A man’s bathroom says a great deal about his approach to life — organized or messy, minimal or obsessive, frat house or gentleman’s dwelling. Yet, many men ignore the bathroom, paying it the same mind they would the doctor’s office or gas station; a necessary evil, rather than a sanctuary of manhood. In doing so, we deprive ourselves of some of life’s small pleasures and the opportunity to start the day off on our best foot.
Many of the fondest memories of my father involve studying him as he went through his morning routine before work – shaving, cologne, gargling, tying his tie. I remember the sights, smells, and sounds seemed like a mysterious apothecary, filled with the potions and ingredients of manliness. The smell of Old Spice and Listerine still say “man” to me more than just about anything.
My father understood that a well-stocked bathroom and good routine were something no man should do without. Some may say that spending time on hygiene and appearance is something for the opposite sex to concern themselves with, but to ignore this essential aspect of living is not only immature, it’s unhealthy.
Am I suggesting that you turn into that guy who spends hours in the bathroom meticulously styling each lock of hair, plucking each stray eyebrow hair, and popping more collars than you knew existed? Absolutely not! Constantly stressing about one’s looks is not something anyone should practice. But, there’s a definite middle ground to be had between obsession and neglect — and this is where men should aim. A few minutes in the bathroom is really all one needs; the key is finding the right products and methods to make those minutes count.
With that spirit in mind, I present to you a small list of items no man’s bathroom should ever be without:
Image by kreg.steppe
1) Wet Shaving Set – Every morning millions of men take a razor blade and scrape it across their face. What used to be a manly ritual passed down through generations has become a mindless routine filled with cheap razorblades, poor-quality shaving cream, razor burn, and a little bit of annoyance that the task must be performed in the first place.
A traditional wet shaving set may seem antiquated to some, but as with many things in life, newer does not always translate into better. To someone used to zinging an electric razor over their face a couple times each morning, a traditional shave can be quite daunting, but it really only involves three items: a quality razor, a good brush, and some glycerin-based shaving cream.
Regarding the right razor, there is some healthy debate as to which is the best for a good wet shave. Some like the old-school classics like the straight-edge; others don’t mind newer blades like the Mach 3, but most agree that for the wet shave nothing is better than a double-edged safety razor. As for the brush, a good badger-hair brush will provide the best shaving experience. And when it comes to shaving cream – if it comes out of a spray canister, throw it away and never touch it again. A high-quality shaving cream has more of a paste-like consistency and is more expensive, but will require about half the amount to do the same job.
When purchasing a shaving set, it can often feel like a lot of money initially, but remember that a good shaving set should last for many years (Brett purchased a razor from the 1960’s) and shaving is something most of us do every day. Why not make this daily routine enjoyable?
For some great shaving products check out West Coast Shaving.
2) Cologne – Remember the kid in middle school that tried to disguise the fact that he never showered by dousing himself each morning with half a bottle of cheap cologne? Well, just picture that each morning and do the opposite. First, don’t rely on cologne to cover up poor grooming habits, that’s not the purpose for which it was made. Cologne is supposed to be an accent, not the basis of your hygiene routine.
Second, use a very small amount, two or three dabs or sprays at the most. A man’s cologne isn’t meant to mark his territory as he roams from place to place, it should only be noticed by those in intimate proximity. It is recommended to put cologne on pulse points such as the wrists, the base of the throat, and behind the ears as the heat produced in these areas will help activate the scent. Do not spray cologne on your clothes, as it won’t last nearly as long. Finally, don’t settle for a cheap bottle of cologne. You don’t have to go over the century mark, but investing in a quality cologne should serve you for at least couple years (storing your bottle in a dark, cool place will help prolong its lifespan).
3) Gold Bond – For years, athletes from Rugby players to race car drivers have understood the amazing benefits of Gold Bond Body Powder. Go into almost any locker room and you will see it as a staple product right next to some deodorant and cologne. Athletes tend to use it because of its ability to keep a man cool and dry, as well as reducing the possibility of skin irritation during physical activity. And most men have at least heard of it’s mysterious abilities to keep things nice and cool when applied to….well……you know.
While Gold Bond Powder is awesome for athletes, it can also be of great use to the everyday man as well. Not only can it be applied to hot spots to keep them comfortable, it can also be a wonderful defense against stinky feet. Many men, including yours truly, sprinkle a little Gold Bond in their socks and shoes each morning to keep their feet from becoming toxic wastelands during a long work day or trans-continental flight.
