Spotted: Rihanna in NYC with a slicked back mowhawk.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of Rihanna and her edgy look, but I'm calling this one a hair don't.
What do you think?
Man of the Week
Ladies, I'm bringing you a man who's currently serving our country overseas! Meet Ben, 29, single and he's been in the military for over 11 years. Currently, a Sergeant First Class and a Green Beret, he's on his 5th tour in Iraq. He also co-owns an event planning social networking company called DenverSocialNetwork.com, an exclusive destination for private parties, social events and VIP access around the Denver area.
What’s in your medicine cabinet?
My medicine cabinet consists of the basics, Mach3 razor, Gillette shaving cream, Old Spice Deodorant, L’oreal men’s face wash, and L’oreal hair gel. Of course can’t forget a decent toothbrush and toothpaste with some Crest Whitening Strips.
What product can’t you live without and why?
Honestly, that hair gel is the key to everything. I have such thick hair that when I grow it out it looks as if I should be a reporter for the 6 o’clock news if I don’t throw some gel in it. I guess I should feel fortunate because quite a number of people are starting to thin out about this time in their life.
How would you describe your grooming habits?
Pretty straight forward, I wash up and clean up I think like most men. I am not trying to set a world record for mirror time. I know what works for me and have my routine which takes about 15 minutes for everything. I am an Army guy, can’t help that…
Have you ever gotten a manicure or pedicure? Why or why not?
I have not really had the need for it in all honesty. I take care of my hands and feet very well since they are important in every facet of my current occupation. Plus I would just get upset paying good money for that and then just going rock climbing or something in my off time. When it comes to feet we train and walk a lot with backpacks that can weigh up to 75lbs. By doing this kind of training it calluses the bottom of your feet to withstand the agony of walking 12 miles in 2.5 hours or less through uneven mountainous terrain. If someone scrubbed the bottom of my foot with a pumice stone the next time I would go train my feet would blister and possibly bleed for sure.
If you could have one night with any celebrity who would it be and why? More importantly, what would you do?
If I could spend a night with any celebrity I would want to spend it with Anne Hathaway. I think she is just a class act who matches brains and beauty from what I have seen in interviews. I would want to take her around Berlin, the capital of Germany and show her stuff only the locals do. Since I am from Germany originally that should not be a problem at all. The purpose of Berlin is to show her some historical things about my other culture but also to get away from the daily grind of the work work work attitude in the States. I would also be intrigued to get to know her off camera personality and see what she really thinks about issues going on in the world today.
What’s the first thing you notice about a woman?
Her overall demeanor and how she carries herself around others is the first thing I notice. I am pretty big on non-verbal behavior and how people interact with others is big in my book. Smiles go a long way as well…
Do you prefer a woman au naturel or all made up?
I am into women that love to be women, after being in the military for over 11 years you appreciate the femininity of a woman. Nice dresses, heels, hair and nails done up are a great way to get my attention. I generally work with all men so coming home after being in Iraq for an 8 month stint the last thing I want to see is a girl dressing down.
How about down there?
Surprise me, since I am away quite a bit for work it would make an interesting surprise and would be on my mind to think of what my special lady has going on. Change it up a bit…
When it comes to a woman’s beauty what’s your sweet spot?
Bodies come and go but a face is forever…
Breast Cancer Awareness Picks
It's October, breast cancer awareness month, and I find it very important to point out that besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among US women. Everyone has been affected by breast cancer in one way or another, but statistics show that one in eight women in the US actually have it. While there are many charities and and companies that support breast cancer awareness all year round, let's take a look at some of the hottest beauty products that are giving back this year.
Purple Lab Sealed with A Cure (SWAC), the company partnered with the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation to launch a lip gloss that is loaded with ingredients such as vanilla, vitamins C and E, peptides, and herbs that help boost your immune system, moisturize and it even smells uplifting. It has real gold flecks too! A portion of the proceeds will go to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer foundation. Available at here for $18.50.
