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Celebrities
We picked Christian Bale before this fiasco erupted with his sister and mother. We told him to shave the evil goatee. If only he had listened. Also, we gave the nod to Uncle Sam, reusing a post from last year. It was a good one though. Ok fine. Maybe we got a little lazy.
How's he doing that? It's like magic! He's shaving without a razor.
Here's a really cute video from YouTube that caught my eye. With some clever stop-motion photography this guy appears to shave his beard with nothing more than his hand. It's pretty good, and when you think about how much time probably went into making it, it's even more impressive. The only annoying thing is the metal music playing in the background. I'd recommend putting your speakers on mute.
(By the way, there are three video responses. The only one worth watching is Stop Motion Shaving, which is clever, but a little too long and convoluted when held up next to Shaving By Hand. Some things are meant to stand on their own.)
Ever stay in a high-end hotel, with all those fancy soaps and lotions that you want to lift off the maid's cart in the hallway? Well, I have. Taken extra soaps, that is. Because invariably those fancy soaps and lotions are made by the London company Molton Brown, and they smell great. Mmm mmm. You know, if they didn't smell so great, I wouldn't be tempted to take more than my fair share.
Anyway, big thanks to our friends over at Detail for Men who sent over a bunch of Molton Brown shaving products. In particular:
A couple weeks ago we got a shipment of reformulated products from Ritual. You'll recall the odorologists and scentists felt they could do better, so they went back to mix themselves a new drink. After finishing up our tour with Peter Thomas Roth, we kicked back and cracked open a tall one.
Razor Rinse
This is Ritual's answer to bacteria growing on your razor. Douse the blade in Razor Rinse and you kill germs before they set up camp on your freshing shaven face. Sniffing the previous version of Razor Rinse was not a good idea. There's a lot of alcohol in there, and unless you want to burn your sinuses out, best to let it work on germs. The new version of Razor Rinse doesn't pack as pungent a punch, yet still delivers the good. That said, I still wouldn't recommend inhaling this stuff.
Improvement: B+
Trifecta Body, Hair and Face Wash
Love the all-in-one shampoos and washes. Lather, rinse, replete. Trifecta of old, a little lemony. Trifecta of new, a little lemony. Didn't need that much improvement, and I'm not sure it got much.
Improvement: B+
The Whip Shave Cream
Shaving cream. You know what it does. You know how well it works. And if you've forgotten, go read our review again. This product and the after shave were the two that I had originally felt were most in need of aroma therapy, and I'm happy to report that Ritual has sent these two to the finest shrinks in town. The new Whip is like buttah. Whipped buttah. Still lemony, but enjoyably so. Like when life hands you lemonade, and you make yourself comfortable and enjoy the lemonade, and think about all the lemons you didn't have to make into lemonade.
Improvement: A-
The Balm Post Shave Gel
Hold onto your hats kids cause there's a new kid in town, and he's going deep. If there's one product in this Ritual Redux that has hit a home run, no, a grand slam, it's The Balm. Using the Balm II, son of Balm, is like spreading clean on your face. You know when you're walking down the street and some woman passes you who smells so fresh and clean you want to turn and follow her? That's what I'm talking about. Kudos to the folks at Ritual for The Balm! I fully expect people to be following me now.
Improvement: A+
A picture is worth a thousand words. And a unique marketing campaign is worth a thousand impressions.
Figured you might want to see a picture of the Barbasol Ford Shaving Cream Cans which we were talking about last week. Surprisingly, I think it works. The cars use the same black, white, and red of the Barbasol can. Looks like it belongs there.
As odd as this marketing stunt may be, it still doesn't beat my favorite mash-up: trivia questions printed on Pringles potato chips. Hey Schick - put the image of a Quattro on some BBQ-flavored Ruffles and you'll sell a ton.
