Hair

5 Summer Grooming Tips for Men

Posted on by dansinnott

Summer grooming tips for men, Men's shaving, Men's hair gel, Men's razor, Men's shaver, Men's shaving foam, Men's moisturiser, Clean Men

Fellas, are you looking for some summer grooming advice? You’ve come to the right place! We’re sharing a few tips on how to keep your skin looking and feeling its best all season long, with Maximum Style.

Proper skin care is not just for the ladies. It’s an important self-care habit that everyone should adopt—no matter your gender. Of course, caring for your skin should be practiced year-round, but a few steps and products should change with the seasons…summer included. As you enjoy the season of outdoor BBQs and beach days, there are a few necessary adjustments you should make as it relates to caring for your body’s largest organ. From Broad Spectrum sunscreen to lightweight moisturizers, we’re sharing the ultimate summer skin care guide for men, ahead!

TIP #1: CLEANSE YOUR SKIN

Keeping the skin clean is a no-brainer year-round, but especially during the hot summer months when dirt and sweat build-up can dull the look of our complexion. By cleansing your skin twice per day (morning and night) with a gentle cleanser, you can help remove unwanted oils, dirt, debris, and impurities that can accumulate throughout the day on the surface of skin, giving way to a cleaner, brighter-looking complexion.

If you plan on shaving, cleansing your face beforehand is an absolute must. Reach for an exfoliating cleanser that can help whisk away dead skin cells from skin’s surface and prep the skin for a smooth shave. For optimal results, use daily as a cleanser or three times per week as a mask.

Use a clean and sharp razor too. This is key to avoiding cuts, nicks and ripping out hairs. A stainless-steel razor will be cooling against your chin and cheek whilst it warm. We’d go for the kind of razor that imitates this, view here.

TIP #2: DON’T SHAVE DRY

Summer grooming tips for men, Men's shaving, Men's hair gel, Men's razor, Men's shaver, Men's shaving foam, Men's moisturiser, Clean Men

Need to clean up that 5 o’clock shadow? To avoid irritation and any potential nicks, be sure to lather up your scruff with a shaving gel, foam, or cream. These products provide a slick layer of protection and can help provide a smoother, closer shave. Try Uppercut Deluxe Shave Cream, which offers an easy glide when shaving. Plus, it contains cooling menthol and coconut oil to aid in blemish free control for a fresh finish! All you should do is apply the cream to clean, wet skin. Be sure to rinse your blade after each pass.

TIP #3: MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE

Summer grooming tips for men, Men's shaving, Men's hair gel, Men's razor, Men's shaver, Men's shaving foam, Men's moisturiser, Clean Men

After cleansing, exfoliating and/or shaving, it’s important to hydrate your skin. Since shaving can sometimes lead to skin irritation—especially on sensitive skin—we recommend reaching for a moisturizer that considers any post-shaving sensitivity, alcohol-free balm can help hydrate and soothe freshly-shaven skin to provide additional comfort.

If you’re not shaving and prefer a lightweight hydrator and a product that resembles miracle grow,   try Tommy Riots’ Beard Moisturiser. This moisture-enhancing gel formula enriched with Vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin without weighing it down, the ultimate benefit for parched summer skin. Feel free to use this gel as you would your regular moisturizer, or as an extra layer of hydration before finishing off with a cream or lotion.

TIP #4: PROTECT AGAINST UV RAYS

During the summer months when we’re spending more time in the sun, it’s important to keep sunscreen on hand at all times. Start your day by applying a facial sunscreen as the last step in your skin care routine and as directed before heading out the door. SPF and provides the skin with a layer of defence from harmful UV rays. To use, apply to face and neck fifteen minutes before sun exposure. Be sure to reapply at least once every two hours, every forty minutes if swimming or sweating, or immediately after towelling off.

TIP #5: STRONG HOLD HAIR POMADE TO WITHSTAND THE HEAT

Summer grooming tips for men, Men's shaving, Men's hair gel, Men's razor, Men's shaver, Men's shaving foam, Men's moisturiser, Clean Men

A good hair care routine is one that’s simple and effective. Arming yourself with the right tools and information about the chemistry of hair is the best first step. No matter what hair type and texture you have, you’ll be able to perform your routine quickly and have great-looking hair.

