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December 14, 2009
Moustache Calendar for 2010: Sex-Confident
Calendars are always great gifts, and this one gets an A+ because it's a facial hair calendar.
"Sex-Confident features the moustaches (and work) of students and alumni of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).
It's classy. It's sexy. It's confident.
Well conceived, well designed, and well made - you would be remiss to even think of another calendar for yourself, your friends, or your family.
Just imagine images of sex-confident men gracing the walls of your home and office. The Caveman, Casanova, Mr Introspective, The Professional, the Boxer, the Dad, the Lumberjack..."
I called it the ultimate shaving gadget, and if your favorite guy (or you) is an electric shaving kind of man, I don't think you can go wrong with the Braun Pulsonic. It's a high quality machine, built to last, and will satisfy the most discerning gadget lover - with an Amazon review rating of 4 1/2 stars.
Cream, gel, foam, or soap? Scented, natural, or for sensitive skin? Sometimes I really can't believe just how many choices we have when it comes to shaving products, and it's tough to just stick to my usual when there are new options for me to try. And I have yet another shaving soap to share with you - an all natural shaving solid.
Just the Goods sent me a couple of samples of their men's shaving solid to try out, and because I'm a sucker for old-school style shaving soaps, I was jazzed to give it a trial on my face.
According to Just the Goods:
"Almost out of the blue, my partner began to develop problems shaving -- razor burn and bumps were persistent no matter how new his razor, or the variety grooming products he used. Not only was he displeased about how his skin looked, but he was terribly uncomfortable.
We eventually concluded that the source of his problem were all the harsh and clogging petro-chemicals in conventional shaving cream."
I tried both varieties, the Tea tree oil and patchouli essential oil and the rosemary and lemon, and experienced a most excellent lather, considering that it's an all natural product (no fancy chemical foaming agents here). Because it's a solid, a shaving brush is almost essential - though I suppose you could just rub it on your face...
The scents of both kinds were mild (in case you're worried about smelling all hippy-like), and the razor slip was great - which meant a smooth and easy shave for me. It rinsed clean, with no residue or oiliness on my face afterward. I also had no irritation or razor burn from using them.
About the ingredients:
Tea tree has well-known antibacterial properties, making it great for helping to avoid razor burn and other irritation. Patchouli also has antiseptic and astringent properties but brings the added benefit of being an antidepressant and aphrodisiac!
Rosemary essential oil is a potent anti-fungal and antibacterial agent that helps dull skin. An interesting bonus is that it has the capacity to decrease fatigue and mild depression, Lemon essential oil is antiviral, astringent, detoxifying, and antiseptic. It is also said to have the ability to stimulate white corpuscles which protect the body against infection.
The product is very affordable, also - only $6 each, $4.50 without the jar - and I imagine they'll last for many a shave. If you're a traditional shaver who's looking for something gentle and all natural, give Just the Goods a try.
I'm a big fan of safety razors, but never really thought about the idea of it changing my life (other than getting a great shave). In an article on Zen Habits, the founder of Badger and Blade shares his insight on how a safety razor can change your life:
"If I told you a way you could improve your health, save money, help the environment, and feel better about yourself by doing something you already do every day, would you be interested?"
Nothing against Gabby Hayes, Boston Blackie or Fu Manchu, but beards and mustaches aren't my style. And I know the day-old-beard look is cool these days, but I'm old school.
I think it's because there's nothing quite as refreshing and invigorating as a nice clean shave."
Personally, I love the change that happens to my face after a close shave - if I've been letting the stubble take over, shaving makes me look years younger. I also like that I can change my look within a week, by letting a goatee, soul patch, or beard grow out. Shaving is also a big rite of passage for boys, and getting your first razor is a big deal - so I like that it acknowledges the change from boy to man.
What I hate about it is that if I go clean shaven, I have to do it every single day - and sometimes I just don't want to do that (but I won't wax my face - haha).
What do you love about shaving?
What do you hate about it?
Leave me some comments, and if I get some good feedback, I'll do a roundup post on the subject.
Evidently there's a Beard Liberation Front (BLF), which "campaigns in support of beards and opposes discrimination against those who wear them."
"Apart from its numerous campaigns in support of beards and against discrimination in the workplace and against those who wear beards as part of their religion, it currently hosts the annual Beard of the Year award." - Wikipedia
As the temperature drops around the country, you may be considering growing out your whiskers, and it's good to know that the BLF has got your back (beard?).
Coming fresh on the heels of 'Movember" and "No-Shave November", I'm also sharing this great beard song:
Thinking About Getting Your Chest Waxed? Watch This First
If you're considering going for the smooth chested look, and someone is talking you into getting it waxed, you may want to see someone else go through it first.
There's a lot of choices for personal care and shaving products these days, but not so much for the natural and organic crowd.
If you are one of those people (like me) who cares about the ingredients of the stuff you put on your skin, you might want to check out the miessence® line.
The folks over at Ely Organics sent me samples of their shave gel and after shave balm to try out, and here's my take on them:
The miessence® certified organic shave gel is a very light shave gel, and the ingredients are formulated for sensitive skin - with aloe, witch hazel, and a number of other botanicals. When I first tried it, it seemed way too thin to work well, but I quickly got the hang of it by wetting my skin further while shaving (I'm used to thicker gels and creams). On my second shave with it, I applied a little more, and this time, it produced a very slippery surface for my razor (I use a Merkur safety razor). My shave was enjoyable and smooth, and afterward, my skin wasn't irritated at all, as can sometimes happen with other gels.