Skin-soothing after shave balm, formulated for normal to dry skin types. Helps discourage micro-inflammation as it delivers continuous hydration. Calming complex with allantoin and pro vitamin B5 helps prevent blotchiness and counteracts the discomfort associated with shaving and exposure to the elements. Refreshes and protects the skin, keeping it comfortable moisturized all day.
I liked Peter Thomas Roth's after shave quite a bit. Again, the scent is not the strong point here, but the after shave was mostly odorless. I enjoyed using it both in the morning and the evening, regardless of whether I shaved. Never needed to supplement with anything heavier, yet my skin never felt too oily after using it. I'd recommend this after shave to anyone.
Cutting edge 21st century technology delivers this unique, rich, velvety shaving cream that is formulated with skin-smoothing moisturizers that form a silky, protective barrier allowing for a closer, more comfortable shave without irritation.
"Velvety" is a decent description of this shaving cream. Close to the consistency of home-made whipped cream. Appearing thick and white, yet still loose and spreadable. Goes on easily with fingers but not thickly so you still have a decent view of your skin underneath.
The scent of Peter Thomas Roth's 21st Century Shave Cream is not it's strong point. Not bad, but not that interesting. Kind of vaguely reminds me of Elmer's Glue mixed with a little sun screen. It's a flat smell, if that makes any sense.
Here's the thing. I've had the privilege to shave with some pretty amazing products over the last few years, so the bar has been raised pretty darn high. Peter Thomas Roth's 21st Century Shave Cream is a huge step up from drugstore brands, but it's not at the level of a Billy, Art, or some other Gentlemen we've tried. The shave is solid with little to no irritation. It's close but not super-close. This is one of those brands I'd recommend to someone who's beginning their quest for the ultimate shave. You'll see a huge improvement over all those "foaming gels" and the like.
Today marks the opening of the latest Batman movie - The Dark Knight. Huge summer blockbuster. Box office record breaking potential. Tragedy and sorrow in the form of a deceased burgeoning star. And one very sexy, cut Christian Bale.
Oh Christian. I may just have a man-crush on you. Sorry Denzel. You're being replaced by four stories of Imax glory.
Today's Celebrity Facial Hair Friday pick is the latest caped crusader himself - Christian Bale - seen here with several days (or perhaps weeks) of growth. And as big a man-crush as I might have, I'm coming down against the facial hair. Just look at these photos of Christian clean shaven. Damn that's a close shave. Skin so smooth... soft... silky...
Where was I? Oh yeah. Denzel. Sorry.
Anyway, I prefer the clean cut, cut, Christian. Not the unshaven, barbaric Bale. Please keep that Fusion on your utility belt. Never know when you're going to have a close shave with the Joker.
You may remember our review of Ritual products from a couple months ago. To sum up - great minimal yet complete set of products, worked well, had a slightly lemony Pledge scent. Well, it seems I wasn't the only one who thought so, and the guys at Ritual have gone back to their mad scientist deep within the Ritual caves and told him to bust out the beakers. What emerged is Ritual Reformulated. Actually, that's my term. To them it's Ritual as usual.
We've just received a shipment of the latest Ritual products, and while the originals are still fresh in our mind, we're going to compare the new formulation with the old. Can't wait for our results? $2 gets you travel-size samples of four of their products. Not a bad gig. Tune back in soon for our re-review.
Ford To Advertise On Cans Of Barbasol Shaving Cream
You heard me right. Those classic barber-pole cans of Barbasol are carving out a 4x3 inch section for advertising, and the Ford Motor Company will have pole position.
With a shelf life of up to 90 days, companies can capitalize on multiple and recurrent impressions to promote their products, services and events. [...] Ford Motor Company is the first company to choose cans of Barbasol, promoting the inaugural season of the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup professional racing series. Ford's version of the can features a white Mustang on the front. The cans, which will be on shelves in August 2008
Now it seems to me that it would have been a much better option to advertise on cans of Miller beer, given that this is the Miller Cup. Then again I'm sure there's some legal regulation about advertising on beer, given that you can't advertise for beer on virtually anything, so shaving cream is the next logical choice. Makes perfect sense to me.
