7 Steps to the perfect shave

A metrosexual man is defined by a clean image. For young men, I suggest a shave once a day. For men older than 30 or so (this age may vary by race - the test is to feel yourself to see how much hair growth you have after 8 hours of a shave), I suggest twice a day. Shaving not only makes a man look well groomed, but younger, too. When you shave, you’re exfoliating the skin by getting rid of dead cells.

Many men commit common shaving mistakes that contribute to the unhealthy appearance of their skin, like poor preparation, using a dull blade, or shaving with only a thin layer of inexpensive foam. These mistakes can leave you with irritated skin and razor bumps. To avoid these perils, you need to invest in high-quality blades and contemporary shaving gel. Neither will break your bank account and you’ll see a noticeable improvement in the comfort of your shave.

Here are 7 steps to the perfect shave:

Step 1: The wetshave
Fill your bathroom sink about half full with hot tap water. Then, thoroughly soak a thick wash cloth in the water. Wring the cloth out just so it’s not dripping wet. Lean your face over the sink and place the hot cloth on the bearded part of your face. Depending on the coarseness of your whiskers, you may need to resoak the cloth and apply it again. As with the hot towel, steam is the key—it opens pores, which in turn causes whiskers to rise so they’re easier to lop off.

Never use hot water; it dehydrates skin.

Step 2: Cleanse your face
Wash your face with a bar of soap or liquid cleanser. If you shave without washing first, you’ll end up trapping dirt and grime in your pores which will lead to bumps and blemishes.

Step 3: Apply shaving Cream
If you prefer to use a razor over an electric shaver, apply a light layer of shaving cream on your whiskers. Too much cream will only clog your razor! If you’re not in too much of a hurry, let the cream soften your beard for a minute or two. The shaving cream you use should be made especially for your face. That is, if your skin is sensitive, then your cream should be designed to care for sensitive skin, and so on.

Step 4: Razor check
Always check your razor before a shave, Is it clean and sharp? Nicks and cuts are often caused by dull, dirty razor blades. Your choice of razor head should accommodate your face structure. A pivoting head on a razor allows you to shave a contoured face easier than a stationary head. Using a double blade will give a smoother, closer shave because the second blade cuts what the first one misses.

Step 5: Shave
Use one hand to hold your razor while you smooth your skin out ahead of the razor with your other hand. The razor should always be drawn in the same direction that stubble grows. Regularly shaving in this direction lifts whiskers from their pores and prevents ingrown hairs. Begin shaving at the sideburn and work your way down. Save the neck for last—this gives the oil and shaving cream extra time to relax the thicker stubble. Always use long, even strokes, and rinse the blades frequently.

Step 6: Rinse
Once you’re done shaving, rinse off the rest of the shaving cream by splashing cool tap water on the bearded area of your face, the cold water helps close pores and soothes skin. Follow that by patting (don’t wipe) your face dry with a soft, absorbent towel.

Step 7: Apply aftershave
Shaving can be harsh on your skin. The skin on your face is very sensitive, and constant shaving will leave it dry, irritated, and prone to ingrown hairs. An after-shave will soothe the skin and give it a healthy condition.

These 7 steps may add an extra two or three minutes to your preparation time. But your skin will thank you.

40 Yr old hairy bear man …

The hype surrounding hair removal is hard to avoid, especially if you are a “Hairy Bear Man”. Most fashion and fitness magazines display men with hardly a misplaced hair in sight. Think about it. Will you want be seen walking around the beach looking like a hairy bear man? This might sound rather extreme, but admit it, that body hair is useless.

According to a recent survey done, if men could change one thing about their bodies, 54.9% would rather change their hair follicles than their muscles.

So what’s stopping you now from not being a hairy bear man? As for me, I personally prefer a smooth chest, stomach, shaved armpits, and a trimmed genital region. Admit it hair removal is not only hygienic, but aesthetically beneficial. Strangers do take note of how well a man takes care of himself, appearances are everything when it comes to making that first impression, and you shouldn’t let those body hair do all the talking.

Grooming body hair can mean a light trim, lined or cleaned pattern, or even complete removal. Each person’s hair growth and skin sensitivity is different, so it may take some trial and error to determine the best method. Here’s the lowdown on the one popular option for hair removal.

