Manscaper Monday: Greening Your Grooming Routine

In honor of Earth Day this week, AreYouBeing.com is celebrating with a series of eco-inspired stories. From recycling to reducing energy consumption, being more eco-conscience starts with all of us making small changes that, together, lead to major, positive impacts on our environment.  And if you’re a guy who follows a regular grooming routine, you can start by switching to eco-friendly products.

For our “Manscaper Monday” grooming post we’re spotlighting one of our favorite personal care lines, Lavera.  Voted the “Greenest Beauty Brand in Europe” by OEKO-TEST magazine – the leading consumer report and environmental and health focused organization in Europe – Lavera upholds the highest levels when it comes to eliminating harmful ingredients and reducing contamination caused by outer packaging.

Lavera offers a full range of skin, hair and body products, and they’ve also launched a men’s collection called Lavera Men Care/Men SPA.  The collection covers all the basics including an after shave balm, face wash, moisturizing face cream and shave cream.  Several of these products have been awarded Natural Solutions 2009 Beauty with a Conscience Awards.

While we love the full range, especially the Mango Milk Shampoo – free of harmful sodium lauroyl sulfate and parabens – our favorite product is the Men SPA Cool Lemon After Shave, which is also vegan-friendly.  This refreshing splash features organic aloe vera gel and other nourishing plant extracts to soothe, calm and deliver moisture to irritated skin post-shave.  The most enticing aspect is the delicious aroma of lime, cool mint and mandarin.  Though it sounds fruity, it’s a light aroma – not overbearing – that will help wake you up every morning.

For more info on Lavera, log onto www.lavera.com.  Are you familiar with this brand?  If so, tell us about your favorite products?  If not, what other eco-friendly grooming products do you recommend?

Disclaimer: Samples were received in exchange for editorial review.

Monday Manscaper: YON-KA for Men Bronzer Moist

No man should be without a quality face lotion; it’s the cornerstone to any skincare routine.  But before you head out to buy one think about your skin’s needs.  If you have acne you should look for one with an oil-free formula.  If you spend most of your day outdoors, go for a moisturizer with an SPF?  When it comes to my skin, though, I like a moisturizer that goes on smoothly and adds a hint of color to my otherwise pasty-white skin.

If you’re like me, YON-KA for Men Bronzer Moist is a perfect choice.  The anti-aging moisturizer goes above and beyond, providing a gradual tan for a more vibrant skin tone.

A combination of all-natural botanical ingredients including green olive, sandalwood and other essential oils provide anti-aging benefits as this creamy lotion tones, soothes and keeps skin supple for all-day moisture.  At $53 for 1.4 ounces, it is definitely an investment, but one that will impart your skin with a healthy glow.

Disclaimer: Samples were provided in exchange for editorial review.

Online Promo: 15% Off at Billy Jealousy – TODAY ONLY

For one day only, today, Billy Jealousy is offering 15% off your online purchase when you use the promo code “15OFF” during checkout.

I’ve had the opportunity to try many of the products.  Among my favorite are the HYDROPLANE Super-Slick Shave Cream, named “Best Shave” by Esquire; WHITE KNIGHT Gentle Daily Facial Cleanser, named “Best Facial Cleanser” by Instinct; and ILLICIT Body Wash.

If you’re new to Billy Jealousy and want to start with a sampling, checkout the WANDERLUST Travel Kit.  It contains five products – a body wash, shampoo, cleanser, shave cream and hair gel – all for $36.  Factor in the 15% savings and you’ll be the grooming envy of all your friends.

Disclaimer: Samples were received in exchange for editorial review.

AWARD WINNING FACIAL HAIR: REMINGTON & THE OSCARS

From stubble to serious scruff, facial hair has been featured in some of the biggest films of the past year. And while many of the leading men in these films had a team of makeup artists, achieving these same great looks at home is easier than ever thanks to the Remington 8-in-1 Personal Grooming System.  Now you can get Oscar-worthy facial hair styles just in time for the Sunday telecast.

The Five O’Clock Shadow
There’s a fine line be tween stylish stubble and negligent looking facial hair. The gruff look worn famously by Robert Downey Jr. in Sherlock Holmes is easy to achieve by trimming instead of shaving – the 8-in-1 Grooming System comes with a wide angle trimmer head that easily buzzes the topmost layer of facial hair leaving you looking rugged and ready to rumble.

