Collar Stays: The Hidden Male Accessory

Since I started dating Joe I've learned so many intricate details about men's fashion that I've always overlooked before.  Perhaps the one that amuses me most is the importance of collar stays.  Have you ever heard of them?  Whether you've heard of them or not, you've probably seen them, ripped them out of your man's shirt and threw them out thinking they were part of the tag or from the dry cleaner.  However, little did you know that these little pieces of plastic can make or break your mans collar and overall look. I'm telling you ladies, it's a man's secret accessory, like our control top stockings.  The well dressed man wears them to keep their collar crisp.  Now that Joe taught me about them, I notice when a man's not wearing them and it bothers me!

I found these metal personalized hidden message collar stays from Red Envelope that are engraved with cute sayings.  If your man's not wearing them, you may want to gift him with these as a clever way of telling him to get the hint.

Man of the Moment: Dan

Ladies, let me introduce you to Dan, a 26 year-old accountant from Long Branch, NJ who describes his relationship status as "in it for the long haul."  What a guy!  And I know his girlfriend, lucky lady!  He loves sports, fantasy football, exercise, outdoor activities, going to the beach and hanging out with buddies.  Here's a sneak peek inside his medicine cabinet and mind:

What’s in your medicine cabinet?

I don’t have a medicine cabinet, but if I did this is what would be put in it:  Old Spice High Endurance Deodorant, Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion, Gillette Shaving Gel, Colgate Toothpaste, Burberry Cologne and after shave

What product can’t you live without and why?

Old Spice High Endurance Deodorant – for a guy that’s constantly moving, I need a deodorant that will last and Old Spice is the best there is.

How would you describe your grooming habits?

I’m very simple when it comes to grooming. I’m definitely only a soap, deodorant and cologne kind of guy. But I always like to keep it neat and clean shaven.

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

Well, I’m always told by my girlfriend that I smell good, so I would say I’m doing okay in the grooming/hygiene department.

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

Shower, shave and brush my teeth!

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

Model, Marissa Miller, because she is smoking hot and the Spokesperson for Captain Morgan. That’s a winning combination in my book! Not to sound cliché, but I would take her out to dinner overlooking the beach and then maybe just stroll along the water with hopefully some good conversation.

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

Facial features, especially hair and eyes.

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

Personality, good skin and…her butt!

Now for your preferences:

On her…

Heels or flats: heels, im 6’3”

Au naturel or all done up: Au naturel

Lingerie or in the nude: hmmmm, lingerie then nude

Boobs or butt: butt

Angelina Jolie or Jennifer Aniston: Jennifer Aniston

For you…

City guy or country type: Beach guy

Beer or wine: Depends on the scenery and occasion, but typically beer

New York or Boston: New York (Giants and Yankees all the way!)

Beer belly or six pack: Six pack (ish)

Boxers or briefs: boxer briefs?

Man of the Moment: My Boyfriend, Joe!

I'm so excited to kick off the "Man of the Moment" feature by introducing you to my boyfriend.  You may recall the feature "Man of the Week" that I retired, but due to popular demand, I'm bringing it back with "Man of the Moment," giving you a peek into the medicine cabinets and minds of real men a few times a month. Of course, what a better way to begin than to start with my boyfriend, Joe.  I thought it's about time you heard about him, especially since I tweet about him regularly and he so generously agrees to test out some of the men's products I feature.  (Yes, that's what you get for dating a beauty editor)!  Many of the men's posts I write are thanks to Joe.  He inspires them.  Have you ever heard of collar stays?  You will soon!

Joe's 30, from my hometown in Jersey, and ladies let me tell you, much, much more than a "Man of the Moment" (wink)  so I'm going to give you a little more detail.  He's in real estate and loves to work out, watch sports (Giants...ew, Yankees...score), looks amazingly handsome in a crisp suit, always has to match his socks, has a talent for cooking (especially Italian dishes) and is very family oriented.  His guiltiest pleasures... red wine, Neapolitan pizza, running, me (ha!), martinis, nice dinners and romantic comedies (for real)!

