grooming

Behind the Look: Joanna Pensinger Ford

Joanna Pensinger FordWelcome 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.

Joanna Pensinger Ford productsWhat 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.

mr-jojoba-nobg

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

thinning-hairLadies, 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.

Gillette Fusion ProGlide Giveaway: For Him

Gillette-Fusion-ProGlide-GiveawayMy 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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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...

Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

I find that gifting a man is always harder than gifting a woman.  Do you agree?  Here is some grooming loot that go beyond the every day essentials and of course for some men, it'll take their grooming regimen up a notch or two.   Billy Jealousy’s Shave3Some, $40, contains the three essentials to shaving, a water-activated heating pre-shave treatment, shave cream, and a cooling after-shave balm that are travel-friendly for those that are always on the go.

Bottega Veneta pour Homme, $80, is understated and intriguing.  For the man who likes a fresh scent, with a bit of mystery.  Notes include Calabrian Bergamot, Siberian Pine and Juniper are layered over Jamaican Pimento, Canadian Fir Balsam and Mediterranean Clary Sage. Indonesian Patchouli finishes it off.

Conair 2-Blade All-In-One Trimmer, $34.99, is a cordless rechargeable trimmer with two stainless steel cutting blades, that allow for ultimate precision.  

Kiehl's Ultimate Man Refueling Set, $58, is a great Kiehl's intro kit for someone who's never used the brand or a great stash of products for a man who loves the brand.  It includes a face wash, shave cream, scrub, moisturizer, hand salve and lip balm.  Trust me on this one, your man will be excited.

Grooming Lounge Leather Travel Bag, $150, a sturdy, leather travel bag with dimensions of  7" x 10" x 4".

Jack Black King of the Road Kit, $65, includes all of the essential a man on the go could possibly need.  It makes a great addition to his gym bag as well.

7 Things to Know About Adam Levine

Agree or disagree with People mag, Adam Levine was named the "Sexiest Man Alive" and I can't think of anyone else I'd rather... see on the cover... of course!  The Maroon 5 front man who sports rockstar sexy like no other – full of scruff and tattoos – deserves the title.  Here are seven things to know about Mr. Levine right now. 1. Behati told me in this interview that Adam's obsessed with rose water spray.  I wonder if it's because of the scent or the act of misting?

2. Perfectly groomed facial hair disgusts him.  Instead, he likes to  just keep his scruff maintained by using a trimmer once a month.

3. Yoga is the credited workout to to his chiseled physique.  I have a feeling that performing counts for some cardio, too.

4. He wears Old Spice and claims that woman like the musk.  " I don't feel comfortable being a guy that has on cologne but Old Spice is different because you smell good but you don't smell like your trying to smell good," he told to Men's Fitness.

5. His latest venture will include a clothing collaboration with Kmart.  Rockstar style on a budget?  Yep.  Here's a teaser for his holiday commercial for the brand.  Enjoy! 

6. Along with Diddy and Katy Perry, he too is a Spokesperson for Proactiv.  As an acne sufferer when he was younger, the partnership made sense. Hey, something has to be keeping that gorgeous face in check.

7. He hates flying, but nothing keeps him from going on tour.

Movember Must Haves for the Sake of His Stache

Is your man one of the many who decided that the month November was a perfect excuse to grow a moustache?  I feel good about Movember.  Growing a little facial hair to bring awareness to prostate cancer is an awesome move, but there are always those who go and ruin a good thing.  You know, the ones who think it's cool for some God forsaken reason to grow a stashe without keeping it groomed.  Ladies, let's keep our men from becoming creepy.  Here are some of the latest grooming products that'll help keep his new accessory in tact.

Jack Black Beard Lube, $17, made with macadamia nut oil and jojoba oil, this conditioning shaving cream makes shaving even the thickest, toughest hair easy without leaving the skin irritated.

Anthony for Men Ingrown Hair Treatment, $28, includes glycolic, salicylic and phytic acids to exfoliate the skin and prevent ingrown hairs. It's also laced with willowherb and lavender to calm and soothe the skin.

