Valentine's Day Gift Guide for Your Man

Valentine's Day is a weird holiday; not in theme, but in gift giving. You can't give something too extravagant, but a box of chocolates is très dull. It's the perfect holiday for something logical. Here are 5 gift ideas your man is sure to love (and you probably will too)!

Polo Black Cologne by Ralph Lauren, $64.00 at Sephora

Cologne is always a smart buy. Not only is it something your man will love to use, but you'll love when he uses it (you know you want your guy smelling great)! Nothing is more telling about a guy than the scent he wears.  This Ralph Lauren scent is a subtle hint of that manly musk all women love!

"Eglinton" 5-Piece Classic Wet-Shaving Kit, $101. 86 at Fendrihan

Can you think of a man with more class than one who uses an old-fashioned shaving kit? We can't! If your guy is someone who enjoys the finer things in life, we recommend this elegant kit for him (if he's not, just go with socks). This is just a great buy in general and pretty reasonably priced if you ask us! This kit comes in classic black and ivory.

Penguin Canvas and Wool Duffle, $150.00 at Original Penguin

A great duffel is always a good investment, especially if your man likes to workout. This duffel makes for the perfect gym bag, even though he swears he doesn't need one, you know he does. This bag is even large enough for you two to share! Couples who workout together stay together! Speaking of...

Insanity 60-Day Total Body Conditioning Program, $119.85 at Beachbody

You'd have to be insane not to buy this for your man! See what we did there? But really, this is a great nudge toward keeping him healthy.  Plus, you can use it, too!

Monthly Subscriptions to Pretty Much... Anything

Prices vary, but there are monthly subscriptions to some great foods, drinks, and other awesome things! Some of our favorites: Jerky of the Month for $24.95 a month, Dollar Shave Club for $1 a month, Craft Beer Club for $39.00 a month. These are great because they give your guy something to look forward to every month! We just spruced up your relationship, you're welcome.

If all else fails, a couples spa day never hurt nobody.

Behind the Look: Joanna Pensinger Ford

Welcome to “Behind the Look” – a new feature that showcases the talent behind the looks we love – the real celebrities in my eyes.

With clients like Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Bacon and Ewan Mcgregor to name a few, Men's Groomer Joanna Pensinger Ford, has had her hands on some of the hottest men in Hollywood (Leonardo.  Enough Said.).  Here, she talks about her most exciting project, must-have products and grooming tips, which we can pay attention to, too!

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately.

My most exciting project was working on Kevin Bacon for Jimmy Fallon when we made a mock Footloose skit. Not only is Kevin an amazing person but Footloose has always been one of my favorite movies. I was dancing and giddy for the whole shoot day.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

My beauty philosophy is "Quick and Effective". Whether it be my work or the product I use. Men do not like a lot of fussing yet they enjoy seeing and feeling improved.

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why?

My must haves in my kit to achieve that feeling is:

1) La Mer's Oil Absorbing Lotion which hydrates yet combats shine.

2) Kiehl's Facial Fuel Eye Depuffer is an immediate result product it both cools and depuffs tired eyes.

3) Wahl beard trimmer, I love the nose trimmer attachment which is also great for the ears.

4) My mini flat iron by Sedu Revolution. It's a quick way to tame curly or frizzy hair around the roots and neckline.

5) V76 Molding Paste is an amazing hair product with hold and great flexibility.

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive?

The best new product that I just discovered is by a new company, Montez Renault. It is the No. 15 Jojoba Smoothing Scrub, they created an exfoliator that is both extremely effective and hydrating. I also like that they use a majority of organic ingredients.

Spill your best grooming advice.

My best grooming advice is Exfoliate. Men tend to skip the important steps for better skin. Exfoliating decreases your chance of getting ingrown hairs and keeps your skin youthful.

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all men should know?

My tip to all men is, invest in Tea Tree Oil. I make a tonic that I spray on every client before I start because it preps their skin by balancing the bacteria on your face. If you have oily skin it neutralizes the oil on your face. However if you have dry skin it soothes and moisturizes.

Help Him Get Fuller Looking Hair

Ladies, one of the touchiest subjects when it comes to men's grooming is balding. Yes, receding hairlines and thinning... the whole nine yards.   Is your man starting to go down that path?  Well, I talked to a derm, Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz and stylist to the stars, Sunnie Brook to find out how you can help him out.  And I know you're wondering, but my man is blessed with hair I could only dream of having!  Read the scoop in my latest AskMen article.  You're welcome.

