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.

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.

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.

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.

Is Your Guy Great with His Hands? Join the Conversation Today

Ladies, whether you're single or taken wondering if a guys is 'great with his hands' is blush-worthy.  You're thinking the same thing I thought when I first thought about men styling their hair.  I know, horrible.  However, the number one styling tool your man has is his hands.  Men's grooming taken to a new level... join Dove Men and I on Twitter today to join the conversation and for your chance to win $75 to Target.  Details below. As per my fiance, "If I put a comb through my hair it's too neat.  We want our hair to be controlled, but not look styled so we have to use our hands."  This sort of styling of course, starts in the shower.

I partnered with Dove Men and will be hosting at Twitter party full of giveaways for your guy today at 1pm EST.  Use #mantenance to participate.  I'll be giving away a $75 giftcard to Target throughout the chat and am anxious to see the type of MANtenance your man does!

Oh, and here's a coupon for Dove Men +Care haircare.

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.

Understanding His Facial Hair, Plus the Do's & Don'ts on Getting Involved

You've swooned over Ben Affleck during awards season because of one reason and one reason only.  His beard.  What's with guys and facial hair?  I'll admit, I'm a sucker for it.  Would you let your man wear facial hair to a formal event?  I spoke with Dr. Allan Peterkin, a men's grooming expert who's actually studied the history and societal acceptance of beards to find out about facial hair etiquette.  Here are the do's and don'ts about his facial hair: Growing in facial hair is a big grooming trend right now.  Why do you think that is?

Facial hair is widely accepted today, as opposed to some periods in the past, and I think men feel more comfortable experimenting with styles—whether they choose a little, a lot, or none at all. I’d also say grooming trends are pretty cyclical. While we’re on a fairly hairy streak right now, I think the pendulum is set to swing the other way within the next five years—right back to the preppy, clean shaven, Mad Men look.

Why do men grow beards?  

It’s a great way to express your style—and sometimes it’s seasonally driven, too. Some do it to keep warm in the winter, or protect their skin in the summer. But the cardinal rule of any beard—or facial hair—is to keep your facial shape in mind when choosing a style. If you have a very round face, mutton chops aren’t for you. If you have sparse blonde hair, a Chevron mustache isn’t the best choice and sideburns will make a long face look longer.

Celebrities have proven throughout awards season that beards are appropriate for formal events.  How can we make sure our men upgrade their facial hair for special events?   What should they do?

Well, one common misconception is that once you’ve grown your beard, the work is done. Au contraire; it’s just the beginning!  You need to ensure the beard is washed and moisturized, to keep it soft. Also, crucial for special events: make sure it’s trimmed and clipped—and that the margins are clean.  Facial hair looks quite unkempt when not delineated by straight lines—easy accomplished with a razor and a moisture-rich shave gel, like the Dove Men+Care Shave Gel.

Is it appropriate to ask a man to get rid of his beard?  Why or why not?

Well, one of the things I always say is to ask your romantic partner before you grow any facial hair! Often times they’ll have very specific preferences, so it makes sense to ask.

Beards still get a bit of a bad rap in some industries (like banking and politics) so you may also want to consider your colleagues’ style choices, and always make sure your facial hair looks tidy, clean and properly cared for.

How can we make sure our men are taking care of their skin and underneath all that hair?  What should they use?

You’ve said it right there: no matter what kind of facial hair you have, the skin beneath it is crucial!  It’s important to ensure guys have products suited to their skin type and designed for men. A grooming routine should be easy and quick.  For example, Dove Men+Care introduced a new Face Range, which cares for all men in three easy steps: cleanse, shave and finish. No muss. No fuss.

Simon Cowell's Bizarre Beauty Secret

Simon Cowell thinks he found the fountain of youth.  Seriously.  Something that boosts his energy and his does wonders for his skin.  He looks crazy doing it and is even crazier for believing in it.  Well here it is along with a not-so-crazy solution for achieving similar results that actually work.  

Play the Qwiki: Simon Cowell's Bizarre Beauty Secret

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.

Father's Day Gift Ideas: Grooming Loot Your Dad Would Actually Use

Still need to go Father's Day shopping?  So do I!  However, my dad already knows what he's getting.  Each year I take him to a Yankee game to spend some quality time.  Plus, if I gave him anything on this list, he would just think he was my guinea pig!  Here are my top men's grooming picks that would make great Father's Day gifts. Kiehl's Facial Fuel Sky Flyin’ Foaming Multi-Gel, $19

I swear every man I talk to is obsessed with Kiehl's shaving cream.  They say it's like no other. Well this Father's Day give your day the ultimate two-in-one, the brand's new gel based shaving cream that also acts as a cleanser.  