Summers are a time when your hair tends to grow much faster than usual. This works in your favour and all you need to ensure is that you prevent breakage. Make sure you wash your hair regularly and condition it well. This will keep it in good shape. Choose a product, like Mason’s Pomade, which keeps the moisture locked in, allows your hair to breath, but also lets it move freely whilst securing style. It’ll work whether you’re in town, in the pool or at the beach.

The same applies to your beard and moustache; keep facial hair trimmed or sport a clean-shaven look this summer. Don’t over-shave though! Your skin will be putting up with a lot when temperatures soar and you don’t want to damage it further by shaving every day. Stick to shaving twice a week and trimming when need be.

LASTLY, NOTHING BEATS A SHOWER.

When it comes to dealing with body odour! If you happen to perspire a lot, a daily shower is a must. You might need to shower more than once a day if you perform vigorous exercise. Showering right after your workout will help wash away sweat and prevent your skin from breaking out.

You don’t have to scrub your whole body every time you take a shower; just wash your chest, armpits, genitals, and feet thoroughly as these areas produce more sweat and are responsible for body odour.

Remember to choose mild soaps and cleansers; you don’t need to be harsh on your skin to get rid of the dirt.

Men’s hair and beard trends for 2018

Posted on by dansinnott

Now we’ve taken our first steps into 2018, AND we’ve got January and the skintest month of the year out the way, we can’t help but wonder what it might bring: A smooth and effortless Brexit withdrawal? Don’t hold your breath. How about jetpacks? We hope so. Perhaps a full blown Twitter war will break out? With Trump around, who knows!

Here at The Bluebeards Revenge, the one thing we can accurately predict is the amazing hair and beard trends that the next 12 months will bring. Below, we’ve asked some of Britain’s most influential barbers to embrace their clairvoyant sides and provide the all-important hair and beard insights for 2018.

Is long hair coming back into fashion?

“Recently I’ve had quite a few clients asking to keep their length on both the top and the sides,” says Adam Rossington-Smith of Scissor and Comb UK. “This opens up 2018 to some very versatile styles, with a blend of clean tapered edges and soft, textured waves on top.”

What does this mean for the super popular fade styles of 2017?

Adam says: “I highly doubt that we will see a massive reduction of fades next year. Part of the reason they became so popular was because they are clean and super easy to maintain, and lots of men still don’t like the thought of having to prune too much.”

Meanwhile, Tom Chapman, award-winning barber and founder of the Lions Barber Collective charity, believes that, “fades will remain fashionable, but more men will start to favour tapers; looking for a finish that is less sharp. More men will start to ask for their edges to be left a little more natural too.”

What hairstyling products will be in popular demand for 2018?

Adam says: “Medium and long hairstyles will give men more opportunities to experiment with products. Personally, sea salt sprays are my absolute favourite right now. They add texture and a light hold to fine hair, and volume to thicker hair. They help to create a natural look as well, which is very fashionable right now and will continue to dominate throughout 2018.

““Volumizing powders have become a big hit for men seeking a natural look too. They’re easy to use and pretty cost effective – a 10 gram container should easily bulk up flat styles for a few months.”

Tom says: “With the right education, I think a lot of men could return to hair gels this year. As a product, modern hair gels are massively undervalued for their styling capabilities: softer gels can be used as pre-styling products to give styles structure all day and barbers often use them while sectioning medium and long hair.”

[The Bluebeards Revenge Sea Salt Spray: https://www.bluebeards-revenge.co.uk/product/the-bluebeards-revenge-sea-salt-spray-200ml/]

Will barbers struggle with any of the new trends?

Adam, who graduated from Toni & Guy before specialising in barbering, says: “Barbers who have joined the industry in the last few years will probably find themselves facing styles that they have never really had to deal with.

“Shorter styles have dominated the barbering scene for so long now that new barbers have likely had little experience with anything longer than a clipper cut on the sides.