Interview: Michael B. Jordan

You guys may know him from Friday Night Lights or The Wire, but I became familiar with Michael B. Jordan, because of his explosive Twitter account.  As AXE's latest muse, I had the chance to chat with the actor about his partnership,  his biggest temptations and of course, what type of scents he likes on women.  Check out what he has to say.

What made you want to partner with AXE?

This particular campaign was interesting to me. According to an AXE survey, 75 percent of guys and 60 percent of girls don’t know what tempts each other. I could relate to this topic and wanted to help be part of the solution in a cool, creative way. Not only does this allow me to help solve answers in the modern world of dating, but AXE is allowing me to step behind the cameras and direct some of the content.

Besides AXE, do you have a favorite fragrance, a cologne?

I like fragrances that are fresh and sophisticated – like the citrus and cedarwood combination in Gold Temptation.

Does your fragrance choice change with the character you're playing? 

I do a lot of preparation to get into my characters. I think there’s a strong correlation between fragrance and how it makes you feel. Pairing a fragrance with a specific character is one way to help get into character.

Is there a particular scent that you like on a woman?

I like floral, sweet scents that are subtle – and keep you coming back for more. Like how AXE Gold Temptation has notes of chocolate with citrus and spice.

You host AXE's #TemptationTuesday on Twitter. What are your biggest temptations?

It’s been fun hearing about what guys and girls find tempting – you’d be surprised.  There’s always something you just can’t resist. Staying healthy is huge for me, but if bacon’s an option, I’m adding it. And if I walk past sneakers, I’m walking out with them.

Man Parts: Ode to the Abdominal V

Something's going on in the men's fashion industry, where calling attention to exposed not-so-hot body parts is gaining traction. My first glimpse of random man flesh was in a NY Mag feature on mankles, encouraging guys to 'throw out their socks.'  Then came a Huffington Post article featuring Jude Law and his he-vage, man breasts shown off by wearing a super deep V T-shirt.  Whatever happened to "the V" (you know, that sexy abdominal V) and why in God's name isn't anyone designing to show that off?

While I can stand behind cuffed jeans paired with boat shoes, it is utterly ridiculous to refer to a man's ankle or (anyone's ankle for that matter) as sexy.  I did for a second, reconsider when I read on to find the writer describing the 'mankle' in an erotic way, "A part that is both strong yet delicate, like the body’s D’Angelo ballad." The body's D'Angelo ballad (Brown Sugar anyone?).  Yes, convincing indeed.  Then I realized it was the words I was turned on by, not the 'mankle,' which I'm still not sure is a good or bad thing.  Either way, she made a strong case.

The thought of 'he-vage' on the other hand makes me heave.  And if you thought Jude Law could do no wrong, you're wrong.  I will say, his bod is rocking, but come on.  By inspecting his T-shirt it doesn't look stretched out, which means he bought it like that. Who even makes T-shirts for men like that?  I've seen tanks at American Apparel that resemble the same deep V style, but they remind me of something Hulk Hogan would wear wrestling, which is why I'm also deeming this look as not hot. The best part of this article is when John Jannuzzi, Senior Digital Editor of GQ comments, "If it crosses the nipple line, as it has here, you’ve gone too far.”

Now let's get to it.  If 'mankles' don't turn you on and 'he-vage' doesn't get your juices flowing, then you'll most likely agree with me that the abdominal V is clearly the sexiest part of a man's body.  It's innocent enough to be exposed in public, yet sexy enough to let your imagination run wild.  Now, I'll leave you with that D'Angelo ballad.

Gillette Fusion ProGlide Giveaway: For Him

My fiancé's been in an exclusive relationship with his razor since he started shaving at 16. Well not the actual razor, but the brand – Gillette.  It's because of his influence that I pay so much attention to men's grooming and I'd be lying if I said I never stole his razor to test it against the latest for women.  In honor of Father's Day, and Gillette's latest campaign, FacetheWorldIRL, how does a Gillette Fusion ProGlide giveaway sound?  Great! Because I'm giving away a year's supply of the razor and everything your man, or dad, needs to put his best face forward.

The innovative razor can be used manually or with battery power to make it vibrate, claiming to give you a closer shave.  Joe likes to use it without the vibration saying he, "believes he gets just as good of a shave since the razor has five blades."  Plus, it has strips of lubrication on top of the razor to provide a smooth glide.

The one year supply of a Gillette Fusion ProGlide giveaway includes:

·         14 Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razors (each one can last up to 5 weeks)

·         7 Gillette Fusion Pro Glide Sensitive Shave Gel

·         10 Gillette Fusion Pro Series Irritation Defense Soothing Moisturizer

For professional grooming tips, send your man or dad to FacetheWorldIRL.com.

