Three weeks ago a good friend of mine became a dad for the first time. Good news for him: bad news, unfortunately, for his looks! As the weeks have passed and the lack of sleep has caught up with him he’s had scores of people commenting on how exhausted he looks. Of course, plenty of men are in the same situation, so this week I thought I’d provide a few tips for new dads on how to tackle the main signs of all-out exhaustion…

DARK CIRCLES

What to do: Try necking a pint of water before bed  each night to maintain hydration and make sure it’s at room temperature  – our bodies find it harder to absorb the chilled stuff. If, after a week you still look like you’ve gone six rounds with David Haye, invest in an eye cream containing light-diffusing particles to reduce the appearance of the dark circles through a little optical trickery. I like Dermalogica’s Total Eye Care.  Gently tap the cream  around the socket and you’ll also help eliminate toxins from the eye area.

EYE BAGS

What to do: Whack something cold onto them to constrict the blood vessels and reduce the swelling (Menscience Eye Gel Mask is perfect). A good eye product will help too though remember that gels tend to be better for eye bags than creams as they’re lighter and more cooling.  Ren’s Active 7 Eye Maintenance Gel is perfect as it also contains Vitamin P to combat the darkness itself.

GREY COMPLEXION

What to do: Remove dead skin cells with a facial scrub. This is the key to brightening up dull skin and is the best fix for tired skin there is. Simply exfoliate twice a week with a scrub like Zirh’s Face Reviver Scrub, applying with gentle circular motions and avoiding the delicate eye area.

SPOTS

What to do: Both a lack of sleep and stress can trigger outbreaks of spots so knock them out before they become a problem by upgrading to an anti-bacterial face wash at times of stress. Try Anthony Logistics Acne Cleanser, which contains Salicylic Acid  to help prevent knock the dreaded zits on the head before they get chance to come to one!

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

Fans of Lab Series will have noticed that there is a brand new product in the new MAX LS premium skincare range designed to be used at night. The Overnight Renewal Serum is actually one of my favourite products from the new line up and for a number of reasons.

Firstly, I’m a great believer in doing anything to make grooming easier. And whilst I know it means adding another product to your regime what could be simpler than slapping on something that effectively improves your looks while you kip?

For those of you skeptical about the need for a night cream or serum let me point out that numerous studies have shown that the optimum time for the skin to repair itself is between 11pm and 3am and that the skin’s oxygen consumption and blood flow increase during the night as it effectively switches into repair and regenerate mode. No wonder then, that this is a good time to feed it the essential nutrients it needs for these processes. Since water-loss through the skin tends to be higher at night too it’s also a good time to hydrate and moisturise.

The Lab Series Overnight Renewal Serum is designed to trigger the renewal process, accelerate cell turnover and generally improve the look of your skin in time for the morning. Think of it as a nighttime support system for your skin and you get the picture. I like it too for its light, easily absorbed texture – important in a product you apply just before hitting the sack. As a serum it’s potent stuff so don’t overdo it (a small blob massaged in thoroughly with your fingertips is sufficient) but do give it a go. Sure, it’s an investment purchase but it’s one I reckon you certainly don’t need to, er, ‘sleep on’ before making.

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

Wednesday 9th March is No Smoking Day and many of the 66% of smokers who say they’re desperate to quit will be having a go at kicking the habit. As an ex-smoker myself I know how hard it can be but also how rewarding giving up is too, so I wish everyone intending to make that particular Wednesday the last day they smoke the very best of luck.

Smoking, as we know, carries huge health risks (I saw in the inside of a lung ward this summer due to a relative being ill and it was pretty terrifying) but it also has a hugely detrimental affect  on your appearance too. As well the smell and nicotene fingers  - never a good look! –  it can play havoc with your skin.

Not only does drawing on cigarettes create wrinkles around the mouth, studies have shown that smokers have a higher concentration of an enzyme called matrix metalloproteinase 1 in their blood. This enzyme destroys the skin’s collagen and that means – you guessed it –  more wrinkles!

It’s bad for your bonce too. In fact, according to a study by Harvard School of Public Health in America, smoking not only increases levels of the hormones that trigger hair loss, it also constricts the tiny blood vessels that supply the scalp, quite literally starving your hair of nutrients.

