Archives for June2012

Lip Service

You stop dead in your tracks. You know you’ve reached that critical moment when your lips are as dry as the Sahara. You put your hands in your pockets. Shit. You look around and there she is, your girl with a shiny pink pout. She’s playfully batting at her hair, attempting to keep it from sticking to her lips as she tries to suck down an iced non-fat latte without actually touching the straw with the outside of her mouth. Do you ask to use her lip balm?

Photo courtesy of Jack Black.

Jack Black says “Hell no!” And we’re inclined to agree. Jack Black is arguably the most awesome skin care and shaving products retailer known to man, and here’s why. They know that men need easy solutions to real problems, and they use the finest ingredients to make it happen. We’re talking plant extracts, herbs, and healing botanicals that women only wish they had in their products but cheaper, a lot cheaper. But, don’t tell her because then she’ll want to snag your stuff for a change.

We especially love their Intense Therapy Lip Balm, which is why we carry it. It soothes chapped lips for instant relief so you can look and feel your best without the stickiness. It also has SPF 25 sun protection and guards against windburn and extreme heat. They come in a ton of flavors, though we’re partial to vanilla and lavender, grapefruit and ginger, and black tea and blackberry. We also carry their hand and lip duos that will cure your rough man hands at home or on the go. Even Men’s Health and Esquire magazines say their stuff is the best.

How to Use Intense Therapy Lip Balm

When your lips feel dry, apply liberally so we can sell more of this stuff, would ya?

Make sure you apply it 30 minutes before sun exposure so you don’t forget and regret it later.

Lick your lips to see if you can taste the “finest ingredients” and to appear super sexy.

Reapply, since you were stupid and licked off all the product.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Gauge Your Commitment Level

Whether you want to enhance your natural features, get a sun-kissed look without the sun, or shave years off your look by covering those pesky grays, we’re here to help. Your hair color plays a large role in complementing your sense of style and defining your personal brand, so it’s important to make informed decisions with the help of a hair care expert to get the look that’s right for you. First up, types of color available.

 Are You Ready to Commit?

Semi-permanent: For those who need a change but aren’t in it for the long haul, semi-permanent color adds hues to your hair without drastically altering your natural base. It also washes out gradually and is a good option for guys wanting to cover up some stray gray hairs.

Demi-permanent: A step up on the commitment level, demi-permanent color offers more coverage and takes longer to wash out than semi-permanent color.

Permanent: Ready to settle down? Permanent color offers the most alteration to your look and must grow out, as opposed to being gradually shampooed out.

Now that you’ve chosen your commitment level, ask a stylist to help you find the right color for your skin tone. We like Redken products because they provide warm and natural-looking color.  Once your hair is colored, make sure to treat it in ways that will extend its look and life. Use shampoos and conditioners for color-treated hair and try to avoid sun and chlorine damage as best you can to prevent fading. Lastly, get regular touch ups and make sure your facial hair matches your new hair color. You want to enhance your look, not be a glaring reminder that you need to revisit the colorist.

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Don’t Sweat It

In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s really frickin’ hot outside. When we’re facing extreme heat, intense business meetings, and hot dates, we perspire to help cool down the temperature of the body and keep it from overheating. You may be thinking  it’s all that sweat that makes you stink. Think again. Sweat is naturally odorless and doesn’t start to smell until it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin’s surface. So, what’s a guy to do?

Since it’s bacteria that causes you to stink and not just sweat itself, make sure you start your day by washing with antibacterial soap. Once you’re clean, apply a thin layer of deodorant to prevent odor-causing bacteria and let it dry completely before getting dressed. To prevent excessive sweating and not just odor, look for an antiperspirant. Need even more? Look for products marked clinical strength.

 If you are a regular antiperspirant wearer, you may notice some ugly yellow stains that develop in the armpits of your favorite shirts. This isn’t caused by deodorant alone but by the aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex in antiperspirant that blocks glands from releasing sweat. This active ingredient is prone to stain clothing when it bonds with sweat.

If this is a problem for you, try looking for antiperspirants without aluminum. To remove yellow underarm stains after the fact, try pretreating clothes with hydrogen peroxide or rinsing with cold water before you wash them, which alone can set the stain permanently.

 

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Time to Suit Up

Summer is here, and you’re about to get next to naked in front of a group of strangers. If you’re lucky enough to have access to a pool, deck, or lawn, you’re going to want a swimsuit. Here are some tips for how to choose the right one.

Find the Right Suit

Parke & Ronen swimsuit. Photo courtesy of Scott Schuman for GQ.

1. Fit is always important, but for swimwear, it’s crucial. Go for a suit that fits at your waist and has comfortable but modest leg openings. This season, try a suit that is a little shorter without giving away the goods. Find one that hits just above the knee or a bit shorter to show just the right amount of skin.

2. Opt for a swimsuit with a flat front. It will sit comfortably on any waist and will help create a clean line that keeps from adding extra bulk. Also, look for construction that will help keep your suit secure. Elastic waistbands, fly construction, velcro flaps, and lace ties will all help keep your privates, well, private.