No matter how you decide to use it, Gold Bond is an incredibly versatile and useful grooming product that should be in men’s bathrooms everywhere.
Enjoy these great videos showing the importance of Gold Bond. For your. . . “equipment.”
4) Mouthwash/Tongue Scraper – You can be the best-looking, most talented man around, but if a closer encounter reveals some foul-smelling breath, all bets are off. Bad breath, or halitosis, is nothing more than bacteria in your mouth feeding on various proteins. It often accompanies certain foods, alcohol, or long periods of dryness such as what occurs after a night’s sleep. Many men believe that simply brushing their teeth will take care of the problem, but if you ask their wives and girlfriends, much of the time it does not.
Having a good mouthwash such like Listerine or Scope in your bathroom is an essential part of starting each day off on the right foot. Not only will it save those around you from having to smell what you had for breakfast, many mouthwashes now contain fluoride which strengthens teeth.
Also, according to these old Listerine ads, Listerine can also battle dandruff.
Hmmm… not so sure about that use.
Tongue scrapers are a lesser known tool in the fight against bad breath, but can be the most effective part of your arsenal. Most odor-causing bacteria are found on the tongue, so a tongue scraper goes right to the primary source of bad breath, removing bacteria, food particles, and the discharge that drips down from your nasal cavities. Many might ask why a toothbrush is not sufficient for this task. The problem lies in the design — toothbrushes are made for cleaning teeth, while tongue scrapers are specifically shaped to get into the folds of your English muffin-like tongue and sweep the bacteria from its nooks and crannies.
5) Quality Hair Product – It’s time to throw away the $2 bottle of gel that you’ve used since the 8th grade. You know, the neon-colored goop that creates a mini-snowstorm when your hair is brushed up against at the end of the day. Hair styling isn’t something a man should spend hours on each morning, but it doesn’t mean he should ignore it altogether. A quality pomade, mousse, or styling compound can be an easy and effective way to sculpt that mop of yours and ensure you look more like a professional than a mad scientist.
The question then is what product to buy? Keep it simple, there’s a million different products out there and some salesmen will try to convince you that you need 999,000 of them, but you don’t. If you have a barber that you trust, ask him or her for their opinion. Otherwise, test a few yourself. Buy something middle of the road, not the cheapest, not the most expensive. If you have short to medium length hair, a pomade or wax-like compound can work great, helping sculpt your hair without looking like you covered your head in product. For longer hair a mousse can sometimes work better. If you want to go old school, use the hair products your grandpa used like Brylcreem or Wild Root. If you find yourself unsure, ask your barber or a friend that seems to have his hair on straight.
There’s no reason for a bathroom to be littered with a million different products. A few quality products can make the difference between starting the day off well or poorly. Do yourself a favor and make your bathroom a place you can enjoy, a sanctuary of manhood.
Now it’s your turn. What products do you think should be in every man’s bathroom arsenal? Drop a line in the comment box.
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Great article. I use everything but the hair tonic and the Gold Bond (although I may start, now that I see how good it is). I’ve used a mug and a brush for shaving since I was 17, more than 30 years ago. Likewise a double-edged safety razor. The one I have now is from the 1940s, and gives a great close shave. When my sons get old enough, they will receive a gift of a wet-shaving set from their dear old Dad. I just purchased two straight razors and a strop, and am entering the cut-throat crowd. Tried it for the first time today, just on my cheeks. No nicks or cuts.
As to cologne, my dad has used Bay Rum for years (he’ll turn 82 this year). I picked up the habit from him, though I tend to buy the slightly pricier brand (Dominica; about $12-13 a bottle). I put a little in my palm, then add water from the faucet to dilute it, and splash it all over. I get a nice, subtle scent.
I’ve used Listerine since I was a kid, too. For a long time I only used the original formula, but now I’ve switched over to Listerine Smart Rinse. It’s got fluoride, which is great if you’ve got sensitivity to cold or hot. For some reason, it helps. And I use a tongue scraper, as well. But I’d like to add one more piece of dental-hygiene equipment: It’s an inter-dental brush made by GUM. The tiny little brush goes between your teeth. I’ve been amazed in the two years I’ve been using it how much cleaner my teeth are, and how much less tartar builds up between dental check-ups. Highly recommended.
I’ve always enjoyed my morning ritual. I can’t believe there are still guys out there who get their shave cream from a can, and use those cheap disposable razors. What a waste!
Michael Moon: Regarding the safety razor, yes–I’ve found I have to remove the blade each time, and dry both blade and razor. I then reassemble them and put them back in the medicine cabinet. If I don’t, rust develops on the blade. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not risk a cut from a rusty razor blade (Can you say “lockjaw”?). It takes mere seconds to do.