“Of course, with longer haircuts comes the chance to learn endless new techniques for adding texture and creating movement. The new fashions will help barbers to develop their scissor skills and will provide practice in handling and sectioning longer hair. They will also show the importance of proper blow drying techniques and require a better understanding of less conventional styling products.”

2018 beard trends

With the trends for the hair on our heads covered, it’s time to concentrate on the stubble and scruff that sprouts from our chins.

Will beards still be popular in 2018?

The masculinity, maturity and respect that beards give to men means they will never completely fall out of fashion, no matter how far into the future we go. Simon ‘Bones’ Bethel, from Sandyman Chop Shop in Exeter, believes we will still continue to see a steady flow of beards throughout 2018. He said: “While there are fewer men sporting big bushy beards these days, we still do a lot of short beard trims in the Chop Shop. I don’t expect this to change for 2018.”

Beard styles for 2018

Over the past few years, rough-cut, lumberjack styles have dominated the look books, but the next 12 months will see changes according to Bones. “Men are starting to wear their beards shorter and with more shape,” he said. “These styles mean that creating strong cheek lines with razors, and tapering these into the sideburns and hair line will be the way forward.”

As beards get shorter, designer stubbles are likely to gain a little more traction too. Ex-serviceman and current Master Barber Liam Hamilton, from Hamilton’s Barbershop in Cornwall, says these looks are “ideal for men who want to add a little masculinity to their look.” They also work particularly well for men who are attempting to achieve a more “rugged” style, without the same timely maintenance of a full beard.

Beard products for 2018

“The men’s grooming market is receiving huge investments at the moment, and products that were previously unknown to men are now becoming essentials,” said Managing Director of The Bluebeards Revenge, David Hildrew. “Now, more than ever, men are taking an invested interest in their appearance and this is causing beard oils, brushes and waxes to boom in popularity.”

Liam, a bearded barber himself, says: “The best beards have a shine and healthiness to them that can only be created with high-quality beard oils. A few drops of oil, combed through from the roots to the tips, will enhance any man’s beard and leave it smelling irresistible.”

[The Bluebeards Revenge Classic Blend Beard Oil: https://www.bluebeards-revenge.co.uk/product/the-bluebeards-revenge-classic-blend-beard-oil-50ml/]

Moustache styles for 2018

2018 might just be the year for full and fuzzy moustaches. Finally, they’re seen less like Charlie Bronson’s and more like Tom Selleck’s.

“The humble moustache can help to add balance to the right man’s face, soften a more dominant jawline, and compliment a man’s eyebrows,” says Liam.

However, lots of men still struggle to confidently wear this facial accessory. “If you’re lacking the confidence to wear a moustache in 2018, why not wait until Movember comes around? Then you can hide in the crowd,” suggests Liam. “Or, if you’re feeling brave, try growing your stubble out around it. This helps to frame your moustache and won’t leave your face feeling so isolated and bare.”

For the most up-to-date hair and beard trends, and for 2018’s most sought after products, visit www.bluebeards-revenge.co.uk.

How to style a classic side-parted haircut

Posted on by dansinnott

Men's hair style at the barbers

The pompadour is a classic men’s haircut that refuses to go out of fashion. It has been reinvented time and time again and continues to remain amongst the most popular choices in barber shops all over the world.

Originally named after Madame de Pompadour, who was King Louis XV’s mistress, the classic pomp was made most famous in the 1960s by the King of Rock himself, Elvis Presley. Today, the pomp has many modern variations and has been worn by key celebrity influencers such as Brad Pitt, Jon Hamm, Zac Efron, and David Beckham to name but a few.

To celebrate this classic slicked-back look, The Bluebeards Revenge has teamed up with industry-leading barber Tom Chapman. The Devon-based barber owns Tom Chapman Hair Design in Torquay, and is the proud founder of the Lions Barber Collective charity.

Below, Tom has given expert tips on how you can create the perfect pomp in the comfort of your own home. A word of warning; if you combine his tips with our video, you can expect some serious hair envy from those around you!

