Losing it

Since reading this post over on iCiNG I have been mulling over the topic of losing your hair. I was racking my brains all over Christmas for some good bald/balding icons, only to kick myself for my stupidity when I caught a bit of The King and I on TV. Yul Brynner is surely the most obvious choice?
And while he is probably best known for his completely bald look (above) as sported in the King and I, I think he looked quite dashing in his younger days when he still kept a bit on top.

The supreme neatness of the hair he does have is vital to the look. And this just set the ball rolling. There are so many balders (not yet baldies, you see?) out there to admire! The trick to it, as always, is excellent grooming.

This is perfectly illustrated here by Mr Astaire. While he does have his hair reasonably long it is slicked down and back at all times with no attempt to hide the arches of his hairline. His skin is clear and healthy looking and, as usual, he is clean shaven.

I've noticed quite a few indie boys trying to disguise a receding hairline by growing a long sweep of hair to use as a fringe. I hate to break it to you boys, but I'm beginning to feel that this the the modern equivilant of the comb-over... you're fooling no one my dears. I did consider finding a picture to illustrate this point but I thought that would be a little bit too mean. Maybe your new influence, if you don't like the swept back look should be Brandon Flowers?

His hair is short here and ever so slightly pushed forward. I'd be interested to see what he will do once it REALLY starts going though. I was also going to use Jude Law as a muse here but, if I'm honest, he creeps me out nowadays.

Splitting hairs

Oh I have a odd and complex relationship with my hair. It is a strange part of both myself and my attitude to style and grooming. I should take more interest in it and at time i do but something is missing. I don't love it as much as what hangs in my wardrobe or what hangs on the rails of my favourite shops and items undiscovered! my current attitude to hair and how best to style it revolve around the following:

• Invest in a good hair cut, (which doesn't necessarily mean expensive but living in central London it normally does)
• Wash your hair as often as you need to. use Baby Powder if you don't have time to wash it.
  
• Spend money on good hair products and use them moderately. I like Bumble and Bumble.
  
• Take note of your hair and what it wants to do - after straightening it for a while I've realised that it is far better to let the natural gentle wave of my hair do its thing!

There it is, my simple hair advice. I will post (in the next couple of days) about my advice on how best to achieve various looks complete with pictures of course but today is a bad hair day!

On the subject of hair I enjoyed reading The Post Office's account of the rise of the square haircut, as shown on catwalks across the land, in editorials and most recently on the cover of V magazine with Brad Pitt. In front of Mario Testino’s camera Brad Pitt showed his many different faces for V Magazine. I have dabbled with these styles in recent years but unfortunately the curse of my laziness means I always go back to my tried and tested! What do you prefer, the Fight Club Brad Pitt or the more refined and slightly geeky versions? Which version has the best hair, how would you wear yours? Can't decide, well just enjoy both versions!With party season upon us if we need inspiration on how best to wear your hair, look no further than Cary Grant.

The only thing I'd add is to make sure that you get it cut short enough at the back!

Picture Postcard: On the street - mix of styles

This image comes courtesy of the sartorialist during his recent trip to Paris where he has taken some beautiful shots. This one however is a little more controversial than the typical highly groomed and perfect ladies on offer. To be honest by the end of my own visit I was so conditioned at seeing manicured model women wearing this seasons shoes and clutching this seasons bag that by the end of it they just didn't register in my brain, they just blurred into one person.

The below shot is more interesting to me. I've looked at this shot a few times now over the last day or so and can't make up my mind on it. I'm certainly swaying towards the disapproving side of the line but it is not a resounding feeling.

Firstly, I'd like to see the look with the jacket off. I like the idea of combining a well cut, smart jacket with a street wear outfit underneath. However, here it does look like the guy has come out of dance class but only has one coat (the greasy hair only adds to this notion!). I like the coat but I agree with one of the comments on thesartorialist that the sleeves are too long. For this type of look to work I feel that the jacket needs to fit perfectly. The play on proportions of the loose street wear complete with bulky trainers (I like the use of two coloured laces!) matched with a well tailored coat could work. However, this chap doesn't pull it off. It makes him look very short and his hair doesn't help him one iota. It is however an interesting look and worthy of a little discussion. What are your thoughts?

Frankly, I'm not sure it IS a man. Not in a bad way, if that makes sense. The hair bothers me SO much (got to stop the capitalisation), I just want to wash it, brush it and pull it back. I really don't know how people deal with hair hanging in their face like that... been there done that, shudder at the thought.

