How To Get Him To Upgrade His Grooming Loot

As anyone who reads this blog knows, we're the type of girls who sometimes purchase products just for their packaging (OK maybe more often than not), spend the extra $5 to get the gift with purchase and really do care how our perfumes look displayed on our bathroom counters.  It matters!  Now think about your man, if he had the same habits as you it could be considered a turn off (does the term metro-sexual even exist anymore?). However, when thinking about grooming compared to primping, if your man has the appropriate tools to manscape, and cared about his loot as much as you did yours, you'll benefit from the results.  Follow? Therefore, the best thing to do is to gift your boyfriend "just because" with manly products that he understands, but wouldn't necessarily buy for himself.

Example: The Art of Shaving 4 Elements to A Perfect Shave Kit, $100

For one, your man's not going to splurge on this for himself when he can use his one drugstore product to rid hair.  Slip this into being part of his birthday gift and tell him you thought he'd love the experience of getting the "barbershop shave" at-home.  Not his birthday?  Sometimes instead of purchasing another new cocktail ring or fall perfume for yourself think about him instead.  This is the first step to getting him to upgrade all of his products and the way he thinks about grooming.  It may be so worth it!

The Art of Shaving Kit comes with pre-shave oil (to soften the hair for a closer shave), shaving cream, after shave balm (super moisturizing) and a shaving brush.  His skin will feel as soft as a baby's bottom and his side of the medicine cabinet will look almost as nice as yours.  I mean, if I were a guy I'd totally want that little brush thing.

Man of the Moment: Sean

Ladies, meet Sean, a 29-year-old financial advisor who just moved out of NYC to PA and seems to have a really good sense of humor!  Besides sports (duh) he lists literature and music as some of his favorite things.  Sweet.  Read on to find out more about how he preps before dates, what he thinks of his grooming routine and more. What’s in your medicine cabinet?

You mean besides incredibly life-like hair dolls from all of the girls I have dated? I have a lot of Nivea products.  There is really no reason for that.  I mean, it’s not like I set out one day and said, “Sean, Nivea is the right product for you.”  It just kinda happened.  I’m talking Nivea shaving cream (or is it gel? Maybe foam? Not entirely sure), after shave, and body/face wash.  I use Garnier shampoo, because once in college this super hot chick told me my hair smelled nice and, well, if it ain’t broke, why fix it? I was also turned on to Tom’s toothpaste.  I used to stick to Colgate toothpaste, since I went to college at Colgate at all, but I think that Tom’s Wintergreen toothpaste is just the bees knees and brand loyalty only goes so far for me.

What product can’t you live without and why?

Air is definitely one product I cannot live without.  I mean, I could live without it for like, 37 seconds maybe, but after that things start to get pretty dicey.  I also think toothpaste, deodorant, soap, and other stuff that will prevent me from looking and smelling like I live under the Queensborough Bridge are pretty important.

How would you describe your grooming habits?

Three words: Consistent, thorough, animated.  Merciless.  Insatiable.

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

Literally just asked this random chick sitting beside me in Starbucks.  She gave me a disgusted look, got up, and walked away.  I’ll take that as a tacit endorsement of my grooming habits.

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

Inflate the doll, dress her up in a real cute dress or appropriate seasonal attire, and try to make sure she stays away from all sharp objects until we reach our destination.  Oh, and I also like to make sure my breath smells good, my facial hair has been properly groomed, and I like to make sure my hair is comfortably styled somewhere between “I was at an Animal Collective concert at BAM last night I just got out of bed even though it’s 7pm” and “I’m a soulless Goldman Sachs drone”

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

Clooney.  And I would do whatever leftover chick he didn’t sleep with that night.  Seriously.  I mean, Do you think George Clooney ever sits up at night and worries about what is going to happen to him in his next life? I mean Christ! How can anybody have this awesome of an existence? Oh I just dumped Elisabetta Canalis so now I’m just going to plow Stacy Keibler for a couple months for fun. No biggie. Nothing serious. Just a little flingy poo. He must have signed a deal with the devil or something. No other way to explain it. Here is a question for you: If somebody told you that you could have George Clooney’s life but you’d die at age 40 would you do it? I’d do it in a heartbeat. All I need is 29 years of his life and I’d happily call it a day.

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

Personality.  Ha, no, but seriously, I’m not really a “tits” man or an “ass” man or one of those weird fetish guys who like feet or hair or anything like that.  I like the whole package and I don’t discriminate against race, creed, or height.  Equal opportunity: It’s not just a hiring practice at McDonald’s, it’s also my dating philosophy.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Besides the 9 year old Filipino boy tied up in my basement?  I guess I’d have to say that being a die-hard fan of the Emmy award winning (note: I have done no actual research to determine if any Emmy awards were in fact won by this franchise, but I have to assume that many were) television series The Bachelor and, it’s ugly step-sister, The Bachelorette.