Clarisonic created a limited edition Plus in which 50% of the profits of sales will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. This brush is for the face and body and works your cleanser into your skin getting rid of dry patches, improving your skins texture, and leaving you with an overall cleaner feel and appearance. It's available here for $250.
Paul Mitchell Limited Edition Pink Express Ion Smooth 1.25, the brand partnered Fran Drescher, founder of the Cancer Schmancer Foundation to create this flat iron, which proceeds will be donated. The iron is made of silicone and ceramic and reduces styling time and eliminates static. Visit here to find locations, but hurry up because it's only available through October for $160.
My Latest Obsession - Gel Manicures
I love going to the Townhouse Spa in NYC because every time I'm there I'm introduced to new treatments, the latest spa trends and some of the most outrageous new technologies. Last time I visited I discovered the "Baby Face Facial" made with spermine.
This week, I was going in for a manicure and it was a life changing experience. No exaggeration. The owner, Jamie Ahn, informed me of a new gel manicure they were doing that promises not to chip for two to three weeks. I was skeptical at first because it reminded me of when I was young and I used to have my manicurist put so-called gel over my real nails because they were so brittle and had flash backs to the pain of her digging and clipping the it off a week later and the damage it left behind.
Jamie convinced me that this gel manicure was nothing like what I had over ten years ago. That's when I met one of the most brilliant creations: OPI's Axxium Gel Manicure.
My manicurist first performed a regular manicure and then dipped her tiny brush into a jar of gel and applied two very light base coats to make sure the surface of my nails were even. In between coats I held my hand under a UV light to help harden the gel. The polish choices are all of OPI's normal colors in a gel form, and I went with my go-to, Lincoln Park After Dark. After two coats of carefully painting on the gel polish and sealing it with a gel top coat, the manicurist cleaned up around the edges of my nails with oil and I was set to go.
The result, a perfected manicure with harder nails that are chip resistant for two to three weeks. Who can argue with that? So far it's only been five days, but due to all of the typing that I do, my nails normally chip after two days and I end up taking all of the polish off by the third day. Even though I'm very impressed so far, I'm anxious to see how long it will really last.
Next time I go in for a gel manicure (hopefully three weeks from now) the manicurist would remove all of the gel that's currently on my nails by soaking it off with regular nail polish remover on a cotton pad and start over. The whole manicure took about 35 minutes.
I feel that no matter what, neat, clean hands always look professional and are very important to keep up. Therefore, this kind of manicure is the type that delivers confidence with every handshake.
Manscaping: To Groom or Not to Groom
The October issue of Marie Claire has an article titled, "Should Your Guy Groom?" and as I read it I thought to myself, yes, of course, what kind of question is that? It went on to discuss the two extreme sides of male grooming from a man and a woman's point of view. I don't believe the question should be focused on which extreme is generally preferred or considered appropriate by society, but instead the question I raise is where do you draw the line?
"In recent years, male grooming has become a record-breaking recession-proof industry - netting $23 billion a year, with a whopping 500 new products hitting the market last year alone," Marie Claire reports. With all of these products labeled "men's grooming," how can one expect them not to feel pressured to groom?
Women in the US are expected to maintain their primping and hair removal habits and I feel it should be the same for men. When it comes to a guys facial and body hair, I think each situation needs to be analyzed individually and there really can't be a generalization on what's considered normal and what's not. Let's face it, not all men were blessed with just the right amount of facial scruff and hairless backs. Don't even get me started on the au naturel "sweater."
Marie Claire also reported that Gillette recently did a survey with male college students and found that 80 percent have done below the neck depilation, which they thought was a negative thing. Personally, I don't care how a man has to remove his hair, whether it's through depilatories, razors or waxing, some areas may need all of the above! I believe a certain amount of manscaping and grooming needs to be done on men everywhere, but how much depends on the man's needs and personality.
What do you think about manscaping? How much is too much? How do you like your man groomed? Dish ladies!
My Makeover Revealed
Remember when I told you I was undergoing a not-so-daily fall makeover? Well the results are in and I can finally share the "after" photo, which trust me, is much better than my before!
