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Showing posts with label Men's Products. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Men's Products. Show all posts

Holiday Gift Guide: For the XY-Chromosomed Person in Your Lifestyle.

Dudes (and math) are a mystery, but what to buy them for the holidays ISN'T. Here's what I recommend at a broad range of price points:

Anthony Logistics for Men Gifted Grooming Set ($60)
This convenient travel pouch is filled with the best-selling Anthony Logistics essentials: Glycolic Facial Cleanser, Face Scrub, Pre Shave Oil, Shave Cream, After Shave Balm, Sea Salt Body Scrub, Glycerin Hand and Body Lotion. The brand is a fave of my friend Anthony from high school, natch.

Perf for the ultimate man! Kind of expensive, but includes everything he needs to clean up his act in full-sized bottles. Gift Collection includes:
Amino Acid Shampoo
Men's Alcohol-Free Herbal Toner
Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream
Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash
Facial Fuel
Original Lip Balm #1
Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
All-Sport Foot Cream
"Ultimate Man" Body Scrub Soap


Every Man Jack Body Kit ($10)
The price is nice for a holiday gift during this financial apocalypse, n'est-ce pas? The set (pictured, left bottom) contains their hydrating body wash, cleansing body bar, and moisturizing face lotion, all in the delishly masculine cedarwood scent.














Space.NK's Men Blue Collection ($95)

I love, love, love the way this smells. The scent is a blend of lime, grapefruit, star anise and basil is softened by geranium and amber and settles down onto a clean, woody base of cedar leaf, patchouli and oakmoss. Masculine in a non-high school way. Contains a full-sized shave cream, body wash, and eau de toilette.














C.O. Bigelow Barber Classics Gift Set Elixer Blue ($30)
The Elixir Blue fragrance blends aromatic watery marine notes, lavender and rosemary with hints of clean white musk and woody undertones. This set of Elixir Blue favorites includes: Hair & Body Wash, After-Shave Balm, and Cologne. It also comes with a bonus card he can use toward a future C.O. Bigelow Barber purchase.

He'll be grooming with glee in no time. Which means he'll stop using your limited-edition-from-two seasons-ago-shower gel you've been saving for the ultimate special occasion to wear around the house to watch football.

Moshida Man Reviews Kiehl's Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream

My college friend J (pictured, left) is quick with the wit, is a phenom writer, and knows a thing or two about products. He's currently working in Korea from where he fills me in on all things grooming via gchat. Impressed by his product knowlege, I asked him to contribute a grooming column to BBJ to enlighten my female readers about ideas for their sig others and the (albeit small) percentage of male readers who 'fessed up to reading this blog in my demographics poll I took a while back. He came up with his own column name, Moshida Man. Moshida means handsome in Korean. An apt description, n'est-ce pas? My grandmother used the same word about him after meeting him at my graduation. Justin lived in my dorm freshman year at BU and suffice it to say... I got very little studying done in 1998 because I may or may not have been too busy applying lipstick in case there was a J run-in. I mean, what would you do? Anyway. So without further ado, here's his first entry! Enjoy and LMK what you think! - Amber


Kiehl's Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream - White Eagle Review

For those men shirking the budget-friendly beard this holiday season and who enjoy reading labels, I suggest Kiehl's "Close Shavers Squadron" Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream - White Eagle ($8). This "most popular" item in Kiehl's broad facial care repertoire is a must-have for those with Don Draper shadows around happy hour. You can't come closer to your face with anything short of a laser and wax. If you're one for disposables, then match this top shelf shave cream with a fresh Gillette, keeping to your three-and-change rotation.

Kiehl's doesn't cut short on the feel-good part of this product, including in its cocktail of ingredients, the ancient Asian evergreen derivative, camphor. Camphor, for those unknowing gentlemen, is an organic compound which resembles menthol in the sensation it elicits on the skin. It also has anti-microbial and anesthetic properties which, for the Clark Kent-faced, brings a smile to my jawline. Nobody needs pain with his shave, especially before breakfast. Choose Kiehl's White Eagle this holiday season and make your man's daily shave something he looks forward to because you know there's nothing better than a little 21st century optimism.

Video Confing with Mr. Tom Brady, Face of All American Stetson


I've had a crush on Tom Brady since the 2002 Super Bowl. I recognize this online venue does not draw a sports-loving crowd (this is not, after all, Sports Blogging Junkie), but allow me to share a tale Sophia Petrillo-style.