Hairy Bear Man, ” AWWWW … this feels so good”

Waxing
If your threshold for pain is higher than normal, waxing is definitely one of the most efficient hair removal method. Waxing is an effective method of removing large amounts of hair at one time. A sticky wax is spread on the area of skin where the unwanted hair is growing. A cloth strip is then applied over the wax and quickly pulled off in the opposite direction of the hair growth, taking the hairs out of the follicles and dead skin cells with it. Waxing leaves the area smooth and is long lasting (3 to 6 weeks) and with repeated use, hair gradually becomes thinner because the roots are weakened, which is a good way to lessen the hair that grows on your legs or chest without permanently abolishing it.

Hairy Bear Man after a waxing session

Personal waxing strips sound like a nice idea. By bringing the wax experience home, men can both avoid the spa costs and the risk of striking a Mariah Carey falsetto in front of complete strangers. But there’s one problem. Most people’s brains are hard-wired against the self-infliction of pain, especially pain emanating from the breadbasket. Most people mention that the biggest drawback to waxing is the pain when the hair is ripped out by the root,the pain hits you in extremely hot pangs! If you want a similar sensation without going through the process, I would suggest taking a lighter to your junk. But if you choose to wax at home, here are some tips you should be aware of:

TIPs on Do It Yourself Waxing

• Hot wax is extremely flammable. Keep it away from an open flame. Never heat it on a gas stove.

• Always test a small patch of skin for sensitivity or an allergic reaction before you treat the entire area.

• When applying hot wax, make sure the strips do not connect.

• Apply the wax in an even thickness with slightly fuller edges.

• Apply the hot wax strips against the direction of hair growth. Before the wax sets, redirect the hair in its normal hair growth direction.

• Remove the wax strips against the direction of hair growth. First, use the tips of your fingers to flick up a small section of wax at the base of the strip. Firmly grip the raised section of wax. Then pull the strip away in a very brisk, upward motion.

• Apply an ice compress at the end of the treatment to reduce the risk of sebaceous activity.

• If you intend to recycle the wax, heat the entire pot to 120°C (248°F) and leave it at that temperature for 40 minutes to sterilize the wax before straining.

• Always throw away wax that you apply to the underarm or crotch areas.

• Always use fresh, clean wax to define eyebrows or wax away unwanted facial hair.

• Never remove eyelashes, eyebrows, nose or ear hair, genital hair, or hair on irritated, chapped, sunburned, or cut skin.

• Never wax if you have diabetes or circulatory problems, or if you are particularly susceptible to infection.

• Never wax over varicose veins, moles, or warts.

• For waxing to work, hair should be at least 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters) long, so skip shaving for a few weeks before waxing.

I have been jokingly examining my life and debating if I am a Metrosexual. Now for those of you who do not exactly know what that is let me break it down for you with my personal definition.

A Metrosexual is a straight guy who enjoys an urban environment, who knows how to wear a suit, would rather go to a club, bar or coffee shop than hockey game, sports bar and monster truck rally. They tend to take care of themselves and put some effort into looking good. I would like to think it is more about habits and priorities rather than genetics and financial statements. A metrosexual male can be intellectual, caring and have a matching outfit all while being totally secure with his choice in dates. In fact I would be as bold to say that most single females with a good head on their shoulders would prefer to go home with a guy who knew how to take care of himself rather than someone who thinks Wal-Mart and high school sports teams are the zenith of male fashion. A unfortutae misunderanding is that metrosexual guys are wusses and that the ladies do not like them that could not be further from the truth. If I may quote ZZ Top, Girls go crazy about a sharp dressed man.

My personal metrosexual icon would be Steve Craig as Peter Gunn. The guy knows how to look good in a suit, hang out in jazz clubs and the chicks all want him. Besides I can’t really look up to some UK Soccer asshole who married a Spice Girl.

What really gets me is if you look at what characteristics that would be considered “Gay” are not all that bad individually in context. Cute, well dressed, works out, good hair, clean, in touch with emotions, enjoys intellectual conversation and know how to match a belt with shoes. I mean if you look at the stereotype of what a gay guy is expected to be like then if you look at the exact opposite than what type of a definition for heterosexual masculinity is that? Heterosexual masculinity does not need to be defined as a slovenly, messy brute that hates to read anything buy Maxim and porn and only wears stinky beer stained Hooter t-shirts. I mean is being a straight male constricted to being exclusively the absolute opposite of the characteristics that we hold gay males to. I my mind the only real thing that makes a guy gay is wanting to make out with other guys. Right?