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Brow Grooming: Help Your Man Out

As my fiancé, Joe and I get closer and closer to our wedding, I find myself booking more and more appointments: colorist, facialist, waxer, threader, manicurist... and it goes on!  Joe on the other hand?  He just has to show up!  Well, almost.  I will be plucking his brows.  This isn't abnormal as I occasionally straddle him as he watches TV and go to town between his eyes. Here's a piece I wrote for AskMen, "A Man's Guide to Brow Grooming," that you should read and help your man out.  The goal – to ensure a clean look that retains its natural, masculine appeal.

Jared Leto's Hair Secrets

Jared Leto's Oscar hair was dirty.  As I was live tweeting the Oscars tonight (and swooning over him), it wasn't to my surprise that a twitter account for @JaredLetosOmbre popped up.  Threatening to pull his hair up into a bun all night, I just got the scoop from his stylist, Chase Kusero, that a wet, side parted man bun was actually his original plan for the night.

Last minute, they decided to embrace the rockstar's ombre, wavy hair and have him wear his hair down. The styling took place the night before.  His secret? Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Waves Primer Spray to enhance the waves then the second day (since it wasn't freshly washed) he used Vidal Sassoon Pro Series ColorFinity Dry Shampoo in Rich Darks to freshen up.

So for those of us ladies envious of this guys hair... second day hair with a bit of enhancer is the way to go.

How to Properly Wash Your Face

No one said your skincare regimen had to be complicated or abrasive to be effective. Now while you may believe me, would your man?  I swear guys love scrubs (my fiancé says grit) and need to feel like something's working in order to believe it is. Have a man in your life who can benefit from knowing the basics?  Share this with him – my new piece for AskMen.com – How to Properly Wash Your Face (hint: it includes moisturizer).  The more you know...

Super Bowl XLVIII, Seahawks Scalped the Broncos

If I had a bucket list, going to the Super Bowl would have been on there.  Thanks to Head & Shoulders for Men, I'm now able to scratch that off.  Known for working with Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers, this year, the brand also teamed up with his teammate, Brett “Da Beard” Keisel to interview the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos before the game about how their hair will come into play on game day (hysterical video)... of course, this is when they all had hope.  Despite which team has better hair, the Broncos got scalped!  Anyway, the energy at Metlife Stadium looked something like this.

We sat in the corner of the end zone, ten rows behind the where the Bronco's came out.  The energy was insane.  A very hopeful beginning indeed.

Proof I was there.  Ha!

I think it's safe to assume that another Seahawks touchdown was about to happen here.

One of the best parts was the half time show.  Bruno Mars put on a showstopping performance and we were all part of it!  Pepsi gave out hats with LED lights on them that went to the songs so the whole stadium lit up for the show.  The fireworks at half time and throughout the game were magical.

My failed attempt at a fanicure.  I tried!

I felt awful for the Bronco's cheerleaders, but the mascot (see him sitting on the left) was hysterical the whole game.

10 Swoon Worthy Jared Leto Gifs

Let's talk about Jared Leto. #Fail.  No words!  Naturally, I planned on doing a post dedicated to his hair, but he is so much more than his mane.  Whether you're into his Jesus-like locks or not, despise his man bun or are jealous of his perfect ombre, you're still a fan. Why? Because who doesn't want a piece of the multi-talented sex symbol?  And don't forget, a rockstar.  Let's swoon, together...

Oh, hi...

Hugo Boss Sport, Much More Than A Cologne... All Aboard!

Last Wednesday morning work consisted of a sail around Manhattan on the Hugo Boss racing sail boat to celebrate the launch of Hugo Boss Sport, which was perhaps one of the most exciting invites that ever landed in my inbox.  It was a gorgeous day and my first time sailing, which I learned was more of a workout than a casual cruise!  Check out my pics from the day, details from the sail and review of the cologne.

The Hugo Boss is a racing boat that's about to be sailed around the world in 90 days by Alex Thomson, solo.  As we sailed, we sat in the front and kept having to roll back and forth underneath the sail as the team in the back shifted it from side to side with the wind. Being part of their sail team for the morning was exhilarating and definitely took a team to maneuver the boat in the right ways.  I can't imagine one man doing it all on his own.

The new cologne is crisp and definitely masculine.   And in case you were wondering, Joe approved.  "I'd wear this on a casual night out," he said.  "It's fresh."  He picked up right away on the citrus notes (pink grapefruit to be exact), but liked how the clean scent smelled more masculine thanks to the woody base than Mr. Clean.