It all starts at the barbers

Man having hair styled at the barbers

To create the perfect side-parted pomp, you’ll need your hair styled a certain way. A typical pompadour features short sides, a short back, and longer hair on top that’s swept upwards. Ask your barber for a tapered cut with plenty of length on top and you can’t go wrong. For a more comprehensive example of what to ask your barber for, watch this barber to barber video.

At home

Start by washing your hair in warm water to make sure any previous hair products are removed. Then, rough dry your hair with a towel and apply The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Paste as a pre-styling agent.

A side-parted pompadour does require some maintenance, so you will need to invest in a hair dryer if you don’t already have one. Trust me, it’s worth the investment.

Blow-dry your hair and use The Bluebeards Revenge Quiff Roller to add volume to the pomp. Getting the best results from a quiff roller requires some practice, especially if you’re wielding a hair dryer with your other hand. It’s all about gently twizzling the brush through your locks and guiding the hair backwards to give the pompadour its iconic slicked-back look. Don’t forget to use a comb to exaggerate your natural side-parting for a bolder finish too.

Finally, finish the look by applying The Bluebeards Revenge Pomade. Take a small amount of this water-based, high-shine product and rub it between your palms and finger tips, then slick it through your hair from front to back. Use a comb to create a tight and tidy style, or just rough it up a little with your hands for a more rugged look.

And there you have it – a modern take on a classic men’s hairstyle that’s suitable for both the office and a night on the town. Enjoy!

Take a look at our previous article with The Bluebeards Revenge and Tom Chapman where we look at the hottest hair styles for 2017, here.

 

The Top 5 Men’s Hairstyles for 2017

Posted on by dansinnott

Young man in the barber's chair having his hair cut in front of a mirror

Premium men’s grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge has teamed up with leading barber Tom Chapman to identify the top five men’s hair styles/trends for the coming year.

“A new hairstyle is one of the easiest and cheapest ways for a man to kick-start his confidence” says Tom Chapman, one of the most sought after barbers in Britain, owner of Tom Chapman Hair Design and co-founder of the Lions Barber Collective.

Below, The Bluebeards Revenge and Tom Chapman outline the top five styles for 2017, what you should ask your barber for and how to maintain the look at home.

Side-Parted Pompadour

An older man with a grey beard in a suit in front of a wood back ground

The pompadour is a classic barbershop cut that’s known for its versatility: it can add professionalism to your office antics, while also presenting a delightful suave to your evenings out.

Ask your barber for:

A tapered cut with plenty of length on top to create the classic pomp look.

How to style at home:

Apply The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Paste to wet hair as a pre-styling agent.Blow-dry your hair and use The Bluebeards Revenge Quiff Roller to mould your new style into shape making sure to create a side-parting. Finish by applying a small amount of The Bluebeards Revenge Pomade and comb through for the desired effect.

Scissor-Cut Contour

Dapper looking man in suit in front of wood background

With tapered cuts and fades being all the rage, a top-quality scissor-only cut will always stand out from the crowd, especially when it boasts this much texture.

Ask your barber to:

Put the clippers down and use scissors to create a textured look that’s longer on top and shorter on the back and sides.

At home:

Apply The Bluebeards Revenge Sea Salt Spray to wet hair as a pre-styling agent.
Blow-dry your hair and use The Bluebeards Revenge Quiff Roller to create volume and texture on top. Finish by scrunching The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Paste into your hair for a look that will last all day.

Tapered Crop

Dark haired man with beard in a suit in front of a wood background

The tapered crop is a style that’s easy to maintain on a daily basis, yet has enough texture and personality to leave you feeling on top of the world.

Ask your barber for:

A tapered back and sides that blends into a choppy, textured top.

At home:

Apply The Bluebeards Revenge Sea Salt Spray to wet hair and rough dry with a towel to create a natural look with added texture. Finish by evenly distributing The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Clay from the root up.

