GlamMAN Grooming

Morning... a few of my favorite things.

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:25:00 +0000

Jack Black Supreme Cream shave lather, Shiseido Benefiance day cream, Immunocogie VenoMAX treatment cream, Malin & Goetz Vetiver soap

New Lacoste Fragrance L.12.12

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 23:36:00 +0000

What is the next silhouette for a man?

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:13:00 +0000

I really love these videos from Details magazine. Designer Robert Geller talks about what inspires his collections and wonders what will be what the next silhouette for a man, as he gets a haircut at NYC's Blind Barber.

Goodbye Calvin Klein… Hello MensFit!

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:02:00 +0000

Men’s underwear just got a lot hotter since discovering MensFit.

As a card-carrying member of David Barton Gym in Chelsea (The mostly gay gym with a sprinkling of trannies and a couple of straight girls… and yes, Anderson Cooper goes there) I have access to the locker room where I get to see some of the underwear fashion trends before they hit the mainstream. Observation #1: not a boxer short in sight. Observation #2: Underwear styles have never been more colorful, fun and butt-enhancing. MensFit, an Australian company, has an incredibly sexy, nicely cut and well made line of briefs. These have replaced my 2xist and Calvin Klein’s. Check the MensFit line out here.

Dior Aqua Fahrenheit is Hitting the Right Notes

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 01:43:00 +0000

Ok, so I was a fan of Fahrenheit by Dior the minute it came out in 1988 — one of the first fragrances for men that broke tradition by adding a floral to the mix. The groundbreaking violet accord was the surprise in this case. Every once in a while, to keep things fresh, Dior would introduce a version of the fragrance where the mix would be tweaked, intensified and even warmed up a few degrees. They’re all pretty good but none as good as the original — until now. Dior has introduced the new Aqua Fahrenheit and it is really hitting all the right notes. It rocks the same woody/leathery base notes of the original with a crisp refreshing twist of Vetiver and Citrus. The opening is quite stunning with a blast of Italian grapefruit which is smoothed out by middle notes of Violet and Brazilian Spearmint.

The fragrance is quite nice and perfect for the warm days and evenings of summer. Enjoy!

Check it out at Dior.com

Product sample supplied by Dior

FREDERIC MALLE for Father's Day

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:31:00 +0000

It pays to be a man this Father’s Day. The rugged nature of Frederic Malle’s four classic men’s scents (Bigarade, Vetiver Extraordinaire, Bois d’Orage and Geranium Pour Monsieur) makes them the only fragrances from his collection tough enough to exist in body wash form. Bois d’Orage and Geranium Pour Monsieur are new and right in time for Father’s Day.
Bigarade, Vetiver - $75
Bois d’Orage, Geranium - $70

My New Gucci Belt

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Mon, 30 May 2011 15:59:00 +0000

To get this Memorial Day off to a good start, I took the girls out for a TWO HOUR walk around Greenwich Village. Girls in tow, I put myself on autopilot and headed to Jeffreys in the Meatpacking district. While I was there, I bought this Gucci belt (to wear with my Gilded Age selvedge denim jeans) and I sprayed on some Comme des Garcons Fragrance WONDERWOOD. It smells so good and is so well made that I think I need to own a bottle ASAP. A fresh wood - great for warm weather.

Ooh La La...Oui Oui... Abercrombie and Fitch Opens in Paris

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Fri, 20 May 2011 10:42:00 +0000

Yesterday 100+ shirtless models worked what mama gave them for the pre-opening of Abercrombie & Fitch store on the Champs Elysées in Paris. Can Hollister be far behind?

Gucci Guilty for Him

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:04:00 +0000

Last autumn, the House of Gucci introduced Gucci Guilty for Her. This month they've launched Gucci Guilty for Him and it is nothing short of amazing. I previewed the new fragrance and, like all Gucci products, this one is incredibly well-made and very stylized. The scent is heady, sophisticated and fearless, yet young and fresh and definitely made for a guy who likes to live life at full throttle. It’s not for the weak of heart. Gucci Guilty is quickly become one of my favorite new releases — very masculine, very approachable and very charming.

The scent opens with an invigorating heady cocktail of Italian lemon and mandarin, crushed green leaves and a punch of pink pepper. Amazing. The middle mellows out with a fresh hint of herbs — lavender, cardamom and a little whisper of orange. The magic and the hallmark of any Gucci fragrance is in the drydown. In this case, a heady mix of sandal wood, amber and a touch of patchouli. The effect is remarkable. The sillage (that waft of scent you leave behind in your wake) has a confident presence but is never over powering. That’s the charm.

