Bridal Beauty Countdown: 6 Months

Welcome to the bridal beauty countdown series!  Here's post two.  With six months until your wedding it's really time to tune into your skin.  Personally, I'm a bit anal about mine.  Remember, those pictures last a lifetime.  For some reason many brides jump to injectables right before their wedding.  Here's some advice.

Skin: Plan on experimenting with injectables?  Now’s the time to start.  “Sometimes first-time Botox users feel differently in the first few weeks after treatment, but in my experience it rarely happens with subsequent treatments,” says Dr. Lefkowicz.  Whether you’re interested in Botox or trying to plump out deep folds with fillers, it’s always a good idea to try them out in advance and get touch ups before your wedding.  As soon as I reached my six month mark I started to get facials with peels every five weeks and plan on continuing until closer to the wedding.

Hair: If you're looking to remove any unwanted hair for good nows the time to begin laser hair removal sessions. It takes four to six laser hair removal sessions spaced a month apart to see 70 to 80 percent reduction in hair growth.

Makeup: If you’re considering switching up your tried-and-true makeup products, now is the time to experiment with different eye shadow colors and lipsticks.  My theory though: stay with your tried and true.  

If you're not here yet, check out the 1 year post.

Mark Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes Review

I'm a huge fan of cream based cosmetics, especially in the summertime.  I always get excited to dig through a bag of a brand's latest offerings, but when I received Mark Cosmetic's last week, their Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes stopped me dead in my tracks.  Before I knew it I had a slew of colors painted on my hand as I wanted to see what shade each cube would look like on my skin tone. The shades melt beautifully into my skin and can all be used on the entire face: as eyeshadow, blush or highlighter.  It's really a great palette and only $16.  I wish I looked through this bag before I went to Aruba!  I would have brought it with me!  I like using the light and dark goldish shades and combining them as shadow.

You can find the Mark Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes at shop.meetmark.com.

*This is a sponsored post, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

5 Steps to Flawless Stems, You're Welcome

It's sundress season (almost bikini season... eek!), which means it's time to shed your tights and show off your legs!  While I can't wait I also have some work to do and have a feeling you may too.  My biggest problem is that I'm so pale I'm practically see through!  Then, of course there's always spider veins, scars and whatever else we'd like to rid (do I need to mention cellulite?).  So here you have it, five steps to air-brush quality stems. 1. Rid Dead Skin

While it may seem obvious to exfoliate, if you don't do it right, the whole step is pointless.  "To get the most out of the process, go up and down your leg in two sections, from your hip to your knee and then your knee to your ankle, in circular motions," Jamie Ahn, the President of the Town House Spa explains.  The Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish is one of my all time favorite exfoliants.

2. Remove Unwanted Hair

I've tried several hair removal tactics, but usually shave.  To get the closest shave, the best time to shave your legs is at the end of your shower when your skin is softened and hair follicles are relaxed.  A good shaving cream and razor make all the difference.  Invest in a razor that pivots with the contours of your body.  I like the Schick Hydro Silk, because it has four blades and releases a moisturizing serum when it gets wet.  For shaving cream, EOS Ultra Moisturizing Shaving Cream is my go-to.  It stays put and feels more like I'm lathering up in moisturizer than applying shaving gel.

3. Banish Cellulite

“The key to ridding cellulite is all in circulation,” spilled Ahn.  Your butt, and thighs normally receive no circulation on their own so you have to work them yourself.  Do squats and lunges to get the blood flowing in that area and massage it in a circular motion.  You’ll see in a short period of time that the cellulite is not as noticeable.  You can also try using a product like L'Occitane Almond Beautiful Shape that stimulates micro-exfoliation, has draining ingredients as well as caffeine, which helps to decrease the appearance of cellulite over time.

4. Achieve A Golden Glow

After exfoliating and removing all unwanted hair it's time to self tan.  First apply a thin coat of moisturizer around your toes and any dry areas that may pick up too much color.  For the perfect self tan you're going to need two types of tanner: a mousse and a spray.  If you only want to use one opt for the mousse, but be careful around you knees and ankles.  Apply the mousse like a body lotion up and down your legs skipping your knees and ankles, then spritz your knees and ankles with the can.  Since those areas tend to be drier, then pick up more pigment and spray applicators distribute a bit lighter.  I've been using the St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse and Guerlain Terracotta Self Tanning Spray. (I also think they're both great for the whole body depending on your self-tan style).