As for the look in general, I think that I quite like it. It's a bit like the oversized sportswear thing you see done, but in coat form. I can see how people would prefer it to be more fitted, but... I don't know what. Chalk it up to a random liking. The laces are cool, but the trainers are less so... I think this could work better with a smarter trainer perhaps just to play around with the look a little more. Hmm, I'm changing my mind as I type. Maybe it is just a little too 'popping to the shops, can't be bothered to get dressed properly'...

UPDATE: I've just realised something! This guy is clearly just channelling John Cusack in Say Anything. It's all so clear now!

Facial hair conundrum

Something I'm pondering at the moment is what appears to be a minor trend in the male hipster world. Something I am utterly jealous of, yet thankful I don't have. A bold affirmation of manhood. I am speaking of the moustache.

Now, I'm not sure how I actually feel about this. Part of me, probably the same part of me that used to want people to wear skinny trousers, wishes that more men would grow one. Lord knows I've tried to persuade those around me. But in reality, is it such a good idea? Let's look at a few examples.

David Niven in one of my favourite films ever, A Matter of Life and Death

Errol Flynn: a dashing, if slightly dodgy chap

There are plenty of examples of (what I consider) the classic 'tache. With slicked back hair or a neat hair cut and a sharp suit it keeps the look interesting, and a neat tache shows that you take care of yourself.

It's this next type of moustache that I'm most indecisive about.

Freddie Mercury (in a field, apparently)

The glorious Terry Richardson

This is what I call in my head 'the seedy moustache'. I'm torn. Is it good or awful? I suppose I'll just have to take it on a case-by-case basis. These, however, I am sure about: love, love, love

Brandon Flowers of the Killers. It may be controversial, but I love his look at the moment, he can do no wrong.

Picture courtesy of Facehunter. Quite extravagant, but not over the top. I think it works for me because the rest of the look is quite minimal.

There are no conclusions here I'm afraid. I'm as torn as ever but would love to hear other people's opinions about it: do you/have you/would you wear a moustache? If you are thinking about it, you may want to have a look here. If you go for it please send us a picture (we love hearing from you); the email address is on the right hand side of this page.

Oh I was waiting for one of us to bring up facial hair, well done you! I've been waiting for some good examples but I've not really been enamoured by anything. That said I approve of you choices, especially Richardson and the Facehunter shot (this is my favourite but because the moustache shines as its complimented perfectly by the minimalist street wear!). I am not a fan of Brandon Flowers (you are just biased because you fancy him) but the shot you have picked is a good one. Moustaches can look good but there is definitely a residing feeling within me that they are sported mainly as part of dressing up. Most men grow them either in jest or to look like a famous moustached man, ie Flynn, Niven, Selleck, Mercury. My point is, most men cannot wear moustaches seriously; (generally) people can't take moustached men seriously (for Historical examples of this phenomena see Chaplin and Hitler) and even the majority of moustached men cannot take themselves seriously (maybe I'm just bitter because I can't grow a substantial example. Thankfully it is not such an important measure of manhood today as it was just decades ago). I do concede however that this notion though could be turned on it's head but only by some kind of facial hair revolution. If I wished to grow one (and were able to) I think I would personally sport a cross between the 'pencil' and the 'paintbrush'...evolving into the 'English' in my fifties and finally turning to the 'Walrus' in my twilight years. Please see the below illustrations for guidance...

Once my next stage of puberty hits and the desire arrives I might grow a slightly thinner version of the above.

This will be me as I spend all day in my study, reading, writing and taking in the countryside.

Picture Postcard: Men and Make Up

I thought I would post an image or two from Paris, it would be rude not to and along the way open the debate of men and make up. Here are two example for you to discuss:

Image 1 is courtesy of Facehunter. Traditional but stylish and I think it looks good.

Image 2 is courtesy of DDD. I saw this in guy and thought it worked well although the image here doesn't show it in the best light.

Think I prefer the first one (and not just because he's prettier)... so Oliver Twist-y it almost hurts. I think this would work really well as a low key look for those sick of eye liner- it's certainly what my makeup ends up looking like by the end of the day. Teeny bit of shimmer on the cheekbones and done. Men's makeup, I feel, shouldn't take more than about 5 minutes, though I'm not sure why. The second look looks a bit like Adam Ant who missed. Or maybe the fifth ninja turtle.

Each Man and his Trim Style: Braun Cruzer 6 Shaver Review and Best Prices

Because in terms of male hair, all tastes are in nature, Braun Cruzer launched a new line of shavers and trimmers. Everyone has his own style and desires. Shave your style.