In 2002, I was a senior at Boston University. Bostonians were "wicked" excited that their Patriots were playing in the Super Bowl. It was so fitting that a team called "the Patriots" achieved victory so closely following a year so harrowing for Americans. In true collegiate spirit, I watched the game at my friends' frathouse a few blocks away in Allston, Mass. On my walk home with my six other roommates (oh, college), I'd never seen such chicanery on the Allston streets. And anyone who's ever lived in Allston knows there's ALWAYS chicanery on the streets of Allston. In the bitter Boston cold that penetrates your puffiest Northface, people were KEGGING in the streets until the wee hours. That night, the Patriots quarterback Tom Brady completed 16 of 27 passes for 145 yards and marched his team down the field for the game winning score. This garnered him Super Bowl MVP status. That night also marked the first night of my crush on one Mr. Tom Brady.


The hunky Tom Brady is the face of the Stetson brand, and now, he represents All American Stetson. Strong and masculine, he is an inspiration for the young male market, with his self-confidence and adventurous attitude. While the classic Stetson brand continues to embody the spirit of the American West, the All American Stetson brand goes beyond the American West to target today’s young male market, ages 25- 35. It's about the lifestyle of the strong, sexy All American guy.


Last night, I attended a launch event for the fragrance at the Coty offices where a group of bloggers were able to ask Tom questions via video conference. Check it below. Oh, and BTW? When I asked my question (sixth one down) I called him Tom Brady to his face. As in, "Hi, Tom Brady." Mortification nation. I was temporarily flustered, what can I say? Read on for Tom's thoughts on everything from what "All American" means to him to the sexiest place a woman can apply fragrance.


What kind of guy wears it?

Tom: It's for the modern cool guy. A man who’s comfortable with who he is. From a business professional to an athlete. When you smell it on you, you feel clean, fresh. Ready to tackle what’s ahead of you.


What’s most memorable about fragrance?

Tom: I like the black suede the most. I made sure that was a part of this fragrance. I think the packaging is great. I love the blue glass. Love the crown on the box. It feels cool, young, and hip. I like that it's affordable.


What do you find sexy in a woman?

Tom: How comfortable you are in your own skin. That matters much more than whether you’re tall, thin, full figured. Confidence. Sexiest people are always confident. The way you carry yourself is important to me.


Do you have a grooming regimen?

Tom: I like to shower because I sweat a lot. I need showers quite a bit. I make sure to always have a fresh haircut. Because my mother always insisted, I always keep my nails clean. And I always make sure I put it on Stetson.


Is this a fragrance that a man buys for himself, or one that a woman buys for a man?

Tom: I always feel that it’s great when a woman has bought me a fragrance. She can try it out and see if it’s what she really likes. It makes it really simple for men. Men can try five different scents. And then your significant other says, "why did you buy that? It smells terrible." It’s safer to just have your woman buy it for you.You're guaranteed good feedback, haha.


What kind of products do you use in the morning?

Tom: I’m always shampooing which I hear isn’t great. I always use body lotion, especially on my hands, because I’m an athlete. I always have a fragrance. I always brush my teeth. My orthodontist wants me to make some improvements. I’m committing to you guys that I’m going to start flossing more.


Where is the sexiest place a woman can apply fragrance?

Tom: Any place where my nose is next to. Underneath the ear. With my nose right there. And if I want to say something, I can, I’m already right next to it.


What role does fragrance play in setting the mood?

Tom: It’s always important. Men find flowers, music, lighting, cleanliness and scent important. You want that person walking away saying damn, you smell GOOD. I hope this fragrance sells and more importantly, that those who wear it get some dates!


What does All American mean to you?

Tom: It's a great compliment. You stand for what’s fresh, new, adventurous, independent, articulate. I play for an all American team, represent an all American brand. I want to be an all American guy.


That he is, dolls.


THE FRAGRANCE

All American Stetson is an aromatic woody fragrance.

Top: Cedar Leaf, Guava NaturePrint®, Ginger Root

Mid: Black Suede, Sage, Nutmeg, Fern Water

Dry: Amber Wood, Vetiver, Patchouli, Musk


The cologne launched March 1 and retails for $14.50-$26. A touchdown price, n'est-ce pas?


There’s also a video game challenge online at www.allamericanstetson.com where you can virtually challenge Tom Brady (I feel compelled to use his full name all of the time) in sports like kayaking and snowmobiling. Winners will receive autographed memorabilia, round trip tickets to a destination, and bottles of the cologne.