Disconnected Slick-Back with Burst Fade

Very smart young man with blazer over his shoulder in front of wood background

This cut sounds a little complicated, but in reality it’s a modern adaptation of the classic slick-back that provides a professional, classy style.

Ask your barber for:

A grade two on the back and sides that fades away to the nape; leave plenty of length on top so that it can be slicked-back to the crown.

At home:

Apply The Bluebeards Revenge Sea Salt Spray to wet hair as a pre-styling agent. Blow-dry the hair straight back towards the crown of the head using The Bluebeards Revenge Quiff Roller. Finish by running your fingers through your hair with The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Paste for added hold.

Caesar Crop with Surgical Line

A man with a beard wearing a white shirt in front of a wood back drop

The Caesar crop is a classic cut that’s been modelled by many celebrities throughout the years. This adaptation incorporates a surgical line for a more millennial finish.

Ask your barber for:

A drop-fade on the back and sides with a scissor-cut top and a fringe.

At home:

Apply The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Paste to wet hair and blow-dry it forward towards the fringe using The Bluebeards Revenge Military Brush. Rub a small amount of The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Clay between your palms and fingers and scrunch into the tips of the fringe.

Man having hair cut in the barbers chair by barber man who has tattoos

For more information or grooming tips, head over to twitter and follow The Bluebeards Revenge or Tom Chapman.

The ‘Secret’ to Smelling Great…

Posted on by dansinnott

secret-scent-pox-header

Aftershave is a great tool for polishing your look and making you smell fresh, clean and totally irresistible. So if you find one that works and smells great, why would you want to give it up for something else? There’s no rule that says you can’t wear the same cologne day-in and day-out for the rest of your life. But there are definitely some advantages to changing up your signature scent from time to time.

Take a cue from Mother Nature and consider changing your aftershave when the seasons change. When you reach for those wool sweaters in the back of your closet you might also want to reach for a different bottle of cologne than you wore all summer. That’s because heat (body heat and environmental heat) intensifies the scent of aftershave, while cool weather tends to make it fade. That means you should stick to lighter scents in the summer and seek out stronger scents in the winter. Plus, some scents just smell like a particular season — a woody, wintry smell isn’t quite suited to hanging out at a summer picnic, so you should exchange your cologne accordingly.

If changing smells a few times a year isn’t enough, you might also want to consider wearing more than one type of aftershave every day. Think about it — that musky aroma that gets you attention when you go out late at night might not be the best smell for office status meetings or the morning shift at the restaurant. What we’re saying is this: Wear a cologne that suits the occasion, even if that means you have to change it up during the day. The simple rule to follow is that daytime scents should be light (especially if you work around other people) while stronger, bolder scents can be tried out after hours.

All of the aforementioned is  being made easier, with a spritz of help from the Secret Scent Box…

secretscentbox

Recognising the struggles of finding a new aftershave, Secret Scent Box have created a monthly subscription box with 3 designer fragrances for you to try in the comfort of your own home.

Each Secret Scent Box contains 3 x 3ml bottles. Each bottle holds 35-40 sprays which give a total of around 100-120 sprays. So across the 3 bottles, if you use 4 sprays per day you have enough perfume to last 30 days !

The size of these spray bottles are perfect: large enough to allow you to make a fully-formed decision about whether you want to buy the full size, and small enough to easily pop in your handbag or pocket for smelling good on the go!

With Secret Scent Box, there are no excuses in mixing up your aftershave regularly.

With some help, we can tell you that aftershaves have a very distinct, very singular smell and it’s all in how they’re formulated. In fact, that’s the main difference between colognes and perfumes: perfumes are typically a blend of three layers of scents, while colognes just have one. This means they’re less complex, and a change in how they’re formulated can be really noticeable. Reformulated? That’s right. Sometimes the cologne maker will substitute some of the ingredients in your favorite fragrance for other ingredients, and it can make the amazing scent you love not so amazing anymore. When that happens, it might be time to find a new smell.

Are the people around you so used to your “signature scent” that they don’t notice how incredible it smells anymore? Even though aftershave should be applied lightly, it’s still meant to be noticed. If you (and others) don’t find your usual aftershave as interesting as you used to, maybe it’s time to try something new.