So if you want to live longer – and look younger – it might be time to say goodbye to the smokes. For more advice go to www.nosmokingday.org.uk

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

Ah, ‘tis the season to by jolly. But if, like me you have a nasty habit of being a little too jolly once the port is opened I thought I’d offer a few festive-themed remedies as my parting post for 2010…

Skin looking as exhausted as you feel? Then try… Elemis S.O.S Survival Cream. One of my favourite skin saviours, this specially formulated moisturiser is brilliant for revitalizing tired, dull skin and also contains festive Myrrh for its healing properties.

In need of an antioxidant boost? The try… Perricone MD Super Berry Powder with Acai – 30 day supplement.

Cranberries might taste fantastic with your Christmas turkey but they also happen to have anti-inflammatory properties and are good for your skin too. This daily supplement is packed with antioxidant berries (as well as the festive favourite it also has blueberries, raspberries and blackberries) and is the perfect  tonic for boosting skin and giving your body a sense of well-being after all the over-indulgence associated with this time of your.

Fancy a nighttime recovery solution? Then slap on…Ren Frankincense Revitalizing Night Cream. I mean, really, what could be more appropriate at this time of year than this award-winning night cream, infused with Frankincense to improve the appearance of wrinkles and help repair the skin while you kip/pass out.

So there you have my three festive-themed skin savers. Hope they help to keep you looking vaguely normal!

Wishing you all a fantastic Christmas and Holiday season.

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

Every year Men’s Health magazine asks its readers to vote for their favourite grooming products. Thousands of ordinary blokes vote and so I always think of the winners and ‘highly commendeds’ as being a good gauge of what’s hot out there at the moment, grooming-wise. And this year, a raft of products stocked here on Mankind received prestigious gongs or were esteemed runners up so if you’re looking for award-winning grooming how about including some of these in your daily routine?

Winner, Best Anti-Ageing Product: Lab Series MAX-LS Age-Less Face Cream (Highly Commended: Clinique Age Defense Hydrator SPF15)

Winner, Best Bodycare Product: Molton Brown Re-Charge Black Pepper Body Wash (Highly Commended: Biotherm Homme Aqua-Fitness All-in-One Shower Gel)

Highly Commended, Best Classic Fragrance: Acqua Di Parma Colonia Eau De Cologne Spray

Winner, Best Contemporary Fragrance: Armani Code

Highly Commended, Best Eyecare Product: Clinique Skin Supplies for Men Age Defense for Eyes SPF15

Highly Commended, Best Facial Wash/scrub: Clinique Skin Supplies for Men Face Scrub  & Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Winner, Best Grooming Gadget: Gillette Fusion Razor

Winner, Best Haircare Product: American Crew Fiber

Winner, Best Moisturiser: Clinique Skin Supplies For Men M Lotion

Highly Commended, Best Specialist Product: Zirh Deep Cleansing Clay Mask & Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 SPF4

Highly Commended, Best Post-Shave Product: Lab Series for Men Triple Benefit Post-Shave Remedy

Winner: Best Shave Cream/Gel: Clinique M Shave Aloe Gel (Highly Commended: Geo F Trumper Shave Cream – Sandalwood)

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

As reluctant as I am to blow my own trumpet, I like to think I have impeccable taste when it comes to men’s fragrances. So I was thrilled to learn that Mankind are now stocking scents from one of my all time favourite fragrance houses, Czech & Speake.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with it, the company was initially set up by Frank Sawkins in the late seventies to sell his exquisite bathroom accessories. Like the fragrances that eventually followed, these accessories combined quintessential Englishness with fine, traditional design and a gentlemanly exclusiveness you’d expect from a company based in Jermyn Street, one of London’s most exclusive fashion districts.

My absolute favourite is No 88 which took its name from the number of the building in Jermyn Street where Sawkins had his original studio. I first smelt in back in mid Eighties (it launched in ‘81) and instantly fell in love with its barbershop talciness, long-lasting sensual dry down (courtesy of vetiver and sandalwood) and cool black packaging. If you’re looking for a masculine fragrance with absolutely bags of staying power I honestly can’t think of a better one! The fact that I still wear it, some 25 years after discovering it, tells you how highly I regard it – not to mention how old I am!