Gucci Guilty for Him is available now in Eau de Toilette, Shower Gel, Deodorant Spray and Massage Oil.

Big Pony Fragrance Collection

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 22:23:00 +0000

Spring is almost here — I know that because I’m starting to sneeze — and I expect to see lots of those colorful Polo Big Pony shirts on guys hopping around the city and at the beach. I think the shirts are pretty sexy. The Big Pony fragrance collection is pretty sexy too. A clean and incredibly masculine addition to that casually put together look. Each of the Big Pony fragrances remind me of that fresh “just hopped out of the shower” kind of scent. It lasts and yet is light enough that it's almost impossible to overdo. A guy at my gym sprayed Big Pony 1 (the blue bottle) in the locker room after showering and it was actually refreshing…for me. (Caution: in most cases, spraying cologne in a locker room would cause a brawl but this case was definitely an exception). I really like all of them but my favorite is Big Pony 4 (the orange bottle). It’s a woody, citrusy grapefruit scent that I find very uplifting and fresh — not heavy at all and perfect for day or night.

The Ralph Lauren Big Pony Collection comes in four scents:

Big Pony 1 (Blue bottle) sporty & dynamic — aromatic citrus with lime and oak.
Big Pony 2 (Red bottle) seductive oriental with dark chocolate and musk.
Big Pony 3 (Green bottle) woodsy adventurous with ginger and mint.
Big Pony 4 (Orange bottle) Citrusy & woody - grapefruit and kyara wood.

My contest: Follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/GlamMan to win a Ralph Lauren Big Pony 1 cologne for men. Contest runs between Tuesday 4/5/11 at noon until Saturday 4/10/11 at midnight. At that time, using a random number generator, I will select one follower to receive a bottle of Big Pony 1. Good luck!

Shaving Tips from The Real Shaving Company

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 23:19:00 +0000

I was in Duane Reade here in New York City recently and came across this impressive line of grooming goods from The Real Shaving Company. I had to try. With everything that goes into your morning routine, proper shaving habits may get lost in the rush and your face may not be getting the treatment it deserves! Thankfully, the pros at The Real Shaving Company, whose barbershop-quality products have been keeping guys groomed since 1953, put together these simple tips to make the most of your morning routine:

1. Time your shave wisely! The best time to shave is either in the shower or right after you get out. Thanks to the flow of warm water, pores are open and your hair softens, not to mention relaxed muscles, all contributing to a better shave.
2. Exfoliation is key for prep. Using an exfoliant pre-shave will help unblock clogged pores and remove dead skin cells, blackheads, and bacteria that can cause ingrown hairs and infections, all for a closer shave. Try The Real Shaving Company’s Daily Face Scrub, which features Ground Walnut Shell for gentle exfoliation, as well as Sweet Almond Oil (rich in Vitamin E) to improve complexion and give you a wedding-day glow.
3. Give yourself a barbershop treatment! Every wonder why barbers will place a hot towel on the face first before shaving? The heat from the towel softens skin and opens pores for an easier shave. Try this treatment sans barber with The Real Shaving Company’s Hot Towel Mask. This mineral clay mask warms, softens, and lifts facial hair for a better shave, and also features skin-soothing Vitamin E, anti-inflammatory zinc oxide and toning tea tree leaf.
4. Be picky about your products. Whether you prefer wet shaving with cream, gel or oil, or dry shaving with your electric razor, be sure to use a product that preps skin and helps your razor glide easily. For a wet shave, opt for a low-foam shaving product to keep visibility high. Many products, like The Real Shaving Company’s NEW Ultra Moisturizing Shave Gel (with Vitamin E moisture beads), feature super-hydrating ingredients to moisturize and soothe. If you go electric, try the Shave Tonic with anti-inflammatory Willow Bark and healing Aloe Vera.
5. Keep it sharp to look sharp! Dull blades won’t cut through hair as easily and can drag across the skin, causing friction, irritation and razor burn. Make sure your razor glides across skin and avoid a painful shave by using a fresh blade – especially on big days like this!

The Real Shaving Company line also comes in a travel set of TSA-friendly size tubes and is available at Duane Reade for about $16 bucks. Highly recommended.

kyoku LAVA MASQUE

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:40:00 +0000

I was one of those guys who loved the benefits of a good facial masque but thought applying one was too much work to do it regularly… until I started to do what French people do… they apply a masque in the morning while they have their coffee. Double duty — now I get a rush of caffeine and my skin looks fabulously smooth and tight and it only takes five to ten minutes. Applying a masque is a twice a week ritual that I’ve actually come to enjoy. One of the best (and most interesting) masques that I use comes from a U.K. company called Kyoku for men.