The Goatee
Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell all don the famous goatee as they play Tony, the many-faced antagonist of The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus. Despite its popularity, the goatee requires regular maintenance – the cheeks and neck should be shaved as close as possible using the foil shaver attachment and the detail trimmer attachment is perfect for tightening up the small nooks that give your goatee a well manicured appearance.  Keeping the look at a manageable length is simple with the 10 position adjustable comb, which allows you to choose your desired length and keep it consistent throughout.

The Mustache
The roguishly likable character of Lt. Aldo Raine in Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds was personified by an iconic mustache worn by Brad Pitt. The mustache is a fundamental staple in facial hair styles, and one of the simplest. Maintaining a good ‘stache requires one thing and one thing only: trimming. The 10 position adjustable comb is glorious for maintaining your length of choice.

The Full Beard
Getting Jeff Bridges “Bad Blake” look from Crazy Heart is easy – just let it grow.  Trim the mustache and side areas with a longer length comb and lightly dab your be ard in Tennessee whiskey for that Crazy Heart authenticity.

The Remington 8-in-1 Personal Grooming System (PG-360) is available at Target, Walmart and Remington-store.com

SRP: $19.99

Photo Credit: Robert Downey Jr., ghostradio.wordpress.com; Heath Ledger, moviesmedia.ign.com; Brad Pitt, allmoviephoto.com; Jeff Bridges, altfg.com
Disclaimer: Samples from the company mentioned above were received in exchange for editorial coverage.

Grooming Review: The Art of Choosing a Razor

In honor of the new custom Double Edge Safety Razor from Baxter of California, the oldest grooming brand on the market today, AreYouBeing.com has put together a list of our favorite shaving tools.  These are based on quality, function and design.  So regardless of your budget or style preference, any one of these tools can help you achieve the perfect shave each and every time.

Baxter Safety Razor
Based on a design first introduced in the late 18th century, this razor is almost identical to the one my grandfather used.  For guys who were too afraid to use a straight razor, it was a huge innovation at the time, making shaving at home much safer.  Still, if you’re a Gillette guy (and we love this brand), using this razor may take you out of your comfort zone.  Don’t worry though.  Each razor – with knurling detailing on the handle to prevent slipping – comes packaged in a matte black gift box, which includes an instructional card and a pack of starter blades.  All that for just $60.

Baxter of California Safety Razor

HOMMAGE Madrid Razor
Whether you’re a world traveler, or just want people to think you are, the Madrid Razor from HOMMAGE is a must-have tool.  Perfect for the guy with limited counter space in the bathroom, the Madrid Razor – with its gun metal-hued stainless steel finish and ergonomic grip handle – sits in an upright position.  Why is this important?  For starters, it makes a strong statement (“I’m a man, I shave, and I’m not ashamed if anyone knows that I take a little extra time for myself.”), and the upright position allows the blade to air-dry, preventing corrosion, which helps maintain the longevity of your razor’s edge.  At $225, the Madrid Razor is definitely an investment, but one you can pass down to your son or nephew one day.

HOMMAGE Madrid Razor

The Art of Shaving Straight Razor
I’ve been in the grooming arena for a decade now, and even through working with The Art of Shaving on past grooming articles, I’ve never been brave enough to use a straight razor.  However, it’s one of the best tools for getting the closest shave.  If you’re feeling bold, checkout one of the many straight razors from the guys who made shaving cool again.  Handcrafted by Thiers-Issard, a prestigious French razor maker since 1884, the carbon steel blade (Starting at $135) is hollow ground to deliver a more comfortable shave and provide the sharpest edge. Not sure how to use it though?  Upon purchase of a Straight Razor, The Art of Shaving will provide you with a complimentary guide on how to use and maintain the razor at home.  You can even go into one of the many shops across the country for a personal tutorial, so soon enough you’ll be a shaving artist in your own right.

The Art of Shaving Straight Razor

Disclaimer: All brands mentioned above have provided AreYouBeing.com with product samples in exchange for editorial review.