5. Cover Spider Veins and Bruises

While you can't make them vanish in a flash, you can cover them up for a night out, but the concealor you use on your face won't cut it.  Try body makeup that's known for covering tattoos like DermaBlend Leg & Body Cover or Cover Fx Camouflage Concealor.  I've tried both on my legs and on the tattoo on my wrist for filming certain segments and they work like a charm.  Pick a color that matches your skin tone and then set it with a powder.  The formulas last for hours and don't rub off on clothes as long as you don't put too much on.  A little bit goes a long way.

3 Hot Designers Collaborating with Beauty Brands Right Now

For the past six years I've been attending launch events in the beauty industry and normally the stars of event are makeup artists, hairstylists or celebrity spokespeople.  While that still stands true today, I'm finding myself shaking hands with top fashion designers at beauty events more often than not.  Hey, I don't mind!  Here are some of my favorite fashion and beauty collaborations right now. Jason Wu collaborated with Nest fragrances to launch a candle called "Orchid Rain" inspired by naturally, his Spring 2012 collection.  The $48 candle has notes of Nashi pear, orchid, pomegranate, goji berri, blonde birchwood, pink pepper, coconut and leather.  It smells more delish than it looks.

*This will be available in mid April at Bergdorf Goodman.

Emilio Pucci pulled a print from the archives called "Winter Capri" to compliment the Guerlain Terra Azzurra Collection for Summer 2012, which draws inspiration from the summertime Italian Riviera.  I've always loved Guerlain's Meteorites and their Meteorites Perles D'Azur, $58 are definitely the must-have in the collection.  They even out your skin tan and give your skin a beautiful glow.  The Pucci packaging they come in is an added bonus.

*This will be available in May at Sephora.

Thakoon created a limited edition polish collection for Nars cosmetics with six colors that are found in Indian spice markets pulled from his Spring 2012 collection.  Every color is a must have!  Shades include: Anardana (Azalea pink), Ratin Jot(Orchid purple), Amchoor (Bright yellow), Kutki (Powder blue), Koliary (Cyan blue) and Lal Mirchi (Mandarin red).

*They'll be available on May 1st for $18 each at narscosmetics.com.

NYFW Beauty Trend: Matching Lips & Tips

This season one of the biggest trends I've spotted backstage is matching nails and lips, which means it's going to be super hot for fall.  Backstage at Zac Posen where models wore striking, yet classic red lips and nails, I had the chance to catch up with my friend and MAC Makeup Artist,Kerri Blair to chat about the look. "The lip and tip is definitely one of the hottest trends this fashion week so far," commented Blair.

The true red created for the lip at Zac Posen is Cherry Red Lip Pencil and a red lip mix gloss.  To match the lip, the closest nail polish MAC had is a new shade called Flaming Rose, which will be out in the Fall.

"Classic red lips and nails are just as important as a black dress," commented Blair.  "The color looks good on any skin type because it's neutral with a little warmth and a little coolness mixed together."

Coming soon from MAC, (and I can't wait for this) will be matching sets of lipsticks and polishes that further encourage the trend and take the guesswork out.

Get the Look: Lea Michele's SAG Awards Sexy, Swept Hair in 5 Simple Steps

Whether you're a fan of Lea Michele or not, you had to be a fan of her SAG Awards look as I thought she totally recovered from her Globes catastrophe!  I was honored to talk to her makeup artists immediately after her prep last night about what she would look like on the red carpet and now I have the scoop on her sexy, smooth hair from her stylist, Mark Townsend for Dove. Like her makeup artist, Melanie Inglessis said, "To compliment Lea's Versace gown, we wanted the look to be soft and sexy," Townsend commented.  He gave her touchable blowout with sexy front pieces that swept over her face.

1. Start with a large dollop of mousse on damp hair and blow dry with a round brush.  Townsend used Dove Style+Care Nourishing Amplifier Mousse.

2. Once blow dried, take a dime sized amount of serum like Dove Frizz-Free Shine Cream-Serum (available March 1st) and work it through the hair for shine and separation.  Tip: Warm it up between your palms before spreading it through your locks to warm it up for better distribution.

