Father's Day Fabulous: The Best Skincare and Grooming Kits for Dear Dad

We all know that men are sometimes a little suspect of skincare (the "girly man" moniker is hard to shake once your buddies find little boxes of moisturizer and masques on the bathroom counter.) However, when it comes to fabulous skin care and shaving kits, they make amazing gifts for men who wouldn't necessarily buy them for themselves. Looking for a fabulous Father's Day gift? Here are some suggestions:

Anthony Logistics For Men The Perfect Shave Kit ($50) - This shaving kit is fabulous for home and for the locker at the gym and comes equipped with a cleanser, pre-shave oil, shave cream and after-shave balm that when used together will help eliminate ingrown hairs, irritation and razor burn. Doesn't his skin deserve a break? Doesn't your CHEEK deserve a break? Help him get rid of rough shaved skin with this fabulous shaving kit.

Anthony Logistics For Men The Tool Kit ($18) - Any woman who's been subjected to an intimate moment ruined by a ragged fingernail can attest to the importance of well-groomed hands. This portable nail kit contains a stainless steel nail file, nail clipper, tweezer and grooming scissors, and comes in a brushed aluminum canister (you know, metal = masculine). It's also quite portable, so, you know, get this for him.

AHAVA Mineral Men’s Collection Gift Set ($47) - I've long been a convert of all things AHAVA and this skincare set is perfect to tame the unique needs of men's skin. Dad will look his absolute best with this set containing Mineral Shower Gel, Foam-Free Silk Shave Cream and Soothing After-Shave Moisturizer. The power of Dead Sea minerals and a proprietary blend of Gingko, Ginger and Ginseng extract will help him cleanse, nourish, and moisturize his gorgeous face. 

Molton Brown Father’s Day Gift Set ($58) - I've never met a man that isn't completely wild about Molton Brown products. This set of the company's most masculine scents brings a whole new experience to bathing for your favorite guy, with their two sizes of their cult favorite re-charge black pepper bodywash,a  re-charge black pepper body hydrator, and the new addition to the brand, buchu bodywash, which gives a cooling boost of energy in the shower. It's kind of a necessity (and feel free to borrow it.)

L’Oréal Paris Men's Expert Hydra-Energetic Ice Cold Eye Roller ($10.99) - It doesn't matter if you're male or female, undereye bags are just not cute. Treat the man in your life to this breakthrough eye treatment applied with a soothing rollerball that glides gently over the puffed area to deliver instant relief. It's ok to have sleepless nights, you just don't have to LOOK like it. Great for Dads on the go, late-night working fathers or, let's all be honest here, fathers of newborns.

Naturopathica Clarifying Facial Wash ($28), Soothing Shave Cream ($26) and Daily Defense Moisturizer For Men ($58) - If you've got an eco-chic dad who's really into botanicals (and even if they aren't), Naturopathica is a great solution for skincare. The face wash contains a sulfate-free foaming cleaner with a refreshing blend of Cypress Oil, Aloe and Lime that will gently remove dirt and grime while maintaining his natural moisture. The shave cream contains Cypress Oil, which acts as an antiseptic to calm razor irritation, and Wild Oat Beta Glucan that lifts the hair shaft for an exceptionally close shave. The moisturizer contains a lightweight blend of Vitamins A, C and E combined with Oats and Aloe to nourish his skin. You'll thank me later.

Any of these fabulous skincare options will make dear Dad a happy camper. I mean, really, another tie? Let's break the mold this year and get him something he'll really love. :)

Fashionable Father's Day: Robert Verdi's Picks for Dad

We all love hearing about the new and stylish discoveries of our favorite lifestyle guru and celebrity stylist, Robert Verdi. At a recent tweet-up, Robert gave his picks for fabulous Father's Day gifts. Not sure what to get dear old Dad? Read along for some really great picks:

For Inspired Dads (idealistic, engaging), he suggests John Bartlett's Tiny Tim T-Shirt. The fantastic tee is supersoft and features a silhouette of the designer's own beloved rescue dog with three legs of the same name. The shelter named him that because they found him on Christmas Eve. All together now: "Awwww!" The shirt comes in multiple hues and is not only cool but comfortable.