Philips Laser Beard Trimmer, $99, a revolutionary new beard trimmer that comes with a laser hair removal guide.  It's waterproof and cordless.

Dovo Cut Straight Razor, $130, a sharp, straight razor to keep the hairline clean all the way around his stashe or beard.

Task Essential Stop Burning, $48, this after shave balm cools any sensitivity.

5 Favorites, For Him in Honor of Father's Day

I've come to learn that men are creatures of habit.  My fiance, Joe, has his favorites and likes to stick with using the same brands he's trusted forever.  (Of course, I sneak in new things here and there.) However, Father's Day is a great time to treat your dad to something new that he normally wouldn't buy for himself.  Check out our five favorite men's grooming items of the moment, Joe approved. Tommy Bahama Eau de Cologne, $69

This scent boasts a sophisticated, yet relaxed feel.  Blended with notes of watermelon, tangerine, pear, and ginger layered on top of Tiare flower and violet leaf rounded out by amber, Tonka bean, and Australian sandalwood, it captures the island just like Tommy Bahama's menswear collection.

 Lab Series Skincare Simplified Kit, $75

Most men know they need to take care of their skin, but won't read up or consult someone on where to start.  Chances are if your dad isn't already using skincare or has a confusing regimen, this kit is perfect.  It has just the basics, a face wash, shave cream and moisturizer with SPF, but the quality of the products are on par with what we would put on our faces, made specifically for men's skin.

Jack Black King of the Road Travel Pack, $65

If your dad is always on-the-go this luxe skincare set has everything he would need plus more to ensure he has all of his toiletries.  Plus, it includes a really nice travel bag.

Conair i-Stubble Trimmer, $49.99

This beard trimmer has 15 settings built in so dad doesn't have to constantly be changing blades.  It's all powered electronically and moves seamlessly with the contours of a man's face.

The Art of Shaving 3-Piece Manicure Set, $70

While The Art of Shaving is know for their luxurious shaving sets, they also make stainless steel manicure sets for men that actually look and feel like manly tools. This set includes all the little tools men need to keep their grooming in tact like a nail clipper, tweezer and nose hair scissors.

3 Tips on Growing In & Shaping Your Brows from Sania Vucetaj

Confession: I've been getting my brows shaped since I was in eighth grade.  Now, I'd do anything to have those brows back.  As ungroomed they may have been, they were full and beautiful.  Now, after years of waxing, threading and plucking, believe it or not I'm in an OK place, but need to be in a great place in time for my wedding!  I paid my first visit to Sania Vucetaj, a brow specialist recommended to me by Kathie Lee and Hoda, about three months ago and she gave me one piece of advice that in my seven years of reporting beauty I've never heard before and it changed everything.  

  1. Don't moisturize your brow area.  Just by experimenting on her own Sania found that when she skipped moisturizing her brow area, her hairs would fall out less and grow in.  "For me, it was a breakthrough," she says.  I put it to the test.  Three months later a gap I had in-between my brow and new growth was full!  It's hard to break out of the habit of slathering moisturizer all over your face, but seriously skip your brow area for growth!
  2. Stay away from magnifying mirrors.  "Nobody should see that much," she remarks.  "When you see too much, you lose perspective and you just keep plucking causing a domino effect." At the end of the day, one notices the little, light hairs underneath like you think they do. They only notice the good brow.  Remember, clean does not mean shape.
  3. Tweeze once every two weeks.  "Every hair makes a statement so tweezing is the most precise way to control your shape," she explains.  If you have hairs peeking through before your two weeks is up cover them with powder based nude eye shadow and remember less is more.

Dear Jeannine... How do you find a dermatologist and self tanner?

I can't even begin to tell you how many questions I receive daily from women and men (yes, men too) about beauty and grooming.  So many that it encouraged me to start a "Dear Jeannine" column.  They come in from all angles: Facebook messages, emails, Twitter DM's and even Linked In.  I'm honored and humbled and love answering them!  If you have a question, the best way to submit is to go through BeautySweetSpot's Facebook Fan page.  From now on I'll be answering them all and occasionally publish Q&A's on the site.  Here's the first one:

Hi Jeannine!