3. Pull your hair into a loose bun and finish getting ready.  This will give your hair a natural, loose wave.

4. To give it a second day look, spray a beach spray like Oribe Apres Beach Spray all over and shake it out.

5.  Finish with a lightweight styling spray.

Top 5 Looks of the Golden Globes

The Golden Globes red carpet had me blown away tonight!  I couldn't decide on my absolute favorite look.  I think it's a tie between Charlize Theron's sexy deep-V Dior gown paired with a glamorous headband and Jessica Alba's super feminine strapless Gucci, but I saw so many chic styles that I had to show you my top five. Jessica Alba in Gucci

Nicole Richie in Julien Macdonald

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

Charlize Theron in Dior

Katherine McPhee in Donna Karan

*Photos courtesy of BellaSugar

The Scoop on BB Creams and Why You'll Love Them

For the past few months I've been receiving samples of BB Creams to test out. Unfamiliar at first, I became an instant fan. I'm sure you're seeing them pop up everywhere now too so let me fill you in on why you need to get involved. Beauty Balms (BB Creams) were first created in Germany have been popular in Asia for years and have just started becoming a United States staple.  If you're anything like me you've always wished for a product that can do it all.  Well, this can.  At first, I thought it was just a fancy name for a tinted moisturizer until I explored it further.  It's the ultimate multi-tasker! In general, they typically even out your skin tone, rid shine, conceal, protect from UV rays and give you a nice, added glow.

Here are two worth exploring:

Dr. Jart Water Fuse Beauty Balms, $32

The first BB Cream I was sent was Dr. Jart's Water Fuse Beauty Balm with SPF 25.  Creamy in texture, the one step product opened my eyes to a brand new category.  It acts as a moisturizer and serum and gave my skin a dewey glow evening out my skin tone.  It felt weird at first not to do my normal four steps in the morning, but I got used to it, for a little while anyway. Eventually I ended up adding this product into a daily regimen of products anyway.  I couldn't help it!

Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector, $12.99

I was so excited to get this in the mail this week!  The coverage is really light, making it perfect for day time and offers a beautiful glow. Even though I'm pretty pale I use the medium/deep one and make sure to blend it well with my fingers.  My skin appears even and feels moisturized.  As an added bonus, it has an SPF 15 with UVA/UVB defense.

*Available at drugstores in February.

The Hunger Games Beauty: Katniss Approved Braids from the Spring 2012 Runways

I have to admit, I've haven't been posting as much as I should be lately because I've been a bit preoccupied.  Once I tell you why, I'm sure you'll excuse me.  It was The Hunger Games! For the past week and a half the triology has completely consumed my life!  Every aspect of it: social, work and sleep.  The only positive side of finishing is that I can get on with my life now, but I'll never find a story that compares (and as a dorky English major, I've read a ton!). In honor of the time I devoted to the Games and my new found relationship with the main character, Katniss, here's a collection of haute braids I'm sure she'd approve of. Even though Katniss always simply braided her hair straight down the center of her back, a variety of braids popped up through the novels just as they did on the Spring 2012 runways. From fishtails to halos, designers like Michael Kors, Vivienne Westwood, Valentino, Moschino, John Galliano, Sass and Bide and Ruffian all incorporated braids into their final looks.  Check them out and make sure you read The Hunger Games before the movie comes out!

Holiday Gift Guide: Laura Mercier Souffle Body Creme Set

Every year I always check in with Laura Mercier about their holiday offerings, because no matter what, they always have something that ends up on the top of my wish list.  The first time I was introduced to their holiday gift sets was when I was working at Cosmopolitan and a sleek, red box arrived at my desk with three mini jars of goods.  It was their Creme Brulee Trio, that I coveted, covered and kept for myself! The Creme Brulee Trio is available again and includes a whipped Souffle Body Creme, exfoliating scrub and honey bath.  It's such a nice treat to give someone else because you're literally making them take time out for themselves.  A true indulgence!

You can get it at LauraMercier.com for $60.

Amanda Seyfried Celebrated Her Birthday with Cle de Peau and I Found the Perfect Lipstick at Her Party

On Tuesday night I attended Amanda Seyfried's 26th birthday party at Norwood in NYC thrown by Cle de Peau (she's the face of the brand).  The whole private club was filled with editors and we all eagerly checked out the brands Spring 2012 launches and wished Amanda a happy birthday by lighting individual candles promptly at 7pm.  The most exciting part – I found the perfect lipstick – Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer in Plum Pudding. ""I like darker lipsticks and I absolutely can't live without the Concealer stick. Clé de Peau's Mascara keeps my eyelashes curled even though they're really straight," she told People Style Watch.

