“I believe in taking care of myself.” Thus begins the infamous morning ritual monologue delivered by Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman in American Psycho. In his sterile apartment — which we later see, you know, splattered in blood — he goes through the motions, crafting the self-image he presents to the world.

It’s the little things that make a film memorable. It’s Jimmy Two Times in Goodfellas, saying he had to “get the papers, get the papers.” It’s Matthew McConaughey’s “Money Chant” in The Wolf on Wall Street. And it’s Bateman peeling the mask off his face — which we later see, you know, splattered in blood — in American Psycho.

“In the morning, if my face is a little puffy,” the seminal monologue continues, “I’ll put on an ice pack while doing my stomach crunches. I can do a thousand now. After I remove the ice pack, I use a deep pore cleanser lotion. In the shower, I use a water-activated gel cleanser. Then a honey almond body scrub. And on the face, an exfoliating gel scrub. Then apply an herb mint facial mask, which I leave on for 10 minutes while I prepare the rest of my routine. I always use an aftershave lotion with little or no alcohol, because alcohol dries your face out and makes you look older. Then moisturizer, then an anti-aging eye balm followed by a final moisturizing protective lotion.”

Morning Routine – American Psycho (1/12) Movie CLIP (2000) HDwww.youtube.com

While the film is a classic, I can’t say I relate to Patrick Bateman. This is a good thing, given he’s a murderous psychopath — and never mind his neurotic obsession with business cards. But. damn, does he have a fine skincare routine. Most amazing things in film can be attributed to movie magic, so I don’t go around trying to replicate what I see on the big screen. But if you’re considering an upgrade to your skincare routine, American Psycho isn’t a bad place to start.

More and more men are trying to delve into the world of skincare and seeing the benefits of embracing a softer sense of masculinity. According to Men’s Journal, this shift has been a long time coming. “The modern man actually wants to embrace skincare as a self-care ritual rather than a hygienic necessity — and knows that it doesn’t make him any less of a man. How much longer can we wait for brands to acknowledge this natural evolution?”

While it can be intimidating to move beyond the old 3-in-1 — shampoo, conditioner, face wash combos, or bar soap — this doesn’t have to be the case.

MALIN+GOETZis key to a streamlined skin care regimen. For any gender and any skin type, their products are gentle but effective. From cleansers, and moisturizers, to everything in between, they make it easy to gain healthy and balanced skin. Start with this essential routine and your skin will be clear in no time. A combination of basic products and targeted treatments — exfoliators, serums, and masks — you’ll have the hassle-free skincare of your dreams.

grapefruit face cleanser – $38

This fresh, citrusy cleanser will awaken your senses each morning. Blending multiple benefits in one product, is integral to an efficient yet effective routine. It removes dirt and impurities — all the residue from being out there in the world — while toning your skin. So, fewer products in your lineup.

vitamin e face moisturizer – $50

This lightweight moisturizer is intensely nourishing, quick to absorb, and delivers just the right amount of moisture without feeling sticky or greasy.

detox face mask – $48

For an extra step in your rotation, this 5-minute oxygenating gel mask cleanses your skin of dirt and oil while locking in hydration. Vitamins C and E nourish and brighten. The foaming action begins upon contact to gently soothe and balance your skin. Suitable for all skin types — especially dry and dehydrated — it’s like hitting the reset button on your face.

acne treatment nighttime – $22

Target acne issues with this simple nighttime treatment that synthesizes 10% active sulfur and salicylic acid to effectively medicate and treat blemishes. This formula also incorporates zinc oxide to help prevent signs of scarring.

vitamin e shaving cream – $34

Bateman was right, alcohol is bad for your skin. So choose an alcohol-free shaving cream. This hydrating, non-foaming treatment uses vitamin E and amino acids that prepare skin for the smoothest shaves. It rinses off residue-free and protects skin from abrasion.

spf 30 mineral sunscreen – $36

Never forget sunscreen — ever. The final step in every routine is protection from UV rays and environmental stressors. spf 30 mineral sunscreen absorbs instantly and offers immediate hydration and water-resistant protection that’s residue-free. It doesn’t hurt that it helps to brighten and replenish skin.