Meet my boyfriend:

What’s in your medicine cabinet?

Axe, Gillette, Cetaphil, Dove for men soap, GNC men's multivitamins

How would you describe your grooming habits?

Wash my hair, shave, rinse, wash my face... in that order.  I have a fogless mirror in my shower so I don't have to shave when I get out.  It's my favorite thing.  I like to be fresh.

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

Jeannine thinks I'm neat and loves the smell of AXE so she prefers... that to cologne.  She also hates that it takes me a total of ten minutes to get ready so I have to wait for her to finish.

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

shower, make sure my clothes are nicely pressed and take a shot of tequila

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

The way she walks says a lot.  There's nothing sexier than a confident walk.

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

Well kept feet.  If a girl takes care of her feet she takes care of everything else.

Holiday Gift Idea & Giveaway: The Body Shop Maca Root Scrub & Shave Set

Another one for that special man on your list!  Whether it be your main man, your dad or brother any guy would appreciate this gift set.  It's something they'd all use, but wouldn't buy for themselves. Introducing The Body Show Maca Root Scrub & Shave Set, $48. It includes:

  • 4.2 fl oz For Men Maca Root Facial Scrub
  • 3.3 fl oz For Men Maca Root Razor Relief
  • 3.3 fl oz For Men Maca Root Shave Cream
  • Wooden Shaving Brush

Want one?  Happy Holidays to you from BeautySweetSpot!  I'm giving one away to one lucky BSS reader to gift to a special man!  Follow and RT the giveaway on Twitter @Beautysweetspot and comment below telling me who you'd gift it to and why.

A winner will be chosen at random at the end of the day!  Good luck!

Holiday Gift Idea & Giveaway: Calvin Klein Euphoria

Fragrance is a gifting staple – but not just any fragrance.  I know I'm super picky about what I wear and I'm sure the people on your list are too.  One fragrance that has stood the test of time is Calvin Klein Euphoria .  I've always appreciated the scent on men and women because it's classic. The Euphoria eau de parfum spray, $60 has top notes of pomegranate, persimmon, lush green; mid notes of lotus blossom, champaca flower, black orchid; and base notes: liquid amber, black violet, cream and mahogany making it seductively intoxicating.

Euphoria for men, $75 is spicy with top notes of ginger pepper, raindrop, sudachi; mid notes of black basil, cedar leaf, sage; and base notes: suede, patchouli, brazilian redwood and amber.

Want a set?  Happy Holidays to you from BeautySweetSpot!  I'm giving away a Euphoria eau de parfum and cologne to one winner.  Comment below telling me what your favorite scents are during the holidays and why.

A winner will be chosen at random on Sunday, December 5th.

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.

For Love or Money: Top 25 Highest Paid Men

Recently Fortune ran an article featuring the top 25 highest paid men and it made me think.  I couldn't imagine ever making one million never mind $87.5 a year like the President and CEO of Liberty Media. I thought about these men, mostly middle aged and up and how although some of them may have wives and family a lot of them can and most likely do date younger – a lot younger.  Why wouldn't they? Which brings me to thinking about the younger women, women my age (and hey, even younger).  What are their intentions?  For love or money?  That answer seems to be clear.  If you scroll through the list of multi-millionaires none of them are lookers.  While I'm sure some of them have fantastic personalities, let's be honest, the security the dollar signs bring is what these women want.

The winner by a long shot is Ralph Lauren (if someone was going to fantasize about scoring one of these money bags). Grown and sexy, the designer made number 20 on the list making $27.7 million last year.  Congrats to him!

Bottom line – money doesn't bring happiness. Thoughts?

An AXE Giveaway That'll Turn You (and Him) On

Last week I was talking about flirting with Flirt! cosmetics and besides mascara being a flirting secret weapon (wink) I have to say a sexy scent is an ultimate flirting must have.  Better yet, forget flirting. One whiff of an intoxicating blend can create  a complete throw-me-down-on-the-kitchen-counter reaction.  Ladies, you know what I mean. As a matter of fact, according to a study done by AXE, two out of three women admitted they would be more likely to make out with a guy on a first date if his scent was right.  I'm asking what's wrong with the rest of them?  There's something so captivating about a good fragrance, but a difference between a good scent and an I-want-you scent.  If men were smart, they'd all use scent as their secret weapon. Hey, I do.