And, as other posters have mentioned, it’s truly one of the least expensive options for shaving. The blades are inexpensive (although I usually stick with Wilkinson Sword; a little more expensive, but worth it), and you can pick up a DE razor on eBay for as little as five bucks. (Or antique shops, flea markets, etc.) The razor will last forever. A good badger-hair brush will run you about $40-$50, but will last for years and years, and is worth the money. And you can buy Colgate or Williams shaving soap at most supermarkets and drugstores. One cake lasts me about two or three months, and costs less than $2.
In addition, any of you who are concerned with environmental issues, landfills, etc, take note: My blades come from and go back into a tiny plastic case no bigger than the smallest matchbox. My shaving soap (which lasts for months) comes in a recyclable cardboard box no bigger than a pack of cigarettes, and I wouldn’t ever throw away my razor. So what’s my contribution to the landfill? Just that little blade package, about once every five weeks or so. Much better than empty cans of shaving cream and dozens of plastic-and-metal razors, right?
Finally, I notice skin lotion isn’t mentioned on this list. I always use a little Aveeno or the like on my face after shaving and showering. If I don’t, my skin gets dry and wrinkly. Maybe it’s just me, but I recommend trying it.
I think I’m going to have to try out a safety razor and pomade. I usually use the Mach3 but it always irritates my skin. I think I need to try something new. Also, I like the idea of a traditional cologne and not the AXE I’ve been buying. I used to use cologne religiously but time has been a factor in grooming lately. I need to start taking care of me first. Thanks for the tips.
I really like the web site! Is on man cosmetics, and so is also very important in Japan. I sending this from Tokyo. I cAn also say something?
I find to use beauty product for men is very important. My grand father already said so with pleasure. ONe smell nice, and look nice. So he and also my father use: -
- a rice powder, but no smell, so also for ‘equip ment’ (sorry for bad English!!!!!), it was an impoerial rice powder and little grains only
- Damedsuka is a cream really for woman but is based on algae, NOT EXPENSIVE
- very light (meaning color) soya oil is good also – I find god after showering, and NOT expensive also
- no use of Brillcrem, really! My father finds it is for men who do not like women (old-fashion I think).
- Hair: always cut, so once in two weeks and I don’t need Brillcreem! Is also that somebody can do the hair cut at home.
I think Damedsuka is NOT in the US or UK. I think we must have a think of money in 2009 and not buys too much that is expensive. So I think you are right, and it is a great web site!!!
What do you think?
I have recently started using the Every Man Jack products. I really think they are quality and the price isn’t bad at all.
The wet shaving kit is definately an essential. I went to an antique shop and picked up two real nice saftey razors for only five bucks. I cleaned up real nice and now I use it every time I shave, you get a much better shave than the disposable razors. It takes a little practice but once you get used to the single blade youll never go back.
In response to Sean’s post about shaving your armpit hair, what is wrong with you? Hair is manly, women shave their armpits, men are supposed to be hairy. I do not reccomend or condone the shaving of armpits and do not think that any man should ever under any circumstances shave his armpits or legs, like a woman does. Keep it hairy
“what is wrong with you?”
Well, first of all, I guess we should starty with this nonsense. For one to impugn my logical and hygienic belief that arm pit hair is disgusting, rank and uncivilized via a declarative that I am somehow on the margins, one must specifically state why….seems to me that you, my dirty friend, not only can do no more than ask, but you are on the wrong side of this. Show me a male model please with underarm hair—-evwn better, one with clumpy, six week old growth?
“Hair is manly, women shave their armpits, men are supposed to be hairy.”
Apparently men shave their armpits, since I am a man and I do, all my buddies do, and apparently so do all male models and others photgraphed frequently. Another point easily dismantled.
Men are supposed to be hairy? Really? I thought, at least in this country, Kyle, people were “free”.
Why do you HATE freedom, Kyle?
Kyle, WHY DO YOU HATE AMERICA? Seems to me that there is a hairy guy hiding in Pakistan that hates America, too, Kyle.
I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you are an adolescent, since you do not “condone or recommend the shaving of the armpits” because I also rather think you sound like a fellow who occasionally forgets to floss daily, or would wear square toed shoes.
Kyle, I will say it again, armpit hair is the most foul thing on earth.
Chest hair is fine, if groomed. Leg hair, while gross as well, is too much trouble to deal with—–so it stays.