New Year’s Weight Loss Tips with Kai Hibbard

2009 was a yo-yo year for celebrities and average Joe’s alike.  Everyone from Jessica Simpson to Valerie Bertinelli – even that Subway guy Jared – has battled the bulge and the glaring eyes of the public as they take control of their cravings and waist lines. But for us mere mortals, who lack the convenience (and money) of a celebrity chef, pre-packaged meal plan and high-priced personal trainer, we need a little extra support to help jump start our fitness and nutrition plans in the New Year.
I recently sat down with Kai Hibbard from season three of NBC’s The Biggest Loser®.  After losing an amazing 118 pounds on the show, Kai – now an AFAA certified aerobics instructor and spokesperson for Livea, a doctor-developed, non-prescription patent-pending appetite control supplement – found it hard to keep the weight off after the show ended. Since then, Kai has discovered a new approach to weight loss, one she considers more balanced and healthy than her pre-show routine.  Kai’s S.M.A.R.T. plan is as follows:

• Snack: Have a snack before you head to a holiday party.  Try an apple with some cottage cheese or some whole wheat pita pieces and hummus. A snack that mixes healthy carbs and proteins (along with fiber!) will keep you feeling full, making you less likely to overindulge on sweets. Also, studies show that eating smaller meals, or healthy snacks, throughout the day helps speed up your metabolism.
• Make Time: There is no excuse for not working out, even if it’s a quick walk around the block.  Many people think that if they can’t make it to the gym for an official workout that this means they can avoid physical activity all together.  If you find yourself rushing from one activity to the next, fit your workouts into that day’s routine.  Try squats while you brush your teach, leg raises while you type at your desk or bicep curls while you carry your groceries inside the house.  Being creative means you’ll always have time to squeeze in a quick exercise or two.
• Avoid Overtraining: Whether you’re just starting out or you already know your way around the gym, overtraining is a serious issue, especially for the beginner.  Doing too much too soon is a sure fire recipe for fatigue, injury and feeling “burnt out.” This can leave many newbies with a sense of failure, which causes them to completely dismiss their New Year’s resolution to get into better shape.
• Rest: As mentioned before, it is important to give your body enough time to recover between workouts, not just to avoid fatigue, but also to give your muscles a chance to repair and grow.  For every pound of muscle, the average man or woman will burn 40-50 calories daily, as muscle helps increase your metabolism. And when you sleep, your body can burn several hundred calories.  If you lift weights on day one, try taking a brisk walk for 30-minutes on day two.  This will allow you to get in a great cardio workout without straining the muscles you worked the day prior.
• Think Ahead: One of the best ways to stay on track is by planning your workout and meals ahead of time.  If you know you’re going to be busy with a late meeting or chauffeuring around the kids, workout when you first wake up.  If you’re taking a road trip, pickup some healthier snack options at the grocery store the day before.  Nothing is worse than stopping for gas and filling up on sugar instead.  Mapping out your day will help maintain and reinforce all the healthy habits you’re working so hard to build.

‘Jersey Shore’ Star Pauly D’s Hair Tutorial

I hate to admit it, but I’m absolutely obsessed with MTV’s hit reality show, Jersey Shore.  I’m not alone either.  There are more than 2.1 million viewers that tune in each week to checkout all the antics of the Jersey natives.  But what is it about this show that fascinates us?  Is it the Jersey accents?  Maybe it’s the orange tans.  Or perhaps it’s the unique Jersey style…hairstyle that is?  BINGO!

I have often wondered what it takes to achieve hair like that of DJ Pauly D (Paul Delvecchio), star of Jersey Shore.  Now I know.  Check out this new step-by-step video that Pauly D made for the New York Daily News.

JOICO ICE Spiker Water-Resistant Styling Glue

To achieve Pauly D’s look, try JOICO ICE Spiker Water-Resistant Styling Glue.  To ensure the best application, apply a dime-size amount of Spiker to damp hair and work through with fingers or a comb until evenly distributed (NOTE: white residue can occur, resulting in flaking of product, if you use too much product or don’t distribute evenly through hair).  Style immediatly, as product drys quickly.  To restyle, wet hair until it is damp and style as desired.

What are your thoughts?  Do you or anyone you know have a hairstyle similar to this?  Share your photos and styling tips with our readers.

Disclaimer: AreYouBeing.com does not endorse this hairstyle, but respects the individuals that are able to pull this look off.