Birch Box Man, $20

Yes, there's a Birch Box for Men!  Gift your dad with a yearly subscription to Birch Box and he'll receive trial sized grooming and lifestyle products to test and enjoy monthly.

Babyliss Pro Volare X1 by Ferrari, $199

No matter how much he may deserve one, you obviously can't buy your dad a Ferrari for Father's Day, but you can gift him with these cool clippers from Babyliss Pro.  They have a Ferrari inspired motor!    It's three speeds, cordless and comes with six comb attachments and 5 taper setting controls.

Molton Brown Activate His Grooming, $58

The black pepper line of men's grooming loot by Molton Brown is the only scent your dad should be wearing.  It's fresh, yet spicy.  This kit includes masculine products like a hair and body sports wash and a deodorizing body spray.  Great for his gym bag.

How to Talk To Your Man About Skincare, Plus The Best Exfoliators for Him

Every once in a while you need to have "the talk" with your man.  Well, "the talk" I have with Joe is always about skin care!  Time after time, as men's skin care brands send new products for him to try, we have "the talk" about why he should be using necessities like eye cream and exfoliator.  This week, after two years, I conquered the exfoliator quest!  Ladies, it's not "exfoliator" it's "grit."  You know, the gritty stuff that gets rid of the gunk in your pores.  Whatever works!  Here are my top grit picks for your man (Joe approved). Zirh Scrub

A gentle, gel-like formula infused with aloe and concentrated with the most microscopic exfoliating beads to help unclog pores and control oil.  It smells a bit masculine, but ultimately fresh.

Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash

This is great for guys (and girls) with acne prone skin and can be used on the face and body.  With 2% salicylic acid, it helps to unclog pores and prevent acne.  The exfoliating beads are tiny and gentle so they don't irritate sensitive or broken out skin.

A Typical Tuesday Night: Testing Lacoste Colognes, There's One For Every Type of Guy

Earlier this week amongst all of the beauty loot I received to test out, there was a heavy bag full of Lacoste colognes including their latest for Spring, Eau De Lacoste L.12.12. Rouge for Joe and I to become familiar with.  Like a wine tasting, I set up a fragrance sampling on my ottoman and we made a night of testing, discussing cologne and laughing as he's such a trooper.  Obvi I need the man's point of view! Imagine me asking Joe a million and one questions on each of the four fragrances and about cologne in general.  He's so patient, supportive and knowledgeable.  "Why do you like it? What does it remind you of? What does fresh mean?"  You get the hint.  So here are the results, from my point of view and his on the Lacoste collection, inspired by the Polo Shirt, including their newest scent in case you want to gift one to your man.

Eau De Lacoste L.12.12. Rouge

One word: Mysterious

This is the newest addition to the collection and the last one we tested out.  Both of our immediate reaction was, "Wow!"  It wasn't anything like the rest.  It was the special cologne.  "This stands out and is exactly what a guy looks for in a cologne," Joe explained.  "There's something undefinable and unique about it, which is what we look for when we buy cologne."  I agree and was intrigued by the scent, and looked up the notes right away.  Mandarin, ginger, caramom and black pepper are layered over rooibos, organic lavendar and mango grounded by acacia and agar wood.

Eau De Lacoste L.12.12. Blanc

One word: Sweet

"It reminds me of colognes I wore in high school," Joe commented (he's 31).  Top notes include grapefruit, cardamom, rosemary and cedar leaf layered by tuberose, olibanum resinoid and ylang-ylang and grounded with vetiver, suede, cedarwood and georgywood.

Eau De Lacoste L.12.12. Vert

One word: Fresh

This was Joe's favorite of the quad, my second favorite.  "It's outdoorsy, which to me is manly."  Notes include Italian bergamot, verbena, grapefruit, melon, layered by lavender, thyme, fig, birch leaf, iris and grounded with bamboo wood, amber, sandal wood, teak and white cedar.

Eau De Lacoste L.12.12. Bleu

One word: Sexy

A bit spicy, this one left an impression.  Compared to the rest in the main collection was the most intriguing.  Notes include pink grapefruit, fruits, clary sage, orangeflower, sued and cedarwood.

You can find information on all of the fragrances and purchase them on Lacoste.com.