The Secret Scent Box is priced at £15, which is a lot better than paying £80 for a scent bought on a whim that you realise you don’t like very much when you’re back at home!

If you would like to save money on your first box, enter the discount code HSG15 at the checkout to receive 15% off.

secret-scent-box-image-2

Additional Information:
Secret Scent Box gives you access to new fragrances to use throughout the month, helping you discover the true smell of each fragrance, how they change throughout the day, how long they last and how much you need to apply. Fragrances smell different on everybody’s skin (due to pH levels) so be sure to test on your own skin and not only your hair and clothes. For just £15 a month it costs just a fraction of the price of buying full size bottles.
Each month you will receive 1 men’s Secret Scent Box containing:
  • 3 x 3ml travel friendly fragrance sprays (9ml in total)
  • Enough fragrance to last 30 days (Ideal for approx. 4 sprays a day)
  • Designer and brand name fragrances
  • At least one new designer or brand name fragrance
  • Delivered in letterbox friendly packaging (no need to be home to receive)
  • FREE delivery to anywhere in the UK!
Subscriptions auto-renew each month. Cancel your subscription anytime.

 

Climb out the ManCave during Winter

Posted on by dansinnott

Winter means skin brutality, especially for your face. And it’s winter now, so we’re going to talk about how to take care of that moneymaker of yours. And no, there’s absolutely nothing unmanly about making sure you have cracking skin. But that doesn’t mean you should adopt your girlfriend’s daily 10-step anti-aging, herbal-infused, citrus-scented, green-masked facial cleaning ritual. It’s really much simpler than that.

After all, imagine that you are about to approach a pretty girl at a bar / lounge / club. You’re well dressed, confident and ready to charm. But one small problem, you just stepped inside and the tolls of the cold, windy day have cracked your lips, made your cheeks red and irritable, and your nose blotchy and dry. Not a good look, no matter how smooth you are. So don’t handicap that charming personality of yours by not taking care of your style and your skin. From the dimple in your tie to the pimple on your face, remember that your entire appearance is sending a message.

I’ve blogged about my firm favourite when it comes to grooming ‘ManCave’ before, it’s great. Versatile.  Worthwhile. Proven. And, a little goes a long way.

So in this post, we’ll cover the 3 essential steps to help you ensure that your face not only survives winter but your complexion stays as fresh as your chosen attire, and all by using ManCave’s range of grooming products!

Step 1: Identifying Your Skin Type

Have a read below and see what you are, I have quite sensitive skin so I’m reluctant usually in using any products.


The first step to properly caring for your skin is knowing your skin type. Caring for your face without knowing your skin type is the equivalent of shopping for pants without knowing your waist size. Everyone falls into five general skin types:

  • Normal – Consider yourself one of the lucky few. This is the least problematic skin type. Skin is neither oily or flaky and is supple and smooth to the touch.
  • Dry – Tight skin, often showing flakes of dead skin. Typically associated with small pores.
  • Oily – Shiny skin, characterized by a layer of oil that can be associated with larger pores.
  • Combination – The most common skin type where the skin is oily in the “T-zone” shown above and normal to dry in other areas.
  • Sensitive – Reacts easily to products and irritations (both external and ingested), often turning red, itchy or developing a rash.

Back to the product…the best thing about ManCave products is that they use natural active ingredients, such as the effective amino L-Arginine – followed up with 12 essential oils, then each product is completed with a signature key ingredient, ranging from Caffeine, Panthenol, Shea Butter, Borage Oil to the captivating scent of Cedarwood. As the scent is natural, there are no chemicals to irritate or dry your skin out.

Step 2: Cleansing

“I’m fine using soap.”

 

Soap?! No, you’re not fine. The problem with using ordinary soap to wash your face is that it dries your skin more than liquid cleansers. Dry skin not only looks bad, it can clog your pores and cause acne. A cleanser should remove accumulated dirt, excess oil and not contain harsh chemicals or detergents that strip away essential moisture. That moisture is what you need to protect you against the elements.