It’s not the only great fragrance Czech & Speake do though. If you like sparkling, fresh citrus fragrances, Neroli is one of the best you’ll ever come across. Cuba, too, is worth checking out. It’s a rich spicy, tobacco-y  fragrance sometimes described as being ‘animalistic’ and does tend to polarize people but it’s great if you like uber-rich, warm and sensual smellies.  And since it is coming up to Christmas time I cannot go without mentioning Czech & Speake’s Frankincense & Myrrh Cologne. The epitome of biblical luxury it might be but it’s actually a fragrance you can wear all year round if you’re a fan of those rich, evocative insense fragrances. But come on, with a name like that, can you think of a better present? It’s certainly on my Xmas list!

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

In case you hadn’t realised it it’s Movember again which is a brilliant chance to show off your manly ‘tache-growing prowess for charity (or just grow something perfectly ridiculous so everyone in the office can laugh at you and call you Fu Man Chu). Whatever your reason the important thing is that you take part.

The funds raised from Movember’s UK campaign benefit the The Prostate Cancer Charity, the UK’s leading prostate cancer charity.

It’s a particular gripe of mine that cancers that effect men, like prostate cancer, receive scant media attention compared to those affecting women,  like breast cancer, so I do urge all Mankind customers of  ’tache-growing age to take part. And just to help you along here are a few tips from me to ensure your mo is truly magnificient!

• Always shave just outside the line of your moustache so you can tidy it up properly with a the edging blade of your razor or beard trimmer.
• Invest in a shaving mirror  – it’ll be much easier to see what you’re doing!
• When creating complex lines around your ‘tache shave with a good quality shaving oil like Molton Brown’s Re-Charge Black Pepper Shave Oil. Since it’s transparent you’ll be able to shave with pinpoint accuracy.
• If you don’t like the colour (maybe it has flecks of grey or is the colour of copper) try dying it with one of Just For Men’s Beard and Moustache Colour Gel.
• Wash your mo often (hair absorbs odours and collects bits of food remember) and moisturise the skin underneath since hair wicks moisture away from the skin, drying it out.
• Trim and tidy. The best-looking ‘taches end on or just above the lop lip line so make sure yours is neat and tidy with the help of a gadget like Remington’s Creative All in One Grooming Kit.
• Enjoy it! Growing a Mo is supposed to be fun. And you never know, you might even decide to ‘keep the caterpillar’!

For more information about Movember and how you can raise cash by growing a ‘tache go to www.movember.com.

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

It's her epilator ok? The clue is in the colour!

The other day I read a fascinating, but rather alarming, survey that revealed that over three quarters of men admit to stealing tbeir partner’s beauty products, with over a third saying they often pinch their partner’s shampoo and 1 in 10 admitting to using someone else’s razor. Scarily 7% use their partner’s toothbrush. I know! And bear in mind that these are figures for men who admit to it! In another survey, by the College of Optometrists, one in five women have caught the men in their life using their eye make-up! (I’m hoping this means concealer rather than eyeshadow or mascara).

As someone who writes about male grooming for a living I’m not surprised by this but I’m still horrified too, principally because there’s simply no excuse for it! The selection of grooming products available (there are thousands available on Mankind alone and that’s just the tip of the iceberg) means that men are spoilt for choice when it comes to skin and haircare. A word of warning too. Just because it’s white and comes in a pot doesn’t mean it’s a moisturiser. In fact, if you’re not careful you could end up moisturising with your other half’s hair removal cream (it happens trust me).

And even if it is moisturiser, it won’t be formulated to suit men’s skin, which is thicker, oilier and ages differently to women’s. Using the wrong product is like filing your Audi with diesel (i.e. not a very good idea at all, unless the car is your ex-wife’s). So if you’re one of those product thieves mentioned in the survey perhaps now’s the time to mend your ways and get into proper male grooming?

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

One question I get asked all the time is whether electric shavers are better or worse than wet razors. The fact is there’s no definitive answer because they’re not better just….different. The problem is, a lot of men try them one or twice and write them off as not being for them because they don’t get the results they want or claim they simply don’t suit their skin.

In the past, I’ve used both (this is in the days before I cultivated my beardage) and liked both in equal measures. The trick is knowing how to use them properly. So here are a few tips on getting the most out of your shaver:

1. Dry off. Skin and stubble needs to be clean and dry for shavers to work properly so use a pre-shave product like Lab Series For Men Electric Shave Solution or Jack Black Electric Shave Enhancer. This will remove moisture, dirt and oil and help lift hairs so they’re at a better angle for cutting.

2. Use your fingers. Stretch the skin on your face with your free hand as you shave – this will ensure the hairs stand upright, making them easier to cut. Electric shavers require only light pressure so don’t press too hard or you’ll cause irritation.