If Your Boyfriend's Turning Into A Silver Fox, Take Note

It's clear that men naturally age better than women, but what do you all think of guys with grey hair?  I think post college it's completely acceptable and super sexy to see a man with a few greys, but before that it's kind of awkward and I knew a guy who was 100% grey all through college.  Yes, ladies, it can happen very early.  Until now, I've never thought about how the men react to turning grey.  Turns out, they're just like us with less options. If your BF is turning into a silver fox, take note as he may not be as comfortable with it as you'd think. Check out this article in GQ where an editor tried to dye his greys only to find it gave him 'off medical-marijuana-grade levels of extreme paranoia' constantly wondering if people thought it looked fake. If I had a grey I would never know it since I've been dying my hair since I was 16.  Joe has a few, (which I think are sexy), but is still blessed with a full head of black hair.

There's a product called Touch of Grey, which is a hair dye for men that let's some grey come through so it looks natural that I made my dad try once (yes, he acted as a guinea pig).  He liked the results as it did what it promised and didn't take much time so he used it for special occasions. In the end, he's just not that high maintenance and since he's in his 50's having a full head of grey hair doesn't bother him.

George Clooney, who's perhaps one of the sexiest men alive with grey hair once was quoted in the Daily Mirror saying, "I'm old. I’m comfortable with getting older because it’s better than the other option, which is being dead." He's had greys since he was 33, so I imagine he became more comfortable with it as he got older.  Then again, what would Mr. Clooney ever have to be insecure about?

Yes, being older with grey hair is one thing, but if your guys is starting to turn grey just know he may not be as comfortable with it as you'd think.  Would you be?

Mark Sanchez and I Discuss Grooming, Girls and Guilty Pleasures Over Dinner

Last night, my men's grooming guru (and hot bf), Joe, and I attended a private dinner with Mark Sanchez at Nobu 57 to celebrate the launch of Degree Men Adrenaline Series with Motion Sense Technology.  It was a super intimate setting, Mark brought his brother (who's also his agent) and the food was never ending!  Literally, we had about eight courses.  I had special vegetarian meals and when beef came around Mark would hide it from me!  The hottie Jets Quarter Back and I had some one on-one-time after our meal and I got the scoop on his playlist, dating style and why he cut off those beautiful curls. What's on your workout playlist?

I definitely have some '80's on there, but it depends on who I'm working out with.  If I'm with guys on the team it's Kanye, Jay Z, Lil' Wayne and stuff like that, but if it's me by myself I have the whole '80's gamut.  I just listen to Pandora.

You had gorgeous, curly hair.  Why did you decide to cut it off?

I don't know.  I think it looks more professional.  Not saying that long hair isn't professional, but being clean cut and shaven is a part of my position and my role.  It's also low maintance.  I don't use gel or anything, just a pomade.

Would you consider yourself low maintenance when it comes to grooming?

I'm not too flashy.  If I have extra time I don't want to waste it on my hair.

How did you manage your curls?

I wore a hat.  I didn't wash it everyday, because I heard you weren't supposed to do that.

What do you do to prepare for a date?

Shave.  I shave before anything important.  If I don't shave before a game my dad gets upset.  I want to look clean cut.  I also brush my teeth.  That's about it.

Would you wear a scent?

I like Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbanna.  I like one spray and then I walk through it.  I don't want to smell like an entire truck of cologne just crashed across the street.

What do you look for in a woman?

My mom has to like her.  Someone who's comfortable and understands the kind of lifestyle I have.  Even though we may be in an intimate moment or on a date that someone may want to come up and talk to me about a play.  Someone who understands.

What's your guiltiest pleasure?

Broadway.  I don't think it's a guilty pleasure, but I love going to shows.  I once presented for Memphis at the Tonys when they won for "Best Musical."  That was big.  I love Broadway and this is the best time to see a show.  I've seen almost everything, but there's a couple that I still want to go see.

As you can tell from the interview, Mark was fun and I was really impressed by his level of professionalism.  He even signed footballs and mini helmets for all of us (best gift bag ever!). He's definintely a ladies man though!  He made it a point to place napkins on every woman's lap as she got up and sat down.  No one minded!

Joe's putting the new deodorant/antipersperant to the test.  The new technology releases extra protection when the body is in motion to prevent sweating before it starts.  As you know, he's the type of guy that likes fresh scents, so out of the five options, his favorite is Extreme.  We'll keep you posted on the sweat diaries!  (Hopefully they're non-existent!)