3. Being super confident with your rock hard abs doesn’t mean the tighter the better, unless you’re a competitive swimmer. There are good and bad ways to get attention. In other words, ditch the Speedos.

4. Don’t get a suit that is too long or baggy. Wanting to cover up a little doesn’t mean you should go bigger. Go for the fit that’s just right, especially around your waist, and you won’t have nightmares about the time your swimsuit fell off when you were getting out of the pool.

5. Grab a suit with high-tech fabric and a supportive mesh lining that will help you dry off faster and stay more comfortable. And, don’t be afraid to make a splash in bold colors and patterns. Maybe try racing stripes down the sides. They will help elongate your body.


 

 

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Exercise Your Right to Mancessorize

If you think accessories are only for women, think again. The right accessories can enhance your personal sense of style in a totally masculine way. Go ahead, embrace your inner fashion diva with these signature items. But, don’t forget the most important accessory of all. Confidence. Don’t leave home without it.

The Ultimate Mancessories

1. The first accessory a man should always have with him is the one you can’t see. Sunscreen. Protecting your skin is always in fashion. Try Watermans Applied Science. We think it’s pretty cool.

Persol Steve McQueen folding sunglasses.

2. The right pair of shades is crucial for those long summer days, and they come in a variety of sizes and styles. Rock those aviators or indulge in the latest fashion trend: tortoiseshell. Protect your eyes and keep an air of mystery while you’re at it.

3. Add some glamour with jewelry. Forget gold chains and leather cuffs. The ultimate male jewelry accessory has always been and will always be a nice watch. Leave your phone in your pocket and check the time with a quality timepiece instead.

4. Real men wear cologne and, when applied correctly, it helps subtly define your look. We’re partial to Bvlgari Pour Homme. So, drop that aerosol can of Axe Body spray and pick some up today.

5. Toss that ratty mechanical pencil with the top chewed off and pick up a nice writing tool and a pad of paper. You remember paper, don’t you? A stylish pen is a must for business meetings and the traditional way of getting a girl’s phone number. She’ll be impressed you are the only guy not whipping out his smartphone to collect her digits.

 

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Keep It Short, Just Not Too Short

It’s really hot out there. This past weekend had record high temperatures with no signs of a cool-down for the rest of the week. So, how do guys beat the heat? They ditch those pants for a much cooler pair of shorts. Before you expose your legs to the world, here are a few do’s and don’ts to help you chill out this summer.

The Do’s 

Photo courtesy of The Art of Manliness.

1. Do opt for a nice pair of flat-front shorts. Tired of the same old khaki? Navy, olive, white, and gray look great and absorb less heat than standard black.

2. Do wear shorts that hit right above the knee. Any higher than that looks ridiculous. Much longer and you defeat the purpose and might as well wear pants.

3. Do pair your shorts with a more casual option. Choose a short sleeve button-down or polo. Skip the blazer. If the occasion is formal enough to be wearing a blazer, common sense dictates that it’s formal enough to wear long pants.

4. Do wear sandals with your shorts but minimize wearing flip flops for only the most casual occasions. If you opt for a closed-toe shoe, wear ankle socks or pick a loafer that doesn’t require socks at all.

5. Do experiment with patterns and loud colors but keep it appropriate for the office.

The Don’ts

1. Don’t substitute athletic shorts for a nicer pair. Leave your gym shorts for the gym.

2. Don’t wear a pair of cut-off jean shorts. Just trust us on this one.

3. Don’t choose shorts made from heavy or synthetic fabrics. Go for cotton, seersucker, or linen.

4. Don’t think that more pockets are better. Cargo shorts are super casual and less flattering than their streamlined counterparts.

5. Don’t wear shorts that are too baggy. Opt for a comfortable fit with a straight leg to flatter most body types. Regardless of fit, most shorts benefit from the polish of wearing a belt.

 

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The Next Generation of Dads

Being a hip dad doesn’t have anything to do with being young. It’s all about taking what you learned from your father and handing it down to the next generation of sons. It’s about being a role model.  Being someone your son can look up to will leave a lasting impression on him, no matter who he grows up to be. The confidence a father exudes is truly contagious. To that end, it’s important to teach your son about more than just looking good. (But we think that’s pretty important, too!) Here are life lessons taught and learned from those we choose to celebrate this Father’s Day.

 From Father to Son

Kyle MacLachlan and son.

“You can learn a lot more by what a man does than by what he says. I just watched how my father did things.” -Kevin Costner, Esquire Magazine

“The most important thing my father taught me is that when you give your word, you keep your word, no matter what.  A man is only as good as his word. “-Larry Winget, Your Kids Are Your Own Fault

“When it comes to parenthood everyone thinks they will be terrible at it. We don’t think we have it in us. Then you find out that you do, which truly is a miracle in life.” -Daniel Day Lewis, The Sun

“By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong.” Charles Wadsworth, About.com

“[My father] always wore wingtips. I still have the wingtips he used to wear. An Alden shoe to me  …  you’ve got to have it. It’s just necessary.” Kyle MacLachlan, Park & Bond

How was your dad a role model and how will you be one to your son?