While I've been a fan of Cle de Peau for years, but I just found the perfect lipstick at their lipstick bar that was set up surrounded by rock candy, maccaroons and caramel treats.  The lipsticks in the new Spring 2012 collection were all inspired by the sweets (specifically by a visit to Patisserie Valerie in London) and each have names that reflect it. There are 20 chocolates, berry and caramel shades that are super moisturizing and creamy in texture but offer a glossy like like.  The perfect combination of a lipstick and gloss if you ask me.

They're not available until February, but I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on Plum Pudding!  (I have a bunch of samples for now).  The coolest thing is that since it's a pricey lipstick (yet, well worth it), you can purchase a lipstick for $60 and then save the tube and get a color refill for $35.

New App Detects Skin Cancer, Does It Really Work?

Earlier this month I received an email from a publicist about SpotCheck, a new application available on iTunes and invented by Dr. Bobby Buka that allows you to upload an image of a potentially dangerous mole with your smartphone, send it into a board of dermatologists for review with no co-pay.  Sounds genius right?  Of course, but as a skeptical journalist I spoke with Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz to get another opinion before you spend the $4.99 submitting a photo. "While this sounds like a wonderful app for those who can't get in to see a derm or who can't afford it, I have many issues with it," remarks Dr. Lefkowicz.

Top Concerns:

1. The quality of the photo

If a user logs onto the website, they'll see photo instructions that advise to choose a room with lots of light, not to zoom in on the mole and not to use flash.  However, I doubt most users would log on to review the tutorial.  "I would not feel comfortable making a diagnosis based on a picture taken by an ameteur," Dr. Lefkowicz comments.  The FDA recently approved of Melafind after years of research, which is a hand held scanner and computer program that dermatologists are using in office now to analyze images of moles.  This app doesn't compare.

2. History matters

"When diagnosing a skin lesion I need to know the whole story when forming conclusions," states Dr. Lefkowicz.  While SpotCheck doesn't actually diagnose, it does let you know if your mole is potentially dangerous and recommend whether or not you visit a derm.

3. It's not always cancer

When being told by an app that you have a potentially dangerous mole, you're automatically going to think the worst – melanoma?  However, that may not be the case. It's important for dermatologists to perform a full body scan, because often times many people have several abnormal moles, which is OK.  "It's comforting when I see a patient has more than one abnormal lesion," comments Dr. Lefkowitz.  "Even though they may appear suspicious, it's typical and they don't always have to come off."

As I suspected, the app is beneficial for those who don't regularly visit a derm or those who are on a budget.  I can only hope that those who are using it are sending in clear enough photos and taking action by following up with an in office visit if they get a negative response.  In the end, when it comes to potentially life threatening moles, the choice is yours.  Ask yourself... is relying on your smart phone worth it?

Reporting Live Tomorrow from the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

It's that time of year again! While you can tune in on November 29th and watch the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, I'll be there tomorrow for the taping as the angels prep backstage and walk the runway.  Of course, I'll be tweeting live on site and posting images, interviews and videos immediately after the show on BeautySweetSpot so you can get the scoop right away. Last year I got to go into the spray tan tent to see exactly how the models bodies were sculpted with product (see post) despite their workout regimens and diets and interview all the models pre-show on video including Alessandra Ambrosio.

This year, special guest performers include Kanye West, Maroon 5, Cee Lo Green and just announced – Nicki Minaj.  WWD reports the themes for this years show will include ballet, super angels, passion play, angels aquatic, I put a spell on you and club pink.  There will be 69 costumes in total and 38 models walking the catwalk.

Become A Real Life Sleeping Beauty, Thanks Daylight Savings!

Fall is my favorite season for many reasons, but perhaps the biggest is because we get to 'fall back' – an extra hour of sleep!  That's right, don't forget to turn your clocks back an hour on Saturday night.  Make sure you're getting the most out of your snooze with beauty loot that works best while you're at rest.  Check out my favorite finds. Bliss FatGirlSleep, $38 at blissworld.com

I've been a fan of the original cellulite fighter, FatGirlSlim, for years, but this jar of booty whip added a soothing lavender scent to their tightening complex to help you relax and sleep well as it works.  Lotus flower helps to fight the four causes of cellulite: fat storage, fat burning, water retention and slackened skin.  With continued use, I've seen an improvement on my thighs, but must note that when I stopped using it, the horror came back.