I will admit that I have one scent (out of about seven that I rotate between) that's my signature sexy scent. Ladies, it turns guys on.  Everyone asks what it is, but I won't tell them!  Like I said, it's a secret weapon.

I strongly advise you to find your secret weapon and but better yet, help your guy out too.  AXE not only has their signature body sprays (which are intoxicating) but also hair care that smells sexy too.  I'm giving away full sets of shampoos to four different BeautySweetSpot readers so you can hook your men up!

The full giveaway includes one of each of their new scents: Downpour Refreshing Mint Shampoo, Heat Igniting Citrus 2 in 1 Shampoo + Conditioner, Zen Soothing Tea Tree Shampoo. Each scent is perfect for different times of day and your mans different moods and needs.  Trust me, he'll thank you.

To win...

Comment below and dish on what turns you on!...

Four winners will be selected at random on Sunday, October 3rd.  Good luck!

Only Real Men Laser Down There, Or Do They?

When the Brazilian revolution hit America, women stormed out to their nearest salon to get waxed. Now men are joining the hairless movement and getting their bodies lasered – even down there. What a relief for 99.9% of American women whose boyfriends suffer from looking like a wooly mammoth (do women actually date those guys?). When I was on the swim team in college, a male diver had chest hair was like Austin Power’s.  My teammate whispered to me, “If he has that much hair on his chest, imagine how much hair he has under his speedo.” From that day on hairless men has become the new rave. Most men want to be stylish and according to AskMen.com, their appearance is top priority. Men will do anything to impress women and that means removing their wool sweater.

"The latest male grooming trend is pointing the laser to the unmentionables –in addition to their brows, back of necks, backs, chests, and even knuckles," remarked Jennifer Kandemir of Advanced Derma Laser Tech Inc.  So why remove the pubic hair?  Well, ladies you all know this.  Men are getting an ego boost from it because removing the hair around their shaft creates an illusion of a longer you-know-what.

Read more after the jump...

Men believe that having a hairless body is more appealing than having abs of steel.  Men are opting for laser hair removal over other methods to avoid cuts and ingrown hairs in such a delicate area, which is a perk for the both of you.

Each year the male clientele for laser hair removal gets younger and younger. Well if women are judged for having one tiny hair on her leg, I think it’s about time men are catching on!

Endless Eye Candy at the Tim Hamilton Redux, You're Welcome

After a covering backstage for Costello Tagliapietra at Milk Studios, I wondered up to the 8th floor and found myself pleasantly surprised by what I found (to say the least).  The sounds of music flooded the halls and I entered a room full of gorgeous men – yes, eye sex worthy.  Let's just say my job of reporting on beauty trends was long forgotten. The room was full of about 30 male models rocking the latest by Tim Hamilton drinks in hand, laughing and talking with each other.  I felt like I was at a cocktail party, some even made me feel like I was at a fraternity formal.  The DJ spun club music and took a break to allow a solo guitarist perform. Photographers were walking in between the models to capture the moment and I, well I just decided to mingle, Belevedere and cranberry in hand.  What girl wouldn't?

Of course, I interviewed one of the finest gentlemen about the collection, drinking while modeling and what he finds sexy about a woman.  His name?  Who cares.

Check it out:

Best Dressed at the Emmys: Jimmy Fallon

Every time I cover a red carpet event it's always about the women – their glowing skin, twist on a smokey eye and who's wearing the chicest chignon.  However, this year a different breed caught my attention, a man in a tux named Jimmy Fallon. There's something about it that's mysteriously sexy.  This year, Fallon hosted the Emmy Awards held at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles.  The Late Night host was looking dapper in a navy Tom Ford tuxedo with a white shirt, black bow tie (love!) and black patent leather shoes.