Holiday Gift Guide for Guys

The holidays are quickly approaching.  And if you’re still looking for the perfect gift, here’s a few guy-approved products that are guaranteed to please.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS1 Waterproof Camera: For the novice and professional photographers alike, this new camera from Panasonic has some of the best features available on a camera today.  It is the world’s first waterproof, shockproof and dustproof digital camera to also feature AVCHD Lite High Definition (HD) video recording capabilities. And because it is waterproof to a depth of 10 feet, shockproof from falls up to 5 feet, and dustproof, you can feel confident taking this on your next cruise or camping trip. The LUMIX DMC-TS1 is available in silver, green and orange.
Retail Price: $399.95, www.Amazon.com

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS1 Digital Camera

Soho HD Camcorder, Luxe Collection: The Soho 720p HD Camcorder, part of the new Luxe Collection from DXG, combines high-definition technology and style in one camcorder that is hip, hot and haute. The Soho 720p HD Camcorder comes in a blue argyle design that is inspired by the latest trend in fashion.  The Soho 720p HD Camcorder records real 720p high-definition video, and captures still pictures up to 8MP image resolution.  So whether you’re on the runway, or sitting around the fireplace with family and friends, you’ll be able to capture all your holiday memories.
Retail Price: $149.99, www.dxgusa.com

Soho HD Camcorder

CLEAR HARMONY™ Noise Canceling Headphones from AblePlanet: If you or someone on your list love to jam out to music as if no one else is around to watch as you mouth the words to your favorite GLEE songs, these are the must-have headphones.  Featuring award-winning patented LINX AUDIO® technology for the best sound quality, you’ll hear every detail in your favorite songs and movies.  And when you want to block out even more noise – these are perfect for your flight home to see the folks – simply flip on the headphone switch to cancel out virtually all other noise around you.
Retail Price: $299, www.ableplanet.com

CLEAR HARMONY Noise Canceling Headphones

Jawbone Prime Earcandy Edition: If a new cell phone is on your wish list this year, so should this chic bluetooth headset.  Available in an array of candy colors, the Jawbone Prime Earcandy Edition features NoiseAssassin® to reduce background noise, as well as an industry-first digital wind filter, meaning you can say goodbye to conversations that make it sound like you’re in the middle of a blizzard; even if you are.  Bonus features allow the user to customize the fit and connect two phones simultaneously.
Retail Price: $129, www.jawbone.com

Jawbone Prime Earcandy Edition

191 Unlimited Apparel: Whether you dress them up with slacks or opt for jeans for a more casual look, the collection of solid, woven and flannel shirts from 191 Unlimited are perfect for any occasion from a casual dinner with friends to a big holiday bash at the office.  And for all orders placed between now and midnight on December 22nd, 191 Unlimited is offering a 40% discount and complimentary overnight shipping when you use the promo code “holiday”.    Retail Price: $89, www.191Unlimited.com

191 Unlimited Bottle Rocket Shirt

Every Man Jack Holiday Shave Kit: If the economy has you feeling less like Santa and more like Scrooge, turn that scowl into a smile with this budget- and eco-friendly gift set from Every Man Jack.  Featuring a massive collection of full-size products – Face Wash, Shave Gel, Face Lotion, Bonus SPF 15 Face Lotion and Lip Balm SPF 15 – the kit is value priced at just $10 to ensure that every guy on your shopping list is covered, especially when it comes to getting a great shave and smooth skin for all their holiday festivities.
Retail Price: $10, www.Walgreens.com

Every Man Jack Holiday Shave Kit

GAGE FOR MEN® Responsible Style™ Gift Box: This handsomely packaged gift box, brand new for the holidays, features GAGE FOR MEN® Hydrating Hair & Body wash, GAGE FOR MEN® Daily Conditioner, as well as the GAGE FOR MEN® Shampoo Brush, which offers a unique experience by deep cleansing and exfoliating the hair and scalp.
Special Holiday Price: $19.95, Call 1-866-B-BRIGHT to order, www.benniefactor.com

GAGE FOR MEN Responsible Style Gift Box

Diesel Only The Brave Limited-Edition Bunka Bottle: Diesel has teamed up with Bunka – the visionary artist behind some of the most coveted designer toys developed by Artoyz – to produce the limited-edition bottle for Diesel’s iconic Only The Brave fragrance.  The graffiti-inspired explosion of color is inked with words describing the power and courage of the fragrance, in a chaotic, vivid expression of what it means to be brave.
Retail Price: $65, www.Macys.com

Diesel Only The Brave Limited-Edition Bunka Bottle

Disclaimer: The brands listed above provided samples in exchange for editorial review.