Moshida Man on Skin Care

Moshida Man comes back to us with a piece concerning the mistakes of skin care. He says, "I'm not asking you, ladies, to take notes, but you can sure as hell bet your man is sleeping on the job when it comes to considering that he could actually drop the ball on his skin care." In the name of those taking advice from television doctors, I present to you his thoughts on the subject.


I'm a Net cruiser, and no, not in that way. At work you can be damn sure that I'm not always on that memo I should be writing. It's the kind of job with derivative benefits. I came across this post on Yahoo! Health by Dr. Leslie Baumann, chief of the Division of Cosmetic Dermatology and a professor at the University of Miami School of Medicine. I dig doctors who write in layman's terms. I'd like to offer my impressions of her piece, for it definitely opened my eyes to some skin care details that I was unaware of.

Suds are Out!
Doc says that if your cleanser is foamy then it's probably toting some harsh business. Stick with non-foaming cleansers, and gentlemen, if you're mashing that bar soap on your face, stand accused. Much like bad toothpaste, according to Esquire's doc, Mehmet Oz, foam is a sign that you're on the wrong bus. Heads up.

Retinol
Not Rohyphonol, you dolts. Retinol is a form of vitamin A which is essential to battle your wrinkles - yes I'm looking at you Mr. Forehead. Gentlemen, all that time in the sun at the tailgate or the golf course is wreaking havoc on your skin. My dad was a lifeguard when he was a kid, and always rocks the nose cone these days, but that's old school. Check out the doc's recs with Retinol and get on your future wrinkles.

Splurging on Products
We know you're not doing this for your body, but you are for your XBox, Bose System, and F150. The message is simple, think more, spend less, look better. Again she wants you focusing on the retinoids if you're going to spend the money. And remember, the people in the stores are there for you to ask questions. Drop that hardware store attitude.

Facials
Go ahead, frat boy, make the joke. I beat you there already, like 10 years ago. Bottom line: don't put your money down on a facial for your special lady friend's b-day. Instead, like I said above, invest in some proven products with science behind them. Don't forget, if buying anti-wrinkle products for your lady, please be prepared to say something to the effect of "I bought this because I understand how important good skin care is," not, "Honey, you're not fat."

Sequence
Doc says wash your face, after washing out your shampoo and conditioner. Smart move, and something I hadn't thought of. Remember, washing your hair uses different compounds, and has a different purpose than washing your face. Hair first, face after. Do it.

Mary Schmich (and it was also rumored that Vonnegut) says:
You better know that speech. I'm not even giving you the link. Google it. The message is, always wear sunscreen. We are the skin cancer generation. The information is out there. If you're going to be exposed to sun for 15 minutes or more, there is damage potential in those rays. SPF 15 is a good start. Doc says do it every day. Hygiene is a much bigger baby than you think, bub.

Moshida Man Reviews Aveda Men Pure-formance Grooming Clay

Moshida Man is back with another review, ladies and gents! Missed the first? Click here to read his thoughts on Kiehl's Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream.

It is the opinion of the court that the top of a man's head is the American midwest of grooming, frequently underappreciated for its versatility and progeny, and furthermore usually lost to the rigors of time and genetics. You just can't be everywhere at once. We feel sometimes that the hat was created by men, for men. As a graduate of the Pompadour School of Product, I can vouch for the importance of a smidgen of grooming product in just about any man's frock of hair. The key word here is "difference." I think we, as men, should keep that word in place when considering ourselves before leaving the house. Ask yourself the question, "What difference does a little product make?" before you part from the morning mirror. You do have a mirror, don't you?

Alright Dorian Gray, here's where it's at from the world of my medicine cabinet. Aveda Men Pure-formance Grooming Clay. Spicy, some reviewers call it, with an honest matte finish, and when used properly (practice makes perfect), good on the ends just as much as the base of your follicles. The scent won't attract bees, something I found difficult in the early days of my coif, and the ladies or men will notice, here's another grooming word for you: the subtlety of its effect. Subtlety, gentlemen, hangs on the great keychain of grooming. Moshida Man says if you can't get it without going gaudy, then you don't deserve to have it. Aveda has taken their men's products to another helpful level, introducing comments into their product web page. They also do a lot of explaining, which men enjoy.


So, if you're spending time at Duane Reade or CVS in a crouch, looking at the array of strange fluorescent containers filled with goop, and then you're actually putting this in your hair, think twice, buddy, and follow the link above to Aveda's website. Cruise around their other Pure Performance Collection products, and don't forget conditioner, ever. Hair product is generally a waste without a strong scalp and reinforced follicles. Say it with me: follicles. Now go look it up.
--MM