GroomingFilter
October 13, 2008 10:40 PM Subscribe
We’ve talked before about shaving, and the discussion was heated, but really, guys, there’s more you could be doing to keep your skin looking young and healthy.
It’s not enough to just rub a bar of soap over your stupid gurning mug after you’ve noticed the big greasy patch you left on the window after falling asleep on the bus, and nicking some of your girlfriend’s Oil of Olay only when the skin of your cheeks is falling away in thick necrotized chunks of shrapnel will only get you so far. Thus, a generally context-free collation of links for your dermatological delectation.
Not sure where to start? Try some of these guides:
A Glossary Of Terms
A Beginner's Guide To Grooming
Skincare Q&A
A More Thorough Breakdown
Solutions To Specific Issues
Target: Face
So, now that you've been made aware of everything you've been doing wrong, without even knowing it, what are you supposed to do about it? Well, check out some of the stuff listed on these pages.
Esquire Grooming Awards 2007
Men's Health Grooming Awards 2006
Men's Health Grooming Awards 2007
And don't worry, there are companies that actually specialize in grooming products for men. Here's a small sample:
Kiehl's
Anthony Logistics
Clinique
Baxter of California
Men-U
Have at it, lads. Your skin - and your significant other - will thank you.
It’s not enough to just rub a bar of soap over your stupid gurning mug after you’ve noticed the big greasy patch you left on the window after falling asleep on the bus, and nicking some of your girlfriend’s Oil of Olay only when the skin of your cheeks is falling away in thick necrotized chunks of shrapnel will only get you so far. Thus, a generally context-free collation of links for your dermatological delectation.
Not sure where to start? Try some of these guides:
A Glossary Of Terms
A Beginner's Guide To Grooming
Skincare Q&A
A More Thorough Breakdown
Solutions To Specific Issues
Target: Face
So, now that you've been made aware of everything you've been doing wrong, without even knowing it, what are you supposed to do about it? Well, check out some of the stuff listed on these pages.
Esquire Grooming Awards 2007
Men's Health Grooming Awards 2006
Men's Health Grooming Awards 2007
And don't worry, there are companies that actually specialize in grooming products for men. Here's a small sample:
Kiehl's
Anthony Logistics
Clinique
Baxter of California
Men-U
Have at it, lads. Your skin - and your significant other - will thank you.
This post was deleted for the following reason: poster's request. -- jessamyn
...Erzebet Bathory...
You know, that would be a great brand name.
posted by turgid dahlia at 10:44 PM on October 13, 2008 [1 favorite]
You know, that would be a great brand name.
posted by turgid dahlia at 10:44 PM on October 13, 2008 [1 favorite]
Sorry to bring it down all jonmc-style on you, but it's true: real men don't pay $27.50 for "body polish." Real women don't either.
posted by [NOT HERMITOSIS-IST] at 10:44 PM on October 13, 2008 [6 favorites]
posted by [NOT HERMITOSIS-IST] at 10:44 PM on October 13, 2008 [6 favorites]
Next tell me about how you do your nails.
I'm saving that for the next FPP: "The Big Boy's Compleat Phalange Maintainer".
posted by turgid dahlia at 10:51 PM on October 13, 2008
I'm saving that for the next FPP: "The Big Boy's Compleat Phalange Maintainer".
posted by turgid dahlia at 10:51 PM on October 13, 2008
So what are you saying about us?
(PS: The Japanese mail-order company, DHC has great stuff, too.)
posted by not_the_water at 10:56 PM on October 13, 2008
(PS: The Japanese mail-order company, DHC has great stuff, too.)
posted by not_the_water at 10:56 PM on October 13, 2008
Irish Spring if you buy the soap, whatever your wife/girlfriend/boyfriend/mom/some combination thereof has put in the shower. Old Spice afterwards if you really want to go to town.
Shaving every other, other day helps hide things, too. If you use a disposible razor, change the blade at least every three months (or ten shaves, whichever comes first).
Bonus advice: Whack down any body hair that protrudes from the collar of a turtleneck, especially at the back. The solstices are good reminders to get a haircut.
posted by maxwelton at 10:58 PM on October 13, 2008
Shaving every other, other day helps hide things, too. If you use a disposible razor, change the blade at least every three months (or ten shaves, whichever comes first).
Bonus advice: Whack down any body hair that protrudes from the collar of a turtleneck, especially at the back. The solstices are good reminders to get a haircut.
posted by maxwelton at 10:58 PM on October 13, 2008
I keep my phalange very well maintained, turgid dahlia.
