least targeted attention. The fix depends entirely on the cause, which is why this area is treated separately from the general skincare routine.
Thin skin beneath the eye allows underlying blood vessels to show through. Appears blue or purple. Worsens with poor sleep, alcohol, and dehydration.
Test: Gently stretch the skin — if the colour fades, it's vascular.
Fix: Topical caffeine, Vitamin K, retinoids. Sleep + hydration.
Excess melanin deposit in the periorbital skin. More common in darker skin tones. Linked to UV exposure, genetics, and inflammation.
Test: Stretching doesn't change the colour significantly.
Fix: Vitamin C, niacinamide, mild retinoids, SPF around the eye. Long timeline (6–12 months).
Volume loss in the tear trough creates a shadow that reads as "dark circles." The skin itself is fine — the issue is architectural. Worsens with age and low body fat.
Test: Look in good overhead lighting — if it looks hollow rather than discoloured, it's structural.
Fix: Tear trough filler (Level 04) or fat grafting. Topicals cannot resolve this.
Constricts blood vessels and drains lymphatic fluid rapidly. Keep a jade roller or metal roller in the fridge and apply for 60–90 seconds each side immediately after waking. The effect is immediate but temporary — it addresses the symptom, not the cause.
Use: Roll outward from the inner eye toward the temple to encourage lymph drainage. Never press — light contact only.
Concentrated caffeine delivered via adhesive patch directly under the eye for 10–15 minutes. More effective than serum for acute puffiness because of the sustained contact time and occlusive delivery. Strong option before important appearances or events.
Use: Apply on clean dry skin. Don't layer with other products underneath — it reduces absorption.
The Daily
Skincare Routine
Check off steps daily to track consistency. Progress saves to your browser.
Key Active
Ingredients
Evidence ratings based on clinical literature, not marketing claims.
| Ingredient | Primary Benefit | Evidence | Use When | Caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retinol / Tretinoin | Anti-aging, collagen, acne | PM only, 2–3x/week start | Photosensitive. Avoid with benzoyl peroxide same night | |
| Niacinamide (B3) | Pores, tone, barrier, sebum | AM or PM | Slight flushing at very high doses (rare) | |
| Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic) | Brightening, antioxidant, collagen | AM before SPF | Oxidizes quickly. Store dark. | |
| Hyaluronic Acid | Hydration, plumping | AM or PM, on damp skin | Can dehydrate in dry climates without occlusive | |
| Salicylic Acid (BHA) | Acne, blackheads, oil control | PM, 2–3x/week | Don't combine with retinol same night | |
| Azelaic Acid | Redness, PIH, rosacea | AM or PM | Generally very well tolerated |
Topical Peptides:
Beyond Moisturiser
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signalling molecules — instructing cells to produce collagen, resist enzymatic breakdown, or regulate contraction. In topical skincare, three stand above the noise for men with measurable, evidence-backed results.
Optical Illusions &
Visual Guides
Diagrams that make the concepts immediately click.
The shoulder seam must land exactly at the natural shoulder point — the bony tip. Even 1cm of overhang makes the wearer look shapeless. No tailor can fix an oversized shoulder.
Retinol produces the most dramatic long-term results but requires patience. Most users quit before the 12-week payoff. Consistency outperforms product selection.
A receding chin shortens the lower third — often the first thing addressed with filler or implant. Practitioners use this framework to identify where intervention has highest visual impact.
Physique & Performance
The
Workout Plan
The foundation of physical presence. Nothing replaces this.
Upper Body Focus
For shoulder-to-waist ratio — the primary aesthetic driver.
Lower Body + Core
Compound movements drive testosterone and overall mass.
Supplements
Evidence-based only. Most supplements are a waste.
Sleep
Architecture
Sleep is not passive recovery — it is the primary anabolic window where testosterone is secreted, cortisol is cleared, and growth hormone peaks. No supplement stack, training programme, or skincare routine compensates for chronically poor sleep. This is the highest-leverage variable in physical optimisation.
Temperature: 16–19°C (60–67°F) is the evidence-backed range for initiating and maintaining deep sleep. Core body temperature must drop ~1°C to trigger sleep onset. A cool room — not a warm one — is the single most impactful environmental intervention.
