You could rip them out with tweezers. Ouch!! And frankly, who has the time or patience to stand there plucking hairs out of your nose? Using a cheap trimmer from Walgreen’s doesn’t really do the job thoroughly. Plus, it freaks out your wife. And if you think she’s going to trim your nose hairs, dream on.

At GQ Barber Lounge we do a ton of nose waxes. It takes about 10 minutes and costs 15 bucks. The technician simply applies a hard melted wax is to the tip of a small wooden applicator and places the applicator inside the nostril, not going any farther than the ball of the nose. After a couple of minutes the applicator is pulled out. It’s smarts a little for about a second and then you’re done.

Trust us, you’ll both look better and feel betterGoogle+

We’re here to make life a lot easier for you.  Simply resolve to be a better man.  Why succeed at dropping 20 lbs this year only to find that you’re getting home later and your relationship suffers.  Then you’re resolving next year to spend more time with your significant other.

The modern man struggles to be the best at everything.  And then there is the conundrum of work life balance.  Again, it’s annoying.  It is bloody, freaking annoying.

Be a better man.

Take the stairs every so often.

Never, ever super size it.

Get a better haircut instead of using coupons at the Super Snips place to save a few bucks (we had to get a plug in somewhere).

Sometimes work late because it’s important.

Other times, slip out early and catch a movie, get a massage, take your girl for an early glass of wine.

Simply decide to be a better man and let the resolutions take care of themselves.

The Japanese have a saying about chopping down a tree one swing at a time.  Things take time, perseverance, patience.  Our view is not to make another list of things you won’t accomplish, not to find an accountability partner to make you feel like crap for not working out and certainly not downloading some lame app that creates graphs to show just how much you suck at keeping commitments to yourself.

Simply resolve to be a better man.Google+

Here are some tips from GQ Barber Lounge to help you change up your skin care regimen so that you always look your best.

Hook up the humidifier. As soon as your furnace kicks on, the war on your skin begins.  Your furnace, space heaters and the car heater all blast your face with warm dry air that sucks the moisture right out of your skin.  Keeping humidifiers on at home make you feel warmer and are an easy way to keep fight back.

Winter Shaving.  The weather gets colder and your beard gets a little tougher.  Our Denver barbers recommend using a pre shave oil to soften the hairs and protect the skin.  Avoid shave using shave creams out of a can.  They dry out your skin.  Instead, use Beard Lube from Jack Black or Shave Cream from The Art of Shaving.  Lather up and keep the lather on for a minute or so to soften your beard and let your skin soak up the good stuff.  Shave with the grain and don’t go for the super close shave.

Moisturize more. Look for moisturizers that are oil based rather than water based.  In the winter, oils such as almond or avocado help keep your skin protected.  You might also switch to “night creams.”  They contain oils, are heavier and are what we need in the winter.  In the summer we sometimes skip this step thinking that our aftershave balm is enough.  Just like putting on an extra layer of clothing, use a high quality moisturizer like Lab Series Daily Moisture Defense Lotion to give your skin extra protection from winter’s harsh elements.

Shower Treatment. Yeah, we know how good a hot shower feels, especially in the winter.  And hot water robs your skin of moisture and so does that cheap 12 for a dollar soap.  Dial back on the hot water a handle a bit and use an all over body moisturizer.  Seriously, your skin won’t feel as scratchy and you’ll be a lot more comfortable during the day.  GQ Barber Lounge recommends Jack Black Cool Moisture Body Lotion for winter.  It’s got glycerin and Vitamin E, jojoba oil and other good stuff to keep your skin smooth and slow moisture loss.

Hydrate for health.  We gotta drink even more water in the winter, not to keep our skin soft but to stay healthy.  We know, it makes you pee a lot. Think of it as adventure to set urinal visitation records.  Maybe Foursquare has a badge for checking in at 20 different urinals in one day.

Lip Service. Dare we say she really doesn’t want you to plant your frigid raisin lips on hers?  Easy fix here, carry a lip balm in your pocket, preferably one with SPF.  We like Jack Black’s Baum Squad.  Several flavors and what woman can resist a guy with mango lips.

Grease up your feet. In the summer, we just try to keep people from passing out from our foot odor.  During the winter our feet can really dry out.  We recommend a pedicure a couple of times during the winter to get the dead skin cells off and seriously treat heal cracks and calluses.  For daily care use a cream that includes aloe and glycerin to help keep moisture in.  Apply the cream at night and wear some warm comfy socks to bed.  We know it looks geeky bit you’ll sleep better and your feet will wake up happy.  You do want happy feet don’t you?

Keep your hands handsome. Always wear gloves when it’s really cold outside, duh.  And yep, you gotta use a hand cream.    Keep a hand cream handy, at your desk and have one in your car so you can easily keep your hands protected all day long.  You can use Hand Healer from Jack Black or Active Hand Cream from Lab Series for Men.