Modern Dads will appreciate iconic potter/interior design guru Jonathan Adler's new Pop Candles. The smells are derived from favorite organic smells like Tomato, Grapefruit and Watercress (and they smell DIVINE!) Best of all, when the candle is finished, the container can be used as a highball drinking glass. Get the Tomato candle, it really does smell like a tomato vine and is positively delicious to burn.

Classic Dads will appreciate Kenneth Cole Vintage Black, which has been described as "zesty lime and grapefruit combined with classic lavender and woods = a combination that is cool and vintage with a modern flair." It has a very power-suit-by-day/black-tie-by-night kind of scent that is just beyond.

Dads on the Go will appreciate the Vaseline MEN line of products, like their Cooling Hydration Body Lotion which will instantly cool his skin on contact (perfect for a shower after the gym or a hot day in the sun) and absorbs within 15 seconds. The entire line absorbs quickly, is non-greasy and a great way to care for his face and body. Check out the line at your local drugstore or superstore.

Professional Dads always appreciate a little time away from work and the family to unwind without anything fussy. If you're in NYC (or you're planning a trip here), send him to John Allen's, a men's grooming studio that offers skin, hair and nail care in an environment that is completely guy-friendly. The hardwood and leather environment offers quick and easy services, amazing products from John's own personal line, a billiard room and a full bar. The Full Service Experience takes just 15 minutes for shampoo, condition, haircut, manicure, shoeshine, and beverage! Yes, that's what Willis was talkin' 'bout.

Jet-Setting Dads will appreciate the luxurious Coach Transatlantic Travel Kit, a gorgeous dop kit made of premium, glove-tanned leather and of a generous size to hold all his toiletries. It's a way to keep him well-groomed in style.

Savvy Dads that appreciate sharply-pressed suits will appreciate a Rowenta First Class Travel Iron. He can keep it at his desk and steam his suit before a big meeting (or a tuxedo before a night on the envelope circuit.) It's compact, light, heats up quickly and won't spit water, all of which make it a perfect winner.

Stylish Dads will appreciate a pair of the brand-new BOSS Men's Modern Aviator sunglasses.  This stylish US-exclusive collection just hit stores this month and are not only very flattering to a multitude of face shapes, but they're prescription ready! Love it when a plan comes together!

Ladies go crazy for a sharp-dressed man, so make sure the Dapper Dad remains happy with a great suit at the right price. Classic JOE Joseph Abboud Suit Separates from JC Penney are a sleek suit with an American cut that will make him look and feel like a million bucks for the extremely affordable price of just $179.99. Yes, people, it's beyond great.

Fathers that are Young-At-Heart (and a little bit rock n' roll) will appreciate uber-cool Jan Leslie cufflinks. Artful, inspired and extremely well-made, they'll add just the right touch of style to your man's inner rock star aspirations.

Tasteful Dads appreciate high quality accessories, like this Cole Haan Seton Tuxedo Wallet in rich black calfskin leather. Four pockets and a currency sleeve will keep all of his essentials organized in a luxurious, slim design.

Sleek Dads appreciate quality design, so an architectural luxury like a Skagen Denmark men’s watch should be right up his alley. The signature slim mesh band whispers taste and the high-quality materials will ensure he'll have it for years. Oh, and the price point won't kill your wallet, either.

If you've got a Do-It-Yourself kind of Dad like mine, then the Stoner Solutions Invisible Glass Ultimate Glass Cleaning Kit is perfect. This all-in-one kit contains revolutionary products to clean the windows in Dad's car with minimal effort and dries quickly with a streak-free shine. It cuts through PERMANENT MARKER, people. I'll be shipping this one home.

Got a dad who fancies himself a bit of a gourmand? Well, then, brunch is now served with a jar of McClure’s Spicy Pickle Brine Bloody Mary Mixer.  Now, let's be clear here: it's not for wussies. This spicy mixture packs a kick of spice and brine from the McClure’s great grandmother Lala’s original pickle recipe. Just add his favorite vodka or gin and some garnish (pickes, olives, more horseradish for the daring) and serve it up. I've been told you can also cool a mean spicy shrimp and rice with it. Yum.

Handy Dads will appreciate the original Leatherman Skeletool (and actually, get one of these for yourself, ladies.) This all-in-one tool weighs in at a mere five ounces and contains all the tools he'll need to fix pretty much anything: a stainless-steel combo blade, pliers, bit driver, removable pocket clip, and a carabiner/bottle
opener. It's the MacGyver of pocket tools.