Light: Block all blue light 60–90 minutes before bed (blue-light glasses or app-level settings). Complete darkness during sleep via blackout curtains. Morning bright light exposure within 30 minutes of waking anchors circadian rhythm.
Sound: White or brown noise at ~50dB masks disruptive ambient noise without stimulating the auditory cortex.
Magnesium Glycinate (300–400mg): The most bioavailable form. Supports GABA receptor activity — the brain's primary inhibitory system. Genuine evidence for sleep onset and quality. Taken 30–60 minutes before bed.
Apigenin (50mg): A chamomile-derived compound. Binds GABA receptors, reduces cortisol signalling. Pairs well with magnesium as a foundational stack.
Inositol (900mg): Reduces middle-of-night waking and anxiety-driven arousal.
Melatonin (0.5mg): Use the lowest effective dose. 0.5mg is evidence-supported for circadian phase-shifting (time zones, shift work). Higher doses (3–10mg) do not improve sleep depth and may blunt natural melatonin production.
The Stack
Templates
Pre-built, copy-paste protocols for three distinct goals. Each is structured as a morning → evening sequence with supplement timing, training cadence, and skincare integration. These are starting frameworks — adjust doses and timings to your own response over 8–12 weeks.
☀️ On waking: 10 min bright light exposure (outside or lightbox)
🧴 Skincare AM: Vitamin C serum (L-ascorbic acid 15%) → SPF50 moisturiser → done
💊 Supplements: NMN 500mg · Creatine 5g · Omega-3 2g · Vitamin D3+K2
🏋️ Training: Zone 2 cardio 3×/wk · Resistance 3×/wk (progressive overload)
🌙 Skincare PM: Retinol 0.5% (3×/wk) or Retinaldehyde nightly · Matrixyl serum · GHK-Cu eye cream
💊 Supplements: Magnesium glycinate 400mg · Apigenin 50mg · Zinc 15mg
🌡️ Environment: Room 17°C · Blackout blinds · No screens 60min before bed
📈 Optional: Sermorelin or CJC-1295/Ipamorelin (physician prescribed) — subcut injection before sleep
☀️ On waking: 10g EAAs or 40g protein within 30min of waking (breaks overnight fast)
💊 Supplements: Creatine 5g · Omega-3 2g · Vitamin D3 4,000IU · Caffeine 100–200mg
🏋️ Training: Resistance 4–5×/wk · RPE 7–9 · Progressive overload logged
🥩 Nutrition: 1.8–2.2g protein/kg bodyweight · Calorie surplus 200–300kcal (lean bulk)
🍽️ Pre-sleep: Casein protein 30–40g (slow-release, 30min before sleep)
💊 Supplements: Magnesium glycinate 400mg · ZMA or Zinc 15mg
🌡️ Recovery: Cold exposure 5–10min post-training · HRV tracking
📈 Optional: BPC-157 (oral or subcut) on high-load weeks or during injury management
🧴 Skincare (90 seconds): Gentle cleanser → Niacinamide serum → SPF50 moisturiser
💊 Supplements: Creatine 5g · Omega-3 2g · Vitamin D3 2,000IU
🏋️ Training: 3 full-body resistance sessions/wk · 7,500 steps/day baseline
✂️ Grooming: Weekly beard shaping · Monthly hair · Daily moisturiser with SPF
🌙 Skincare (60 seconds): Cleanser → Retinol 0.3% (2–3×/wk) or plain moisturiser
💊 Supplements: Magnesium glycinate 300mg
🌡️ Sleep: Room temperature ≤19°C · Consistent wake time (±30min)
✅ Philosophy: Consistency beats complexity. This stack executed daily for 12 months outperforms any elaborate protocol applied sporadically.
BPC-157:
The Recovery Protocol
Body Protection Compound-157 is a pentadecapeptide derived from gastric juice. It does not build muscle. What it does — with growing evidence — is accelerate tendon and ligament repair, modulate inflammatory response, and support gut lining integrity. This is a recovery tool for men training hard, not a performance enhancer.
Nutrition &
Meal Strategy
Composition is 70% diet. No training programme escapes this truth.