Let’s check a dictionary to see what it has to say about the word.

metrosexual \me-(.)tro - seksh-(e-)wel\ n: 1: twenty-first- century male trendsetter 2: straight, urban man with heightened aesthetic sense. 3: man who spends time and money on appearance and shopping 4: man willing to embrace his feminine side

So I am not a hundred percent sure if I qualify as a metrosexual so lets see how I stack up against the criteria.

Why I am a metrosexual:
For: I like to wear cool coats and jackets that would look good with a tie.
Against: I actually get my cool coats and jackets from Goodwill rather than some high priced european downtown store.

For: I like to ride my bike up big freaking hills and get some good carteovascular excersize.
Against: I don’t lift weights at any gym and I could afford to do some sit-ups and watch what I eat.

For: I have a good tech job that pays me a comfortable salary.
Against: I don’t make enough to justify dropping an obsceen amount of cash on itallian leather and the latest european fashions

For: I enjoy going to Seattle and enjoying the ambiance of the metropolitan atmosphere
Against: I live in a suburb across the sound and if I were really cool I would live in New York, San Fransico or Tokyo. I mean it is only Seattle.

For: I use a good conditioner and shampoo and know how to take care of my hair. I am growing it out a bit to look more “Brit-pop”
Against: I have never spent more than twenty bucks on a hair cut and my bathroom is not stocked from top to bottom with hair product.

For: I know how to talk about emotions and relationsships and stuff with chicks.
Against: I still call them chicks and I never spend more than $40 on a date.

For: I know a lot about techno, dance and rave music
Against: I do not know anything about showtunes and Broadway

For: I use an alpha beta hydroxy facial cleanser to take care of my skin.
Against: My girlfriend has pointed out that I do not have any facial moisturizer.

For: I use a sculpting wax as a hair product on my hair when I go out on the town.
Against: I had a bottle of unused hair gel from the 80s in my bathroom until 2003. I didn’t use it but I had it.

For: I know how to cook without using the microwave from scratch.
Against: I really don’t like to spend money on wines. I prefer beer and Bloody Marys.

For: I don’t watch MTV.
Against: I have a blog. How dorky is that?

For: I can speak Japanese and can order sushi without speaking a word of English.
Against: I love to watch Gozilla and Samurai vs Ninja flicks.

For: I enjoy expanding my cinematic horizons with a selection of world cinema.
Against: I sill use the word flicks.

For: I love to watch the TV show Queer eye for the Straight Guy.
Against: If the Fab Five ever came by my place they would freak out and would decontaminate it when wearing heavy rubber gloves.

For: I actually own a copy of the book The Metrosexual Guide to Style: A Handbook for the Modern Man and loved reading it.
Against: Who the hell buys that type of trite exploitive marketing anyways?

Well I am not really sure if I am a metrosexual guy but really I do not really care if I am or not. I am happy the way I am and in the words of Mr Rogers. I like you just the way you are I could just clean my apartment a bit more often. I wonder if I have said metrosexual enough to get the search engines to notice? Metrosexual metrosexual metrosexual metrosexual, There that should do it.

If you haven’t heard the term yet, one of the hottest buzzwords in the media today is “metrosexual.”

Arnold Schwarznegger is a metrosexual-as is Brad Pitt, WWE wrestler The Rock, and soccer superstar David Beckham. And some social observers believe it’s just a matter of time until “metrosexual” becomes part of the English vocabulary — and perhaps one day a description of the average urban male’s lifestyle.

But what exactly is a metrosexual?

Well, the most widely accepted definition is the following: an urban male with a strong aesthetic sense, who spends a great deal of time and money on his appearance and lifestyle.

Proponents might describe them as “heterosexual males, who are secure in their masculinity-and take personal responsibility for their appearance.” While critics might call them “self-obsessed men who will go to any lengths in the name of vanity.”

While this is a debate that will undoubtedly continue for many years to come, it brings to light an issue that clearly needs to be addressed in this age of changing views on masculinity.

For example, while no one blinks an eye when a woman watches her weight, buys designer clothes, or takes care of her skin-it can be perceived as a negative thing for a man; as if somehow less masculine.

Meanwhile, stylish, bronzed, Adonis-like men adorn the covers of our national magazines, and men like Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Johnny Depp continually top lists of the world’s sexiest men.