I just read your article about tanning beds and I have to admit, I not only love them, I have one. In my house. Yeah, I know. I might as well smoke a pack of cigarettes a day! BUT, I recently had a moment where I felt the desire to embrace my fairness! I have not gone in a month and am feeling exactly as you described. Ugly, fat and unattractive. I am fighting the urge to hop back in. I wanted to try a couple of things you mentioned - a dermatologist and a self tanner. How did you find a good dermatologist? What self tanner do you recommend?

Thanks in advance for sharing. Your articles are fun reads!

-L

Dear L,

Thanks for writing and for reading my Confessions of A Former Tanning Bed Addict post.  I had a feeling people would be able to relate to my experience.  First of all, I'm so proud of you for not tanning this month.  Not only is it unhealthy, but tanned skin isn't even attractive any longer... it's the glow you seek.  Get rid of that tanning bed asap (think of the new shoes you can purchase by selling it)!  Try St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse for body and Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads for Face (he has body ones too that are equally as awesome).

To find a dermatologist in your area, check the Academy of Dermatology's website.  You can also find free skin cancer screenings in your area there.  Hope this helps!

xo,

Jeannine

 

Best Actor Winner, Jean Dujardin's Groomer Dishes on Oscar Night

A year ago, I (like most) didn't even know who French Actor, Jean Dujardin was, until he starred in The Artist and became an Oscar nominee for 'Best Actor' along with American hotties, George Clooney and Brad Pitt.  Well, after Dujardin took home the title last night I called up his groomer, Louise Moon to get the scoop on how she prepped Hollywood's new star for the battle of the sexy, but the dish went on and I found out so much more.

"Being a groomer you have to be supportive of the actors, but not in their face," Moon states.  "When I got him [Dujardin] ready for the Oscars he was exhausted so I had to be really low key, shut the door and make him relaxed.  Sometimes he’s very talkative, but not this time."

Moon met Dujardin at 1pm to prep his skin and style his hair.  No one else was around – no stylist, assistant or manicurist.  "He's a very simple man and trusts me to do what needs to be done to make him look refreshed," she commented.  She found him exhausted.  He's been traveling and on a whirlwind of press tours and awards shows in the US and Europe so his skin was her main concern.

It was dry from climate changes so after moisturizing, she used Talika’s Eye Therapy Patches, helped to minimize dark circles and puffiness around his eyes and then the Talika Skin Retouch Eye Contour Wand (available Spring) beneath both eyes.

Since he has fine hair, she thickened it up by applying Leonor Greyl Mousse au Lotus Volumatrice (I'm a huge fan of this, too) just to the roots and then blowdrying.  "He likes his hair to look alive, but not not perfect so I like to give it a bit of texture by layering products without having it look like they're layered," states Moon.  She then uses a small dollop of  Leonor Greyl Huile de Palme, which is a gloss to give it a bit of sheen for the red carpet lighting.

I spoke with Moon this morning around 10:30 and it turns out she just left Dujardin.  "I've been with him since 8am," she says.  "I'm just as exhausted as he is now!"  He had a series of interviews this morning and Moon was on call.  A day in the life of a celebrity groomer.

And you have to check out this video Leonor Greyl made... no words.

 

 

Man of the Moment: Alex

I'm excited to introduce the first "Man of the Moment" for 2012, Alex, a 22 year old musician from Berkeley, California.  Check out what he stashes in his medicine cabinet and which celeb he lusts after and his band Radical Something.  If you have someone you'd like to nominate to be a "Man of the Moment" this year, nominate him through the contact form above. Requirements: over 18, sexy and successful. What’s in your medicine cabinet?

Old Spice Deodorant, Floss, Lubriderm Lotion, Advil, Yves St. Laurent Cologne, and a bunch of extra floss sticks and toothbrushes!

What product can’t you live without and why?

Cetaphil Daily Facial Wash

How would you describe your grooming habits?

I shower 1-2 times a day, and I am pretty much a neat freak. I keep my hair short so not too many worries there, and while i HATE shaving, I do it every morning. Other than that i can say I am an avid tooth-brusher and face-washer.