Finally, what is the strange “it” you mention, that we need to keep hairy? The big it?
Shave the armpits, floss, and the girls will come to you, you’ll see.
Once you stop being an American freedom hating traitor, Kyle.
Hair is manly, women shave their armpits, men are supposed to be hairy
I dont model my life around what male models do, and I dont think it is necessary to call me a freedom hater because i have armpit hair. The vast majority of males in this country keep their pits hairy and will continue to do so regardless of your belief that it is gross. You and your friends can keep shaving and sending pictures of your freshly shorn pits to GQ. I’ll continue to floss and wear square toed shoes and not shave my pits.
Just found this great site.
What are you using to trim nose hair?
I’m tired of the round edged scissors.
I tried the battery operated spining “razors”. Useless.
I searched this site but nothing came up.
I read this and I thought, Wow, its basically everything I have. Little did I know when I bought everything up over time and as I read this, I remarked, I already have that. Tell me something I need! Does a man tend to know what most men need and not go overboard? Or just is it instinct?
Nice article. Shaving with a DE or a straight is much more comfortable than with disposable cartridges. But even if you don’t wish to venture in that world you will find a significant difference in your shave if you utilize a brush and quality shave soap or shave cream. Highly recommended.
For the gent looking for milder-scented AS, you might want to give Speick, Musgo Real or Proraso splashes a try. There is also a Canadian company that produces Booster brand aftershaves that are very pleasant. Booster’s hair tonic is quite nice as well.
Search “badger and blade” for a wealth of information on wetshaving techniques, products and other gentlemanly pursuits.
If you start shaving in the shower and shave every day, 90% of 90% of most people’s shaving problems would be eliminated. Shave after allowing the water has soaked in, or, even better, after you’ve washed your face. Try it out before spending a fortune on new equipment. Find a cheap mirror you can use for now. If you like it, they sell mirrors at Linen n Things meant just for this purpose, with a shaving cream holder and razor holder. Plus it takes at least a third less time since you’re not afraid of splattering shaving stuff all over. Real men need to get to or look for work.
I use a Gillete fusion you know the one with the removable replacebale heads and i have to say no razor burn or facial hair when i am done with it
Lest we forget a pack of matches. A s for basic aftershave I’m a big fan of Brut and Bay Rum. Simple and effective scents that ladies adore.
Great article except for one thing: cologne.
Men do not need cologne. Cologne is just male perfume. Perfume is not for men. All a man needs is a good shower, aftershave, and deodorant.
@ Rafael
Although I do agree with you on some parts about cologne, I think it still is a necessary part of most male bathrooms.
It is true, some men prefer not to have any special treatment or any frivolous extras, its a good thing to have on hand. I have two colognes. One more pungent than the other, but I dont use them every day. More for special occasions when a man needs to smell more appropriate for the situation.
I’m in college and I can tell you, when I walk past a fraternity, it smells like an Abercrombie and Fitch and by that, you can smell them from a mile away. Its a delicate process to put it on. Controlling the amount and being careful not to over do it. Most college students tend to.
I’m sure most lumberjacks and sawyers dont need the stuff, but most ordinary city men would. So follow the basic rule of thumb: If you can smell your own cologne, you overdid it.
I thought I should add a product promo since I don’t do that sort of thing often. Nevertheless, Zihr’s shaving gel is the very best product I’ve found after 45 years of shaving. I cannot over-recommend it. The one draw-back, it’s not cheap. Still, if you want the best for your face, go to their website, http://www.zihr.com. This was not in the least solicited, I’m just your everyday consumer.
I’m a fan of Gold Bond Powder. It’s wonderful stuff and goes a long way towards keeping “The Lads” happy in our hot, sweaty Indiana Summers.
Can’t see the sense of cologne, though. I’m not “on the hunt”.
Not smoking went a long way towards sweetening the breath, and regular flossing and one of those little “power washers” gets rid of EVERYTHING.
As for shaving, I’m amazed at how much the Norelco has improved in the last 10 years. I left my old one at my daughter’s when I visited over the holidays and had to buy a new one. Nice. a *LOT* nicer than trying to rediscover my skills with a blade (I used to shave w/a straight razor when I was younger)
Finally discovered hair mousse this past year, and it really keeps the style in place all day. Not so sure I’d care to use any of the “traditional” products, though, my memory of them is that they were pretty damn greasy,and I have extremely oily hair in the first place.
I saw no mention of good hair clippers for ear/nose hair, and trimmers for “down south”, touching up eyebrows or sideburns, etc.
