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
Posted on 17/12/09, filed under Mankind Grooming Editor
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
Posted on 20/11/09, filed under Mankind Grooming Editor
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