Now be honest, how would a woman describe your grooming habits?

"I don't care if he showers all the time--He wears sweatpants and hoodies every single day. Who does that?"

When prepping to go out on a date what are the three things you make sure you do?

1. Pick out a nice little Vans-inspired outfit

2. Make sure I brush, floss, and use mouthwash. Then pop in my favorite bubblemint gum.

3. Make sure i bring my wallet, and throw a bottle of wine in the trunk just in case!

If you could have one night with any celebrity who would it be and why?  More importantly, what would you do?

I would probably grab actress Emma Watson (from Harry Potter) for a night. She took my breath away as a young buck, and she is pretty damn beautiful. I'd most likely take her out to dinner, then bar hop around and see if she's as magical in person as she is in the theaters.

What’s the first thing you notice about a woman? 

If I think my mom would like her.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Leonardo DiCaprio is the man. I will watch anything that he is in--ANYTHING. Chick flick, drama, shitty movie, you name it.

Top 5 Beauty Trends of 2012

What's a better way to start off a new year than to present the predicted top five beauty trends? Get excited because sampling is in!  Free beauty loot?  Sounds like it's going to be a good year already!  Read on as I dissect the top five trends and what you can expect this year will bring for us beauty junkies. 1. Beauty from the Inside 

I've written a whole post about this a few weeks ago, because I've already noticed a ton of new products coming out.  As people continue to become more health conscious, there will be a bigger demand for nutricosmetics, the focus on beauty from within.  To support their normal beauty regimens of anti-aging creams and preventative serums, women will be drinking, swallowing and even eating their skincare to supplement their routines.  Hey, every little bit counts.

2. Men Boost Interest in Anti-Aging

Men care more than most think about their appearance especially when it comes to aging.  I think that a few grey hair and a little bit of crows feet on a man add to their sex appeal, but apparently they too want to look younger, or at least age in the best way possible.  There will be more of a demand for men's anti-aging skin and hair care.

3. Androgyny is In 

When it comes to the idea of beauty androgyny is in.  Men are and will continue to grow out their hair like Chase Crawford and even Johnny Depp and women will be cropping theirs into pixi cuts think Michelle Williams and Emma Watson.  Social ideas of gender roles will be crossed and pushed even further.  Celebrities and runways are beginning to cross lines and commoners are following.  Example: cross gendered models are walking runways, which celebrates who they are.

4. Chemical Free Cosmetics

Because of increased awareness of health concerns, women will continue seek more and more organic and eco friendly makeup.  You are super savvy and know which ingredients to look for in cosmetics just like you do when they shop for food.  Just because a package says, "Paraben free," doesn't mean it's organic and you know that. You're going to start shopping more for pure cosmetics that give you pigment and coverage without the health risks.

5. Free Samples

Sampling is key to purchase in the world of beauty and the free samples will keep coming.  Sounds good to me.  Sites like Birchbox, a membership site which sends you a sampling of beauty products per month for $10 a month will continue to pop up and sampling experiences at stores and online will drive purchase.

A Peek Inside My (Our) Medicine Cabinet

As a complete beauty junkie and blogger, I'm sent bags full of new products to test out daily, which means my medicine cabinet (and Joe's) is like a rotating door.  Some products that enter I buy repeatedly, because after being introduced I just can't live without them and others come and go just after a few pumps.  Here's a peek at what Joe and I are loving this minute.

Hottest Male Celeb Hair Styles of 2011 & How to Get Him to Rock One

Let's be honest, you can totally fall in lust with a guy because of his hair and 2011 has been filled with sexy A-list coifs.  I picked out the top six (Yes, six, I wanted to do five, but couldn't leave out one of these crops.) male cuts and styles and spoke with Celebrity Stylist for Paul Mitchell, Diana Schmidtke to find out how you can help your man can accomplish the look that makes your heart race. Most women would bring a photo of a celeb to their stylist to demonstrate the look they're trying to accomplish and Schmidtke recommends men do the same. However, knowing Joe and most men, they would never bring a photo to their barber.  Could you imagine?  That's where you come in.