I definately agree with the need for a wet shaving set in every bathroom. I’m a little above and beyond as I’m something of an enthusiast when it comes to wet shaving. I shave with a straight razor every morning and love it.
For those of you gents that battle with dandruff issues, I highly recommend a traditional hair tonic as part of your routine. It felt like I tried every dandruff shampoo and treatment out there for years and nothing worked. When I got interested in wet shaving and all the other traditional products that seem to revolve around that, I discovered hair tonics and never looked back. I use Pinaud Eau de Quinine tonic after every shower and highly recommend it to anyone.
I would have never tried Goldbond or VO5 without this article. Thanks as both have made me a better man.
I used to get nasty razorbumps from using disposables. I switched to different brands and to electric, but no luck. I finally went straight-edge, and I’ve never had a better shave. The kicker is I only have to shave every other day with a straight razor,because the shave is that close.
For shaving soap, I don’t recommend the glycerine. Not a very good lather compared to old fashioned William’s mug soap which is, by the way, about 5 times cheaper and lasts twice as long.
I guarantee if you use Williams shaving soap and a bay rum after shave, the scents will remind you of the barber shop you used to visit with your dad or grandpa.
“Also, according to these old Listerine ads, Listerine can also battle dandruff.”
I was introduced to this concept by my mother at the age of 16….IT WORKS!!!!!!! I have never had a case of dandruff since.
Just add some to a measuring cup….add warm water…dump it on your melon…let it sit for a few moments as you rub it in..then rinse it out……(dont worry the tingles are normal)
For shaving, the very best results I’ve had are with Mary Kay’s “MKMen Shave Foam” teamed up with either Gillette Fusion Power or Mach3 Power. These are the only shave cream and razors I will use. Also, an application of aftershave gel BEFORE shaving can lend additional lubrication that can make all the difference in the results. Aftershave gel can also be used AFTER shaving.
I’ve used a stainless tongue scraper for years now.
My hair is worn very old school, either in a greaser/rockabilly pompadour or a 30’s/40’s Dillinger style. I usually use ample amounts of a petroleum-based hair product, like Blue Magic Coconut Oil Hair Dressing or Vaseline, topped off with a liberal quantity of Vitalis for shine. Warning: though this combination can make your hair look extra-dark, wet, and shiny, it can cause extreme oil/grease stains on anything your hair comes in contact with, such as shirt/jacket collars, hats and hat linings, furniture and car upholstery, pillowcases, etc. Look good but be careful not to “leave your mark” in grease!
If you want a proper haircut, seek out a real barber who’s been trained to cut men’s hair as a speciality, and not a women’s or unisex salon who employs a cosmetologist trained to color, perm, cut, and style primarily women’s hair.
Let’s bring back good grooming as acceptable and not fall victim to the popularity of the unkempt, uncombed, just-rolled-out-of-bed look!
Hey all.
So I’m really digging using cologne now. Been getting some nice compliments (random girls going “hey, you smell gooood”).
Talked to my dad about this site, and he’s saying the same thing that Rob up there is: get your hair cut at a barber shop. They know what they are doing. And “you’ll learn how the hell to be a man there”
Next time im home and need a hair cut, i’ll go there,
on a side note (and kinda off topic at this point), anyone know of any good barber shops in Falls Church VA?
Shaving with a straight razor on a Sunday morning is one favorite routines. I started using one when I was 26 (5 years ago) and can say with confidence that it is far less expensive and not difficult to do quickly once you get your technique down. The weakness of the new razors is that the hair gets jammed up inside so easily… one dip of the blade under the tap and she’d good to go. Quality of shave is comparable but I find you do have to watch for imperfections or risk a bloody mess. I might suggest picking up a styptic pencil for newbies to cauterize the wounds rather than using kleenex.
The other added benefit – every male who uses your washroom will know definately he has been one upped on the manliness scale of shaving skills.
I always ask my stylist/barber about hair products, especially since I like to use leave-in conditioner every day. He told me when buying shampoo and conditioner, opt for the latter, in terms of quality. So, washing your hair with a decent shampoo (around $10 or so) is good, but follow it up with a better quality conditioner. I like using American Crew products. For the money, they’re good hair products that won’t put a major dent in your wallet.
As someone had mentioned, shaving in the shower has been a godsend, and saved me from much discomfort.
I also swear by the fog-free mirror. In fact, the worst thing about traveling for me is not having my trusty fog-free mirror because it’s attached to the shower head directly, letting the hot water run behind it, and never, ever fogging up (http://www.showertek.com). Yes, this is a cheesy TV-ad looking site, but the thing truly works and gives me a little more confidence when shaving.