Thanks to the team at Daily Makeover, my patient stylist and colorist at Bumble and Bumble and creative MAC makeup artist my look went from every day plane Jane to sexy chic in a matter of hours.
Horrified by the chopping of the scissors, nervous about stripping the blue-black color out of my hair, and petrified by the potential of having foundation layered across my face, it was a bit of a dramatic experience. But surrendering my image and enlisting all of my trust in the team was the smartest thing I could have done, after all, they are professionals.
You must check out the full article and all of the photos on Daily Makeover (even though I look absolutely horrific in some of them!). It's really scary to see this image next to my before. Two other ladies got it done too so click through and check out all of the fall styles.
What do you think of my new look?
Win $1,000 Worth of Makeup
When was the last time you refreshed and revamped your makeup bag? Being that it's officially fall, it's a great time to do the clean out, and thanks to jane iredale's new online contest, two people will have the chance to win $1,000 worth of cosmetics from the brand that are good for your skin.
Visit the site and create an entry like the one to the left telling jane iredale why you deserve a make up bag makeover. Then, select some of the products that you would love to have as part of your new make up kit and upload a photo of yourself.
The trick to winning is sharing your entry with all of your friends and getting them to vote for you. You can easily upload it onto your Facebook profile and Twitter page right from the site. I'm not going to lie, the competition is fierce, but if you really want it, you can have it as long as you spread the love and encourage the world to view and vote on your entry. Check out your competition here.
The grand prize winner also receives a trip for two to NYC and a makeup application by a jane iredale makeup artist. Talk about getting gorgeous! There's a most viral winner too, who will receive the $1,000 worth of cosmetics.
Enter now and good luck!
Man of the Week
Ladies, meet John, 29, from Boston, MA. I wrote Boston and shuttered (I'm such a New Yorker!), but this Patriots fan is actually a catch. He's a financial analyst at a children's hospital, bartender and baseball coach for 13-16 year old boys... a man of many skills. And yes, he's single!
What’s in your medicine cabinet?
I have your basic stuff like shaving cream, razors, aftershave, mouth wash, and tooth paste. I’m not the type of a guy that uses all these different types of lotions and creams.
Barbasol Shaving Cream
Gillette Mach 3 Razor- I wouldn’t even think of using any other razor
Fresh Skin Soother After Shave- Unbelievable product.
Listerine Cool Mint
Colgate Extra White Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
What product can’t you live without and why?
I cannot live without my Fresh aftershave lotion. I was turned onto this product a few years back. It’s amazing. Guys if you ever get razor burn, this stuff is a life saver. The only product that works. It’s pretty expensive but worth every penny.
How would you describe your grooming habits?
My grooming habits are pretty simple. One trip to the barber shop every couple of weeks is sufficient enough for me. As far as shaving, I like the scruffy look. I keep a trim beard but always like to have the 5 o’clock shadow look.
Have you ever gotten a manicure or pedicure? Why or why not?
No, I have not. I probably wouldn’t get one either. I’m going to sound a bit ignorant when it comes to this topic but I feel there are some things that should be for females only. I think women can appreciate a man being a man in the age of the rising metro-sexual.
If you could have one night with any celebrity who would it be and why? More importantly, what would you do?
Jessica Biel. I think she is insanely gorgeous and a great actress. She is really into fitness, which is a huge turn on for me. She has a rocking body. If I had one night with her, I would love to get in a good physical “workout” with her.
What’s the first thing you notice about a woman?
I am a sucker for bright eyes and a big smile. You can usually tell how genuine a person is by their eyes and smile. Gets me every time.
Do you prefer a woman au naturel or all made up?
I prefer au naturel. To me, there is nothing more attractive than seeing a woman just being relaxed, lounging around wearing sweats and a t-shirt with her hair up. Now, that’s Hot!
How about down there?
I am not a fan of hair. I like some grooming. I do some “man-scaping” myself, so I like my women to be groomed as well. Whether it’s completely bare, the landing strip, the Hitler stash, or any other clever design is fine with me. I just can’t get into the el natural.