If a man were to try and accommodate both sides of the fence, that is, emulate the idealized men in the media, while avoiding any time spent on his appearance (to prove his masculinity), he’d soon realize it was a no-win situation.

So, how does the average male discern what’s acceptable amidst the mixed signals of our culture?

The answer lies within each man’s comfort zone-and how willing he is to stretch beyond it.

The harsh reality is that looking healthy and attractive in this day and age is something that impacts the lives of each and every one of us. While this may not seem fair to some, the truth is that looking good affects how others perceive us, how we perceive ourselves, and can have a strong influence on every facet of our lives.

Of course, there is a big difference between having pride in our appearance and becoming obsessed with it. But just because a man wears fashionable clothes and uses skin care products doesn’t mean he’s obsessed. If that were the litmus test, then nearly every woman on the planet could be called obsessive.

What men must come to terms with is that it is impossible to maintain a healthy, attractive appearance without spending some time managing and maintaining it. Fortunately, times are changing and many men are embracing personal pride in their appearance-breaking free of the outdated traditions that claim men aren’t supposed to care how they look.

The beauty industry is well aware of this-thus every year we see the continued growth of grooming products for specific male needs. No longer do men have to settle for the antiquated, generic soaps, shaving creams, shampoos, and other grooming products of their father’s. For example, men now have a multitude of shaving cream choices, with many products containing skin conditioners, emollients, lubricants-even vitamins.

For instance, “Serious Shave Cream” by Glytone is a terrific shaving cream that softens and conditions the skin while delivering a close shave. And “Professional Shave” by Dermalogica is another excellent cream that helps reduce irritation. The cost difference between quality products like these and many low-grade drug store brands is negligible when you consider the long-term benefits.

While some men may still wash their hair and skin with a cheap bar of soap, they might regret that “manly” decision in later years when their more enlightened peers look ten or more years their junior. Using quality skin care products, like cleansers, exfoliators, and moisturizers isn’t something solely for women or gay men anymore, as the hugely successful “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” TV series has proven. There are masses of straight males that would like to look and feel their best, and yet don’t have the first idea where to start.

Well, a good place to begin is with a healthy skin care regimen. If you’re new to the idea of skin care or if you’re buying a gift for a man who wants a simple regimen, you might try the “Body Care Basics Kit” by MD Formulations, or the “Enhanced Vitalize Skin Care System” by Skin Medica.

Instead of relying on generic shampoos filled with harsh detergents and chemical foaming agents, why not try “Herbal Treatment Shampoo” by Burt’s Bees or if you have problem hair or scalp conditions, try “Phacid Shampoo” by Baker Cummins. Both fall within the price range of standard drug store shampoos but might actually help you maintain the health of your hair.

While the average male may never fully embrace the term “metrosexual,” more and more of them are embracing the ideal. Men are finally discovering what women have known for centuries; that taking care of yourself is not only essential to maintain an attractive appearance, but that a bit of pampering can be quite enjoyable too.

Following the examples set by today’s sport and rock stars a new breed of male is beginning to emerge. He eats organic food, knows his way around a health farm and spends maybe even longer than his female counterparts in the bathroom and in front of the mirror. The modern, or metro-sexual, man is meticulous about his looks and is becoming increasingly comfortable admitting to it.

With sales of the simple bar of soap down 62% and sales of male grooming products averaging over €600 million annually, men now have style icons. Robbie Williams is no stranger to eyeliner and the Atkins Diet, Ben Affleck is the new face of L’Oreal and well, David Beckham has tried them all hasn’t he? From plucking his eyebrows to wearing nail varnish and experimenting with every kind of male beauty product in between hair appointments, Becks is the male fashion icon of the naughties and men around the world want to be like him. He’s successful and masculine. He can get away with ponytails, diamond stud earrings and even sarongs in the summer.

Male make-up and skin care products have to be simple to use, look manly and be effective without looking like too much effort in has been put in. Last year’s big hit was the Clarins Men’s range, with fans like Jonathan Ross and Jack Dee stocking up on products such as the Fatigue Fighter (€35), a light gel that makes the face and complexion look more fresh after a few too many pints and late nights. There’s also Eye Reviver Cream available from Boots for €16, which refreshes and revitalises tired and puffy eyes. Men want products to be both luxurious (without admitting to it) and effective. Sales of moisturisers made especially for the male market have increased by over 200% in the last six months. And stocks with added bronzing agents are starting to shift as well. The self-tan formula is idiot proof. The products are subtle enough to use every day without suddenly looking like you’ve spent two weeks on a Mediterranean beach and there’s no chance of streaking so jargon like ‘precision application’ doesn’t even come into the equation.