Not only was Fallon looking sexy thanks to Tom Ford, but his sense of humor came through and hair was looking right.  Who ever groomed him prior to the show, God bless.

Help Him Pamper At-Home... You'll Reap the Benefits

Everyone knows that men like to be pampered – as a matter of fact, they make up about 1/3 of the spa goer population. According to the 2010 Day Spa Goer Report, even though men may still be the minority of day spa clients, when they do pay a visit, they spend more and are more loyal to a facility. Special salons or shall I say – barber shops – are popping up in major cities like New York, Los Angeles and Miami that cater to their manly needs and go way beyond the hair cut. The Sloane Square Barbers & Shoppe in Miami Beach, FL offers a la carte services that include luxury haircuts, beard trims, hot lather shaves, mini facials, nail grooming (for hands and feet) and shape ups.  However, for the more dedicated men, they have memberships where a monthly fee is paid for unlimited services.  Why don't spas offer that for women?  Can you imagine unlimited facials and pedis?

I spoke with Todd Goldenfarb, the Founder of Sloane Square Barbers & Shoppe to find out how guys can give themselves a pampering, barber shop shave at home. Ladies,... print this one out for the men in your life!  If he follows the directions you'll thank me later – no more scratchiness during a make out sesh!

  1. Use a hot towel or steam to warm the face to soften the hairs around the beard and open the pores
  2. Use a glycolic cleanser to rid any dead skin cells and lift hairs
  3. Apply shaving cream with a shave brush to lift hairs – this will ensure a closer shave
  4. Shave with the grain – short strokes on the cheeks, beard, chin and lip and longer strokes for the neck
  5. Rinse the blade throughout the process for a more effective shave
  6. Post shave, splash face with cool water to close the pores
  7. Use an after shave to prevent irritation

Trojan Announces Magnum Man of the Year

Imagine your boyfriend was crowned "Magnum Man of the Year" by Trojan condoms.  What does that even mean? Well I'll tell you this, it's much different than BeautySweetSpot's Man of the Year!  And before your mind wonders too far into the gutter allow me to explain. Trojan partnered with so-called Mr. Magnum himself, Ludacris to kick off a Magnum "Live Large" Project.  Over 2,000 aspiring musicians entered the contest and had to submit songs that reflected their personal live large mentality.  Ten finalists battled in front of Ludacris and one lucky man can now brag that he is Mr. Magnum.

Besides being able to officially brag about his title, he'll be performing at a huge music conference in Atlanta this summer.

God Bless the World Cup

Soccer fan or not there are plenty of reasons to watch the world cup.  I used to think baseball had the best looking athletes (well, the NY Yankees anyway), until I discovered where all of the underwear models came from.  You don't see Derek Jeter or A-Rod in Armani Exchange boxer briefs do you?  Some men are just meant to be draped across billboards in their underwear, and those men play soccer.  Let the games begin! One of my fave sites, Style.com pulled together their World Cup Dream Team with some of these model hotties plus more and I couldn't be more thankful. From Calvin Klein model Fredrik Ljungberg to my personal favorite, D&G's Italian stallions, they're all there.

Boyfriend a soccer fan?  Kick back and watch the games with him.  He won't know you're watching for the wrong reasons.

Vaseline's #1 Draft Pick: Michael Strahan

I'm excited to be able to write about one of my favorite football players of all time, Michael Strahan. Even though I'm a hard core Dallas Cowboys fan (by birth), I met him once at a party and he was very nice, down to earth and fun to be around.  And yes, I might have been able to fit my whole finger in between his two front teeth, but I still think he's cute.  Everyone has their flaws right? Vaseline Men recently signed the Superbowl star as their latest spokesperson and I had to share the video below with you.  I think he's just as charming in this video as he is in real life (try not to get distracted by his gleaming arm muscles that must be coated in Vaseline!).

Do you know someone who's a Strahan fan?  I'm giving away two autographed footballs! Father's Day is right around the corner and it might make some one a very happy dad.