They're outside the window right now, in identically coloured shirts, shouting slogans extolling my leadership and demanding the unification of all trade unions and political parties into a corporatist State. Hand me my microphone, compatriot! To the balcony!
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 11:02 PM on October 13, 2008 [3 favorites]
They're outside the window right now, in identically coloured shirts, shouting slogans extolling my leadership and demanding the unification of all trade unions and political parties into a corporatist State. Hand me my microphone, compatriot! To the balcony!
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 11:02 PM on October 13, 2008 [3 favorites]
Gender equality involves getting women out of the clutches of the money-grubbing quacks of the cosmetics industry, not pushing men in with them.
I regard this post as elaborately prefaced spam.
posted by robcorr at 11:04 PM on October 13, 2008 [12 favorites]
I regard this post as elaborately prefaced spam.
posted by robcorr at 11:04 PM on October 13, 2008 [12 favorites]
...Erzebet Bathory...
You know, that would be a great brand name.
*cough*
posted by bardic at 11:05 PM on October 13, 2008
You know, that would be a great brand name.
*cough*
posted by bardic at 11:05 PM on October 13, 2008
I believe in taking care of myself and a balanced diet and rigorous exercise routine. In the morning if my face is a little puffy I'll put on an ice pack while doing stomach crunches. I can do a thousand now. After I remove the ice pack I use a deep pore cleanser lotion. In the shower I use a water activated gel cleanser, then a honey almond body scrub, and on the face an exfoliating gel scrub. Then I apply an herb-mint facial mask which I leave on for 10 minutes while I prepare the rest of my routine. I always use an after shave lotion with little or no alcohol, because alcohol dries your face out and makes you look older. Then moisturizer, then an anti-aging eye balm followed by a final moisturizing protective lotion.
posted by Ritchie at 11:09 PM on October 13, 2008 [19 favorites]
posted by Ritchie at 11:09 PM on October 13, 2008 [19 favorites]
Who knew that the New Depression would be metrosexual?
posted by dhartung at 11:12 PM on October 13, 2008 [2 favorites]
posted by dhartung at 11:12 PM on October 13, 2008 [2 favorites]
I pride myself on living as product-free as possible. I shave every day now since I'm living in Asia, whereas I used to go two or sometimes three days without. I feel like Richard Nixon debating Kennedy, otherwise.
I think a good razor is the most important thing (Gillete Mach 3 Turbo baby!). Also, really hot water for both lathering up and heating the razor itself. After that, Ivory soap. If I'm feeling really stingy, whatever lather comes off of my head while I'm shampooing. My boss left some basic toiletries in my new apartment, so I'm actually using very nice stuff for my pate these days. However, I will spring for decent cologne (Davidoff Blue Water these days).
I'm told I have pretty nice skin fwiw.
posted by bardic at 11:16 PM on October 13, 2008
I think a good razor is the most important thing (Gillete Mach 3 Turbo baby!). Also, really hot water for both lathering up and heating the razor itself. After that, Ivory soap. If I'm feeling really stingy, whatever lather comes off of my head while I'm shampooing. My boss left some basic toiletries in my new apartment, so I'm actually using very nice stuff for my pate these days. However, I will spring for decent cologne (Davidoff Blue Water these days).
I'm told I have pretty nice skin fwiw.
posted by bardic at 11:16 PM on October 13, 2008
If I had the spare change I'd shave for the last time... with frikkin' laser beams. As it is, unless I triple shave with blades I look like I've got 5 o'clock shadow all the time, so I've pretty much given up looking smooth and gone to electric razors.
posted by BrotherCaine at 11:22 PM on October 13, 2008
posted by BrotherCaine at 11:22 PM on October 13, 2008
Don't shave. I bet I'm baby smooth under there.
My chin! I'm talking about my chin!
posted by codswallop at 11:25 PM on October 13, 2008
My chin! I'm talking about my chin!
posted by codswallop at 11:25 PM on October 13, 2008
You're all going to be eating cat before long, and you're talking about consumer skin care, for men?