3. Take the heat out of things. Some shavers generate heat as you shave and that can irritate skin so tackle sensitive areas like the neck first while the shaver is still cool.

4.  Be patient. Like I said, many men write shavers off before really giving them a chance. But if you’ve just switched from wet to dry shaving your face may take time (usually two-four weeks) to adjust to the new shaving technique, especially since electric shavers remove the hairs just below the surface of the skin rather than at surface level.

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

This last week I have found myself in the unfortunate position of having to do hospital visiting. As anyone who’s ever done it will know, visiting a relative can be a pretty tiring experience especially if the hospital isn’t on your doorstep (the one I’ve been visiting is 15 miles away).

By the time I got back in the evening I looked about ten years older and coupled with a lack of proper sleep and a diet that’s all over the shop (too many hospital café sausage rolls!) I’m not exactly looking or feeling my best.

So, in situations like this I call upon my fatigue fighters – a few trusty products designed to give skin a wake up call and perk up the complexion.  Right now my A-Team consists of Ole Henriksen’s Walnut Complexion Scrub which is the perfect way to invigorate tired, grey-looking skin, Molton Brown’s Power-Boost Zinc Anti-Fatigue Hydrator (I love MB moisturisers and this one contains light-reflecting particles to cheat you into looking better than you are) and, finally, for when the dark circles get really bad, my Menaji Camo Camouflage Stick.

Why do I go to these lengths? Well, if you’re visiting someone in hospital I reckon the last thing they want to see is someone looking stressed, tired and worried too. So in the just the same way that the patient has a crack team of people making them feel better I have my crack team making me look better!

Here’s to looking half-decent then!

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

JB's Dry Goods Friction Free powder - good for 'you know what'

The observant amongst you might have noticed that a plethora of new Jack Black products have just appeared on Mankind. Launched in the Texas over a decade ago Jack Black has won countless awards, picked up numerous celebrity fans and has become one of America’s best known cult grooming brands.

Come winter I am never without a tube of Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm. In fact it’s so long lasting I’m never without the same jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm which has been in my coat pocket for about three years ago (but then it is an award-winning product). Still, I’m sure the people at Jack Black aren’t so pleased to hear that a little goes such a long way!

Still, other products don’t get chance to hang around that long. The brand is especially good for anyone who’s vaguely sporty thanks to the excellent Performance Ready Range (exlusive to Mankind!). The Body Rehab Scrub & Muscle Soak is fantastically aromatic and perfect for people like me who like an occasional soak as much as a shower and the Jack Black Dry Goods Friction-Free Powder is absolutely brilliant, not only for gym-rats but anyone who suffers form chafing in hot weather. I think you know what I’m talking about…

Oh and one final product I’m especially fond of – the Industrial Strength Hand Healer which is great for tackling calluses and dry patches. I’d like to say I use it because the equipment down the gym plays havoc with my hands but these days it’s digging the rose garden and turning the compost heap that buggers my hands up!

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

Of all the grooming ‘issues’ I get asked about the subject of baldness is probably surrounded by the most myths. I’ve lost count of the times someone has asked me whether standing upside down can stimulate hair growth (it doesn’t) or whether bald men are more virile (sadly not, and I say that as someone who’s not quite as thick on top as he once was).

And just to clarify the situation here are a few more myths dispelled (or not in some cases)…

Stress can cause hair loss.

True. Your barnet is a barometer for your health so stressful events like divorce, redundancy or the sight of yet another Katie Price documentary can often cause the body to shed hair.

Shaving hair makes it grow back thicker.

False. Hair might appear thicker when it starts to grow because its ends will be blunt, but shaving can’t increase the number of hair-producing follicles on your scalp.

Over-use of styling products can cause baldness.

False. Has a fondness for hairspray and hair gel left big hair s icons like Simon Le Bon, Rod Stewart or the Cure’s Robert Smith bald?

There’s little you can do to make fine or thinning hair look thicker

On the contrary. Getting the right hair cut, using the right styling products and choosing right shampoo can all help fine or thinning hair appear thicker. Blow-drying will instantly give it more lift and volume, styling hair with lighter, dryer products like gels, sprays, mousses prevents it from lying flat and getting a short, textured haircut can make it look thicker too.

Ponytails look great on balding men.

Come on, do you really need me to answer this?