Key Numbers
High-Protein Sources
High-Tech Skin
Treatments
The gap between a premium skincare routine and injectable aesthetics. These clinic-based, non-invasive treatments deliver results impossible from topicals alone — without the permanence or downtime of surgical intervention. The natural bridge between Level 3 and Level 4.
Hardmaxxing
HGH Secretagogues:
The Executive Protocol
Unlike exogenous HGH, secretagogue peptides stimulate your pituitary to release more of your own growth hormone — a more physiological pulse pattern, significantly reduced side-effect profile, and legal access through licensed longevity clinics.
Jawline / Chin / Cheeks
Hyaluronic acid injections to augment jawline definition, chin projection, and cheekbone prominence. Fully reversible with hyaluronidase.
⚠ Vascular occlusion is rare but serious. Only see an experienced injector.
Masseter / Forehead / Glabella
Botulinum toxin A to reduce wrinkles, slim the lower face via masseter reduction, and lift the brows.
Surgical nose reshaping
Surgical reshaping of the nose to improve facial harmony. Complex surgery with significant revision rates.
⚠ Research multiple surgeons. Review before/afters extensively. Never rush.
FUE / FUT Methods
FUE or FUT to restore hairline density. Best results combined with ongoing finasteride use.
Eyelid / Canthal tilt
Surgical adjustment of the outer eye corner. Extremely technique-sensitive. Very limited qualified surgeons worldwide.
⚠ Botched results can be severe. Extensive vetting required.
Adult Orthodontics
Gradual tooth movement via sequential transparent trays. Beyond straightening, arch expansion fills buccal corridors — the dark space in the corners of the mouth — visually broadening the lower third of the face and making the smile appear fuller and wider.
Retainer wear is non-negotiable post-treatment — teeth will shift without it. Invisalign and licensed orthodontists are preferable to mail-order options for complex cases.
Smile design
Porcelain veneers permanently alter tooth structure — enamel is irreversibly removed and the teeth are bonded. Composite bonding is a less invasive alternative using tooth-coloured resin, but less durable. Both dramatically improve shape, colour, and symmetry.
⚠ Once enamel is removed for veneers, the teeth require veneers permanently. Ensure natural tooth structure is healthy and fully explored before committing.
Jaw / Cheek / Chin
Silicone or PEEK implants from CT scans. Permanent skeletal augmentation. Only after exhausting all softmaxxing.
12-Week
Transformations
Illustrative case frameworks based on the protocols on this site. Individual results depend on baseline, consistency, and genetics — but the variables below represent realistic outcomes from committed 12-week execution. These are not exceptional cases. They are averages.
Age: 28
Baseline routine: Bar soap, no SPF
Goal: Eliminate dull skin & breakouts
Stack: Minimalist Groomer (AM + PM)
Skin texture: Noticeably smoother (Niacinamide effect)
Breakouts: Reduced 60–70% (consistent cleanse + SPF)
Skin tone: More even, less redness
Time invested: ~3 minutes/day
Age: 34
Baseline: Basic moisturiser, occasional gym
Goal: Holistic softmaxxing — skin, style, fragrance
Stack: Full AM/PM + Vitamin C + Retinol + GHK-Cu
Perceived age: -2 to 3 years (peer reports)
Skin firmness: Improved — collagen remodelling underway
Style upgrade: Wardrobe audit completed, 2 bespoke pieces
Confidence shift: Significant — documented consistently
Age: 31
Baseline: 22% body fat, 76kg, casual gym-goer
Goal: Recomp — lose fat, maintain/gain muscle
Stack: Muscle & Body Comp + MacroFactor tracking
Body fat: 17.5% (−4.5% over 12 weeks)
Lean mass: Maintained (+0.5kg estimated)
Strength: Squat +12.5kg, Bench +7.5kg
Visual change: Visible jawline definition, shoulder width
The Maxxing
Glossary
A quick-reference dictionary for the terminology used throughout this guide and the broader looksmaxxing community. Understanding these terms helps you evaluate advice critically — and identify when someone is misusing them.
Low-risk, reversible improvements to appearance — daily skincare, grooming, style, fitness, and nutrition. The foundation of this guide. High ROI, no permanent changes.