When it comes to a woman’s beauty what’s your sweet spot?
Well, a woman has many sweet spots but I think true beauty comes from personality. I’ve met a lot of women that were beautiful but had the personality of a door knob. Beauty can only get you so far. You need a healthy combination of beauty and personality.
I like women who are very sociable, can hold a conversation, and funny. There is nothing sexier to me then a woman that can have a good time anywhere and can take a joke as well as dish it out.
New Site Introduces Exclusive Beauty Sample Sales
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all? If it's not you already, it can be thanks to a brand new site called The Fairest. This members only, exclusive site made just for beauty junkies holds private boutique sales with the most coveted beauty brands.
Much like the concept behind HauteLook, Rue La La and Guilt Group, The Fairest is the first destination dedicated strictly to beauty with each sale lasting between 24 and 48 hours. Members can receive up to 75% off of their purchases, making even Creme de la Mer affordable! You do the math.
I really enjoy this site because the Editorial Director, Nadine Jolie author of Beauty Confidential and Confessions of a Beauty Addict, provides her expert advice on choosing products, which is very helpful. Becoming a member is free so check it out and you can thank me later.
Sexify Your Workout
Tired of the your normal work out routine? Sex it up this fall like Lindsay Lohan with S Factor. The origional workout combines ballet, yoga, pilates and pole dancing for some serious body sculpting.
Founder of S Factor, Sheila Kelley, created the classes in order to help women boost their confidence and be able to express their sexuality. Whether you're in the mood for some pole work, strip tease, or dance classes this workout routine is gauranteed to whip you into shape and teach you a trick or two that'll spice up your relationship. (wink, wink)
Interested in trying an S Factor class? Grab some girlfriends and get 50% off an intro class just for being a reader of BeautySweetSpot by typing in the code "sweetspot" when you sign up online here.
Intoxicating Blends
Bloomingdales held a launch party for Juicy Couture's latest fragrance launch, Couture Couture, in which they partnered with Tavalon Tea to create a blend that complimented the fragrance. I found the concept intriguing and went right to the mix master himself, Chris Cason, to find out about the ingredients. (Photo of me and the CEO of Tavalon Tea, John Paul Lee, at the event.)
"Since the fragrance is light and sweet, I knew I had to combine ingredients that would taste light and sweet as well and immediately thought of a Tavalon Tea crimson punch," stated Cason.
Couture Couture has top notes of mandarin orange, African orange flower and grapefruit; layered by jasmine, honeysuckle and plum; and rounded out with base notes of amber vanilla and sandalwood. It's the first of all of the Juicy fragrances I really like.
The oriental floral fragrance was complimented by the tea creation called "Crimsonpunch," which included ingredients such as apples, blood orange, cherry, cranberry and hibiscus. Combining the senses of smell and taste left a more powerful impact on shoppers and allowed for a richer experience.
Emmy Worthy Brows
The first thing everyone noticed about Heidi Klum on the Emmy red carpet last weekend was her baby bump, but besides the glitz and glam of the dress and jewels, there's so much more that goes into red carpet prep. Even beyond hair and make up. I caught up with brow guru to the stars, Anastasia Soare, and she filled me on how she shaped Heidi along with Elizabeth Moss and E!'s Ryan Seacrest.
“Award shows and red carpet events are really the perfect time to vamp it up with a glam look. The stars brows should embody the glamour of Hollywood,” commented Anastasia.
She decided to shape Heidi a few days prior to the Emmys to give the skin that was waxed enough time to even out with the skin tone of the rest of the face. Using Dita Von Teese's brows as an inspiration, she chose to give her a high arch with a medium thickness.
Anastasia just launched a Highlighting Brow Kit, which she used on the celebs at the Emmys as well. Check it out at Sephora.
Man of the Week
Ladies, meet Paul, 27, from Union, NJ. He's completely immersed in the digital world as the SEO Marketing Manager at Lexis Nexis and the Founder of BeyondBeautyBasics.com. My kind of guy... and yes, he's single!
What’s in your medicine cabinet?