You're more of a beard in millimeters? Cruzer6 Face the shaver and trimmer accessory you need for a hair under control in all circumstances. Love with the famous "designer stubble" and other men who want to hurry their look, but also for a model you'll need to choose.

 Good news to save precious minutes, you can use this device in the shower ... Time to followers of the "nickel chrome" trimmer Cruzer6 Head & Beard is the accessory you need. He declared war on every little hair and other stubborn hair, all with delicacy and sweetness.

As anyone who has the soul artist to the tips of the hair and prefers to carve their beards, they cannot do without Cruzer6 Precision ... As the name suggests, this trimmer is an implacable rigor. Finally, the most resistant to hair, those who do not want at all, the side of the Body Cruzer6 they will need to look.

In short, there will be for all tastes and styles. Braun thought of all men ... 

The Best Prices founded at Amazon

Braun Cruzer6 Face: 64.99 USD

Beard & Head: 44.99 USD

Precision: 14.99 USD

Body: 54.99 USD

   

Andrea Galante

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Men’s Grooming Tips, and Inspirations

Best, Faster, Stronger-Men’s Grooming Tips, and Inspirations

To attract the man with the radiant beauty, cosmetics brands are moving away more and more dummies for the benefit of sports.  Chronology of a phenomenon that goes.

Read full length article bellow the 7 photos description!

1-

Eric & Joël Cantona

1995, Bic

Each razor is Cantona.  Eric (one blade) is "famous.”  Joel (two) "will become.”

2-

David Ginola
1996, L'Oréal
His hair was a subject of national ridicule. The player has made a selling proposition.

3-

Frederic Michalak

2004, Biotherm

Considered the Zidane of rugby, he opened a new breach of beauty marketing.

4-

David Beckham

2004, Gillette

The icon of the metrosexual era has done much for the cause of sports' beauty bankable ".

5-

Vincent Clerc

2007, Sothy's

Sensibility, enlightened discourse, talent. The rugby is the antithesis of sports nag / gruff.

6-

Sébastien Loeb

2009, Mennen

However uncomfortable facing the camera, the driver is still entitled to his care Hydrade.

7-

Camille Lacourt

2011, Clarins

Yoann Gourcuff fled the sponsors? While beneficial to its double swimmer Camille Lacourt, revealed in 2010.

Read Full article..

To attract the man with the radiant beauty, cosmetics brands are moving away more and more dummies for the benefit of sports.  Decryption of a phenomenon that continues to gain ground.

The swimmer Camille Lacourt Clarins icon, the star of the rally for Loeb to Retype Mennen, legend Eric Cantona in the service of L'Oreal Men Expert ... The figures of the sport more and more Defending the colors of the beauty Industry as of yesterday Those of Their club or team.

Outdo the models and stars of show business.  May 2004.  The cosmetics brand Biotherm unveils new face: Frédéric Michalak, the first media star of French rugby.  And crosses at the same time a new milestone in the association of sports in the world of beauty.  Until the advent of the era of "metrosexuals,” the industry had to use sports stars to promote products those currents of male toiletries (shampoos, shower gels, razors, shaving creams ...).

In the early 90's, and we see the French footballer of the time in commercials gross stripping: Jean-Pierre Papin in 1993, and Eric Cantona and his brother Joel, in 1995, extolling the virtues of Bic disposable razors David Ginola before, in 1996, waving his hair done for L'Oreal.  The World Cup effect 98 accentuates the trend, without ever flirting with the stage "day cream.”

"The world of beauty has long ignored the sport because they are considered tacky guys said Marie Chauveau, agency Mafia.  They were then used for the" practice "but it’s not going beyond.  In recent years, athletes show a new side.  Men like David Beckham, or more recentlyYoann Gourcuff and some swimmers, provide a much cleaner.  It changes everything.  "

THE SPORTS AGAINST SEXUAL AMBIGUITY

In the early 2000s, the effect Beckham in full swing.  At the same time, using a scrub or a session at the spa made ​​its way gradually into the minds of men.

In the marketers, the image of an athlete ambassador assumes this trend will, for sure, jumping from the last lock of the most skeptical.  "The use of sports tends to the use of virile beauty treatments, to play down the act," explains Marie Chauveau.

The goal is to see new customers by playing the card of the concrete and the emancipation of morals.  The alibi of the athlete, is reassuring and credible, allows spontaneous identification.  Even better, after years of ad campaign playing on the homoerotic aesthetic, the hero of the stage removes any sexual ambiguity and frees the idea of ​​masculine perfection.