Slap on Sunscreen. UVB and UVA rays don’t go away just because it’s cold outside.  Use a moisturizer that has an SPF in it or apply after your facial cream.

Eye care. Right below the eyes, it’s the first to go, the first to sag, the first to get dark before the sun goes down.  The skin below the eyes is paper thin and has no muscles to support it.  Carefully and lightly apply a high quality eye cream morning and night.  This keeps the skin firm, minimizes the dark circles and keeps you looking fresh.  Buy the good stuff, a little goes a long way.

Be a masked man. Use a hydrating mask at least once a week.  Oh come on, paint on a mask, put on a robe and throw back a single malt.  But avoid clay masks, cleansing pads and toners in the winter.  You need those oils to keep your skin moist and soft.  That scotch will help while your wife is laughing hysterically.

Ban the tan. Avoid the tanning salons and under no circumstances should you ever use those self tanners.  If you do, we’ll know it and we’ll facebook everyone about it.  Tans must be earned the old fashioned way; with a beer in one hand and a babe in the other on a beach doing absolutely nothing.  Ok, almost nothing.

That’s it, 200 bucks, two hours later and you’re ready to go out and get the morning paper.  Seriously, ease into it.  Maybe if you use a better soap you won’t need a body moisturizer.  You can use a hand cream for your feet as well.  A better shave cream and a moisturizer with SPF are easy.  Eye cream and lip balms are optional but not interchangeable.  And if you use a self tanner, duck, cause we’re gonna hurl a fast snowball right at your grill.

Experience Personal Branding For Men at GQ Barber Lounge in Denver Colorado.Google+

David Beckham is a soccer player for the Los Angeles Galaxy. But, that might not be his biggest claim to fame. He’s a husband to Victoria Beckham and a father to his four children with her. And, he is a fashion guru and model with undeniable style. He knew how to dress appropriately without being boring when he attended the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. (Just another day for Posh and Becks.) But, he isn’t afraid to take risks when warranted. He has had everything from a buzz cut to hair long enough to put in a ponytail. His mid-length textured cut, which he returns to time and again, is an edgy new classic. He will be a trendsetter on and off the field for years to come.Google+

The start of the 2012-2013 football season is great for sports fans. But, not all men are created equal. What if you don’t like football? It’s on at every bar whenever you go in. It’s all anyone ever wants to talk about at lunch or after work. Everyone wants you to play fantasy football. The best party of the year revolves around watching the Super Bowl. “Who is your favorite team?” “Did you see that blitz they sprung on Manning last night?” What the hell is a blitz anyway?

Here’s what you need to know about making it through football season without being a social pariah and losing all your pigskin-loving friends.

Go, Fight, Win

1. Mimic your friends to fit in. Shout for joy when they shout for joy. Boo when they boo. Look on in disbelief when they look on in disbelief. And, make sure you are wearing a Broncos hat or t-shirt as fan camouflage. Wearing out-of-state team gear may make your friends suspicious.

2. Keep it vague. Your friends may ask you what you think about a player, team, or certain play. Brush off the question with a general declaration of “Dude!” “Oh man!” “That sounds just like Michael Vick!” “I ate way too many wings.” or “I was too distracted by the cheerleaders.” When in doubt, a nod and a fist bump will get you through any awkward moments.

3. Know a few key football terms. Knowing the right phrases can help you keep up with the game, which will make it more interesting. See below for a few examples.

4. Excuse yourself. No one will care that you aren’t into the game if you’re getting up to bring another round of beer. When in doubt, snacks will also help keep your friends happy and their mouths full so they can’t talk as much about the game. Bringing dip is up to you. But, it’s always recommended. Consequently, frequent trips to the bathroom will be easily excused because of all the alcohol and indigestion-causing food around.

5. Have a backup plan. Keep a few games keyed up on your phone and tell your friends you are looking up stats. Stay until halftime and then say you need to go because you have other plans. They don’t need to know you’re going to be making crafts your girlfriend found on Pinterest. At the end of the day, it’s all about seeing your friends. So, hang out, have fun, and then hit the road. They’ll appreciate the effort you put into spending time with them.

It’s How You Play the Game

Blitz: When the defensive team rushes the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped in an attempt to sack the quarterback.

Down: One of four chances a team on offense has to gain 10 yards.

Offside: When a player goes over the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped, resulting in a penalty.

Pocket: Where the quarterback is blocked by his teammates behind the line of scrimmage.

Sack: When the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage.

Two-point conversion: When a team that has just scored a touchdown tries to score another touchdown worth two points instead of kicking the ball through the goal post for an extra point.Google+

Photo courtesy of IndyPosted.