Right now in my medicine cabinet you can find a bunch of products because my Editor-in-Chief of Beyond Beauty Basics, Jennifer Long, tells me to use them. However, I keep it simple: Garnier Fructis Style Surf Hair, Fresh Soy Face Cleanser (bc it smells good), Lancome Hydrix Moisturizing Gel, oh and floss. I think it's important to look well-groomed whether you are on a date or meeting with a client, not to mention making sure there isn't some piece of food in between your teeth from last night.
What product can’t you live without and why?
I'm pretty sure I can live without any product but if I had to choose I guess hair product to ensure I don't look like a crazy bum. That or maybe cologne. I think it's a good thing when someone tells you you smell "heavenly" or "delicious" - as long as they don't say you smell like their ex-boyfriend or husband. Now who would want that?
How would you describe your grooming habits?
My grooming habits would be that of any guy that makes sure he takes care of himself without going over the top. I shave most everyday, unless I've had a late night which turns into a rough morning. I manscape where guys should manscape to avoid looking like a caveman. I push my cuticles back when I remember after a shower because my third grade health teacher branded it into our minds. LOL Normally I get a haircut once every 2-3 weeks and have my eyebrows cleaned up (not all tweezed-up like some guys in my state), just enough not to spread too far from my actual brow. I moisturize my face, brush my teeth and carry gum with me, do my hair, a spritz of cologne, and I'm out the door.
Have you ever gotten a manicure or pedicure? Why or why not?
I'll admit it, my ex-girlfriend insisted I try getting both. The verdict? Well, all I kept thinking (while getting high off the strong smell of acrylic in that nail salon) was I could have cut my own nails for FREE , and it was weird having someone tend to my feet. I was told I had nice feet for a guy though. Thanks - I guess.
If you could have one night with any celebrity who would it be and why? More importantly, what would you do?
I would have to say Anne Hathaway. I think she's beautiful and tall, has a sweet personality, someone you can take home to meet mom, but probably a lioness in the bedroom. I prefer a stylish, confident, open-minded and classy woman who enjoys a little spontaneous adventure and romance. Hmm... that sounded like a Match.com personal. After dinner I'd take her somewhere we can have some drinks, laugh, and dance or listen to some live music or jazz. I'd end the night with some late night stimulating conversation against the city skyline at some quiet rooftop venue.
What’s the first thing you notice about a woman?
The first thing I notice on a woman is her smile. A smiling woman is approachable and tells me that she has a positive spirit or in a delighted state of mind. The curving lips from a woman's smile can be a bit mesmerizing sometimes.
Do you prefer a woman au naturel or all made up?
I would say either way is fine, I'd prefer a woman feeling comfortable with herself may that be natural or made up. I find that women who feel pretty and comfortable with themselves make for a better day. However, it's a turn-off if she wears way too much makeup and I mistake her face for a birthday cake or a tranny mannequin.
How about down there?
I'd prefer bare but neatly groomed is okay too. Cleaning it up, in any level, heightens sensitivity, so it might be good for them to do so for themselves. (wink) Changing it up once in a while is also a good idea for as long as it's not a jungle down there.
When it comes to a woman’s beauty what’s your sweet spot?
My sweet spot is a woman who is confident and modest about her beauty, follows good hygiene and grooming practices, and can carry herself in a stylish and classy way.
Latest Drugstore Finds: Put to the Test
How many times have you bought a product because it promised you the world... extension-like lashes, no-chip polish, stronger strands... sound familiar? And how many times did you anxiously rush home to begin trying it only to find it tossed into your trash can a few days later?
Well, I've been putting a few of the newest drugstore products to the test to see if they really live up to their claims so you don't have to waste a precious penny. Check out what I found:
Aveeno Noourish and Revitalize Shampoo and Conditioner, $6.99 ea.
The Claim: Helps to repair damaged hair and keeps normal hair in check
My Opinion: Since I'm trying to bring my color from blue black to a warmer, rich brunette shade, it's been feeling a little dry. After using this combination of shampoo and conditioner, I can honestly say my hair's never felt softer. I also choose my shower products based on the smell and these give off a subtly sweet scent that makes my bathroom smell heavenly.