It’s all about balance. Choose cleansers that will balance out that your natural skin oils or lack thereof, and leave you refreshed. For example, if you’re someone with very oily skin you’ll want to use a lightweight cleanser that doesn’t leave your face feeling like a mucky saucepan. If you’re someone with very sensitive skin, you’ll want to avoid cleansers with harsh chemicals that’ll cause irritation and breakout.

And once you choose a cleanser, the ManCave ‘Face Wash’ or ‘FaceScrub’ for example, is there a proper way to wash your face? Yes, here’s how:

Splash warm water on your face. Warm water opens up your pores and helps you to clean deeper. Using chosen product, lather your face using a gentle circular motion. Scrubbing harder does not equal being cleaner – it will only cause irritation.

Remove the cleanser by rinsing with warm water. Never use hot water on the face as it dries out your skin.

When finished, gently pat your face dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing your face as it promotes wrinkles.

After the use of the ManCave FaceWash or FaceScrub, which is simply applied in the shower, your skin will feel fresh and airy (believe me I use it daily). That’s because ManCave’s Willow Bark FaceWash combines natural extracts to refresh, waken and purify skin leaving a fresh, healthy appearance – without drying your skin. Or, ManCave’s natural FaceScrub hydrates and uses Olive Stone to exfoliate your skin helping reduce the occurrence of blocked pores, blackheads and ingrown hairs.

Step 3: Moisturizing

 

Yes, men can moisturize. No, it doesn’t make you any less of a man. You should moisturize – especially during the winter – because your skin is prone to dryness…especially when those cold, bitter winds can make it feel like someone took a piece of sand paper and scrubbed your face with it. So aim to moisturize once or twice a day, especially right after you wash your face.

As with cleansers, make sure you consider your face type when choosing a moisturizing / face lotion. You don’t need to with ManCave. ManCave’s innovative natural oil-free face moisturizer is enriched with bioactives and UV filters to create a soothing easily absorbed formula, thats’ light and suitable for most skin types!

The Final Scrub Word

ManCave definitely delivers on its promise of providing quality, masculine bathroom products for men at a price that few can argue with. We strongly recommend checking out the full range on their website to find all the ingredients and product details so you can buy with peace-of-mind. You can also check their reviews on Boots and see hundreds of other UK customer lauding their quality and fragrance. Thanks to ManCave we have changed from cavemen to gentlemen in one trip to the bathroom.

Perfect your Autumn, and Winter will follow

Posted on by dansinnott

As we’re all aware, we’re right in the thick of Autumn now, and personally I love it…’thick’ and ‘Autumn’ being the operative words. Take heed. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab some inspiration from the weather (as we all do) by layering up and choosing warm colours, that are perfect for this season!

It’s a great time at the moment in the shops as we’re in between so there’s lots of Autumnal items on the racks, but being inter-woven into the shelves is the upcoming Winter ranges. This helps a lot. Many of the items you can buy across season, so the thinner items, such as shirts, denim wear, cardigans, typical of autumn can be twinned with thicker outerwear items of winter like jackets, coats or scarves until its time to ditch all the other items and pull out the thermals.

As ever, I’m going to try and save you a bit of dollar by pointing you in the right direction of some cracking deals that are out there on the high street.

Jacket

The best rain jackets smartly blend function with fine design, so you can stay dry without looking like an awkward tourist. Top of the shopping list should be styles that are 100 per cent waterproof, come equipped with ample pockets and are also easy on the eye – you needn’t worry about anything techier unless you’re planning a mountain trek.

Picture is a burgundy trench coat for a whopping £30.00 at Primark. It twins the autumn colour of burgundy and is perfect for layering.


Knits

Nothing keeps you warm like a quality knit. For most of us it’s still a little early to break out the big guns, so stick to lighter gauge knitwear until winter hits in earnest. Jumpers and cardigans in temperature-regulating merino wool, breathable cotton-blends and unbeatably plush cashmere are all worth considering.