Moving further down the body, the first male toning and firming gels have arrived. Nickel Love Handles Toning Gel, available at www.mankindonline.com for stg£21.95, is used to break down body fat and flush out toxins. If you don’t believe in the gels and creams formula, you could always try the more old fashioned and tougher methods. The Harley Medical Group (ph 1850 24 24 42), which offers non-surgical and cosmetic treatments reported that last year 30% of its clientele were male, many of who wanted botox and liposuction. Reflexology and message treatments are also becoming more and more popular amongst the lads. Healing Hands (137 Georges St. Lr., Dun Laoghaire, ph 01 2365905) admits that the amount of men hopping up on the table for various treatments has definitely increased over the past year with 1 in 3 now being male.

Hair Care is another must for the metro-sexual with the modern hairdressing salon overtaking the traditional barbershop in popularity. Men want advice on new styles and shapes; colours and textures; new products on the market and what can help them maintain that just cut ‘n’ styled look. The simple wet-look gel is losing out to Bed Head Manipulators (Toni&Guy €15) and Funk Up Gunks (Toni&Guy €18). Proving more popular then ever, special conditioners and shampoos aimed at shorter hair cuts are constantly out of stock, however this may not be the case over the next few months with more and more young men opting for longer styles and cuts. The average price for a gent’s cut and styling is around €35 to €40 and with Pop Idol’s Dec admitting to over 8 million people that he straightens his hair, it would seem that indeed today man believes in GHD.

While Sunday football down the local and cans and curries on a Friday night are still at the top of the priority list so now is that hair appointment before late night Thursday shopping and an hour or so with lots of new products in front of the mirror before leaving the house. The metro-sexual man is stylish, sophisticated and proud to admit it, well at least to the girls in the office!

A metrosexual is a man who spends a certain amount of time and money on his lifestyle, specifically his appearance. Here are a few questions that will help you to ascertain whether or not you are, indeed, a metrosexual.

1. Do gay men hit on you? If you’re a metrosexual, it’s already happened. (Who can blame them for trying?) And while you were flattered, you’re really a het (and maybe even a “hef”) at heart. The term, “metrosexual,” as originally coined, described heterosexual men who have adopted the dress and appearance of gay men.
2. Do you carry a purse? A purse gives you an automatic entrée into metrosexualdom. Welcome. And by the way, which designer? See a good-looking manbag at PurseBlog. And find the top ten ultimate metrosexual man bags at Kineda.
3. How do you feel about your socks? As you read this, do you know what color socks you are wearing? Are they designer socks? Did you put these particular socks on this morning because they were at the top of your drawer or because they go well with your outfit? And finally, do you ever go shopping for socks only? Your consideration of your socks reflects your overall concern with your clothes: Metrosexual men care about socks, along with everything else that adorns their sacred bods.
4. Do you wear tighty whities? Sorry about that. A metrosexual would never be caught dead in a pair of tighty whities. Given the choice, they would rather go without any underwear at all than succumb. And come to think of it, going commando sounds pretty good to a metrosexual (maybe in his new leather pants)!
5. Do you use more than one product in your hair? Do you refer to your hair products as “products?” Two yeses here make you a met. And you get bonus points if your hair is highlighted.
6. Have you ever used hair removal services other than shaving? You know — waxing, tweezing, laser, electrolysis? If so, you’ve entered metro country.
7. Do you receive spa services? Does a paraffin dip help to calm you? Manicures, pedicures, facials and exfoliation are all part of a metrosexual’s routine. Bonus points if you’re a regular and/or see your stylist socially.
8. Do you borrow products from the women in your life? Does your co-worker have a moisturizer that you just can’t go without a hit of come mid-afternoon? Does your girlfriend wonder why she seems to be going through her toner so quickly? When she’s not looking, do you use her shaving gel instead of yours? And when she is looking, do you use it anyway? Metro alert!

Rumor has it that metrosexuality is on its way out. But I don’t believe for a moment that David Beckham will give up his market share (or that Posh will let him) without a fight!