Softsoap Nutri Serums, $5.49
The Claim: Infused with nutrient rich softening serum pearls
My Opinion: This is the first body wash I've ever used that left me feeling "moisturized" when I got out of the shower. Many of them claim to do that, but after lathering with this wash, I feel like I'm left with a soft film on my skin that leaves it really silky. Of course, I still put moisturizer on after I get out of the shower, but I like the feeling of having an extra coat of protection on my body.
Vaseline Sheer Infusion, $6.25
The Claim: Infuses and suspends moisture across all layers of the skin
My Opinion: After applying all over my body after I get out of the shower, my skin feels soft and supple, but not greasy. A huge bonus for me is that I don't have to reapply it throughout the day. Once is enough.
Scope Outlast Mouthwash, 5.99
The Claim: Outlasts anything with a fresh breath feeling that lasts up to 5x longer versus brushing alone
My Opinion: I think any kind of mouthwash would keep a fresh breath feeling for longer than brushing alone, but I don't know about 5x longer. I find it hard to measure that, but I will say that this peppermint mouthwash is very refreshing and does leave me with fresh breath until my next meal. I also like that it's not as harsh as other mouth washes I've used in the past.
Sally Hansen Hi-Definition Nail Color, $3.59
The Claim: Multi-dimensional, vivid color
My Opinion: They weren't lying. I've been wearing Opulent Cloud (a greyish silver), the same color worn on the models at the Fall 2009 Tracy Reese Fashion Show, but also tested out the shade Zip, which is a sunset red. All of the colors in the collection are intensely pigmented and the high-shine gives them great dimension.
Make Your Blowout Last
Did you know you can officially make your blowout last up to four days? Yes, it's true. No matter what your hair type is, you can do it, as long as you follow these rules from stylist to the stars, Ted Gibson. He just opened a brand new salon in Washington DC, and gave me the scoop on how to get the most out of your blowout.
Day 1
Believe it or not, it starts right in the shower with your shampoo and conditioner. Make sure you use a regular, every day shampoo and conditioner or even better, a volumizing one. Whatever you do, stay far away from the moisturizing type because they tend to leave heavy emollients on the hair, which will weigh it down. Also, since your scalp tends to get oilier, make sure to only condition your ends.
"Creating volume is crucial when it comes to making a blowout last," remarks Ted. Start rough-drying your hair until it's 80% dry, before adding in your round brush. Try spritzing Aveda Volumizing Tonic to help create added volume. Then, grab the hair in 1 1/2" to 2" sections and blow dry them up at a 45 to 80 degree angle of height off of the base.
Now that you have a full blowout, you can rock it for the day, but in order to make it last, put your hair up in a top knot before going to bed, securing it with a few hair pins. Repeat each night.
Day 2
Let your hair fall loose of the top knot and shake it out. Just apply added heat with your blow dryer and go over your strands with your round brush. You won't need any extra product.
Day 3
Refresh and revitalize your locks by using one of Ted's own Hair Styling Sheets. I personally swear by these. Just rub one concentrating on the ends of your hair. Stay away from your roots because they'll take away the volume you need to get through the next two days. Next, go over your ends with your blow dryer and round brush to put them back into place.
Day 4
Spray 2" sections of your hair with dry shampoo (Ted recommends Psst) and reblow-dry your hair to make sure it's evenly dispersed.
Are you ready to take the blow out challenge? My good friend is going to attempt the challenge later this week. We'll hear how her four day experience went when she reports back and sends photos of her hair.
Kinerase Makes it Easy
Now that fall has officially begun, it's time to prep your skin for colder weather and fix any sun damage that may have occurred over the past couple of months. Hopefully you don't have any, but if you do, correcting it is key to keeping a youthful appearance.
Kinerase came out with a simple kit called the PhotoFacials Sun Damage Reversal System, which helps to improve your skins tone and texture. I'm not normally a big fan of kits, but this one is only a two-step regimen and it's a very streamlined system with very beneficial products.