Okay, Broncos fans. Hear us out. Troy Polamalu is the strong safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers and a two-time Super Bowl champion, but that isn’t what makes him an icon. He may be a Denver rival. But, just wait until you hear about his hair. One of his most distinguishing characteristics, he keeps it long as a tribute to his Samoan heritage. It’s easy to see him on the playing field because he lets it hang out from underneath his helmet. Seriously, how many players can you recognize by their hair alone? He has even been tackled by other players pulling down on his hair, which is legal play. If that isn’t enough to convince you that Troy Polamalu deserves his spot here more than new Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning or famous Denver alumni player John Elway, there’s more. His hair is insured for $1 million.

Photo courtesy of NFL Passers.

That’s right sports fans. He has a contract with Head & Shoulders, which prompted P&G to take out a policy on his famous locks. The 2012-2013 football season has just begun, and it isn’t yet known how Troy Polamalu will perform on the field. But, people will be talking about his hair for years to come. Just imagine the hype surrounding him if he gets a haircut!Google+

Photo courtesy of Hello Giggles.

The 2012 Olympics may be over, but sports stars continually inspire us with their feats of athleticism. And, their hard-earned good looks. You might be wondering how, at the ripe age of 28, Ryan Lochte can be considered an icon. Well, let’s start with the fact that he won five medals in London. He may not be the most decorated swimmer on Team USA. (Michael Phelps has him whipped when it comes to overall medal count.) But, he does have incredible hair. He gets noticed even when he gets out of the pool and that swim cap comes off. He has had a few style missteps, as most gents are bound to experience in their youth. But, when he gets it right, he is a shining example of what a great cut and style can do for your look. Though he may be young, Ryan Lochte has the enduring qualities that make him a true icon.Google+

Choosing A Cut

Photo courtesy of Southern Living.

The first thing you’ll need to consider is the cut of the steak. Look for rib, short loin, and sirloin steaks as these are the most tender. You’ll pay a little more for these nicer cuts. But hey, it’s worth it. Rib steaks come with either the bone in, or if it’s a rib-eye steak, the bone is taken out. Look for a piece with nice strips of fat on the outside. This will keep the steak flavorful and juicy.

Short loin steak without the bone is the ever-popular strip steak. Buy it with the bone and it’s called a shell steak. These cuts are a little less fatty but also less tender.

One of the most tender cuts of steak, the tenderloin, also comes from the short loin. Behind the tenderloin is the filet mignon. It is also super tender and has a nice, mild flavor.

Also from the short loin is the t-bone, which features a side of top loin and a side of tenderloin. A porterhouse is simply a t-bone steak with a larger portion of tenderloin.

Sirloin steak is a good value and comes in boneless varieties like top sirloin and tri-tip steak. Underneath the sirloin is flank steak. This boneless cut is sliced thin and has a chewy texture but is rich in flavor.

Quality Matters

1. Look for beef rated US Prime or US Choice by the USDA.
2. The meat should be firm and appear moist with a fresh red color. Avoid dry looking, too soft, and gray meat.
3. Pick a cut that is marbled with fat. Steak with too little fat content will cook up dry, chewy, and flavorless.
4. Look for cuts that are at least one inch thick.

Get Fired Up

Once you’ve selected the type of meat you want, it’s time to get cooking. Let the steak come to room temperature and season both sides of the meat with salt and pepper.

To cook steak without a grill, preheat the oven to 450 degrees with an oven-safe pan inside. When the oven is at temperature, carefully remove the pan and drizzle with oil, placing the steak in the pan on the stove at high heat for three minutes. Then, flip the steak and put it in the oven. Let it bake, periodically checking the temperature for doneness.

For cooking with a gas grill, heat it up and put on the steak. Then, close the lid and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping it halfway through and periodically checking for doneness.

For a charcoal grill, your choice of charcoal matters. Opt for hardwood charcoal. It burns hotter but has a rich flavor without any chemical additives. Light the charcoals without the help of lighter fluid and let them turn ash white.

Make sure the coals are spread out and the grill is adequately hot. Then, add the steak and let it cook on one side for three minutes and then flip it and cook the other side for three minutes. At this point, close the lid and let the steak continue cooking for another three to five minutes until it has reached the desired level of doneness.

Is It Done?

Photo courtesy of Mark’s Daily Apple.

A thermometer is the best way to check your steak’s level of doneness. And remember, steak will keep cooking after you take it off the grill or out of the oven. So, you may want to pull it out a little early.

1. Rare 125 Degrees
2. Medium Rare 125 to 130 Degrees
3. Medium 130 to 135 Degrees
4. Medium Well 135 to 140 Degrees
5. Well Done 140 Degrees or Over

Finally, let the meat rest for about 10 minutes either loosely covered or uncovered. Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy!Google+

You get the invite in the mail. Attire: semi-formal. What the heck is semi-formal? We’ve all been there. Not knowing how to dress at an event can leave us feeling awkward and out of place. And, while it can be good to get creative, taking too much license with dress codes can make you stand out for all the wrong reasons. From white tie to leisure attire, here’s what to wear.