The pores on my nose and T-zone tend to get large (I call them yawning pores) so I’m always on the hunt for a product to minimize the pores. Kyoku works beautifully — deep-cleaning and tightening the skin leaving a nice, smooth finish. It works fabulously on the whole face and neck.

Kyoku Lava Masque is one of the best that I’ve used and that has to do with it’s texture and make up. And here’s the interesting part; Kyoku is made of mineral-rich volcanic mud, volcanic ash and volcanic black sand — all helping to draw out impurities, remove excess oils and toxins, and encourage cell-renewal. The black sand exfoliates the surface of the skin, removing dead skin cells and preparing it for the deep cleanse. I also have to mention that the scent is amazingly fresh and clean and I would love a cologne to smell like this. This is and all-around fantastic masque.

And here's a little bonus info on Kyoku: Academy Award winner, Colin Firth used Kyoku products to prepare for his big night at the 2011 Oscar's. I thought he looked great. Check it out.

Kyoku Lava Masque is $32 and available at Barneys New York.

AXE Gets a New Look and a New Grip

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 01:18:00 +0000

For all of you AXE fans out there, and I know there are tons of you — I have some exciting news. AXE has kicked of 2011 by revamping the AXE Shower Gel line – from scent to packaging. The new bottle has a badass futuristic shape with a new grip and click-to-open top that can be easily used with one hand, leaving the other hand to do the scrubbing and buffing. AXE shower gels are some of my favorite drugstore shower gels — ounce for ounce this shizz gives you a good bang for you buck.

The AXE Shower Gel fragrances:

EXCITE An addictive woodsy fragrance that hooks you on the first encounter.
THAI MASSAGE (my fav) Made with tiger grass oil and sea salt, and merges the scent of ginger, sandalwood and lychee to stimulate relaxation.
COOL METAL (newest addition) The cool & masculine fragrance fuses sparkling green and citrus notes with cold spices.

Keeping it Natural with The Organic Pharmacy

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 23:34:00 +0000

If you’re like me and like to keep things as natural as possible, but find that the “all natural” grooming products don’t pack the punch that some of the big boys do, then you definitely want to check out this new line from The Organic Pharmacy. I’m kind of hooked on the Moisture Cream (with tamanu & green tea). I’m using it as an after-shave and it’s quite nice.

The Organic Pharmacy Men’s Range is a power packed, user-friendly collection that rocks classic style with healthy ingredients. The Organic Pharmacy’s Men’s Range is handmade with potent ingredients, using the finest organic essential oils, antioxidants and plant extracts free from all toxic preservatives, artificial color, fragrances and petrochemicals.

The Organic Pharmacy Men’s Range Includes:

Shaving Cream with Antioxidants
A rich shaving cream that conditions, nourishes and protects. Offers excellent lubrication to ensure a smooth shave and minimizes ingrown hairs.
$39.95
Deep Cleansing Face Wash with Antioxidants
Decongests, cleanses and protects. Removes dirt, impurities and pollution leaving skin soft and smooth.
$39.95
Ultra Light Moisture Gel with Antioxidants
Hydrates, refreshes and energizes. Revitalizes tired skin infusing it with antioxidants.
$59.95
Moisture Cream with Antioxidants
Nourishes, soothes, calms and repairs the skin.
$59.95

Check out The Organic Pharmacy Men’s Range at www.TheOrganicPhramacy.com

Britain's Manliest Man is the Face of Bluebeards Revenge

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 01:44:00 +0000

Bluebeards Revenge, one of my favorite shave creams has a new face — and that face is the ruggedly handsome rugby star Sasha Harding.

Sasha, 27, recently was awarded the title of ‘Britain’s Manliest Man’ after over 250,000 people voted that his boxer’s jawline, and 6’3” toned torso was the perfect masculine physique. Which is useful, as Sacha needs every ounce of strength for his day job, where he plays for Bedford Blues Rugby Club.

Guest Blog Post: Men's Suit Color Guide

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 16:44:00 +0000

Please enjoy this post from my friend and guest U.K. blogger Thomas from Samuel Windsor...

When the GlamMAN kindly invited me to share a guest post on this rather brilliant men’s grooming blog, I had to don my thinking cap to come up with appropriate subject matter.

You see, my expertise is in men’s suits, so I had to ask myself ‘will anyone be interested in hearing me ramble on about tailoring?’

Coming to the conclusion the answer was likely to be ‘no, but what else can I talk about?’ I’ve decided to just keep it short and share some advice about picking the appropriate colour suit.