Maybe the cats (and rats) will be eating you people. I hope.
posted by kenlayne at 11:25 PM on October 13, 2008 [3 favorites]
Maybe the cats (and rats) will be eating you people. I hope.
posted by kenlayne at 11:25 PM on October 13, 2008 [3 favorites]
Anyone tried the Epila Laser Hair Remover? $199 seems almost too cheap for a home unit. I'm also not 100% sure a home unit is a good idea.
posted by BrotherCaine at 11:39 PM on October 13, 2008
posted by BrotherCaine at 11:39 PM on October 13, 2008
Beauty Knows No Pain
posted by ChickenringNYC at 11:40 PM on October 13, 2008
posted by ChickenringNYC at 11:40 PM on October 13, 2008
No cat for me thanks, I'm vegetarian.
posted by turgid dahlia at 11:43 PM on October 13, 2008
posted by turgid dahlia at 11:43 PM on October 13, 2008
Breaking out the Patrick Bateman quote is a little like Godwin-ing a thread. You know who else liked to take care of their skin?
That said, this stuff is skin fetish money wasting fancy marketing silliness. Unless there is something truly whacked out with your skin at-present, the best you can do for yourself is:
1) Get some sunscreen that you feel comfortable using every single day. Use it every day.
2) (Optional) Get some vitamin c powder. Mix a small amount with water in a dropper bottle. Rub a few drops into skin daily. You've just made vitamin C serum for $0.25 a bottle instead of $75.
posted by specialfriend at 12:07 AM on October 14, 2008
That said, this stuff is skin fetish money wasting fancy marketing silliness. Unless there is something truly whacked out with your skin at-present, the best you can do for yourself is:
1) Get some sunscreen that you feel comfortable using every single day. Use it every day.
2) (Optional) Get some vitamin c powder. Mix a small amount with water in a dropper bottle. Rub a few drops into skin daily. You've just made vitamin C serum for $0.25 a bottle instead of $75.
posted by specialfriend at 12:07 AM on October 14, 2008
THE WHALE PUT JONAH
DOWN THE HATCH
BUT COUGHED HIM UP
BECAUSE HE SCRATCHED
BURMA-SHAVE
posted by Rhaomi at 12:18 AM on October 14, 2008 [6 favorites]
DOWN THE HATCH
BUT COUGHED HIM UP
BECAUSE HE SCRATCHED
BURMA-SHAVE
posted by Rhaomi at 12:18 AM on October 14, 2008 [6 favorites]
Advanced Shaving Techniques discusses the slide, J hooking, blade buffing and more. Shaving Brush Basics, How To Shave With A Single-Blade Razor.
Can girls come and play in this thread too?
After years of experimenting, I found often the cheapest stuff really is the best:
For winter skin: Original Nivea, $5.
Best hair conditioner, Pantene Deep Fortifying Treatment. Also makes a great shaving cream. $5.
Best toothpaste (salty/bicarbonate of soda) Parodontax.
Nose hair clipper.
PedEgg.
FooTherapy, ahh, great foot soak in hot water.
Nothing like the classic Badedas shower gel.
posted by nickyskye at 12:28 AM on October 14, 2008 [2 favorites]
Can girls come and play in this thread too?
After years of experimenting, I found often the cheapest stuff really is the best:
For winter skin: Original Nivea, $5.
Best hair conditioner, Pantene Deep Fortifying Treatment. Also makes a great shaving cream. $5.
Best toothpaste (salty/bicarbonate of soda) Parodontax.
Nose hair clipper.
PedEgg.
FooTherapy, ahh, great foot soak in hot water.
Nothing like the classic Badedas shower gel.
posted by nickyskye at 12:28 AM on October 14, 2008 [2 favorites]
some advice i heard from a dermatology nurse for good skin; don't wash too much and don't use really hot water when you do.
posted by chelegonian at 12:36 AM on October 14, 2008
posted by chelegonian at 12:36 AM on October 14, 2008
And as for men's after shave or cologne, a lot is truly awful stuff. It can be nasty to get kissed on the cheek by a guy wearing bad cologne because it ends up stinking my face up until I can get to soap and water to wash it off. ugh.
Some of the ones I like: Polo, Halston Z-14, Christian Dior's Eau Sauvage, Vetiver by Guerlain.
Interested to hear others' preferences.
BrotherCaine, That sounds like a real bargain, $199 for never having to shave again. wow. But checked the negative reviews. Oh well.
posted by nickyskye at 12:55 AM on October 14, 2008
Some of the ones I like: Polo, Halston Z-14, Christian Dior's Eau Sauvage, Vetiver by Guerlain.
Interested to hear others' preferences.
BrotherCaine, That sounds like a real bargain, $199 for never having to shave again. wow. But checked the negative reviews. Oh well.
posted by nickyskye at 12:55 AM on October 14, 2008
And as for men's after shave or cologne, a lot is truly awful stuff.