Man of the Moment: Justin

Ladies, meet Justin, a 30 year old from LA who's a Co-Owner of SmokeStik (the company that makes electric cigs, gotta love smoking alternatives).  Naturally a Lakers fan, he's quite the athlete himself and enjoys surfing, boxing, running and hiking. Check out what he has to say about his grooming habits and guilty pleasures. What’s in your medicine cabinet?

Cor face soap (I am addicted to it), Neutrogena shaving gel, Neutrogena after shave lotion, Cor eye cream, Visine, and Perry Ellis Night cologne.

What product can’t you live without and why?

Cor face soap is magic for your face.  All of my guy friends are addicted to it.  Your face feels so smooth and clean and I swear I look younger every time I use it.

How would you describe your grooming habits?

I am very need and clean cut.  I don’t like a lot of body hair.  I usually shower twice a day just because I hate feeling dirty.  I usually have scruff on my face but I keep it neat.

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

I think any women would describe me as an neat freak (or even anal).  Besides my personal grooming I keep my room, car, and kitchen spotless.  My bathroom sink area is the only thing I have difficulty with.

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

Apply Cor face cream, use mouth wash, and a put on some Perry Ellis Night (not too much just enough to smell good).

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

Well I love blondes but my go to celebrity has always been Rachel Bilson.  She has great style, a quirky personality, and a cute petite body.  I think she is so cute and would be a very fun date.  Not to mention very sexy!  One of my new favorite date spots is The Malibu Winery off Kanan Cyn in Malibu.  You can bring your own picnic and they have live music on the weekends.  The scenery is out of this world…and wine by the bottle.  There are picnic tables or you can set up your own area on the grass.  I think Rachel and I could have a very romantic time here.  Do I need to say more?!

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

I love blondes so usually the hair.  Up close I love beautiful eyes.  I can stare into gorgeous eyes all night and not get tired of it.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Red Wine…it’s the Italian in me.  I love it so much!  I am really trying to cut back…I really am but a great glass of pinot noir makes me love the world.

The Men's Grooming Low Down: Yes, You Can Get Him to Change His Look

Known for creating the "look" for Diddy's posse at his annual White Party and making Perez Hilton's face feel as smooth as a baby's bottom (so I've heard), Craig the Barber gave me the 411 on men's grooming. Pay attention ladies – there's advice on how to change your guys look!  (Come on, you know you've at least thought about it!)

I love your article on "The Guide to Face Shapes and Grooming." Do men often ask to be groomed according to face shape or is it something you work with without telling them?

Thank you, it’s good to hear that you can see the benefits of my Face Shape article! Most men that sit in my chair initially do not ask. However, there is never a client that  leaves my chair without knowing their face shape and why their hair and or beard was cut and styled this way. And with that being said, I have quickly come to realize that once that seed has been planted, most return to inquire in greater detail about their face shape, and so do their referrals!

What's the best advice you can give to a woman who wants her man to change his grooming habits?

The best advice is to take it slow - the last thing a man wants is a woman that is determined to change them. Also, it can be overwhelming to adapt a new routine, so I always suggest starting with the basic essentials. Two of the easiest grooming items to introduce to a man is a face wash and a face moisturizer. Why? Because it shows the quickest and most obvious results!

To play it safe, try to stick with the same brand that he is currently using to shave with. That way it remains familiar and, in turn, is easily adaptable. Once he becomes comfortable with these steps, his mind will be open to more changes in his grooming routine.

As an expert in men’s grooming, what are your favorite products to use and why?

Wow, that really is a tough one! Because there are so many individual great products within so many lines, going through and listing each individual one would be tough. However, there are not many grooming lines that cover all the grooming needs for a man across the board successfully. One that I know, that can do this well is Lab Series Skincare for Men.  The brand has long understood that men require products formulated specifically for them and offer education to help men understand exactly how to address their skincare needs.  In fact, Lab Series is partnering with me on a series of consumer events across the country. We will be offering one-on-one skincare consultations and complimentary services, and answering any questions men may have about grooming.

Out of all of the celebrities you groom, what was one of the best "makeovers" you've ever done?

While I would love to answer this directly (trust me, I would!) I always err on the side of discretion when it comes to my celebrity clientele (although I consider all my clients  stars!). But in a general sense I can say that they have been quite mild. Simply because once a person has reached true celebrity status they have already created a "look” that is marketable for them. They generally don't want to risk that by making any dramatic changes. Therefore, as far as makeovers are concerned they are much more subtle, in order to avoid too much attention.