Use this a guide and help him style sans the embarrassment.  Schmidtke warns, "It’s important to note that a lot of cuts and styles are dependent on hair type so help him work with his stylist to get a variation of the look if your his type isn’t ideal."

Chace Crawford's medium length, shaggy cut works best with wavy or straight textures.  His front fringe is longer so he can sweep it over his eye creating a sexy, messy look. Mesmerizing!  Key product: A high-shine pomade for separation.

Robert Pattinson has a longer cut that gets tight in the back.  While he doesn't need much product, he does use a blow-dryer and round brush every once in a while for some added bounce.  No matter how much this hair cut makes you swoon, unless your man loves spending time in the bathroom getting ready, it's probably not for him.

Justin Bieber has longer layers in the front that gradually evolve into uniform layers that spike towards the back.  Key product: A paste to add texture and help separate the pieces in the front like Redken Mint Shape Forming Paste.

Ryan Reynolds has the most classic cut of all.  A bit spikey, tight at the nape and clean with longer layers at the top to give the appearance of movement.  Key product: a matte paste to add texture like AXE Hold & Touch.

George Clooney asks for a sheer, over-comb, short crop cut.  I'm not sure if it's the cut or the salt and pepper hair that gets me, but it's working.  I'm also a huge fan of the groomed scruff.  Key product: a moisturizing paste that makes hair appear thicker like Paul Mitchell Mitch Construction Paste.

Matthew McConaughey has long layers with naturally wavy hair.  The layers make the waves work well.  It's the hair even us girls wish we had!  Key product: a gel without sticky hold like Paul Mitchell Mitch Steady Grip.

Man of the Moment: Sian-Pierre

Hey Ladies!  Meet Sian-Pierre, a New Yorker who's the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of SwaggerNewYork.com and a reporter for ACT.MTV.COM.  I love what his mom taught him about cologne and think it's a rule everyone should live by.  Read on to find out about his grooming habits and more. What’s in your medicine cabinet?

Not too much, really. I like to keep grooming pretty simple. I’ve got some Kiehl’s Facial Fuel, Evolution Man Wash and Buff, and a silly Justin Bieber singing toothbrush I received as a birthday gift recently. Yes, I use it.

What product can’t you live without and why?

Well, my hair’s kinda crazy curly, if you can’t tell. Once I was gifted this “Daily Hydrator” by Frederick Benjamin that keeps the frizz at bay without leaving my hair feeling crunchy. It’s kinda a daily must have for the curly set.

How would you describe your grooming habits?

I think most guys would think of ‘grooming habits’ as more of a ‘routine.’ Like, I wake up, wash my face, brush my teeth, put lotion and deodorant on. Then add the daily hydrator. In that order. Always.

Now be honest, how would a woman describe your grooming habits?

Quick and easy.

When prepping to go out on a date what are the three things you make sure you do?

Always make sure that if I do put on cologne, it isn’t overdone. My mom always told me that cologne should whisper and not shout. Then, remember to put on a little deodorant…and always floss.

If you could have one night with any celebrity who would it be and why? More importantly, what would you do?

One celebrity…that’s so difficult! Maybe Adele? I’ve seen her in concert, and during the breaks she was funnier and more honest than any celeb I’ve interviewed, or simply met outright. Plus she can sing, so duh, I’d ask for a personal concert.

What’s the first thing you notice about a woman?

Teeth. Beautiful, pearly white teeth. And recently, I love gaps! (Hello, Lindsey Wixom!)

When it comes to a woman’s beauty what’s your sweet spot?

Someone who is ambitious, quick, determined and has a personal sense of style. I think confidence is key to any woman’s sexiness, and can immediately tell how in touch a woman is with herself by how she dresses.

