The Evolution of the Man - Male Grooming 101
When you LOOK good...you FEEL good!
You'd be surprised by how much grooming can change your appearance. Breathe new life into your existing grooming routine and impart a newfound confidence. These are my Top 10 Essential Male Grooming Tips that'll help you put your best foot forward. Its time to RECHARGE YOUR BATTERY by renewing and refreshing your look. Learn what stylish and successful men has been doing for years.
1. Skin Care
Cleanse your face twice daily. Most body soaps are too strong for your facial skin which is more sensitive. Invest in a good facial cleanser based on your skin type. In the morning, wash away oils that may have surfaced during the night...not to mention the sleep in your eyes and drool, if you had a really hard sleep! lol Then wash it again before bed. Your face has attracted tons of pollutants, oil, dust and who knows what else during the day. Don't let these irritants settle into your skin during the night. Treat dry and chapped lips with a lip scrub to exfoliate dead skin and a lip balm to keep them soft and kissable!
2. Nose, Ear and Brow Hair
Nobody wants to see unruly hair coming out of your nose and ears. Invest in a nose/ear hair trimmer, they are very inexpensive. If you have overly bushy brows, have them cleaned up it will open up your face and make you look more inviting.
3. Hands, Feet and Nails
First contact is usually made with your hands. Keep them clean, especially under your nails. If possible treat your self to a mani/pedi. Or do it yourself by routinely trimming nails and don't forget to combat those dry knuckles with a moisturizer. Buff nails for a natural shine, never opt for clear nail polish! Same goes for feet. Don't skip them when bathing, they need more than just the sudsy water that runs off of your body. Run a pumice stone over those rough heels to keep them smooth. Trust me your partner and sheets will thank you!
4. Hair maintenance
Get your hair cut or groomed regularly. Keep a fresh lining in between haircuts. If you have more hair than a brush can handle be sure to comb it daily. If you are wearing locs, keep them maintained. Keep your hair clean by shampooing AND conditioning it frequently. Research products that are best for your style and hair type. If you a more seasoned male with gray hair, keep it from yellowing by using shampoo formulated for grey hair. This will keep it bright and fresh.
5. Oral care
Brush and floss regularly and don't forget about your tongue and gums. Keep mints and gum handy if you are in a pinch. Huge turnoff when a polished man has dragon breath!
6. Wardrobe
No matter your size or build, invest in clothes that fit properly and comfortably. If you are a grown man and should look the part. Have at least one tailored suit. Iron clothes or have them dry cleaned. No more dirty collars and sweat stained armpits. Shirts are usually only 99 cents! Ditch the outdated, old turned over shoes. Keep shoes polished and clean and increase their longevity by having worn heels and soles replaced by a shoe repair. If your gym shoes are dingy beyond cleaning, save those for the yard work and get a new pair. Nothing like seeing a fine man with turned over dingy shoes!
7. Accessories
Match your shoes and belt. Black with black, brown with brown. Also wear complimenting socks and ties. Don't go overboard with the jewelry. Mr. T has retired! Keep it classy and simple. Invest in at least one nice signature piece for special occasions.
8. Fragrance
Nothing like a man who smells good. A good fragrance can go a long way. Whether its a good cologne, after shave, or hell even a good smelling body wash. It engages more of the senses and adds to your persona...like adding the period to a sentence!
9. Mirror Image
Take a good look at yourself before you head out. If you don't already have one, invest in a full length mirror. Its hard to get a good look at yourself in your medicine cabinet mirror. See what other people see so you can make adjustments before a stranger has to point something out!
10. Posture
Take pride in who you are. Walk with confidence, head held high. Stop slouching and add some swag to your walk. Working out and building your core will help to enhance your posture.
Now go ahead and put your best foot forward. The evolution of the man continues....