Here's how to win:

Comment below and tell me why Michael Strahan's your #1 draft pick to win.  The two winners will be chosen at random on Friday, May 21st.  Check back on the comments at the end of the day to see if it's you!

Undateable: The Grooming Version

Lately I've been hooked on VHI1's Undateable.  It's so amusing that I've watched it fully once this week and since they've been showing it over and over, I have it on in the background when I'm blogging or getting ready to go out.  It lays out what makes a man undateable such as: pinkie rings, snakeskin shoes, bandannas, cell phone belt clips and types of flair that men rock (Neil Strauss calls this peacocking in his book The Game) to get attention or make them feel important.

I think being undateable goes way beyond peacocking.  It all starts 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.

  1. 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 women.  Or maybe he actually likes it.  Don't barbers normally do something about those?  Guido brows are a no, no.  This normally signifies that he'll always be more prim and proper than you are in every way.  Undateable.
  2. If the subject has dirty fingernails he is undateable. Dirt underneath the nails, bitten cuticles and uneven (ouch) bitten nails equals unsanitary.   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.
  3. 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.  He's a man.
  4. 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 2010 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.
  5. If the subject wears a "wool sweater" year long 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?
  6. 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? I'd love to hear your thoughts... what else makes a man undateable?

Adrian Grenier's New Hair Cut

I have to admit, one of the reasons I began watching Entourage was because I thought Adrian Grenier was so damn hot.  This "news" is so appalling I'm going to get right to the point.  He cut his curls.  I don't think it's just curls he lost, he also lost some kind of exotic sexiness that came along with his complete persona. Still hot?  Yes, I definitely think so, but much more on the average level now.

What do you think about Adrian's new look?

What kind of hair do you like on men in general?

Axe Twist Giveaway

Women get bored easily.  This is new inspiration behind the new fragrance AXE Twist, which changes as it's worn. Starting off smelling fresh with hints of citrus and lime (to make a good first impression), then settling into deep earthy notes of cedar and sandal wood, which are more sexy, masculine scents (hello, what's your name again?) the fragrance keeps you interested.

I'm giving away 10 prize packs that include a Swiss Army toiletry bag filled with the deodorant body spray, deodorant stick, and antiperspirant stick so you can put them to test on your man!

Here's how to win:

1. Fan Beauty Sweet Spot on Facebook

2. Comment below by telling me what keeps you interested in a man

The ten winners will be announced Sunday, April 25th so be sure to check back on the below comments and Facebook.  Good Luck!

My New Gig, So Sex and The City

I'm excited to announce a new gig that I'm sure you'll all be just as excited about if you like reading BeautySweetSpot.  I'm going to start writing a dating and relationship column for Examiner.com as a Single Women Examiner. I can't be more thrilled to have the position as I've wanted to begin writing more about this topic and feel it's a great place!  The Examiner focuses on different cities, and I'll be focusing on dating, relationships and men in NYC.  (I have to admit, I'm a pro at the game!)

Please check out my brand new column, share it, comment and subscribe!

The Man Manipulation

It's funny how when you "fall in love" the man of your dreams can have a sense of control over your mind making the powerful woman you once were into a complete stranger to yourself.

I recently read an article in the New York Post about Mr. Ballerina, Mario Lopez and his obsession with fitness.  He admitted to being so into of his own physical condition that he morphed his girlfriend, Courtney Mazza, into what he condsidered to be perfect as well.  Now, Courtney has breast implants and works with a personal trainer everyday.

Talk about mind and body manipulation!  The sad part is that it's not just a fitness addicted want-to-be star like Mario Lopez who has the ability to do this to a woman.  It's all men and it's happening to lots of women.  One of my friends ex boyfriends told her he never wanted her in flats, and she listened, for a minute. Until she made him her ex.  Who do these men think they are?  Another was told she was the heaviest girl he ever dated (weighing in at 110 lbs.).  Two months later, she was 92 lbs.

Ladies, be aware or the man manipulation.  What do you think of Mario Lopez morphing his girlfriend?