Fight Cancer: Grow A Mustache

What do Gomez Adams, Hulk Hogan and that leather guy from the Village People have in common?  Aside from making great Halloween costumes, they each are known for proudly sporting mustaches.  And while the facial hair trend was all but absent from the face of men’s grooming until recently, it’s making a big come back thanks in part to Movemeber, a charity that is raising awareness about men’s health - specifically prostate and testicular cancer.

Asylum.com

According to the charity’s website, “Movember – the month previously known as November – is an annual, month-long celebration of the moustache, highlighting men’s health issues.”

The idea was conceived back in 2003 when a group of guys were joking about the staches of their father’s era and how cool it would be to bring back the trend.  Taking the idea a step further, the guys decided to tie in a charity angle, and to date, Movember has raised $47 million globally, making it the largest charity event for men.  In the U.S., the funds raised are split between the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation – two worthy causes.

To get involved, Movember asks that you begin with a clean shaven face and take the mouth to grow your mustache.  As you go along, you can get friends and family involved by having them sponsor your efforts and sign up for their own accounts. 

Once you have your stache, send a screenshot of your new facial hair to the team at Asylum.com.  From the pack of entries, Asylum.com will gift 50 guys with a Signature Shave Kit from Every Man Jack, an award-winning grooming line.

What do you think?  Are you going to sign up and grow a mustache to help fight cancer?

Photo Source: Bonnie Biess, Asylum.com

Video Source: youtube.com/user/movembertv

Product Review: Do You Like It Smooth or Rough? Top 3 Face Scrubs

Some guys like it rough, but if you truly want to be a “smooth operator” during your next visit to the bar, there are some small steps you should take with your grooming routine first. That’s right, you morning ritual shouldn’t stop at cleansing and shaving. A great scrub can help even out your complexion, smooth away rough patches of skin, and when used before shaving, help soften and raise whickers for a super close, knick-free shave. To help guide you, I’ve road tested several scrubs, and these are my top three picks.

• Every Man Jack Pre-Shave Face Scrub, available in Fragrance Free and Signature Mint, are blended together with coconut-derived surfactants that remove dirt and oil; marine extracts and Vitamin E to soothe and moisturize; and scrubbing beads to remove dry and dead skin. Like the other products from this award-winning line, these scrubs are dye free, oil free, sulfate free and paraben free. We love: The refreshing, minty fragrance and gentle scrubbing beads.
  Retail Price: $6 each (5 oz.), www.walgreens.com 
• Resurf.a.stic Face Scrub by blinc is the world’s first one-step at-home microdermabrasion innovation. Featuring diamond-shaped crystals that are evenly dispersed in a unique stick design for no mess or waste, this product effectively minimizes the appearance of dark spots and sun-damaged skin. The added cactus and orchid provides natural healing and moisturizing benefits to soothe your newly resurfaced skin. We love: The convenience of a solid stick; less waste on your hands and at the bottom of your shower.
  Retail Price: $40.00 (2 oz.), www.blincinc.com
• Kyoku Exfoliating Facial Scrub, a new import from Japan, is a luxurious facial scrub that employs volcanic ash, Japanese rice bran and Adzuki bean to help deep clean pores, eliminate blackheads, free ingrown hairs, prevent blemishes and remove excess oil. Oh, and it exfoliates for a smoother, more even complexion. We love: The intense cooling sensation that makes the skin feel super clean.
  Retail Price: $29.00 (3.4 oz.), www.KyokuforMen.com

Tips: Most scrubs should only be used 2-3 times a week. If you shave every few days, use one in the shower just before you apply your shave gel or cream. Make sure to follow-up with a quality moisturizer like the new Heavyweight Champion Extreme Hydration Compound from JOCK SOAP.

• JOCK SOAP Heavyweight Champion™ attracts moisture with the use of hyaluronic acid and binds it to the skin with vitamin E, squalane and other strong barrier ingredients including marine minerals, wheat and soy protein, and cucumber. Together with the powerful benefits of rare apple stem cells, which reduce the signs of aging, Heavyweight Champion is Jock Soap’s most intense moisturizing cream that can be used during the day or after the lights go out for an all-night moisture treatment. We love: The way this moisturizer dries to a matte finish without leaving the skin feeling oily. Retail Price: $49.00 (2 oz.), www.GetJock.com

From left to right: Every Man Jack, Kyoku for Men, blinc resurf.a.stic and Jock Soap

NOTE: Samples were provided by each company mentioned above in exchange for possible editorial coverage.