White Tie

There is no getting around this type of dress. White tie means ultra formal. Period. Break out your dark tail coat, trousers with the vertical satin stripes, and your best white collared shirt. Now for the namesake of the event. The white tie. Don’t leave home without it. Traditionally worn as a bow tie, the white tie is the signature element. White tie can also mean top hats and white gloves, but they are outdated and don’t need to be worn here. Most white tie events are held in the evening, but if they are held before dark, they call for morning dress. Morning dress is often distinguished from evening dress by color. Morning suits, as they are called, are often grey.

 Black Tie

Though less formal than white tie, black tie occasions call for very formal dress. We’re talking a classy black tuxedo with matching trousers, a white shirt, and a black bow tie and cummerbund. You may also want to accessorize your tuxedo with cuff links and shirt studs.

Black Tie Optional

Finally, you have some choices to make. Don’t let them lead to disaster. Black tie optional means you could wear a tuxedo or a suit, but why not dress it up. Most guys will opt for the easy way out and wear a suit. Why not stand out and wear a tuxedo.

Formal

Don’t confuse a formal event with a black tie event. Formal means you should wear a classy suit and tie. Not a tuxedo.

Semi-Formal

Semi-formal is still formal but has a little more room to have fun. If it’s in the evening, wear a dark jacket. Headed to a daytime event? Wear a light jacket. You have to have a jacket. Throw in your best shirt while you’re at it and carry a tie with you just in case.

Cocktail

Here’s your chance to have some fun. Cocktail attire means you should wear a jacket (light or dark depending on the time of day) and a brightly colored shirt. You don’t have to wear a tie to these types of events and can spice things up with your favorite colors, textures, and patterns. Maybe you even break out that handkerchief or don an ascot. It’s up to you!

Business Casual

Business casual is a more toned down look that should be classy and professional without being too stuffy. Wear nice pants with either a button-down shirt or a nice polo. A sweater might also do the trick. You don’t have to wear a tie, but keep those shirt tails tucked in for crying out loud!

Country Club

You may not encounter country club dress very often. But, when you do, here’s how to shine. Dress nicely but comfortably with slacks and a tucked in polo shirt. You can relax a little here, but leave the t-shirt and jeans at home along with your plaid.

Leisure

Leisure doesn’t mean letting it all hang out, but it does mean you can afford to get comfortable. How comfortable? You can wear a nice pair of jeans and a nice shirt, but check for armpit stains and leave undershirts covered up.Google+

Clint Eastwood

Before Clint Eastwood was taming the wild west, working the streets of San Francisco as a volatile police inspector, or coaching his million dollar baby, he looked like this. Who knew he was the epitome of classic cool in the 1960s? He has come a long way since Rawhide, but he still looks good in black and white. Though his hair has been unwieldy as of late (he’s in his 80s now), we still have to give him props for his formative years, as well as his directing chops. After all, he could blow our heads clean off with the most powerful handgun in the world. We feel lucky, Clint. We really do.

James Dean

Whether or not James Dean could actually act is irrelevant. All women wanted to be with him and all men wanted to be him. There are hardly any pictures of him where he looks less than perfect. (It doesn’t hurt that he was famous when smoking was cool.) He was a true Hollywood rebel with the hair to match. He seamlessly transitioned from perfectly slicked back to effortlessly shaped to purposefully tousled and back again. He was only 24 when he died in a car crash, but we would love to have seen how his style would have evolved if he was still alive today.

George Clooney

George Clooney could be the next Carey Grant. Being classically handsome doesn’t hurt. Neither do three Golden Globes and an Academy Award. Did we mention he also does humanitarian work? George Clooney has it all. And, he isn’t afraid to wear his natural salt and pepper locks. He keeps his hair pretty short, but it is still always perfectly coiffed. Even when he tousles his hair and lets a few days growth stand out on his face, he does it all with intention. George Clooney is a true Hollywood movie star.

Paul Newman

When Paul Newman wasn’t cozying up to Elizabeth Taylor, winning numerous acting awards, making his own organic foods line and donating the profits to charity, or driving race cars, he was stealing the hearts of millions with his piercing blue eyes. Time magazine called Paul Newman “quite a guy” and we agree. He was the epitome of tough-guy style in his heyday, and his hair was always perfectly textured and sometimes slicked back if the occasion called for it. Letting his hair turn its natural shade of white as he got older only added to his appeal, and he is a shining example of the notion that you only get better with age. Paul Newman is no longer with us, but his memory will live forever.Google+