Algenist Overnight Restorative Cream, $90 at Sephora

As you sleep your skin cells turnover, which makes nighttime the ideal time to really take care of your skin and use the right ingredients.  I was introduced to this face cream about a month ago and love, love, love it.  I'm a fan of the light, creamy texture as it feels heavy enough for nighttime, but not like I'm wearing a mask.  Made with alguronic acid, which was extracted from a microalgae cell, it works overnight to even out skin tone and fight fine lines and wrinkles.

Fekkai Protein Rx PM Repair Strengthener, $65 at fekkai.com

I'm obsessed with hair treatments of all types and normally do masks in the shower.  This one is an overnight treatment that I sometimes use (you should use nightly if you have really damaged hair).  Proteins help to rebuild your strands (and let's be honest, we all can use a bit of help).  I find that after I wash it out in the morning my hair is super soft and shiny. Tip: After putting it in your hair, comb it through with for even distribution and then braid your hair or wrap it in a bun to keep the product out of your face while you sleep.

C.O. Bigelow My Favorite Night Balm, $7.50 at bigelowchemists.com

You need to coat your pucker!  Your lips are an extension of the skin on your face so the skin cells are turning over during the nighttime, making it the best time to moisturize and take care of them.  This isn't just another small tube of chap stick.  For $7.50 you better be getting something good and I promise, you are.  I love my cherry chap stick sometimes, but I feel like it just coats the top of my lips protecting them from the wind and outside elements.  This stuff actually penetrates them and moisturizes all night long.  Trust me.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand & Foot Cream Duo, $16 at usa.loccitane.com

This is the best stuff.  I've been addicted to the hand cream ever since I've been introduced to it about five years ago when I worked at Cosmo and no matter how many different kinds I try in between tubes, I'm constantly going back to it.  Don't forget to moisturize your hands and feet before getting in between the sheets.  Loaded with shea butter, this duo is a steal!  Tip: Wear socks to bed and wake up with super soft toes!

Guerlain's Holiday Collection, Belle de Nuit: Get it Now

One of my favorite Guerlain products of all time are their Meteorites Powders, but each time the brand comes out with a new collection, especially a holiday collection the packaging itself makes me melt, but the luxurious textures inside make the splurge all worth it once in a while.This year you can grab Guerlain's holiday collection, Belle de Nuit, early on Ahalife.com. It's on sale today!  Go ahead, entice yourself by peeking at the images below... Launching at Bergdorf Goodman and Nieman Marcus in mid October, the Guerlain is doing an exclusive pre-launch sale for the first time with Ahalife.  The collection includes:

Vol de Nuit Perfumed Shimmer Powder for Face & Body, $87

Parure de Nuit Pressed Powder & Blush, $67

Météorites Perles de Nuit (my fave), $56

Les Ombres de Nuit 4-Colour Palette,$59

Rouge Automatique Lipstick in Pink and Plum, $35 ea.

Coach Poppy Mixes Up Its Bouquet with Poppy Flower

When Coach first launched the Poppy collection one of the first things I thought was that I wanted to be friends with the poppy girl.  Who doesn't want to be friends with the poppy girl!? With the image of the poppy girl in mind, Coach reinvented it's youthful scent taking it from a fresh citrus blend to a more fruity floral with Coach Poppy Flower.  Notes of citrus, lychee, and cassis open the scent and are then layered with jasmine, water lily and rose all grounded by musky peony and amberwood.

“The Poppy girl is bright and bold—and instantly memorable," comments Karyn Koury, Estee Lauder Companies Senior Vice President of Corporate Fragrance Developmen

BeautySweetSpot News! A Makeover is About to Be Revealed!

Hi BeautySweetSpot readers!  I'm really excited to announce that when you visit the site next week it's going to have a whole new look.  Think chicer, cleaner and easier to navigate.  This is more than just a face lift, it's a complete makeover from logo to navigation! This September will be two full years since I quit the corporate world and decided to pursue BeautySweetSpot.com and other freelance work full time so I decided to take things up a few notches.  The newly designed site will still have the same tone and feel, but will be broken down into four main categories – Beauty, Men's Grooming, Lifestyle and VIP Pass.