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

Protecting your skin from sun damage might be crucial in the summer but no more crucial than protecting your eyes. A good-quality pair of sunglasses won’t just protect your rep, they’ll help protect your retinas too. Personally, I like a Ray Ban aviator as you see but the important thing is to go for a pair that offer proper protection. For starters, avoid those market-stall jobbies that are often inferior and don’t meet proper standards. They might look good and be cheap as chips but what price eye health?

It’s crucial to protect your eyes with a good quality pair of sunglasses since sunlight can damage the retina and the lens of the eye, causing long-term damage to our eyesight. Look for good quality dark glasses and check they carry the “CE” Mark and British Standard BS EN 1836:1997, which ensures that the sunglasses offer a safe level of UV protection.

Then make sure you wear them! With increasing awareness of the risk of skin cancer, most of us wouldn’t dream of going outside on a sunny day without proper sunscreen protection.  Yet we often forget to protect our eyes. In fact, according to one survey by The College of Optometrists around one in seven of us never wear sunglasses at all. But if you’re blue or green eyed they’re especially essential as people with light coloured eyes are most at risk from sun damage.

What’s more, sunglasses are one of the simplest ways to prevent wrinkles caused by squinting (especially if you opt for wraparounds) so make sure you invest in a good pair, up to the correct safety standards and keep some at work or in the car glove compartment so they’re always at hand.

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

According to the met office we’re in for a ‘BBQ summer’. So just in case, by any remote chance, they’re actually right, here are few simple strategies for  staying cool, calm and collected.

1. Steer clear of synthetics. Man-made fibres don’t allow the skin to breathe so wear loose fitting cotton clothes instead. Or opt for fabrics which ‘wick’ moisture away from the skin to keep it cool. Equmen’s T-shirts and vests do this, ensuring skin stays cool and comfortable.

2. Wear white. Black clothing absorbs every wavelength of visible light making it  (and hence you) warm. White clothing, on the other hand, reflects light keeping you cooler for longer.

3. Get trimming! The bacteria that cause body odour thrive on body hair and by trimming with a product like The Philips Body Groom System it back you’ll feel cooler, smell fresher and look better too!

4. Invest in a summer fragrance. Lighter and fresher than regular fragrances, summer scents are specially formulated to work in warm weather. Those that contain citrus notes are especially good because they literally ‘zing’ off the skin making it feel cool. Miller Harris’s zesty Citron Citron is a great example.

5. Stay hydrated. The human body is 75% water and dehydration doesn’t just affect your muscles and joints, it affects the brain too which is why we often end up irritable and headachey in hot weather. To avoid these problems, stay hydrated by drinking the recommended 6-8 glasses of water a day.

6. Cut back on caffeine. Caffeine increases sweat production so swap tea, coffee and cola for cooling water or fruit juice instead.

7. Factor up. Not only does sunburn increase your risk of developing skin cancer  it also reduces the skin’s ability to release excess heat making you hotter too so always apply a sunscreen if you’re heading out into the sun.

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

I don’t know if you spotted it in the news last week but a new study has found that those who fail to keep their teeth clean are at greater risk of suffering from heart problems.  Researchers from University College in London analyzed data from more than 11,000 people and found that those who never or rarely brush their teeth are 70% more likely to suffer heart disease than those who brush twice a day.

The reason? Seemingly, inflammation in the body, including that around the teeth (caused by gum disease), has an important role in the build up of clogged arteries, which can lead to a heart attack.

The solution, of course, is simple. Make sure you polish those pearlies – and for the minimum 2 minutes, twice a day recommended by dentists.

It’s a good idea, too, to use an electric toothbrush like this one since they tend to deliver better brushing and have built in controls to ensure you do it for exactly the right amount of time. Another good tip is to switch to a non-foaming toothpaste like RetarDEX Toothpaste. I’ve discovered that if you a non-foaming paste you naturally brush for longer because you don’t end up feeling like a dog with rabies after thirty seconds. Now, where did I leave that toothbrush….?

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

It never ceases to amaze me how far male grooming has come in the last ten tears. Who’d have thought, for example, that concealers for men, fake tans and a neatly waxed trunklines would become commonplace? But despite all the advances in the art of ‘manscaping’ one taboo has remained. No, not ball shaving (that’s already a common phenomenon) but hair dying. Yes, the seemingly simple act of dying your hair has always been considered either naff (Paul Calf), vain (Philip Schofiled) or…. just plain sad (Macca).