Higher-commitment interventions — injectable aesthetics, orthodontics, and surgery. Should only follow exhaustive softmaxxing. Higher risk, potentially permanent changes.
The broader umbrella term for optimising physical appearance through any means. This guide focuses on the evidence-based, medically sound subset of looksmaxxing — not the pseudoscientific or dangerous variants.
The ratio of shoulder width to waist circumference. Research consistently identifies ~1.6:1 as the most aesthetically optimal ratio for men. Achievable through resistance training (broader shoulders, narrower waist).
A potent androgen derived from testosterone via the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Primary driver of male pattern baldness. Finasteride works by blocking this conversion. Also implicated in prostate enlargement.
Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone — the signal that tells the pituitary to release GH. A secretagogue is any compound that stimulates this release (Sermorelin, CJC-1295). Distinct from exogenous HGH, which bypasses this mechanism entirely.
The dark space visible in the corners of the mouth when smiling — between the teeth and the inner cheek. Narrowing these corridors (via arch expansion through orthodontics) visually broadens the lower third of the face.
A technique of tongue posture (tongue resting on the palate) popularised online as a method to change facial bone structure in adults. Evidence in adults is absent. May have merit in children during facial development. Included here to clarify its limitations, not endorse it.
The variation in time between successive heartbeats. A reliable proxy for autonomic nervous system health and recovery readiness. Higher HRV generally indicates better recovery. Tracked via wearables (Whoop, Oura, Garmin).
Explicitly dangerous. "Bone smashing" claims to reshape facial bones via blunt force trauma — it cannot and causes injury. UGL (Underground Lab) sourced peptides or injectables carry contamination, incorrect dosing, and legal risks. This guide does not endorse either.
Ask Before
You Spend
What's achievable at each budget tier. The highest-ROI actions are almost entirely free or under £50/month. Spending more amplifies results on a solid foundation — it doesn't replace one.
- Skincare: Gentle cleanser, niacinamide, SPF50. The Ordinary + Bondi Sands. ~£20/month.
- Sleep: Consistent wake time, dark room, 17°C. Free.
- Training: Bodyweight or barbell 3×/week. Gym ~£30/month.
- Grooming: Weekly beard shaping, tongue scraper, consistent haircut schedule.
- Supplements: Creatine 5g/day + Vitamin D3. ~£10/month.
- Skincare+: Add retinol, Vitamin C serum, eye-area products. Paula's Choice, SkinCeuticals.
- Hair loss: Finasteride (prescription ~£20/month) + minoxidil.
- Style: One well-fitted piece per season. Prioritise fit over brand.
- Fragrance: Scentbird subscription to find signature before buying full bottle.
- Nutrition: MacroFactor app + protein tracking. ~£10/month.
- Clinic treatments: Monthly HydraFacial (~£120), quarterly microneedling (~£200).
- Peptides: Topical copper peptides, GHK-Cu serum. ~£60/month.
- Training: Personal trainer 2×/month for programming. ~£100.
- Recovery: Whoop/Oura + HRV-guided training. ~£30/month.
- Aesthetic medicine: Save for annual filler budget (jawline/chin £400–800/year).
Vetted
Resources
Every source this guide draws from — all link to the original. Click any card to visit.
Medical information: All content on maxxproject.com is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before any procedure, supplement regimen, or health routine change.
Procedures: Information about cosmetic procedures is for general awareness only. Risks, outcomes, and suitability vary enormously. Board-certified surgeons and licensed medical professionals must be consulted. Verify credentials at ABPS.org.
Dangerous practices: Maxx Project explicitly does not endorse and strongly advises against "bone smashing," self-administered injections, veterinary peptides, or any practices promoted by unqualified online sources. These have caused serious medical harm.
Affiliate disclosure: This site participates in affiliate marketing programs. Links marked * may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Commissions do not influence editorial recommendations. We participate in the Amazon Associates Program and other networks.
Results: Individual results from any product, routine, or lifestyle change vary significantly. Results reported are not typical and are provided for illustrative purposes only.
No endorsement: Mention of brands, products, or practitioners does not constitute a formal endorsement. Always perform your own due diligence before any purchase or medical decision.