Lastly, Cool Dads aren't afraid to shave their heads and let their craniums become their crowning glory. Make it easy for him to groom his dome with the Headblade tool and accompanying products. He can just slip his finger through the ring and tighten that sexy bald look in a snap. Gotta love it!

Really, it doesn't matter what kind of Dad you have, just make sure to celebrate the fathers in your life this Sunday. Hope these product suggestions from Robert gave you some great ideas!

Attention Gentlemen: Get In on The Lab Series Skincare For Men Event at Bloomingdale's!

Dudes, let's chat for a moment.

I know some of you think that it's not exactly masculine to use all those fancy face creams, that it's more masculine to let your face weather like an old Western saddle, only to be cleaned by water and bar soap. Ok, so that might be cool to people who don't have the option to use these tools but can I be honest? Dry, flaky skin on a guy is SO NOT ATTRACTIVE. I don't care if you have Johnny Depp's cheekbones (or anything, for that matter) or Zac Efron's hair: if your skin is in poor condition, we tend to kind of think, "Ew." Double goes for ragged fingernails, but that's a whole other discussion.

Consider this post a PSA to head to Bloomingdale's flagship on 59th St in NYC from today, June 4th, through June 10th, where skincare line Lab Series Skincare for Men will be on hand for some serious male (skin) bonding time: complimentary grooming services- including aestheticians, shoe shiners and manicurists- will have you ready to face the summer and all those lovelies who have to look at that mug of yours. If you're a dad, consider this a Father's Day gift that will keep on giving.

Additionally, if you're a Foursquare junkie like the rest of us, check in to the Lab Series at Bloomingdale's Foursquare venue TODAY, June 4th, at the counter and you'll receive exclusive Lab Series samples and every 10th person who checks in will receive a complimentary full-sized product!  Um, hello? FREE. Yes, that's what Willis was talkin' about!

Get thyself to Bloomingdale's today and check out a new skincare regimen. After all, you know that your amour has fabulous ways of saying "Thank You." This would be the nicest way to take one for the team you've ever known. Go check it out.

Beauty for a Cause: Shave Your Guy's Head (or Your Pet) To Help the Gulf Oil Spill

You know how much I adore Woodley and Bunny, the super-hip hair salon and spa in Williamsburg. Well, if you're a guy (or you know one) and/or you have a dog or cat (or know of someone who has one) and you're considering shaving all that hair off for the upcoming summer heat, they'd like to help you do it for a cause: the Gulf Oil Spill.

On Thursday, June 3rd from 5:00pm-8:00pm, Woodley and Bunny will hold the "Guys and Dogs Shave Off and Grooming Event" in conjunction with Dog Addiction, where for a mere $10 men can get their head shaved and all the hair collected will go to Matter Of Trust. Meanwhile, Dog Addiction (just a few blocks away), will be offering $20 off their grooming services if you bring your pets in for a "Shave Down," with all the fur collected going to the same cause! 

Remember, I was telling you a few weeks back about Matter of Trust, the organization that gathers human hair and fur in used nylons that can absorb up to 50 gallons of oil! This situation in the Gulf is serious, peeps. Let's shave it down and send some love in the way of hair we won't even WANT come 90 degree weather.  Call the salon at (718) 218-6588 to book your appointment NOW!



Woodley & Bunny Salon and Apothecary
196 N. 10th Street (btw Bedford and Driggs) in Williamsburg
(718) 218-6588

Dog Addiction


243 Berry Street (at Grand Street) in Williamsburg
(718) 599-1656

Magazine Moment: Matthew Morrison's Mind-Blowing Six-Pack in June Vogue

 Image courtesy of Conde Nast

I am a RABID magazine reader and have been a Vogue reader since before I was born (no, I'm not kidding - my mom used to read it to me in utero). I still love this magazine but imagine my additional love when I got a look at Glee's Matthew Morrison in a fashion spread with model Rachel Zimmerman in the June issue. All I can say is "WOW." Check out the BODY on this guy!

Just a little something to make you smile on a beautiful Thursday afternoon. Go to the newsstand right this minute and get this copy now so you can salivate over this gorgeous man and this lovely spread immediately.

