Posted on 29/03/10, filed under Mankind Grooming Editor
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
Posted on 20/03/10, filed under Mankind Grooming Editor
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
Posted on 10/03/10, filed under Mankind Grooming Editor
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!)
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.