Here's the breakdown:

Beauty: The real scoop on the newest products before they hit store shelves, how-tos on the hottest celebrity looks, latest trends and expert tips and tricks.

Lifestyle: The latest fashion trends and style how-tos along with tips on health, fitness and everything in between!

Men’s Grooming: The scoop on the latest grooming loot and expert tips for your man.  Plus, a fan favorite, “Man of the Moment,” a peek inside the medicine cabinets and minds of real men.

VIP Pass: A peek backstage and front row to some of the hottest events from New York Fashion Week to red carpet premieres. Along with exclusive interviews with your favorite celebrities and top editors, publicists and bloggers of the coveted beauty and fashion industry.

PS: Soon, you'll also be able to check out videos on BeautySweetSpot TV!

As my readers I can't thank you enough for your support.  Without you, there is no BeautySweetSpot.com!  I hope you enjoy the new look!

xo,

Jeannine

Betsey Johnson Launches Her Latest Fragrance, Too Too

Normally at 9 am I'm just beginning my day at the gym or taking my first sip of coffee, but this Tuesday was different.  I joined Betsey Johnson for brunch at Milk Studios as she launched her latest fragrance, Too Too.  With a "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" theme, Betsey was accompanied by ballerinas from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy and pink frosted cupcakes went hand in hand with champagne (yes, this was brunch).

Betsey, a former ballerina herself, arrived full of energy wearing a hot pink dress with black sneakers as I along with other editors and bloggers clung onto a cup of coffee.  The Stephen Petrinio Company performed a special dance for Betsey's 69th birthday celebration and two super cute DJ's spun in the center of the room.

The fragrance, Too Too, is very youthful in packaging and scent, which made the atmosphere of the event relevant.  It's very Betsey!  Loaded with sweet fruity notes of mandarin, ginger and strawberry layered over jasmine, bulgarian rose, patchouli, sandalwood and vanilla.  The fragrance retails for $42-$82 and also comes in a body lotion and roller ball form.

*Launching in October at Sephora.

Get Sexy Skin Now

With one more month left of summer you better believe I'll be getting the most out of my new bikini's and sporting my minis all over NYC.  Make sure you enjoy the last few days too!  I spoke with Dr. Ellen Gendler to get some tips on how to get sexy summer skin so you can feel confident showing off your legs, back and everything in between. Rid Hair: Even though I try and test every form of hair removal out there I still steal my boyfriends razor from time to time.  I really do think I get a great shave from them, but Dr. Gendler made me put an end to it!  "You’ll get the same close shave with a woman’s razor, except you’ll be able to reach those curvy areas that tend to get missed with a razor that doesn’t pivot."  I can second that.

She recommends Venus ProSkin MoistureRich, because not only does it have the pivoting head, but also because of the moisturizing shave bars around the blades.  Immediately after you shower, towel off and apply moisturizer to ensure for maximum absorption and silky smooth skin.

Minimize Scars & Hide Spider Veins: "Massaging the affected area can help flatten a raised scar and using Vitamin E or other oil can minimize the friction while massaging," comments Dr. Gendler.  I like using Bio Oil on scars and stretch marks.  It really does minimize them over time.  For spider veins, I cover them with Cover FX Concealor.  It even hides tattoos.

Clear Backne: "Never scrub back acne," exclaims Dr. Gendler.  "It will only irritate it more."  Try an over-the-counter salicylic acid or benzyol peroxide cream and if conditions remain the same or worsen seek a dermatologists.

Kyoku Sake Infused Shave Creme for Him

This Japanese skincare company seems to know a thing or two about marketing to men – just add alcohol.  Kyoku, a men's skincare line made out of all natural ingredients from Japan, highlights sake as a key moisturizing ingredient in their shaving cream. Of course, I had Joe (the BF) put it to the test against his stubble.  He was an immediate fan of the cooling feeling and familiar menthol-like scent, but the directions annoyed him.  "Apply to wet skin with fingertips and let rest for two minutes."  Since he shaves daily, Joe's not the type of guy who has an extra two minutes to add onto his grooming routine. If your mans into really pampering himself, this stuff is essential.

A combination of silicones and yes, pure sake are to thank for the smooth shave. Available in normal and sensitive skin formulas for $34.  You can find it at Barneys or online.