I still use one of those hybrid half-electric half-manual razor for my sins (Mach 3 Turbo or something), but am definitely thinking of the straight blade instead after reading all this.
Regards cologne, the biggest problem I have with men is either (a) wearing way too much or (b) buying crappy department store stuff full of chemicals. Not to sound like a snob here, but there’s some cologne makers which are smaller and more independent like L’Artisan Parfumeur, Serge Lutens, Creed, Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier, and others who sell stuff that might be a bit more expensive than the stuff you get in Macy’s but is of superior quality, needs just the tiniest squirt daily, and will last you a good long time. Another piece of advice is to ignore how something smells on a piece of card or on your wrist immediately after its sprayed by some woman in a department store, you need to let it dry down, walk around a while, then see how it’s smelling half an hour later. Basic rule of thumb: if you can still smell it on yourself half an hour after you’ve used it, you’ve probably put on too much (I mean in your general senses, not a really close-up sniff). Your nose gets accustomed to the smell so others WILL be able to smell it on you, but if you’ve used too much, it’ll probably be horribly cloying.
As far as hair goes… I love Brylcreem too — great advice recommending this, and a great article to read overall!
My barber recommended the MACH 3 after I asked which was better:straight, dual-edged safety, Atra/TracII, etc. He said the reason was that since the back of the MACH3 blades are not enclosed, the blades (metal parts themselves) can be cleaned easier with faucet flow making them last longer. Thinking that “3 blades will clog faster than 1 or 2″ I argued said point until he told me that the shave I just got was with a MACH3 and that the straight razor was only used for edging my VanDyke (most folks call it a goatee). So, making a short story long, I bought a MACH3 kit in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., on honeymoon the next week and have been using it ever since; that was in September 2006 and I have only used 5 blades since then. I rarely get nicked or cut when shaving, and each time I shave I give myself a “barbershop” treatment: hot towels, facial massage, and I go over my beard 3 or 4 times (down, up, to the nose, to the ear). I have been using a mug and brush for dang near 25 years after I realized those cans were nothing but a waste of money. As far as soaps, I prefer COL Conk’s glycerin or almond over William’s or Colgate: better lather, last longer, better smell. The aftershaves are from Royall Lyme (Lyme, Mandarin, Spyce, Muske, and Bay Rhum…their spellings, not mine), Dickinson’s witch hazel, and Lilac Vegetal. Talk about smelling like your Grand Pappy’s or Dad’s barbershop!!!
Oh well, hang in their fellers,
Lee In Roanoke, VA
My dad used Old Spice all his life. I love the smell of it to this day.
Great article. I’d love to hear your views on the plethora of skin care and body products aimed at men, now that the women’s market is so saturated it’s about to collapse.
Personally, I think unless your profession demands it ie: model, actor, professional diner-outer, you need little more than what you’ve desribed. Trying to sucker men into the same cycle of body obssessive spending so many women have bought into needs stopping.
On the strength of this article, I started using Gold Bond. It’s just ordinary talcum powder with powderized menthol added. That gives it a sharp smell and provides that tingly sensation on your nether regions.
Unfortunately, however, I don’t want a tingly sensation on my nether regions.
The first time I sprinkled it on, to feel cool and prevent chafing, I couldn’t help remembering that old Eddie Murphy routine about the time he poured Old Spice in his crotch, then wound up screaming and trying to rinse his junk under the sink faucet.
Me, I’ll go back to regular talcum powder. Not very traditional, but less screaming.
Re: Brut. My wife wears this expensive, trendy ‘Angel’ perfume. For years now, I couldn’t help but think that the scent was familiar and it was driving me crazy trying to figure out what it was. Not long ago at a drug store, I removed the cap of a bottle of Brut which I hadn’t smelled since junior high a hundred years ago.
Guess what!?! Brut! So I bought the bottle and brought it home. I took two cotton balls, one I dabbed in Brut, the other in Angel and had her sniff each one. I didn’t tell her one was actually Brut. She couldn’t tell the difference.
So if in 2009, you want women to think you’re wearing Angel, wear Brut. On the plus side though, if your wife’s Angel is running low, refill her bottle occasionally with Brut and save yourself a lot of money
Dave in Vancouver
Hey there gents, great article so i thought id add my 2 cents.