But times are changing. I’ve just finished a piece for Beauty Magazine (a trade publication for the Beauty industry) about the rise of the male hair dye and it suddenly struck me how many are now available to men. Mankind itself stocks the Just For Men range (which happens to be the UK’s top selling hair colourant for men) alongside the brand’s beard dye range (enabling men top do their own ‘collar and cuffs’ thing). With products like these getting rid of the grey is a cinch.

But it’s not just older men trying to disguise the ageing process who are snapping up these products. According to a recent Trevor Sorbie survey more young men are reaching for hair dyes to cover up the first signs of grey than ever before.

The reason? Seems we’re all terrified by (if you’ll excuse the pun) not getting ahead in these increasingly competitive times. There’s no better evidence of this than the fact that a third of 20-34 year olds said they’d consider dying their grey hair specifically for a job interview so as to appear young and vibrant.

So dyes it seems, are the latest make grooming must-have. My advice is start using one as soon as you see enough grey hairs to warrant disguising them – that way your surreptitious attempts to hide the ageing process will go largely unnoticed. Oh, and always wear the plastic gloves provided. Trust me, a pair of black palms is not a good look as I know from biter experience.

Lee, Mankind Grooming Editor

PS. Is it just me or does the man on that Just For Men box above look a bit like Nick Clegg?

They might seem like a bit of an anachronism but according to a new survey by Jockey, pyjamas are back – and big style. Seemingly, we Brits are turning into a nation of early-to-bedders, with the average weekly bedtime coming being 10.30 – a whole hour earlier than it was two years ago!

What’s more pyjama sales have gone up by a whopping 96% in the last year. Seemingly, this is partly due to the fact that we’re staying in more and snuggling up against the cold (it could also have something to do with the state of British TV of course).

Interestingly the survey also revealed that over half of us like to slip into our PJs the moment we get in from work, especially since popping a pair on seems to relax us. So, if you want to get in on the trend (71% of us have recently bought a set despite not owning any in the previous five years) then have a look at these fine numbers!

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

In case you missed it, the The Labour Party (with half the money to spend on the forthcoming election than The Conservatives) launched a novel ad campaign the other day – one where ‘the people’ get the chance to create a poster. And as an example they used a poster with a bit of a male grooming twist (see left). I must admit, that even I laughed when I saw it but it highlights an interesting point – make-up for men still has a bit of a bad image.

Of course, the poster is a teensy bit disingenuous, given that Gordon Brown’s own make-up tip sheet (which included advice on how to apply the PM’s bronzer and how to conceal facial blemishes) accidentally came to light last year. The fact is that all politicians, male and female, are partial to a touch of slap now and then. It is after all, a profession, where appearances seem to matter more than policies these days.

But you don’t have to be a public servant (and I use the term loosely given the recent expenses scandal) to benefit from a little make-up – we call can. But – and it’s an important but – we need to use it sparingly. Products aimed specifically at men like Clinique’s M Cover Concealer and Menaji’s Anti-Shine Powder are fantastic products to have at your disposal when your skin needs more than a face scrub to get it back into shape.

But it’s all in the usage. My mantra when it comes to make-up for men is ‘little and carefully’. Ideally, only you should know it’s there so practice your technique and follow my Masterclass for a few tips and, if in doubt,  err on the side of caution. After all, being a poster boy isn’t always a good thing is it?

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

Back in January I mentioned in one of my Mankind blogs that Biotherm Homme would be releasing a really exciting product this year – the Force Supreme Re-Builder. And here’s a sneak preview of it in all its rollerball glory! Yes, capitalising on the current trend in male grooming for rollerball delivery systems (a trend the company started off with their High Recharge Serum).

The Re-Builder itself contains a trio of skin enhancing ingredients – caffeine (to traget puffiness and double chins), soy protein (to tighten skin and reduce wrinkles) and Kreatilane (to revitalise cell activity and reinforce skin’s firmness) delivered via three massaging rollerballs.

The idea is that using the massager for 30 seconds helps the absorbption of the product but also boosts circulation and stimulates the elimination of toxins. But it does something even more important than those things in my book – it actually makes skincare fun! Mankind customers will be some of the first to try it so when it launches so watch this space!

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

Do you have a Facebook profile? Or are you on Twitter, Bebo or LinkedIn? If you are, chances are you also have a profile pic up there too. But be honest – how old is that pic?