"I do not buy a cream because it is" sold "by a particular sport; grade Yohann, 29, met in a Paris boutique.  But the beauty is not a" discussion of guys, "No one 'not many benchmarks.  The bond that brings a reassuring one.  "

One area seems to "resist" the temptation: the perfume department.  "Here we touch the very high end.  It refers to other values: the dream, glamour, desire, pleasure, says a specialist in luxury.

Therefore, the perfume brands are turning instead to the actors or models.  Athletes do not have this dimension.  "This rule has its exceptions rare: Zinedine Zidane hidden in a turtleneck for Dior (Eau Sauvage, 2001), the marketing coup by Thierry Mugler with disabled sports star Oscar Pistorius (for perfume Amen) or, more recently, Sebastien 

Chabal (Caron) and Rafael Nadal (Lanvin). “  They have a reputation that goes beyond sport, says our expert.  They are among the "favorite personalities" of the public.  This type of association is still rare.  And far from being effective ...”

CONTRACT VERY PROFITABLE

Moreover, sports, in all this?  Why prennentils the risk of associating their names with an imaging still subject to jeers when the bottom of the front of their sponsors sounding manly arms open wide?  First, because financially, it's worth the effort.  In 2004, David Beckham signed a contract for $ 50 million over five years with Gillette, which eventually will collect international stars of the sport (Thierry Henry, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Lionel Messi, etc.).

Before Proctor & Gamble decided to stop in early 2011, his campaign "Gillette Champions.”  We speak here of world stars.  In addition, are going with ... For sports or specific national prominence, the amount of advertising contract was around € 50 000 on average in 2007, according to a survey by the daily Le Monde.

Meanwhile, the fair for athletes has become as speculative real estate market in Paris.  The niche "beauty," his exception to the rule?  "Hard to say.  The amount of a contract beauty depends on the reputation of the sport, the size of the brand, the duration of the contract, etc...  And then it is one of the things we do not tell" Marie Chauveau lists.

Vincent Clerc, French international rugby and Sothy's ambassador since 2007, does not evade the question: "This contract represents 10 to 15% of my salary rugby.”  Beyond the financial interest, a contract "beauty" is also a great way to exist media-while exposing his discipline other than its natural bitterness.  "I was very surprised that Sothy's do appeal to me, says Vincent Clerc.  However, it helps to break the surly image of rugby and to show that masculinity is expressed on a ground is not incompatible with sensitivity more glamorous.

It also proves that athletes by that following the changes in society.  "And they refine their image on land more unexpected.

Andrea Galante

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A Must Have in Every Man Kit

Beauty Tips for Men’s Look during Holidays and Parties

Why women should be the only ones to have fun?  Here are some tips for gentlemen to celebrate the party in style.

1-The look "just out of bed": A great look for a guy who wants to be sexy without seeming to do too much.  Kevin Murphy offers a great video tutorial that shows exactly how to use the gel perfect amount.  We love their products (especially since they contain no parabens or sulphates).

The Correct Way to Style Men’s Hair video

2-Choose a nice jacket: For men, a well-cut jacket is the equivalent of the little black dress for women.  It is worth investing in this piece because it is so versatile.  Wear it on a white shirt with dark jeans and it gives you an instant chic.  No need for an expensive jacket.  The trick is to do adjust.  More Furnishings and competitive pricing offer free alterations.  A few clips here and there can transform an ordinary jacket into a real attachment to James Bond.  No joke.

3-Do not overdo it with after-shave: No matter what the guy said advertising Old Spice, most women agree that the sexiest smell on a man is that of freshly washed skin.  The explanation is simple: your pheromones tell us whether you're ready to make healthy babies with us (even if the project is not for babies now!), and we cannot smell these pheromones Sotheby are smothered by the eau de cologne.  So go easy with the aftershave, but do not hesitate with the soap.

4-Hire a consultant mode: The advice it may well be the best Christmas gift you could offer.  A personal fashion consultant as Raji Sohal, who is living in Montreal, can help you find a look that suits your budget, your lifestyle, your body, and your personality.  Think about it, it magazine for you!  All you have to do is to try the clothes (you) and you pay only those you select.  The customer’s favorite quote from Raji: "In bars, women come to congratulate me on my look!”  It makes you want to try!

5-Be comfortable: Although men do not live certainly not as much pressure as women to primp, it can be difficult to dress and prepare if you're not on top of our form.  Therefore, you can concentrate on styles that enhance your figure (neither too tight nor too loose) and where you are comfortable.  If you have very thin or overweight, Then watch the video bellow

Andrea Galante

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Beauty Advices From Jared Leto