Love shaving? And racing? Win a "Free VIP weekend for two, at Miller Motorsports Park, for the Season Finale of the Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup." Go to MustangChallenge.com/Barbasol for all the details.
What do you take into the bathroom to help with your morning business? A magazine? A crossword puzzle? A laptop? (C'mon, we've all done it.) Now our friends over at Ritual have come out with the perfect bathroom companion - The Great American Bathroom Book:
Mark Twain said: "A classic is something that everybody wants to have read, and nobody wants to read." Since you'll probably never have time to read every good book cover to cover, THE GREAT AMERICAN BATHROOM BOOK lets you in on the key points of an all-time great in just 10 or 15 minutes of reading. It's the perfect way to pass time on your thrown.
Here's an interesting article from AdAge about the decline in razor sales.
[...] the real factors behind the slowing of the $3 billion-plus shaving business are an aging population, a decline in men shaving and better products that last longer, according to a recently released report by market-research firm Mintel.
I know all you conspiracy theorists are having a problem with that last one. Better shaving products that last longer? My foot! But apparently the latest Fusion and Quattro really last longer.
Another reason for the decline in sales is that young men are shaving less of their face, or shaving less period. It's more acceptable to have a "stubbled look", or to shave every few days. I'm in the latter camp. I rarely shave every day. Thanks more tolerant society!
And what about older men?
Older men and women need to shave less because of hormonal changes. And older people, particularly men, prefer electric razors because they're easier to handle, said Kat Fay, editor-senior analyst on the Mintel project.
My recent anecdotal evidence suggests this might be true. Got my father-in-law a Pulsonic and he loves it.
If you're still somewhere between old-school and new-school, shaving with a Mach3, here's a great deal on Mach3 blades at Amazon. $13.65 for an 8-pack, and shipping is free. Not too shabby. Yeah, yeah, I know all you razor blade shavers are paying pennies per blade, but some of us have bought into the Gillette business model and won't give up our cartridges.
Mach3 blades will fit any of the Mach3 razors, powered or unpowered, original, Turbo, and Grease Lightin'. If you're still tripling down with Gillette, stock up now.
I gotta admit this looks a little sketchy, but sometimes these things are legit. We received this email from a marketing specialist today about Shave4Cash.com, a site looking for male shaving test subjects. "Hey guys, you have to shave anyway. Why not get paid for it?" Looks like you can earn between $100 and $250. Not a bad haul. The deal is you have to get yourself to Andover, Massachusetts.
If you're interested, you can take the mini survey on the site, but in the end you'll need to call their toll free number 1-800-874-7550. That's all the info we've got.
Who knows? Maybe you'll test shave the latest mutliblade high velocity razor from Gillette. World Shaving Headquarters is only a few miles south on 93.
Thinking about putting in a ZIRH order? Today's your lucky day. Buy $75 worth of ZIRH products and receive a free Shave Gel and Soothe for your troubles.
We're fans of ZIRH Shave Gel. Allow me to quote from our September 2006 review, which went a little something like this:
Even though SHAVE GEL appears to have a bluish tint, it goes on totally clear - perfect for today's facial sculpteur. But it's thick enough for you to feel where you've applied it and where you might need to add a little more. Also, doesn't gunk up your razor head. Works great with or without PREPARE, but honestly I'd do the one-two combo over the solo mission. Your face wants all the protection it can get.
If I remember right, we likened ZIRH Shave GEL to some B-Movie blob special effect, with A-list movie star results. Didn't get a chance to try ZIRH Soothe, but based on track record we bet it would rate highly. Stock up on ZIRH today.
If you're into cycling, and you've got hairy legs, here's a useful video and article from CoachLevi.com, "Official Website of Coach Levi, Cycling Coach". (Hmm, sounds like I'm supposed to know who that is.)
