SheKnowsBest has an early look at DKNY Men, the latest fragrance collection from the queen of New York fashion, Donna Karan. The fragrance sounds like it’s a blend of florals, warm classic woods, some bright citrus touches and a pinch of spice. We’ll have a full review here at HOMMEGROOMING soon, but until then, check out the post over at SheKnowsBest, one of our favorite blogs for men. [SheKnowsBest]

Are men taking pedicures too far and adding that extra touch of polish? Say it ain’t so. Perhaps it’s just some quarantined Hollywood trend. We’re fine with guys hitting the spa for a little toenail maintenance, a massage and a facial. But toenail polish is going too far. Our recommendations? Skip the Pretty Ballerina Pink polish. We’ll overlook the clear polish. [TheFrisky]

Speaking of pedicures, the state of Florida has outlawed the (popular?) treatment to have fish nibble away at the callussed skin on your feet. The whole thing sounds a bit unnerving to me, but some people swear by it. If you want to be eaten by fish, hit the beach, swim in a lake or wade in a river. Nail salons should be extremely sanitary and sticking my feet in a fishbowl doesn’t sound too clean to me. [The Inquisitr]

Photo: Courtesy of DKNY (via SheKnowsBest)

1. Lighten up on your moisturizer—Thick emollient moisturizers are great for protecting your skin against the bitter cold of winter, but as the temperatures rise, they can be too much. If you used a thick moisturizer over the winter, you’ll find that it your skin will start to look oily and might even experience a few breakouts. Lighten up and find a moisturizer that is lighter in texture. Instead of a cream, choose a lotion or serum. If you have oily skin, reach for one that is formulated for your skin type and you’ll be shine-free throughout the warmer months.

2. Get reacquainted with your sunscreen—I use sunscreen year round because I’m a pale redhead and I get sunburned when I open the fridge. But you should really start using your sunscreen regularly again. Reach for one that offers full-spectrum UVA and UVB rays. If you don’t want to use a separate moisturizer and sunscreen, many moisturizers come with a sunscreen. La Roche Posay’s Anthelios SX daily moisturizer contains a sunscreen that covers more UVA rays (the ones that cause aging) than any other sunscreen.

3. Get a pedicure—Your nappy, Neanderthal-like toes have been locked away in winter boots for months. Before you even think of slipping on your flip flops or visiting the beach, stop by a spa and get a pedicure. Fellow beach-goers will thank you.

4. Work on your (fake) tan—After months of winter, you’re paler than Casper the friendly Ghost. But don’t hit the tanning beds if you care about your skin and health. Sunless tanning has improved a lot over the years. Gone are the days of the tattle-tale orange hues of years past. Numerous men’s lines now offer fool-proof products for men like L’Oreal Men’s Expert, Nivea for Men, Biotherm Homme, Clarins Men, Anthony Logistics and many more. One word of advice: if you’re new to sunless tanning, reach for a “Build a Tan” style product and skip anything that says “Instant Bronzer” if you want a “natural” look. Build a tans appear over the course of 3 or 4 consecutive uses, so you are less likely to streak and you have more control over your color. Bronzers contain ingredients that literally dye your skin while the fake tan appears hours later. In my opinion, the instant bronzers look terrible and are prone to streaking.

5. Pick a new fragrance—Winter fragrances are usually stronger, muskier scents with hearty notes of wood or leather. In the spring and summer, those scents can be overpowering. So, try a fragrance with clean grassy and floral notes for a festive scent. Many companies release limited-edition fragrances that are lighter formulations of their winter offerings, so visit your fragrance counter to find one that works for you!

I was talked into trying this Russian sauna treatment called “platza” before getting a massage. If you’ve never heard for platza, here’s what it is:

Imagine laying on your stomach on the top bench of a really hot sauna while a “platza master” shakes, sweeps and smacks your body with bundles of birch leaves soaked in essential oils and water. The best part is that the longer the bundles are out of the water, the hotter the drips of water become. After about 5 or 10 minutes, when your body is just about to combust, you rush out of the sauna and take a cold shower. Then you go back in and do it all over again while laying on your back before taking another cold shower.

Now, I know that this might sound absurd and not the most appealing way to relax, but after that second shower you’re in this crazy state of euphoria—almost light-headed but in a good way. When you finally finish wit a massage, you’re a puddle of mush. It was simply amazing. Apparently, it’s a great Russian tradition that is meant to revitalize and stimulate your body. And, saunas can be wonderfully therapeutic and detoxifying.

But Platza and massage aren’t the only reason to visit OKEANOS. They are the only spa in the US that offers Molton Brown facials that are specifically designed for men. I’m going to go back for one and I’ll report how it is. But in my mind, Molton Brown can do no wrong.

If you’re not obsessed with Molton Brown, the spa also includes a bar that serves fine Russian vodka (of course) and food from Petrossian, a fabulous restaurant and caviar importer, includes a cigar room, and offers the services of a barber and esthetician for straight-razor shaves and waxing.

I think could be the perfect urban getaway for guys or weary travellers who don’t do spas but need a little pampering.

Newsflash: You don’t have to go to a woman’s spa or salon to get a manicure. Many new spas for men are popping up to offer services that are designed with men in mind.
Read the story in today’s New York Times!

Here are some guy-friendly spas/salons to check out:
(Note: I can’t vouch for their quality, but the ones that I have been too and would visit again, I marked with an asterisk.)
—Nickel – San Francisco*, New York* and London*
—Truman’s Gentleman’s Groomers – New York City
—John Allan’s – New York City (4 Locations)*
—Gadabout for Men – Tucson, AZ
—Gentlemen’s Quarters – Denver, Colorado
—Grooming Lounge – Washington D.C.
—The Shave – Beverly Hills, California
—Guise – Chicago, Illinois
—The Chairman – Seattle, Washington
—Face – Dallas, TX
—The Difference – Tampa, Florida
—Moxie For Men – Laguna Beach, California
—Joq Day Spa – Atlanta

Putting the Manly in Manicure [New York Times]