I’ve picked out five important occasions in order to advise you which shades look best. So here goes:

Nights out
Most men would never even think of wearing a suit for an informal night out in a bar or restaurant. But a slim-fit black suit, dressed down with a plain black tee always works. If that’s still too smart, swap suit trousers for dark jeans and you’ll still make a stylish splash with the blazer.

Weddings
As a guest at a wedding, choosing what to wear can be a bit of minefield. However, as a general rule of thumb, light grey and navy blue tones, coupled with a crisp white shirt never go out of style and are appropriate for nearly any celebration.

The office
As boring as it sounds, greys and charcoals are definitely most appropriate for work. If you’re desperate to add a bold splash of colour, do so with a tastefully selected shirt and tie combination or a subtle pinstripe suit.

Interviews
Though it’s tempting to try and stand out from the crowd, it’s better to go simple and keep attention focused firmly on you. A black suit is a good choice and makes a strong impression, but lighten the mood with a white shirt and dark tie with a subtle pattern.

Funerals
There’s a common misconception that men have to wear a black suit for a funeral. You certainly can wear black and arguably it is the most appropriate choice. However, a dark grey suit teamed with a dark coloured shirt is just as acceptable.

And of course, it goes without saying you should pick appropriate frangrances for each of these occasions, something I’m sure the GlamMAN can help you out with.

Thanks for reading.

And thank you Thomas for a great post!! Check out the Samuel Windsor menswear collection here.

Happy New Year! It's a Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 13:37:00 +0000

Keep it Hairy

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:12:00 +0000

Remington and BroBible.com have teamed up to create, “Keep It Hairy?” – a rap video that wittily ponders the age-old question, “to groom or not to groom?” Check out the video here on BroBible.com or FunnyOrDie.com, and watch Shaved and Hairy (played by Kirk Ward and JR Reed) make an argument for smooth and stubble– vote for #TeamShaved or #TeamHairy on Facebook and Twitter!

Keep It Hairy? - watch more funny videos

If you’re in need of some grooming, go to remingtonproducts.com for 25% off the Back & Body Extendable Groomer. Enter the discount code Bro123 at checkout – good through December 31, 2010.

Odin Frgrances: 04 Petrana

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 02:40:00 +0000

I spent last Sunday working the streets of Soho… brunch, shopping, people watching… and ended up at Odin on Lafayette Street — one of my favorite NYC stores (flashback). The collection of clothes, shoes, accessories and fragrances are so well edited that I would be stoked owning anything in the store. While there, I discovered the latest addition to their line of signature scents — it’s called 04 Petrana. The scent is absolutely rich, complex and so well layered that I cannot stop sniffing my wrist. It opens with a very earthy and slightly spicy pink pepper note and then shifts into a fresh unisex floral (black iris, violet and heliotrope) and finishes out with a sensual balance of orris root, vetiver and white musk. Really wonderful and quite amazing — a beautiful balance of the traditional masculine and feminine. 04 Petrana is a well thought out beautifully executed fragrance.

The good news is that with the launch of 04 Petrana, Odin New York Fragrances has branched out and are now available at Barneys New York and Barneys.com. In Europe, 04 Petrana is exclusively sold at Browns in London and Colette and French Trotters in Paris. And of course they're also available at Odin New York, Pas de Deux, Aedes de Venustas and Hershleifer's in New York, Louis Boston in Boston, Forty Five Ten in Dallas, Carrots in San Francisco. Enjoy!

Razor Bumps: Knock ‘em out faster with Bump Patrol

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 13:05:00 +0000

I take shaving seriously and as a guy with light skin and a moderately course beard, I’m only occasionally prone to razor bumps and burn, usually on my neck. They suck! Anyone who has had them knows they can sting and look “not awesome’. Razor bumps, also known as Pleudofolliculitis Barbae, predominantly affects African-American, Latino and Mediterranean men, whose

beards are typically course, curly and prone to ingrown hairs, In fact, according to research conducted by the U.S. Army, approximately 80 percent of all African-American men experience razor bumps. Some men actually think they’re allergic to razors or believe nothing can fix the problem. When I get razor bumps, I bring out the armed forces for a counter attack and by that I mean it’s time to bring out Bump Patrol. It’s loaded with soothing agents to reduce inflammation, antiseptics to reduce bacteria and prevent infection and emollients for a smooth appearance.

There aren’t enough hours in the day to tell you how much I love this product. Bump Patrol's anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and conditioning affects happen right after the first shave. The line is fully stocked and includes hydrating shave gels and three strengths of their aftershave razor bump treatment: Maximum Strength, Sensitive and Original.

If you're prone to razor bumps, here are a few smooth moves to prevent this situation:
1 Tweeze ingrown hairs and apply Bump Patrol directly to the sites.
2 Use a hydrating shave gel and a high-quality multi-blade razor on a moistened, warm face.
3 Shave in the same direction of the beard’s growth. Never go against the grain.
4 Complete each shave with an application of Bump Patrol aftershave wherever the razor touched.

I also use Bump Patrol on my back after a waxing to avoid any ingrown hairs. And ladies, I think this would work well after a leg shave, bikini wax or a Brazilian. Keep it smooth.

Bump Patrol is available at Walgreens, Walmart, Target and CVS.

Glamazing Insights on Vagina Power and Penis Power from Alexyss Tylor. lol!

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:52:00 +0000

Sexual Sugar Daddy

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:26:00 +0000

Just launched: Sexual Sugar Daddy, a smooth, bold, handsome new fragrance from the one and only Michel Germain. Michel is famous for creating sexy aphrodisiac scents for men and women. His latest scent rocks a splash of crystallized grapefruit zest and mixes it with a deliciously tempting cinnamon bark, leather and tobacco. Sexual Sugar Daddy will get you noticed… and maybe get you in trouble. In other words, the fragrance does the flirting for you. And please, when you wear this, don’t forget to bring a condom. Hugs and kisses guaranteed.

Sexual Sugar Daddy is available at Macy’s and Bloomingdales.

L'Occitane: Clean is Sexy

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 14:26:00 +0000

GlamMan divides body cleansers into two categories: liquid and bar soaps. My usage ratio for the two is 70/30. 70% bar soap and 30% liquid cleanser. So when I reach for a bar soap, I go for the best made product…I always go for French soaps. They’re simply the best. The suds are rich, luxurious and, dense, and the fine bubbles give a good run for the money (the bar lasts a super long time). The soap gets my skin clean, and fresh without ever drying. Unlike most liquid cleansers, bar soaps use scented fats to thoroughly deep clean the skin. I can best explain the process in my non-scientific way; a molecule of fat mixed with a molecule of water removes the dirt from the skin. Get the picture?

My favorite French milled bar soaps are made by a company called L’Occitane. I’ve been using L’Occitane soap for many years and they are the best of the best. Shea butter and pure vegetable oils are used to clean and moisturize the skin — even oily skin. L’Occitane soaps are perfect for year-round use, but they’re especially good in the cold months when indoor heat and outdoor cold air can really dry out the skin. The scents are also wonderfully clean and sexy. After all, clean IS sexy.

A Tan For All Seasons

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 23:38:00 +0000

Well guys, it’s that time of year again when the air is getting a little chilly and the cardigans are making their way out of the closet... and summer is a becoming a distant memory. I’m not complaining. Early Fall is my favorite time of year, but along with the cool weather comes another sign that summer is over — every hard-earned smidge of color on my legs, arms and the rest of my bod is disappearing from my skin. All the color that took months of gradual tanning (with sunscreen) is all gone within a matter of weeks. My tan is like Mariah Carey's “I Don’t Wanna Cry”… it starts out quietly, then there’s the slow build, it gets loud and proud and full of life in a “Baby Jesus, this is GREAT!” kind of way… and then it’s over. Done.

I’ve discovered a wonderfully natural-looking self-tanning product to remedy the situation. No, not The Situation.... my situation. Beautisol All Seasons Glow self-tanning lotion. It gives me that glow without looking orange, fake or streaky. Now I’m not talking about the DJ Pauly D, the Situation or the Snookie kind of faux-glow but more of a tan that looks healthy, natural, even…. and hot. And as a bonus, it smells good too, unlike some of the other toxic smelling tanners that smell like they’re actually burning your skin. The All Seasons Glow “system” comes nicely packaged. To prep my skin, I used Beautisol’s body scrub called Go Slough Yourself. I recommend this step to prepare the skin for even coverage. It also comes with gloves and a DVD to guide you to getting the natural color.

Why: It’s easy to use and every guy looks better with some natural looking color.
Where: Beautisol
How much: $39.00… and worth it.

Product sample was furnished by the company's PR firm.

Get the Tom Brady Bob

noreply@blogger.com (GlamMan) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 11:40:00 +0000

Remington Helps You Score (the Best Hair)
Guys are either jealous of Tom Brady’s championship QB skills, his shagilicious hair or his shag-worthy wife. The easiest one for mere mortal men to score is definitely the ‘do, but the right tools are a must.

Get the Brady Bob at home with the Remington Studio Style Professional Clipper – a 30 piece kit now featuring a powerful, self-adjusted motor for faster cutting speed, titanium ceramic-coated blades for a precise glide and a “How to Use Guide”. (Gisele not included.)