Anyway, coach (I like to all him "coach") walks you through the basics of shaving your legs, from getting over the initial mental block, prepping your legs with some clippers, lather, shave, moisturize. Lots of sage advice for the avid cyclist, such as:
So grab your razor and some shaving cream, and take a seat on the side of your bath tub. The shower works, too, but it's much easier to shave your legs while seated! (Shaving your legs in the shower is like juggling knives while standing on a stability ball - it takes practice and balance.)
We'll learn how to shave while standing on a stability ball tomorrow. Today, your assignment is to read coach Levi's how-to and then report back on your own stream-lined legs. Now drop and give me 20!
What do you do in today's energy conscience world? Reduce, reuse, recycle. And that's why I'm reusing last year's July 4th post (which I liberally called Celebrity Facial Hair Wednesday) and posting it again today. Also, I'm lazy.
"In honor of the 4th of July, Independence Day, we've chosen Uncle Sam as our featured facial hair pick. Yes, [232] years ago our country declared its independence from British rule by proving that the pen was mightier than the sword. 56 men, including John Hancock, put their John Hancock on the Declaration of Independence, and a new country was born. (That may be the condensed version.)
"This now ubiquitous image of Uncle Sam (right) was painted by James Montgomery Flagg in 1917 as a recruitment poster for the US army during World War I. (Thanks Wikipedia. I seem smart!) It is based on this 1914 recruitment poster (left) from England. Who has worse facial hair? Gee that's a tough call. While the Briton's mustache is comically giant, I don't know any American today who would walk around with a white tail protruding from his chin. We've come a long way in our facial hair styles in 90 years. Too bad we're still at war."
Interested in one of those hot new Schick Quattro Titanium Trimmers? You can get one for free. Here's the catch - you have to endure a pillow fight with two scantily-clad women. Oh, the things we do in the name of shaving.
First, get a picture of yourself, or someone else you want to see pillow fighting two women. Next, click on over to TrimFlixx.com and upload your photo. Watch it, laugh, wish you were there, and then save your movie. (That's the important part.) After that there will be an option to register and receive a free Schick Quattro Titanium Trimmer.
Two things to note - one: the girls sound suggestive, so don't open TrimFlixx.com at work. And two: the site will email you a registration confirmation with your password in the clear. Guys, haven't we learned anything about privacy?
Cooking Tip: Peel Carrots With A Disposable Single-Blade Razor
Do I need to start a cooking category on this website? Here's a cute little tip from chef Graham Elliot Bowles courtesy of Food and Wine magazine.
"I use drugstore razors for peeling delicate vegetables, like baby carrots, because they waste less," explains Graham Elliot Bowles, who will be opening Graham Elliot in Chicago this summer.
I just looked at the menu for Graham Elliot restaurant, and aside from the mildly annoying music, I'm hungry! "Spring pea bisque: carrot marshmallows, pea tendril salad, pickles carrots, lavender yogurt drizzle." Mmm mmm mmm. I can just taste the disposable razor.
Kind of crazy to think we're midway through the year, but today is July 1st. We're looking forward to shaving with products from Peter Thomas Roth this month, but first, let's look back and see what we learned.
A big thanks again to our partner Philips Norelco for the ShavingStuff/arcitec contest where we gave away five razors. Congrats again to our two mailing list winners and our three write-in winners who had the guts to bare all and share their shaving stories. Read the winning first, second, and third stories here.
Misc
While the early part of the month was dominated by Fathers Day gift suggestions, we did have a few articles worthy of note. One astute Shaving Stuff reader wrote in that Proraso products are now at Bath and Body Works under the C.O. Bigelow Name. We also were lit up by NXT Light Shave Gel, which literally has a light in the bottom to give the packaging that other-worldly glow. Shaving with future? Why yes!
July 2008 Wrap Up for Shaving Stuff
"This now ubiquitous image of Uncle Sam (right) was painted by James Montgomery Flagg in 1917 as a recruitment poster for the US army during World War I. (Thanks 
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