According to a new survey by Lab Series For Men,  the average male profile pic is actually over 18 months old! I must admit that even mine was a wee bit out of date until I read the survey and felt so ashamed I had to change it.

So why are we so reluctant to post up-to-date snaps? Well, the survey reveals that too – apparently almost half (45%) of us are also concerned about our looks fading (think wrinkles, grey hair, man boobs)!

Now, I appreciate this concern (now I’m in my forties I have it myself) but there are plenty of things you can do to look better on your profile pic, other than employing a little Photoshop here and there.

For starters, it pays to pay attention to the little details that can let you down (nasal/ear hair, errant eyebrows etc); even out skin tone with a product like Nickel’s Perfector; hide spots and blemishes with a little concealer and give skin a lift with a anti-fatigue product like Biotherm Homme’s High Recharge. Even simple steps like using a face scrub or mask can help show you in the best light. And if you’re worried about the odd grey hair you can sort that out in an instant with a little Just For Men. There’s even a dye for those tell-tale grey bits in your beard if you have facial hair (I tried this a while ago and it works a treat).

So my message is simple – if you’re worried about how old you look in that profile pic don’t just haul something out from 1992 and cheat –  have a go at improving your mush as it is in 2010!

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed (43 and looking good on it, even if black & white photography does help!)

Last week I had the pleasure of attending a special press dinner for the launch of Lab Series’ brand new anti-aging solution, Max LS Age-Less Face Cream.

I’ve seen many new Lab Series launches over the years but never have I seen the company be so thoroughly proud about a new product as they are about this premium wrinkle-buster.

Using some fantastically high-tech ingredients (some of which are inspired by research into ‘longevity genes’ it’s perfect for anyone like me who has noticed the odd fine line and wrinkle (not to mention anyone who wants to avoid them!).

I was lucky enough to have the company’s  Spokesperson and International Education Director, Richard Sawyer, show the product to me and having tried it on my skin I must say I haven’t been so impressed by a product in ages.

As well as delivering a burst of instant hydration (perfect for this time of year) it gently firms skin so that, with time, those wrinkles should  be less obvious. What impressed me most, though, is its texture. Bizarrely, it actually feels quite solid in the jar but is a dream when it goes onto the skin and leaves your mush feeling fantastically supple and (best of all) has a great  matte finish. In fact, it’s one of the least greasy face creams I’ve ever come across. So full marks from the Grooming Ed!

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

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

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

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

As we approach the end of another year I’m staring to reflect on my favourite grooming products of the year were (it’s something we Grooming Editors do in the absence of anything important to worry about!). And it’s been quite a year for exciting new stuff. But a few products in particular have really floated my boat. So, without further ado, here are my top three Mankind faves for 2009. If you agree, disagree or think I’m mad, feel free to leave a comment!

RazorPit
With everyone’s belts tightening in 2009 this product came along just at the right time. And the glowing customer reviews are a testament to its efficacy. I must admit, I was skeptical about its claims to extend the life of razor blades but even I – the Scullly of the grooming world – was quickly won over. What’s more, it’s deceptively simple to use – you just rub your razor on the silicone plate to keep it sharp and gunk-free. Bad news for razor blade manufacturers but good news for you and good news for the environment too! Genius!

Nickel Le Grand Bluff Skin Perfector
To say this flew off the shelves when it launched a few months back would be an underestimation. It’d be more appropriate to say it warp factored itself out of the warehouse. And no wonder. It’s a superb, multi-function product that does that rarest of things – makes you look noticeably better, instantly. Not only does it conceal redness, dilated pores and even out skin tone, it helps mattify skin too. Probably my favourite Nickel product ever.

Lab Series for Men Mild Foaming Face Wash
Aimed at those delicate flowers with sensitive skin (me included) this fantastic face wash is a boon to any man’s basic grooming regime, helping rid skin of impurities without leaving is so tight Phil Collins could play on it. And I’m not the only one who thinks it’s fantastic – it recently collected a GQ Grooming Award for Best Cleanser too!

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

Now, this week brought joy to my heart in the shape of a new addition to the Mankind family – my all-time favourite fragrance Geoffrey Beene’s Grey Flannel.

I’ve been lobbing for us to stock it for nearly a year now and finally my cajoling and arm-twisting has paid off.