If you’re looking to invest, then prioritise versatile colours such as navy, grey, brown or beige, which will match with everything in your wardrobe. If you’ve already got your neutral bases covered, consider acquiring a more autumnal option in burgundy, bottle green or burnt orange to give your cold-weather looks a seasonal lift.

Pictured are 2 jumpers, the black roll-neck is a thin but dressy piece from Primark for a bargain £6.00. Whilst, the navy jumper is a staple wardrobe item that’s versatile from Tu at Sainsbury’s for £10.00.


Trousers

Not all trousers are created equal. While colour and cut might be the most common considerations, fabric should also rank high on your list if you want to keep your crown jewels from the cold.

To ensure longevity, opt for a slim – not skinny – cut instead and wear with a shirt and blazer for buttoned-up occasions or a white tee and leather bomber jacket for an on-point high-low combo.

Colour-wise, these usually look best in timeless black, navy and grey, but shades of deep green and burgundy also work well. To add some textural interest to your lower half, keep an eye out for a flecked or melange designs.

The thick chino trousers pictured were originally light grey from Topman Sale, I bought a black dye for £4.80, to turn them darker for Autumn. They have an alternative edge with the grey cotton seam still visible, blending tones and keeping it a one-off!


Shoes

Looking good underfoot isn’t much of an issue when the sun’s shining, but you’ll need to rethink your footwear strategy once the leaves start falling. For something that’s smart and stylish but won’t wither through rain and snow, look to add a pair of well-built brogue, Derby or Chelsea boots to your shoe rack.

Not only do boots offer more coverage than a pair of shoes, they’re just as versatile: dress them up with a smart trouser or even a suit and they’ll fit in just fine at most formal events, or keep things casual by teaming with a pair of selvage jeans with the hems rolled up.

The boots pictured are from H&M for £25.00. For quality on a budget, try Marks & Spencer and ASOS, or go premium with a pair from storied British shoemakers like Cheaney, Church’s, Tricker’s or John Lobb.


Accessories

Autumn weather is tricky to predict. Despite visible breath when you leave the house, the sun’s still strong enough to have you sweating by the time you hit your desk. A lightweight scarf lets you layer up against the chill but stows easily in your bag if things heat up.

Try tartan or a bold print to give your outfit that stamp of approval from your personality. Scarf pictured is from eBay £3.25.


The secret to dressing well for autumn is keeping your style adaptable. Add this dream team of versatile pieces to your line-up and your season’s already off to a good start. Plan ahead and these items can also slip into your winter offering.

Scissor Sister – Amy @Q Hairdressing

Posted on by dansinnott

“I better make sure it looks good if you’re going to blog about it”

Just short of 4 years ago I met Amy Stanger at Q Hairdressing & Beauty in the Nottingham’s Lace Market. I’d been going to Q for a few years to have my barnet chopped, when after Amy became my barber!
To cut a long story (not hair) short, Amy is great and a true professional! For nearly 4 years, I’ve put her through a lot, I change something about my hairstyle regularly and with smile and a laugh, Amy gets on with it and I always leave feeling trim, stylish and relaxed!

Amy has recently become self-employed, still working from within Q and the girl needs credit where credit is due!

Today, I ran in for my 4-weekly-chop, unbeknownst to Amy that I’d planed a complete restyle…as per, we had a chat, had a laugh and she cracked on! As you’ll see below, I’ve had a lot cut off and Amy’s created a shorter, sharper, smarter more textured style for me…I’m more than happy with the results!


My shave, cut and restyle cost me £20, a bargain by fair! I think my hair makes up part of my look, and always feel completely chuffed by Amy’s work every time. A bonus to Q is that they always have a cracking playlist on and the friendly nature of all the staff is humbling!

So gents (or ladies) if you’re in need of a stylish, professional cut, colour or restyle and happen to be in the Nottingham area, head straight to Amy & Q!

Take a look at Amy’s Instagram page, you’ll see how creative and skilled she is here: AmyQHairdressing.

If you would like any more information about styling or prices, give Amy or Q a call on 01159583030 or drop her a direct message via Instagram or Facebook!