Interestingly enough my hair and skin are a bit oily, but very sensitive at the same time. As a result i have to wash my hair AND face every day, but as soon as im out of the shower my face dries up so badly it feels like its about to crack. After many trials and errors ive found that DOVE soap (for sensitive skin) is incredible for me. Now i can hop in the shower, shampoo, and the use the soap on my face and body and voila. Without sounding like a salesman, the soap is unscented, free of irritants, aromas and whatever else most companies dump in their soap and its a quarter moisturizing cream.
As a side note: So many of the products we use thesa days are scented..think of all the different smells we have on us in a single day. Shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, soap, toothpaste, gel, hairspray, shaving cream, aftershave, skin lotions, colognes…. you get the idea. Its all overwhelming, and UNNATURAL. What ive found is that buying the “SENSITIVE” and unscented labeled products regardless of your level of sensitivity is a great idea. After your morning routine you should simply smell crisp and clean, and then a dab of cologne of aftershave will add a little touch of manly aroma, thats all you need, trust me, and trust me that your girl will love it just like mine does.
anyone who wants to learn more about DE shaving and safety razors check out any of the excellent forums online like http://www.badgerandblade.com
no, really, there are forums dedicated to DE razors and wetshaving. You can thank me later.
First time to site, but a great site! Some of my comments:
Mouthwash, studies have actually shown that for most folks, it actually causes more halitosis after the initial effects are gone. Brush and floss well, but consider breath mints instead.
Agree with shaving the armpits. Why, because with hair they smell. As well, most men are trimming (not shaving, never!) down below. Most women love it. Complain all you want, but agree with the above posters, it`s now the new acceptable, and that`s coming from someone in their 50`s!
Cologne, unfortunately, this is going out. Do it ever so lightly. With allergies today, and especially at work, don`t even think of coming close to it. Sad, I think it makes me more manly, but this is the new reality.
Liquid soap makes a good shaving cream substitute; I think it’s the glycerin or other emollients in it that makes it work.
Corn starch is an excellent body powder, even on “equipment.”
An ex-girlfriend introduced me to using aloe vera gel instead of regular hair gel. If you can find something that’s uncolored (it’s naturally colorless) and over 99% pure, you’re in business.
Deodorant is just armpit cologne in solid form, and can be fine. Antiperspirant is not, and should be avoided.
The wife got me on Listerine, but let’s not forget to floss!
Solo and Arko make a great affordable cream. Both come from Europe where men still take time and apply cream with a brush.
I’ve tried shick and I think it is even better than mach 3, it is more smoother than mach 3 when it comes to shaving.
It’s a pity I can’t get my hands on a bottle of Gold Bond here in Spain. I’ll have to try get some next time I fly to London. I use talc instead. On all the other items, I completely agree. BTW, I use Layrite or Sweet Georgia Brown-purple can (water soluble both of them) on my hair, as I have the negative tendency to go surfing every now and then so traditional pomades don’t apply -actually, they get quite messy when mixed with sea water.
For those of you who are married, we had a discussion at work the other day… if you leave it to the ladies to do the shopping, they will fill your bathroom with hundreds of bottles of crap. Shampoos, conditioners, scrubs and creams… But soap and a flannel? Fat chance! It’ something I have to take care of.
So, Imperial Leather as a hand soap, and Pear’s Soap for washing my face prior to a shave — it makes you squeaky clean and softens your whiskers. Nice big flannels which double as hot towels.
I can also vouch for traditional wet shaving using a DE.
I love the feel of a good aftershave splash, but cologne is better value for money which is important if like me, you have many because you like to vary what you wear day-to-day. So I use an alum block after shaving which can also be used as a deodorant (although I’m lucky and have never needed to wear deodorant).
A nail brush is a must, as is a professional manicure once in a while. “Clean nails, clean shoes” as my uncle Gus always used to say, are the first thing a young lady notices in a young gentleman.
As for nose trimming, ear trimming, eyebrow trimming… my barber takes care of all that. But he does attempt to cover me in Bay Rum! My wife hates it and doesn’t want me to smell like her grandfather. Nor would she want me covered in Old Spice and smelling like her dad.
Fortunately, there a hundreds of traditional scents still available — sandalwood, cedar, lime, violets and original cologne are amounst my favourites.
My son was given Pashana Eau de Portugal hair tonic at the barbers today, I was impressed and just ordered a bottle.
One thing to remember is that aftershave and cologne are two different things.
As a guy with sensative skin on the face, I can tell you first hand that alcohol based aftershaves are NOT a good idea. Get a good aftershave balm, it really does help ease any razorburn might happen. Look for the stuff with Aloe Vera, it works the best.