You're welcome, America.

Fashionable Man: The J. Crew Men's Fall 2010 Presentation

To quote ZZ Top, we all know that every girl's crazy about a sharp-dressed man. This is why I bring you relevant and gorgeous menswear when it comes across my desk. Attention, J. Crew shoppers: this one's for you.

The Fall 2010 Presentation was recently held in the Penthouse of MILK Studios here in Manhattan and designer Frank Muytjens presented his first offsite presentation for the label in style. The collection, a combination of utilitarian and military-inspired pieces paired with elegant menswear suits & jackets, looks like it will be an incredible success. Gents who shop the retailer can look forward to such luxe pieces as the Ludlow Suit (complete with Loro Piana fabrics - I die) and Alden for J.Crew wingtips. Here's a sneak preview of the collection you can look forward to seeing come autumn of this year:

So, J. Crew dudes, get your spending list together. Looks like a rather well-dressed season is coming. Plan accordingly.

Stylish Ad Campaign: Sean John Launches New Ads for Spring 2010

You know I love a good advertisement and you also know that I'm particularly fond of Sean John. These lovely and amazing images for the Spring 2010 campaign came across the desk recently and I thought I would share them with you.

Shot entirely in black and white by celebrated photographer Brooke Nipar (who also shot Diddy’s new album art for Last Train to Paris,) it's the second b/w campaign from the 11 year-old brand since its award-winning “Be” campaign in 2004. Entitled “Rebel Seduction,” it's meant to convey some new silhouettes from the label, including two new slimmer cut denim cuts, the "Marcus" and "Clayton" silhouettes. The campaign is based on different types of rebels throughout recent history.

The impossibly cool ad campaign will live on the web and in the windows of the Sean John flagship on Manhattan's tony Fifth Avenue.

 

So, gents (and ladies who buy for them), I would encourage you to not only check out the ads but head to your local retailer and see what Sean John has in store for spring 2010. After all, the best way to rebel is against style boredom and fresh new clothes can definitely solve that!

Man of Style: Sean John Fall/Winter '10 Collection

Let me just say it: I love Diddy. I'm not even going to lie here. Sean Combs is a genius when it comes to the combination of aesthetics and marketing and anyone who's been around fashion and style over the past decade knows the power of his brand. When I recently received photos of the Sean John F/W '10 collection, I had to show them to you. It's really rather fabulous.

The Sean John team has just prepared their F/W collection and showroom for market week with the design direction of “The Rivalry.” Think of class struggles among men for ages and you'll immediately get the concept: different levels of society waging war for power. A clever take on some well-known rivals, let's take a look at the design aesthetic around this sharply-designed collection, shall we?

Blue Bloods are described by the label as "the epitome of refinement and upper classicism. Trained and molded to become the 'elite.' Their focus lies on the purity of victory." Kind of hot, eh, Upper East Siders?

The Crimsons are said to be "the antithesis of what the Blue Bloods portray.  They stand for utilitarianism and purpose while adding their own unique touch.  The everlasting feud continues as battles are won and lost." 

Finally, Team Noir is the style that comes as a result of the conflict between the previous two. Said to be a fusion of clean-cut and rugged style, it's a dark, chic style that refuses to play by any of the previous rules. 


No matter what team you choose, the Sean John collection for F/W '10 should be on your shopping list for day and nighttime style. Ladies, if you're reading this for your guy, put this on your shopping list and add a little swagger to your man's closet with some Diddy duds. :)

Guy Style: Get In Touch with Your Inner Celebrity in Kid Dangerous Grime Couture

Although I don't get out there enough, I love Los Angeles (and yes, I can say that as a New Yorker.) One of the things that always amuses me in the City of Angels is the bright-but-laid-back fashion. Tees and jeans for day, vampy cool looks for evening. Whenever I'm out West I always find myself hopping into celebrity-favorite boutique Kitson and on my shopping list for this next trip? Kid Dangerous Grime Couture Tees.

Spotted on Adrian Grenier, Jamie Foxx, Zac Efron, Tim McGraw and The Soup's Joel McHale, these message tees are L.A. coolness at its best and just as cool on the street in the day as they are on the town at night. Add dark jeans and some tight kicks and you've got yourself a babe magnet outfit, homie.