I opt for Sex Panther. 60% of the time, it works every time.
posted by clearly at 1:05 AM on October 14, 2008 [1 favorite]
I opt for Sex Panther. 60% of the time, it works every time.
posted by clearly at 1:05 AM on October 14, 2008 [1 favorite]
Everyone is waiting for a shavior.
posted by twoleftfeet at 1:39 AM on October 14, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by twoleftfeet at 1:39 AM on October 14, 2008 [1 favorite]
It rubs the lotion on its skin, or else it gets the hose again.
posted by The Tensor at 1:39 AM on October 14, 2008 [4 favorites]
posted by The Tensor at 1:39 AM on October 14, 2008 [4 favorites]
Well, after a little research, I'm completely turned off laser hair removal. Apparently 'permanent' is a fiction, which is why most salons only have a 3 year guarantee maximum.
posted by BrotherCaine at 1:41 AM on October 14, 2008
posted by BrotherCaine at 1:41 AM on October 14, 2008
All you need is a handful of spit and this.
posted by h00py at 1:58 AM on October 14, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by h00py at 1:58 AM on October 14, 2008 [1 favorite]
Anyone tried the Epila Laser Hair Remover? $199 seems almost too cheap for a home unit.
Don't tase my chin, bro!
posted by PeterMcDermott at 2:50 AM on October 14, 2008 [1 favorite]
Don't tase my chin, bro!
posted by PeterMcDermott at 2:50 AM on October 14, 2008 [1 favorite]
don't use shampoo and conditioner!
Who knew that the New Depression would be metrosexual?
depresion 2.0: the newpression :P
posted by kliuless at 4:11 AM on October 14, 2008 [1 favorite]
Who knew that the New Depression would be metrosexual?
depresion 2.0: the newpression :P
posted by kliuless at 4:11 AM on October 14, 2008 [1 favorite]
Gender equality involves getting women out of the clutches of the money-grubbing quacks of the cosmetics industry, not pushing men in with them.
I regard this post as elaborately prefaced spam.
It deserved to be said twice.
posted by oddman at 4:12 AM on October 14, 2008
I regard this post as elaborately prefaced spam.
It deserved to be said twice.
posted by oddman at 4:12 AM on October 14, 2008
Geez.
posted by turgid dahlia at 4:17 AM on October 14, 2008
posted by turgid dahlia at 4:17 AM on October 14, 2008
Sorry to bring it down all jonmc-style on you, but it's true: real men don't pay $27.50 for "body polish."
This is true. We just go down to the train station and pay some old guy $5 to do it with a buffing rag.
(all kidding aside, those grooming regimens are exhausting just to read. humans have managed to survive and attract mates without all this stuff for centuries. this sounds like vanity and/or doodadism to me)
posted by jonmc at 5:08 AM on October 14, 2008
This is true. We just go down to the train station and pay some old guy $5 to do it with a buffing rag.
(all kidding aside, those grooming regimens are exhausting just to read. humans have managed to survive and attract mates without all this stuff for centuries. this sounds like vanity and/or doodadism to me)
posted by jonmc at 5:08 AM on October 14, 2008
JonMC, you've gone soft! Real men do their body polishing by going to the beach on a windy day.
posted by subbes at 5:38 AM on October 14, 2008
posted by subbes at 5:38 AM on October 14, 2008
It’s not enough to just rub a bar of soap over your stupid gurning mug after you’ve noticed the big greasy patch you left on the window after falling asleep on the bus, and nicking some of your girlfriend’s Oil of Olay only when the skin of your cheeks is falling away in thick necrotized chunks of shrapnel will only get you so far.
Present something that none of us are doing and present expensive products as a solution to the 'problem' you've just created?
posted by treblekicker at 6:10 AM on October 14, 2008
Present something that none of us are doing and present expensive products as a solution to the 'problem' you've just created?
posted by treblekicker at 6:10 AM on October 14, 2008
I'm not sure that I agree with the premise here, why the hell would I want to "keep [my] skin looking young and healthy?" I'm a 45 years old man, I'm perfectly happy to look old and craggy. I'll stick with my $0.99 bottles of Suave shampoo and twelve packs of whatever soap is on sale the day that I buy it. There's just too many other more interesting things in life to worry about than skin care.
posted by octothorpe at 6:36 AM on October 14, 2008 [3 favorites]
posted by octothorpe at 6:36 AM on October 14, 2008 [3 favorites]
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posted by fairytale of los angeles at 10:42 PM on October 13, 2008