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:
• 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.