Man of the Moment: Benjamin

Ladies meet Benjamin, a 26 year old New Yorker who works as an editor at a publishing house.  Read on and you'll see he's quite the character!  And every time I feature a new Man of the Moment someone always asks, "Is he single?"  So yes, he is! What’s in your medicine cabinet?

Probably a lock of hair from the girl who last slept over, a picture of my mother, and my emergency stash of Alizé. Actually, though? Looks like some Tom’s of Maine toothpaste and deodorant, some type of hair gel for curly haired people (currently it appears to be made by Garnier Fructis), Kiehl’s face lotion, Vaseline for Men body lotion. Oh, and I hate cologne. It’s for people with crispy hair who use the word “classy.”

What product can’t you live without and why?

Hmmm is whisky a product? Because I’m pretty should that would be hard to live without. Also, I have a miniature Biggie Smalls figure that sits on my bookshelf, and he would be hard to part with. Can’t live without? I don’t know… soap? Toothpaste? Can anyone now live without that?

How would you describe your grooming habits?

“Grooming habits?” Am I cat? That brings me to a more important issue. Cats are awful. I’m a dog person. Particularly lazy, fat, all-white English Bulldogs.

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

She’d probably say that I’m eerily similar to the Old Spice guy. In both looks and scent.

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

Brush my teeth, shower, and make sure I’ve queued up enough Taio Cruz, Waka Flocka Flame, and Usher feat. Pitbull for a late night DP at my apartment, which I try to always keep stocked with a variety of drinks…you never know. [Note: DP = DanceParty.]

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

Myself. Next question. No, but this is so tricky because who knows how shallow and awful they’d actually be. I’m basing my choice of Mila Kunis off of how down to earth she seems in Forgetting Sarah Marshall. But then what if she turns out to drug me and drive me to kill myself like poor Natalie Portman. Okay, so scratch that. Let’s do a dead celebrity. I’m thinking Teddy Roosevelt. That guy took a bullet straight to his chest, didn’t flinch, then stood up and gave an hour long speech. Plus I heard he could do a sick Dougie.

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

It may sound crazy, but I always notice girls shoes. A sweet pair goes a long way. Doesn’t have to be heels, but just make sure they’re dope. Old Uggs in public make it look like you have two broken ankles. I get it, I know they’re super comfortable. But I don’t wear my old ass slippers out of the house. You shouldn’t either.

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

I don’t really have a type, but ambition (both intellectually and physically), humor, and adaptation are key. The last one may seem strange, but here’s what I mean: you should be able to schmooze at some cocktail party with me, and, say, Mike Bloomberg, one second, then be in high-top sneaks, rocking out to Lil Weezy the next.

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Undateable: The Grooming Edition

There are so many things that make a man undatable.  I'm sure you can create an indepth list, but take it from me, a girl who finally found love after being single in NYC for years.  Ladies let me tell you, it all begins with grooming. Here's my list of what makes a guy undateable from head to toe and yes, everywhere in between if you know what I mean. If the subject has a uni-brow or brows waxed to perfection he is undateable. There is no excuse for a uni-brow. If there was a woman in his life at some point, she would have helped him take care of this situation. So chances are, he looks stupid and has no clue about dating to begin with. Or maybe he actually likes it. Don't barbers normally do something about those? And Guido brows... don't get me started.  They're a strict no, no. This normally signifies that he'll always be more prim and proper than you are in every way. Undateable.

If the subject has dirty fingernails he is undateable. Dirt underneath the nails, bitten cuticles and uneven (ouch) bitten nails equals unsanitary conditions. I'm not saying all men should be lining up for weekly manicures, but the way they take care of their hands often signifies how they like to represent themselves.  And he wants to touch you?  Forget about it.

If the subject takes longer than you to get ready he is undateable. Ladies, do you really want to sit around and wait to go out while Romeo primps? Ew, no. Undateable. Shit, shower and shave.  After all, he is a man.

If the subject doesn't understand how to maintain the land down under he is undateable. You know what I'm talking about. Trim? Shave? They need to do what they have to do, but neatness is necessary. This is 2011 and you know you're keeping it up so why shouldn't he?  No one wants to get lost in the forest while trying to find the goods.

If the subject wears a "wool sweater" year long (or ever) he is undateable. Yes, they're out there... men with hairy chests, shoulders and backs. Their body surrenders to the hair and they accept it! Not OK. There is no excuse for anyone to be that hairy or close to it. Men, I'm not saying to go wax your body, but severe maintenance is necessary. Do you really think a girl wants to run her hand on your chest and get tangles in your nappy hair?