It includes an exfoliating cleanser with very fine exfoliating beads, a day moisturizer with an SPF of 50 and a nighttime moisturizer. The daytime moisturizer includes hydroquinone, which target discoloration and the nighttime moisturizer includes a gentle retinol to improve the skins texture and fine lines.
Since it's time to switch from your summer moisturizer to a heavier one for fall, these are great options because not only do they moisturize, but they are loaded with benefits your skin needs. The Kinerase PhotoFacials Sun Damage Reversal System is available here for $100.
Hair Secrets from Morocco
It takes a lot to impress me when it comes to beauty products, but backstage at Baby Phat during New York Fashion Week, I was introduced to a hair oil that changed my life: Moroccanoil Oil Treatment.
It's made with argan oil that's grown only in the South West of Morocco and has vitamins that strengthen the hair and increase the elasticity. After I shampoo and condition, I take a penny sized dollop of the oil and run it through my damp strands.
After I blow dry, I'm left with the softest, frizz free, touchable hair. I've tried other hair oils before, and have to admit I was skeptical to try this one, because in the past they've always left my freshly shampooed hair looking a little greasy. What I really like is that Moroccanoil absorbs into the hairs cuticle quickly so I don't feel like it's just sitting on top.
Get the juice at Folica.com for $35.
Man of the Week
Ladies, meet Akbar, 24, a single PR Exec who spends his time between NYC and Miami. Talk about having the best of both worlds! And did anyone mention tall, dark and handsome?
What’s in your medicine cabinet?
Art of Shaving – the 4 elements to a perfect shave, amazing!!!
Clarins Men Under Eye Serum – takes care of dark circles and lines forming after all the crazy nights of partying
MyBlend Anti Stress Management Lotion – controls the acne and keeps my face moisturized
Propecia – trying to keep that hair as long as I can!
YSL La Nuit de L’homme – my favorite new scent
Aquafresh Extreme Clean – love the foaming action and cooling sensation
What product can’t you live without and why?
I definitely couldn’t live without XFusion Keratin Fibers. Most people probably haven’t heard of this product, but it is a well guarded secret. Everyone from A-list celebrities to the average Joe use this product to cover up thinning hair or to enhance hair for a photo shoot or the red carpet. Let’s face it guys, none of us want to go bald. XFusion lets you maintain that “full hair” look and looks natural.
How would you describe your grooming habits?
I think my grooming habits are pretty normal in comparison to other real “city” guys. I definitely try and get a haircut in at least once a month with a touch up in between. I shave my facial hair about once a week since I personally prefer an edgier, rough look. When it comes to body hair I’m pretty “au natural” and definitely keep it trim down there and everywhere but am not into shaving or waxing my body.
Have you ever gotten a manicure or pedicure? Why or why not?
Definitely, and after my sister forced me to do it the first time in college I am hooked. She would ask me why I always wore socks and it’s because I was embarrassed by my feet and when she saw them she understood why. After she told me that no girl would want to “hit that” she dragged me to her nail place and next thing you know I’m a regular. I started with manicures after that because hey, why not?
If you could have one night with any celebrity who would it be and why? More importantly, what would you do?
I think it would have to be Lady GaGa – she is crazy, outgoing, and daring. I like that. Probably follow her to the recording studio, perform a duet, and then party all night! JUST DANCE!
What’s the first thing you notice about a woman?
I notice a few things right away, eyes, lips, and teeth. Just a woman’s eyes can say so much about who they are, and sometimes the way they look at you can be very sexy. Full lips are extremely hot as well, sounds cliché, but Angelina Jolie’s lips are ideal. And last but not least it is IMPERATIVE to maintain proper dental hygiene; I can’t stress how disgusting it is when you have yellow teeth or bad breath.
Do you prefer a woman el natural or all made up? How come?
I prefer them both ways, depends on the occasion and the mood. If I’m taking her out to dinner and then we’re going partying or going out after I definitely want her all done and rocking it out because I want to show her off and enjoy looking at her. But if we’re just hanging by the pool or beach or lounging around on the weekend el natural can definitely be cute.