Guys, I'm kind of thinking I'd hit on you in this Wanted men's tee ($48) with the torn edges and well-worn look. It's rocker cool without trying too hard. Ladies can get in on the game as well in this cute LA Don't Love You tee for ladies ($48).

See, now that you've got Hollywood style all your need is an entourage. Just be to call Adrian Grenier if you roll out in these cool Kid Dangerous duds. It would be weird to show up looking like Vincent Chase with, you know, Vincent Chase sitting there. Awkward....

Man of Style: Lenny Kravitz

I've done quite a few style icons on here but this one's for the men (and the ladies who love them.) After all, men can be quite inspiring when it comes to fashion.

Today's style icon is rocker Lenny Kravitz, who is just true rock and roll style through and through. Lenny's played with glam rock jumpsuits, denim and t-shirts, leather and millions of other styles. From long dreadlocks to a shorter afro and then a stint with straight hair, Lenny's mutable style always plays with image but never strays far from the fact that it really doesn't matter what the man wears; he knows we'll love it.


I don't know about you but there's nothing like a really good pair of jeans on a guy and Lenny rocks them like no other. Guys, if it's been a while since you bought a new pair of jeans (or ladies, if you know a guy who really needs a new pair) these fantastic and sexy Levi's Slim Straight 514™ Jeans in Sunset Wash ($49.90 - $69.50) are a great color and will most likely become your new favorite pair because they work magic on your backside (which will probably make them your lady's favorite pair as well).

Because we all love our Lenny served with a side of his music, here's my favorite song, "Always On The Run," which he performs with Guns n' Roses. Oh yes, this is genius. Please do enjoy.

FSB For Men: Redken Color Camouflage Service

Guys, please know that the people who love you appreciate good grooming. From pedicures in the summertime (a MUST if you wear flip-flops or "mandals") to taking care of your skin, looking well-groomed is a sign of self-respect and, quite frankly, it's hot. Whatever grooming requests you make of your Personal Pit Crew ("Glam Squad" might be too girly), we're all for it.

In times where looking your best means more than ever (and if you've been on a job interview lately, you know what I mean), you might consider a coloring service. We're not talking full-on obvious haircolor here, gents. After witnessing the Redken for Men's Customized Camouflage Service, if you're looking to add more pepper to your salt, this 5-10 minute service is discreet, effective and worth the money.



The service is a demi-permanent tint that is worked into the hair at the shampoo bowl (see, I said it was discreet), left to develop for 5-10 minutes, rinsed out and then your hair is styled as normal. It provides just a tinge of discreet color that honestly just makes you look more refreshed and youthful. It works on blondes, brunettes and redheads, the depth of hues range from Light to Dark, and the color works on all types and lengths of hair. As you can see on the model from the demonstration below, it's just enough coverage to look amazing but it's not 80's soap opera noticeable.


The service costs around $25-70 dollars and is performed in Redken Salons nationwide. Want to give the service a shot? Use their salon locator to find a salon near you.

See, this is so much better than those frosted tips or faux-hawk styles you used to experiment with back in the day...and if you're still doing that just stop it. Stop it right now and go get this service done.

FSB Poll Results: Sexiest Men’s Cologne

From time to time, we like to hop on Facebook and quiz our nearest and dearest about what really makes them tick. We recently asked what is the sexiest cologne a man can wear. Our ladies (and men who had an opinion about the matter) weighed in and the response was overwhelming.



By a landside vote, Azzaro Chrome ($32) won this competition. We did a drive-by of the fragrance counter and we have to agree: it’s sex on a stick. The contemporary citrus and spice cologne sends anyone interested in men into a flat-out frenzy with ingredients like Bergamot, Neroli, Ginger, Ivy, Rosewood and Sandalwood.




Honorable mentions go to Burberry London for Men ($53), Bulgari Pour Homme ($58) and Acqua di Gio Pour Homme ($35).



Most surprising was the number of votes we got for Drakkar Noir! Evidently ladies from Generation X and Y still hold quite the soft spot for the prom and homecoming dance grooming staple.

Bottom Line: Whether it’s a nostalgic scent from youth or a more metropolitan scent of today, a man’s cologne is very important to us ladies. Gentlemen, try one of these recommendations and see what happens. We think you'll like the results.