For those of you unfamiliar with the designer, Geoffrey Beene was a true American original, whose clients included President’s wives to A-list celebrities and Grey Flannel, lunched back in 1976, was his first and most successful male fragrance.

I first came across it as a callow youth back in 1985 and it rapidly became my own signature scent, so much so that I’m still wearing it more than 20 years later! (yes, I am that old thanks). And whilst I do wear other fragrances and am a fan of even more, I always come back to Grey Flannel.

In Britain it’s always been fairly hard to find (I used to stock up on trips to the States) and this made it even more appealing. It’s unusual too. Don’t expect another mainstream, safe men’s fragrance – Grey Flannel is distinctive, with sweet floral notes of violet combined with citrussy orange and neroil, along with oakmoss and a warm, masculine sandalwood base note. Thanks to the violet it often reminds people of that distinctive parma violet smell but it’s more masculine than that.

I can’t guarantee it’ll float everybody’s boat but for me, Grey Flannel is a timeless, inventive and quirky fragrance that has never dated and whose very existence is proof that, along with fragrances like Aramis Classic and Dior’s Eau Sauvage, you can’t keep a good scent down! You can tell I like it right?!

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

Spent last night at the annual Beauty Magazine Awards held, this year, at The London Aquarium. As one of the shortlisting judges (I help narrow down the field a little and then the readers of the magazine vote) I’ve been attending for several years now and it’s always a fun night that often throws up some interesting winners (yes, beauty industry awards are no different from The Oscars and have their own fair share of intrigue, upsets and tantrums).

I must say, though, that this year I fully agreed with the eventual winners in the male grooming categories. Both Gillette and Lynx won prizes in the Mass Market categories and walking away with the Premium Grooming Launch of the year award was Lab Series for its excellent new bodycare range (already hugely popular on Mankind) while Clinique’s M Shave Aloe Gel – another Mankind favourite – collected a much-deserved Classic Product Award to add to its  bulging trophy cabinet. So huge congrats to all the brands who won. God only knows what the stingrays, sharks and jellyfish that surrounded us made of proceedings though!

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

Let’s face it, we all like to be complemented on how well we’ve aged. So 45-year-old actor Clive Owen must be thrilled with the results of a new poll conducted by Trevor Sorbie which names him as the British male celebrity thought to have aged the best (though it’s bizarre that a decidedly craggy Hugh Laurie should come second).

What’s even more bizarre is that poor Simon Le Bon came bottom (I think he’s weathered quite well, given all the make-up and hairspray his skin and hair had to contend with back in the Eighties).

Anyway, the survey also revealed something else interesting – more men than ever are buying anti-ageing products and (even more interestingly) they’re  investing in them earlier. In fact, it showed that men aged 24-34 are buying one anti-ageing product a month!

Now, I take my hat of to these men because, although you can still make a difference with the right products once the wrinkles appear, the best course of action is to prevent them from forming in the first place when you’re young (get that SPF moisturiser ordered now!).

Trust me, what they say about you ending up with the face you deserve at 40 is true. I’ve looked after my skin since I was about 17 and when I had it examined by professionals last year it turned out I had the ‘skin age’ of a 35 year old – knocking 7 years of my true age. Don’t get me wrong, I have plenty of, er, ‘expression lines’ shall we say, but fear that without my diligence over the last 20 years I’d probably  be like Keith Richards (only better at climbing trees, obviously).

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

As some of you may have gathered from the post below I spent last week pounding the streets of  New York. Mistakenly conceived as a holiday it felt more like a daily half-marathon and, now that I’m past 40, all that walking certainly took its toll on my poor plates (I wish I’d have taken my FitFlops because at least then I’d have been loosing weight and toning up in the process!).

Anyway, my saviour on this trip came in the shape of a few hot baths, Flint Edge’s Foot Refresher and their Sports Rub. You can find the products in Flint’s On The Go Sport’s Pack. I must confess, I’ve had them in my travel bag for yonks but never had the need to use them until the day/eternity I spent traipsing around the Lower East Side (above) and giant snail shell that is the The Guggenheim Museum. I’ve just noticed the pack is on special offer right now too so grab one while you can and put it away for your travels. Trust me, it’s the perfect city break essential.

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed

Just back from a punishing five days in The Big Apple and thought you’d appreciate one of my fave holiday snaps. It made me (and just about everyone who past it on the sidewalk) laugh anyway!

Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed