Posted on 05/02/10, filed under Mankind Grooming Editor
I don’t know if you saw the news this week but Moobs (a.k.a man boobs) have been everwhere. And when I say everywhere I mean everywhere. In fact, according to one survey up to 60% of men are affected by the condition, which is about as everywhere as you can get.
And, here’s a confession – I’m one of them. Don’t get me wrong, mine ain’t so bad they’re going to cause Katie Price any sleepless nights but I must be at least trainer bra size.
So it was with some excitement that I heard Mankind were stocking Equmen high-performance underwear. For those of you unfamiliar with the brand it’s a range of clothing that’s specially designed to support posture, regulate temperature and streamline your body a little. I’ve been trying out the Core Precison Vest this week and here it is pictured on me – a real person rather than a model – so you get the idea of what it can do. The main benefit is on the posture front but it does have some useful ‘body sculpting’ properties too.
Don’t get me wrong, if you’re a total lard-arse it’s not going to turn you into Peter Andre overnight but it does hold things in a little (certainly my love handles didn’t look quite enormous).
They are a bit fiddly to slip on (they look like they were made for an I anorexic Oompa Loompa) but you soon master the hang of it. Now if I can only get my hands on a Reviber Exercise Machine I’ll be ripped in no time….
Lee, Mankind Groomimg Ed
Posted on 21/01/10, filed under Mankind Grooming Editor
If you’re one of those skincare aficionados who likes to keep right up to date with what’s going on in male grooming then look out for a raft of products focussing on special ‘delivery methods’ this year.
By this I mean products using things like rollerballs to help cream, gels or serums access the skin. It’s already been a big trend in women’s beauty and with both mass market and premium men’s brands getting in on the act it’s set to be the big thing in male grooming for 2010.
Skincare pioneers Biotherm Homme got their first, with their High Recharge Eye Serum – a product I loved the moment I tried it, mainly because of the cooling effect it has on the skin around the eyes which is especially good for eye bags! The company will be pushing the envelope even further this summer with the launch of their Force Supreme Rebuilder – an novel anti-ageing product with a built-in massager so look out for that! Another of our fave brands, Kyoku, have something in the pipeline too so it’s going to be an exciting year. Personally, I love anything that makes skincare more fun so think it’s great that such exciting things are in the pipeline.
If you’re already a real gadget junkie, though, you could try the STOP Clinical Skin Renewal Device which uses radio frequency technology to gently heat the skin from the inside to increase dermal activity. You can’t get much more high-tech than that!
Lee, Mankind Grooming Editor
Posted on 04/01/10, filed under Mankind Grooming Editor
At this time of year we’re all tempted to make a few New Year’s Resolutions but whilst it’s all very well vowing to join that gym or never touch a Ginsters pasty again, I find a few grooming resolutions don’t go amiss either. But just in case you’re struggling for ideas, here are a few promises definitely worth making for 2010…
I will turn down the heat Hot water might seem a good way to keep your skin squeaky clean but in reality it merely strips skin of essential oils and over-stimulates it, leading to sensitivity and redness. Wash with warm or tepid water instead and keep showers short.
I won’t over-scrub
Exfoliation is a quick and easy way to invigorate dull-looking skin and prevent ingrown hairs but if you’re over-zealous you’ll end up with a mush redder than Darth Maul’s.
I will moisturise
If you only do one thing to look after your skin make sure it’s moisturising. Not only will this keep skin supple and healthy it’ll also act as an insurance policy against premature wrinkles.
I won’t shave against the grain.
You might think shaving against the grain gets a closer shave but it merely damages hair follicles and causes razor burn. Hair grows in all directions, especially around the neck, so spend a minute or two examining which way the stubble is growing and shaving according to the direction of that growth.
I won’t swipe my partner’s products
According to a recent survey nearly three quarters of men steal their partner’s grooming products. Problem is, men’s skin is thicker, oilier and ages differently than women’s so needs products tailored to its specific needs so make sure 2010 is the year you buy your own grooming gear!
Anyway, a Happy New Year to you all!
Lee, Mankind Grooming Editor
Pic: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