How about down there?
I prefer a neatly groomed landing strip. I know it can be hard to maintain but definitely looks prettier. I mean completely bare is great too but definitely only if you wax regularly. I prefer women to wax in general if they can, arms, legs, wax it all! In my experience some girls who shave get really prickly down there if you know what I mean.
When it comes to a woman’s beauty what’s your sweet spot?
I’d have to say nice legs. It is definitely very sexy when a woman is wearing a tight pair of jeans and has that perfect amount of separation between her thighs, not too skinny, but just right.
A Peek Inside A Celeb Swag Suite
While in LA this weekend to do the Emmy's segment for E!, I decided to check out one of the hottest celebrity gifting lounges around at the Kate Somerville Spa. As soon as I walked in I was served a summer cocktail mixed with raspberry vodka and taken around by one of the Kate Somerville representatives from brand to brand to learn about their exciting new launches, very VIP!
My first stop was at the Clarisonic station where the PR representative introduced me to their newest model
which donates 50% to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Already a fan of the Clarisonic, I couldn't help but wonder how great the new packaged pink one would look on my bathroom sink. Since I've been doing a lot of traveling, I was given a travel sized one so I'll never miss it when I leave home. Earlier in the day, the cast of Mad Men stopped by along with Julia Louis Dreyfus and Felicity Huffman who all raved about the Clarisonic too.
I was introduced to the perfumer of Ajne who creates the most 
intoxicating blends of perfume one would ever smell. Her latest creation was Vanille and she took me through a whole custom blending lesson and blended one in a beautiful little glass bottle entangled in gold wire. It's such a special gift because it's very personalized. At the suite she also blended a vanilla musk fragrance layered with soft floral for Denise Richards and a vanilla musk with hints of amber and tobacco for Debra Messing. She says that men find women who wear a scent with vanilla in it 70 times more sexy.
A jeweler from Paraiba who normally dresses celebs like Rihanna, Neo and Paris Hilton was showcasing his jewels and gave me the inside scoop
of what he leant Debra Messing for the Emmys: a 20 karat black diamond ring. He said that when she put it on her finger her hand was shaking. That diamond is so big my hand probably would have fallen off!
Fekkai was doing blowouts (Jordana Brewster from The Fast and the Furious was getting one while I was there) and I met the sweetest stylist, Ange Grmolyes who offered to come to my hotel the next day to do my hair for the Emmys. Thank God for her because she did an awesome job and I knew I could trust her because I love Fekkai in NYC.
Finally, I made my way to Bare Escentuals, (but not before putting a Sprinkles cup cake in my mouth). There, I was touched up by makeup artist, Dondrae Andolini, with cosmetics from their new Buxom line and color matched with the appropiate foundation shade. Paris Hilton walked in to say hello when I was in the makeup chair, but when asked if she wanted a touch up her reply was, "No, I don't have time, I have to go to the studio and work." What exactly is she working on?
The spa atmosphere was very classy and the ambiance was loungy. All of the brands that participated fell right in line with Kate Somerville's brand etiquette.
You Can Be the New Face of e.l.f. Cosmetics
One of my favorite brands, e.l.f. Cosmetics, just launched a contest in partnership with Explore Modeling to search for the new face of the brand for 2010. Do you think you have what it takes?
Entering is easy so give it your all and get your friends and family to vote for you. You should also encourage your sister and mom to enter because the brand is looking for beautiful women of all ages. The person who has the most votes by the end of December will win a four day, three night family vacation to a Beaches Resort in Turks & Caicos or Jamaica.
Also at this time, e.l.f. and Explore Modeling will be choosing their top four winners, which consists of a teen, and a woman in her 20's, 30's and 40's plus to participate in a photo shoot in NYC and be featured on their website. Once announced, it's up to America to vote on who will be the face of e.l.f. for 2010. The ultimate winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize and "Make-Up for Life" package from e.l.f. Cosmetics.
Enter here now and good luck ladies!