After my shave, I applied the miessence® certified organic after shave balm to my face, and that's what really made a difference for me. Some after shave products leave a waxy residue, and I end up having to wash my face again afterward - not so with the miessence® one. It's made with organic chamomile and marshmallow root, organic aloe vera, and witch hazel, along with some very mild smelling essential oils which won't clash with any other scents you may wear.
So, for the 'natural' people, you'd do well to look into the miessence® line of products - they also make shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and a bunch of other personal care products.
We're headed into the holiday season, and since it's a busy time of year for all of us, you may have missed some of the posts on Shaving Stuff. If so, here's a recap of the month of November:
A perfume company is now making fragrances available that are made with the DNA of dead celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Marylin Monroe, and Elvis:
"My DNA Fragrance, a perfume manufacturer of one-of-a-kind, unique exclusive fragrance custom formulated from your DNA genetic code recently inked a deal with John Reznikoff to analyze the hair of more than 100 deceased celebrities for the creation of the new Antiquity Fragrance Collection. Reznikoff's collection includes hair from some of the world's most loved celebrities and historical notables including Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Einstein, Micheal Jackson and Katherine Hepburn."
Cyber Monday: Today is that day when we're all working off the holiday feast, perhaps recovering from Black Friday, and now perusing the best deals to found online. I've been looking around a bit myself, and wanted to share some deals and a cool find with you.
The folks at ZIRH have a few specials going right now - Free shipping on all orders until December 22nd, a free ZIRH Holiday bar with all orders, and a free messenger bag with all orders. That's a lot of free! Make sure you ask for free samples as well.
Philosophy is offering free shipping on all orders, and grab a free gift worth $100 with orders over $75 from now until 12/1, or until supplies run out. Make sure you check out the Gingerbread instant win game for a chance to win a $2500 shopping spree!
I found a few great geeky gifts for the shaving crowd, in case you're still looking for something to give that gadget lover in your life:
The Moie' Fog-Free Shower Mirror and Weather Station: Get the latest weather information along with the date and time while you're getting your shave. It's got current outdoor temperature, indoor temperature, outdoor humidity and even a weather forecast, right in your shower! The mirror is fog free, on a swivel hinge, and it provides easy storage for two razors, as well as your shaving cream.
The Fog-Free Shower Mirror with LED Light and Clock: Not quite as fancy as the above mirror, this fog-free mirror is conveniently equipped with twin white LED lights to illuminate your face and a generously sized digital clock.
For adding tunes or the news to your shower, check out the Sharper Image Fog-Free 'Power Zoom' Shower Mirror/Radio: Zooming from 1x to 5x with a push of a button, this auto-adjust fog-free magnifying mirror has twin, ultra-bright LED spotlights, and an AM/FM radio built in.
While not exactly geeky, the Razorba War Hammer Back Hair Shaver has an irresistible name. The War Hammer holds most standard razors and allows you to shave your back by yourself.
Don't forget to check out the 2009 Holiday Gift Guide for Shaving Stuff for more great gift ideas!
I've been studying up on straight razors a bit, and came across a few great videos showing the basics of testing your edge and honing it. I thought all of you considering the switch to a straight razor (or those new to it) would enjoy these.
There's no reason to pay full price for holiday gifts if you don't have to. We've found some more deals on shaving stuff and grooming products for you, so you can pick up some great gifts before the holiday rush and save some cash while you're at it.
Over at Matte for Men, get $10.00 off any Matte For Men purchase over $25.00. Use the coupon code "1109" when checking out to take advantage of the savings. Coupon is valid until Friday, November 27th, 2009
At Body Tools, there's a buy one, get one free, sale beginning tonight, Wednesday November 25th at midnight. The sale runs until midnight on Monday, Nov 30th.
John Allan's has a 20% off sale on hair, skin and shave products (plus gift certificates to John Allan's). Use the promo code "GIFT20" at checkout to get your savings. Also, get 50% off John Allan's custom designed Travel Roll Up and '63 Razor shave set. Use the promo code "GIFT50" for this deal.
Get the jump on your holiday shopping with these hot Black Friday deals, and the best part is, you don't have to wait for Black Friday, and you don't have to wait in line!
Halston 1-12 By Halston For Men: Regularly sold for $44.00, now only $7.70! A classic fragrance, with sweet florals, wood and musk scent.
Calvin Klein Obsession For Men: Regularly $55.00, now only $30.86. A great daytime scent, with notes of mandarin and spice, and low tones of musk, sandalwood and amber.
Philips Norelco 7340 Men's Shaving System: Regular price is $59.99, now only $39.00. Fully washable men's rechargable shaver with patented Reflex Action System that automatically adjusts to the contours of your face and neck.
Braun Series 1 1-150 Men's Shaver: Regularly sold for $59.99, now only $38.11. Forget the bells and whistles. Forget the fuss and hassles. Series 1 150 Men's Shaver, with its unique FreeFloat shaving system gives you a close shave, effortlessly, at an unbeatable price.
Don't forget the batteries!Duracell AA batteries, two 16 count packages, regularly $25.98, are now only $19.65. Duracell AAA batteries, two 16 count packages are also cheap, only $19.23.