 

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Fathers and Sons of the Screen

In honor of Father’s Day, we are taking a look at famous fathers and sons. In Hollywood, these duos are often brought together by casting agents that see how fictitious families can be even better than the real thing. Here are five father and son teams straight from film and TV. We couldn’t have written these characters better ourselves.

The List

5. Kelsey Grammer as Frasier is a favorite modern interpretation of the father and son dynamic. He is nothing like his dad, John Mahoney as Martin Crane, and gets into intellectual antics with his brother, played by David Hyde Pierce. This screen family just goes to show you that you can’t choose your family, unless you’re on television.

The cast of My Three Sons.

4. The cast of My Three Sons follows the life of a widower raising his boys. This is the second longest running family sitcom and a cornerstone of classic family television. In this heartwarming tale, a father raises his sons the best the can, which is all any father can do.

3. Mark Hamill and the voice of James Earl Jones as Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. This unlikely father and son team captivated us from the second Darth Vader said “Luke, I am your father.”

2. The Godfather is an epic portrayal of family dynamics by way of Al Pacino as a ruthless mafia boss and Marlon Brando as family patriarch Vito Corleone. Family dynamics don’t get more complicated and messed up than this. And you thought your last family get-together was bad.

Dad! What?

1. Sean Connery and Harrison Ford as Professor Henry Jones and his son Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. This is an absolutely iconic pairing. The humor in this film generated entirely from the rapport between these two actors makes this film one we can watch over and over again.

What are some of your favorite fictional father and son teams?

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Elevator Pitch

Don’t settle for a scented deodorant and cheap bottle of aftershave. Real men wear cologne, and they wear it the right way. Have you ever walked onto an empty elevator at the end of the day and smelled nothing but the lingering aroma of cologne? Using excessive amounts of fragrance will repulse everyone around you. Using fragrance the right way, however, will have people leaning in for more.

Standing in the Lobby

Apply cologne to clean skin. Fragrance isn’t an alternative to showering and shouldn’t compete with deodorants and aftershaves. Keep your scent off your clothes and close to your heart by applying it to pulse points like your wrists, neck, and maybe a dab behind your ear for embraces and close conversations. Be conservative with how much cologne you use. Wear just enough to be enjoyed by you and maybe one or two other people. Less is always more.

Change scents throughout the day, as your mood changes, as the occasion dictates, and even with the seasons. Your cologne gets more intense the hotter it gets, especially if you have naturally oily skin or are sweating, so take it easy with fresher scents in the daytime and during summer months and don’t be afraid to be bold at night or go heavier during winter months.

Arriving at the Penthouse

A well-groomed man should be willing to invest some money in his scent wardrobe. A well-made cologne costs between $100 and $200. Cheaper colognes will smell that way and usually wear off quickly where as extremely pricey colognes probably aren’t worth the extra expense.

When you’re testing colognes and find one you think you like, spray a small amount on your wrist and walk around with it on for awhile. Cologne smells differently when it is dried on your skin than when it’s sprayed in the air or on paper testing strips. If you still like it an hour later, go back and buy it!

Scent Categories

Citrus: For guys whose typical wardrobe includes jeans and sneakers. Light lemon and lime aromas work well with this easygoing personality.
Try: Kenneth Cole Vintage Black

Green: This scent is sweet and fresh. It’s perfect for guys who want to be cool without trying too hard.  
Try: Tom Ford for Men

Spicy: For gentlemen with more traditional values and a heightened fashion sense. Strong leaders will love that their scent commands attention without being offensive.
Try: Paco Rabanne 1 Million

 

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Put Your Best Face Forward

Let’s face it, a good first impression can mean the difference between having the confidence you need to get what you want out of life  and going home empty-handed. Like it or not, we live in a society where appearance matters, but it isn’t just about looking young. It’s about taking care of yourself so you will look good at any age.

Men are tough on their faces. From extreme wear and tear to the harshness of shaving, men need to protect their skin. Don’t worry. This isn’t your mother’s skin care regimen. We’re not suggesting you go out and buy all that scented crap women use that keeps them in the bathroom for hours. So, how do you quickly and efficiently rid your face of debris and combat signs of premature aging? The answer lies in a simple, three-step skin care routine that will get you out the door fast and keep you looking great.

Three Steps to Better Skin

1. Make sure you wash your face. Cleansing your skin is the first and most important step in any skin care routine. It removes surface dirt and provides a clean area to continue on with the next two steps. Choose a cleanser that is strong enough to get you clean but gentle enough that it won’t completely dry out your skin.

2. Now that you’ve removed surface dirt, it’s time to exfoliate. Exfoliating your skin with toner or a granulated facial scrub will reach deep into your pores to get rid of oil your cleanser may have missed. It will smooth your skin for a healthy glow as well as prevent nasty breakouts, soften hair follicles for a better shave, and allow the skin to absorb moisturizer, which brings us to out last step.

3. Men’s skin gets dry, beaten up by shaving, and loses its elasticity over time. Make sure you replenish the moisture in your skin and throw in some SPF protection for good measure.

 

 

 

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