If the subject's toe nails scratch you between the sheets he is undateable. It's as simple as a toe nail clipper. Please.

So ladies, watch out for these types of men. For some you may be able to tell if they're undateable right away. Others may surprise you as you get more intimate, but hey, it's all part of the dating game.  Right?

What other grooming habits make men undateable?

Man of the Moment: Tim

Ladies, meet Tim, a 27 year old cutie from Hoboken, NJ.  He's a VP Portfolio Manager and loves to play ice hockey, go to the gym and snowboard.  And yes – he's single! What’s in your medicine cabinet?

1. Gillette Mach 3 Razor- no cuts, no crying, smooth every time…. Just like me, lol.
2. Neutrogena After Shave Balm
3. Neutrogena Face Lotion with SPF 15- Look Young, Live YOUNG!
4. Degree for Men Deodorant- keeps you cool in the hottest of situations
5. John Varvatos Cologne- My little secret (not so much anymore I guess) but remember smell is the #1 sense tied to memory… the ladies love it and they always come back for more.

What product can’t you live without and why?

Most products I can go without, but a toothbrush is a must have. Your breath can turn south at any moment  (food, coffee, morning breath, etc.) and who knows when your lady wants to get intimate or if you are going to meet your next big client. The last thing you need is your breath barking something nasty.

How would you describe your grooming habits?

I’m a clean cut guy… clean shave, clean cut hair and well dressed (clean those shoes). A shape up (haircut) normally happens every 2-3 weeks and I try for a straight razor shave (if you can find a barber in NJ with the license). Keep those lines tight, just like your game.

My people at The Hoboken Man (www.hobokenman.com) take care of the basics for me, even a clean up between haircuts. I think the ladies appreciate and see effort in a well-kept man. It shows discipline and self-worth.

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

All the ladies in my life, past and present, I think would agree, that I always smell good and I keep it fresh!

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

1. Shower up!

2. The secret weapon- a dash of cologne--- A little Johnnie V. to get lucky!

3. A RESERVATION- you need to have a good game plan. Don’t even tell her, make it a surprise, but make it good and make it count!

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

Male Celeb: Some guys may think Tom Brady, because lets be honest, he is the man (Super Bowls and Supermodels), but I would like to spend a day with Leo DeCaprio. The lady-killer himself, hasn’t had a boring day in his life. We’d probably just hop on a jet to some crazy island party and rock out… Talk about a wingman, this dude nails down the women in his sleep haha.

Female Celeb: Mila Kunis….for obvious reasons. This woman is a complete smoke show. I’d like to shop-hop with this one. Close down a few stores and let her get her fashion on. Seriously, what chick wouldn’t like that? She seems like she is a good time no matter what. Later on our date, we would get those endorphins and adrenaline pumping at the gun range (www.westsidepistolrange.com), Now that’s something to get her excited in all sorts of ways! Now that the momentum has been built the night is only going to get better from there…  Hopefully she sees this and I get a call next week to implement the plan!

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

I’m going to be honest. I look at 4 things right off the bat. Top to bottom-

1. Eyes- The gateway to the soul. Evil or Angel?

2. Smile- I’m a funny guy so the smile comes out a lot.

3. Boobs- Big isn’t always better, but no one is going to complain about some big bombs.

4. Bootie- A girl’s bootie can tell me a lot. Good in bed, yes or no? Healthy, yes or no? Athletic, yes or no? That’s why boobs aren’t such a big item in my book.

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

All women are beautiful in their own way, but it’s a combination of book and streets smarts that hits my sweetspot. Intelligent, confident and ambitious women are what I look for. I know one day she is going to manage her own business or even our awesome family.

Holiday Gift Idea & Giveaway: Redken Mint Essentials Gift Set for Him

Of course the first thing on my gift guide for men has to do with his grooming habits!  But trust me ladies, this is one gift he won't overlook – Redken Mint Essential's Gift Set for Him, $16.50. The set includes two manly mint-infused hair care products to keep him fresh and clean all day long – Mint Clean Invigorating Shampoo and Mint Fix Sweat Resistant Gel.  The stimulating sensation the shampoo gives his scalp will leave almost as stress free as a romp session with you!

Want one for your man?  Happy Holidays from BeautySweetSpot!  I have a set to give away!  Comment below telling me which man in your life you'd gift this grooming set to.  (It's OK if it's your dad!)

A winner will be chosen at random on Sunday, November 28th.