One should never confuse your after shave treatment with cologne. “after shave” is for soothing and treating the damage you did to your skin with the blade of the razor. Cologne is just to add that wee bit of scent to your presence.
1) Wet shaving set, to include a straight razor and strop
2) Gold Bond powder
3) Bay Rum aftershave
4) Sonicare toothbrush and floss (my one concession to the “modern” age)
5) mouthwash of 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and water.
Don’t need the hair products; I keep a close crop.
I am going to agree on the American Crew hair products. I have short to medium length hair, and use the American Crew Fibre. I have used others, but are inferior products in comparison.
Thanks for the article. I’m going to have to try the Brylcreem.
Let me just add my 2 cents about the wetshaving kit. I’ve been wetshaving with various DE’s and straight razors for a couple of years now, and I’m getting the best and most enjoyable shaves of my life. A DE razor can run about 15 dollars and up and the blades are about 10 to 25 cents and last me about 5 shaves each. A good starter brush can be found at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart or even a local supermarket. These will have boar hair instead of badger, but they are a cost effective way of finding out if wetshaving is right for you. Williams shaving soap is a very inexpensive soap to start with as well. There are a lot of great resources online if you want to learn more about wetshaving. I highly recommend it and I’m slowly converting all the guys in my office into wetshavers. Everyone who has tried it really enjoys it so far.
After getting the wet shave down, and stocking up on gold bond (already had the mouthwash and tongue cleaner), I already feel manlier. But the world of cologne is scary and new to me. I don’t know what scents are manly and what aren’t and what’s just vile. Right now I’m looking at Demeter scents since they apparently have a good reputation and they actually smell like things like Rain and Waffles. Is that good, or should I stick with the more ambiguous but undeniably manly classics like Old Spice?
As far as the shaving/cologne goes. This is my philosophy.
Whatever works for you….works for you. Just try all of your options, then make an educated decision. I have a thick, very fast growing beard. Here is what works for me.
Razor- Straight Edge. Used a fusion for years and as far as my face goes, it didn’t work to well. I wasn’t getting a close shave and it was leaving bumps. Just didn’t work for me.
Brush- Some swear by badger, some by boar. Go to your barber and see if he has both (some old school barbers keep both). The one thing I would recommend here is to buy a brush that the bristles have not been clipped. Clipping the tips off of the bristles makes it scratchy.
Cologne- I’ve never put cologne on in my life. No reason, just haven’t.
Aftershave- Old spice. Why? Same as many…My dad uses it. And my Grandfather uses it. I figure if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for me. And I like it. And not because I think it’s the epitome of masculinity (Old spice was originally made exclusively for women, fun fact), it just smells good.
Aftershave lotion- I do use an aftershave lotion, but not for about 20-30 minutes after I shave. I use an old spice product with spf 15. I wait because I don’t want to clog my pours with anything while they’re warm and open.
For people looking for advice on this site, you have the right idea. But don’t take this as gospel. Look at it as you exploring your options, not being told what you need to do. Use what you’ve learned here and figure that out for yourselves. Form your own opinions and make you own decisions. That’s what manliness is all about.
@sean – (Start shaving, and easing back on the underarm product, and you’ll see a huge difference. And the amount of sweat will decrease, since the glands are not working harder. And while you’re at it, you can start wearing white shirts again. And pink, too, since we should all start looking a bit more dandyish and sharp. And, together, we can stop the illness of bulky-gross-tshirts-under-a-button down that makes everyone look like a fat kid. White t shirts should only be for jeans.)
Much like the rest of your comment. i find this to be hilariously false… first of all the point of armpit hair is to wick away the sweat, not warm you up. the t-shirt under the buton down.. what would you preffer? no t-shirt ? manly chest hair poaring out? while your at it thown in a few gold chains and pinky ring… or perhaps a cheep sweat suit and you can stand infront of a laundry mat “collecting protection money”
I miss Old Spice my wifes father and brothers used and and I am forbidden to use it because the wife says she doesn’t want me smelling like the men she grew up with.
I am going back to wet shaving because is a cheeper option to replacing those electric things I have been using the past 15 years.
I think a proper shaving kit is very important. Especially if you like so many men that are balding, shave your head. I like the razors by Schick like the Extreme because it conforms to the curves of ones face and scalp. I like simple colognes like Aqua Velva and Old Spice and more importantly, my wife likes the smell.
Re oral hygene, I think dental floss is very important because my removing the bacteria laden rotting food matter, your breath will smell better.
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