 

The Best Cyber Monday Beauty Deals

I'm all about scoring great deals this holiday season, but trust me I'm the last person you'll find waiting in those horrific lines on Black Friday.  I can't believe people still do that even though Cyber Monday exists.  Cyber Monday is the best thing ever created and here's a list of the best beauty deals that will be going on so log in and have your credit card ready! Tarte:  $10 off purchases of $50, $20 off purchases of $75, $30 off purchases of $100 or more - A free gift with purchase with every order (customers will get to choose 1 of 5 items) - Free shipping on orders of $40 & up - Code: CYBER

Butter London: 30% site wide discount until November 30th - Code: CELEBRATE11

Bliss: 20% off Bliss, Elemis and Laboratoire Remede products

Elizabeth Arden: 25% off - Free shipping on any order - Save up to 65% on skincare, makeup and fragrance gift sets - Code: BF2

Perfumania: 30% off the entire site - Code: CYBER30

Bobbi Brown: Free best seller gift trio with purchase - Free shipping until November 29th

Urban Decay: Their signature eye palette is on sale for $19 (originally $34)

Elizabeth Arden: Free 5 piece gift - Free shipping with any order of $35 - Code: BEAUTY35

Bloom.com: 40% back in the form of Bloom Dollars for future purchases - free gifts with every purchase - free shipping and free returns on orders over $49

Dr. Brandt: Slashed the prices on two of his most coveted items: Lineless Eye Cream from $69 to $29 and Flaws no more R3P Eye from $80 to $39

Ulta: Free shipping on orders of $25 or more - Code: HOLIDAYSHIP25

John Masters Organics: 25% off your order - Code: HOLIDAY11

Borghese: 25% off your order from 12pm to 4pm - Code: 25CYBER11 

Stila: Up to 80% off items until December 2nd

Lab Series: 25% off all products - Free shipping until December 2nd

Somme Institute: 40% off all skincare site wide

VMV Hypoallergenics: The site is offering 50% off select products including Glitz and Velvet Matte Lipsticks, Two True Hues Eyeshadow Duos, the SuperSkin Starts Here Kit, the entire Illuminants+ line and select Skintelligent Beauty Brushes

Lush: Spend $100 and get a free $10 Lush e-card and free ground shipping - Spend $120 and get a free $10 Lush e-gift card and free air shipping

 

Man of the Moment: Matt

Ladies, allow me to introduce you to Matt, an advertising creative from Williamsburg, Brooklyn who also edits a website called theimpersonals that I now find myself reading daily. Chances are if you're a fan of BeautySweetSpot, you'll enjoy it too.  Until reading Matt's responses, I never really knew why men used cologne.  Read on to find out... What’s in your medicine cabinet? 

I have more Kiehl's than I know what to do with. Every Christmas, my mother gets the guys in the family massive amounts of Kiehl's product, and there’s not enough time in a year to use it all. So it kind of works like rollover minutes. Lately I’ve been giving some to the homeless guys on my way to work.

My favorite brand of the moment is Black Fleece, which is Thom Brown for Brooks Brothers. It’s the perfect collaboration - tradition meets eccentricity. There’s also this great store/brand called Grahame Fowler - fantastic stuff, all made in England of the highest quality. Any man would do well to visit those establishments, both in the west village. I also score a lot of great vintage stuff from my father who now lives in Florida for the winter, so there’s no need for things like a beautiful navy cashmere (!) coat. I just tailored it and can’t wait for the weather to change so I can strut my stuff.

When prepping to go out on a date what are the three things you make sure you do? Good cologne. A friend who works in fragrance told me that a good scent can nullify up to 4 stupid things you say on a date. Things like, “you have the nicest earlobes.”  I blast myself with about 4 sprays, which I estimate affords me 16 dumb comments (for the record, this works 63% of the time.)

If you could have one night with any celebrity who would it be and why?  More importantly, what would you do? I’m less interested in celebrities and more interested in that red head who seems to share the L train home with me everyday. She’s been the hopeful recipient of no less than 100 “Missed Connections”. Fingers crossed.

Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie?  Why? My main problem with hypothetical celebrity sex is I always imagine what would really happen. In my case, I would last two minutes max, then would be humiliated and slink off into the night. So I guess my answer is neither.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure? Style wise, suspenders with buttons, and vintage hats. Also, skinny jeans. My family makes fun of me incessantly for them, but I can’t give ‘em up. I think it’s because they remind of the pants I used to wear in football. Or my old wrestling singlet.