My friends at Philips Norelco happened to call me at the right time. They asked me to test drive their latest and greatest electric razor, the Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D. Having just grown back my beard after testing some shaving creams, I asked if they could wait until November 1st. All parties agreed, and they sent a razor my way.

Aside from my hesitation to shave off my whiskers, I was loathe to test another rotary razor after multiple experiences of having my face chewed up by them in the past. But in the spirit of journalism, I kept my mind open and was prepared to eat my words.

The reason that I’ve always preferred foil razors to rotary ones is because the circular cutting areas cut in circular motions—meaning with and against the grain of the whisker. Foil razors typically have blades that run side-to-side thereby reducing the chances of shaving against the direction of the whisker growth. Make sense? So, I’ll admit that I’m a little biased.

The Razor: The SensoTouch 3D is one sexy looking razor. It’s black lacquer finish and silver blades really give it some pop. The LED screen to show you battery level is also concealed behind the black finish until your turn it on. A nice touch!

The razor features 3 rotary blade heads that feature a foil-like ring to shave stubble, some larger channels to catch the slightly whiskers and some even larger gaps to catch long hairs. Each blade sits on it’s own independent part of the head to allow all 3 pieces to flex and adjust to the contours of your face. The entire razor head also offers flexibility to increase it’s adaptability even more.

One of the benefits of this fine piece of machinery is that it can also be used wet or dry. Use your favorite shaving cream or use it dry if you’re on the go. I can imagine a lot of guys using this in their cars while sitting in traffic (please don’t.).

The Shave: Before using the razor, I decided to trim my whiskers as short as possible to avoid any tugging. I knew the razor offered some gaps to accommodate long whiskers but I wasn’t about to test that part out. I used my trust Philips Norelco facial hair trimmer, then soaked my face with a hot towel to soften up my beard. I then applied Biotherm Homme Sensitive Shaving Foam and got down to business.

Firing up this bad boy, you can hear the tiny blades working their way around the razor. There’s something pleasing about the sound. The instructions suggest moving the razor in circular motions and moving with the grain of the hair. At first pass, the razor did a great job. It didn’t get clogged with whiskers and shaving cream too quickly and seemed to power through my facial hair without a problem.

The Pros:

• The shave was impressively close! It’s rare to get such a close shave from an electric razor.
• Using shaving cream and warm water with an electric razor makes a huge difference in the quality of the shave. The warm water can really soften up your beard and make it a much more comfortable experience.
• Cleaning the razor was simple. Just rinse it under running water, then place it in the self-cleaning station.

The Cons:

• Shaving with a razor this big sometimes feels like you’re using a spatula. The 3 rotary blades make for one big honker of a razor and reaching some areas (like around the nostrils and chin) were difficult because the blades couldn’t reach.
• I found that I had to go over the same areas multiple times because it wasn’t removing all the whiskers. Even after going over the areas two to three times, I still had to go in with my manual razor to clean up some areas.
• My neck was very irritated in the end. After rinsing off the cream and applying an aftershave, my neck was incredibly red and it looked scraped up. In the razor’s defense, it can take up to three weeks for your skin to get used to shaving with new equipment, so some irritation is expected for sensitive skin like mine.

The cleaning station was nice looking but I worry that the cleaning liquid could easily spill from the container in the bottom if you’re clumsy like me.

Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D (Model 1250XCC), $250, Philips.com

Time was that men wouldn’t be caught dead with hair on their back. Somehow, hair on ones chest became sexy but once you crossed over to the great unknown on the other side of your shoulders, it was out of the question–sort of like the dark side of the moon. Now, it seems the bum could be the next body part to fall prey to the razor and esthetician’s wax.

What do women think of a hairless backside? Do they prefer their men fuzzy or free of hair?

Both shaving and waxing have their own risks. With shaving, you’re prone to razor burn, ingrown hairs, and–for a lack of a better phrase–ass stubble. With waxing, you’re at risk for traumatizing the skin and ending up with two cheeks full of zits and folliculitis (not my idea of a good look). Perhaps James Franco would like to share his techniques with the rest of the class?

Guys? Girls? What do you think? Should hair stay or should it go?

In a true test of endurance, men put aside vanity for 30 days like a hunger strike, or an Ironman athlete forgoing french fries. Let’s be honest, not everyone is Burt Reynolds, and a mustache could look silly. And growing one for 30 days is serious. But know your journey is a righteous one. In the U.S., all money raised is donated to LIVESTRONG and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. In other countries, the money is donated to local cancer charities. In fact, Movember is the world’s largest fundraiser for prostate cancer. That’s nothing to sneeze at.

The idea behind the fundraiser is that by growing a mustache, you create a conversation piece right smack in the middle of your face. People will certainly ask about it and you can take a moment to explain that you’re raising money for charity.

Last year, I raised $800 for Movember (which was matched by my company) and while I aimed for a badass cop stache, I was kindly told by my friends that I looked more like Ned Flanders than Tom Selleck. But I pushed through the difficult times, the jokes, the teasing, and the odd stares.

During those 30 days, I learned a lot about myself. For one, I’m not follicularly blessed and I can’t grow a full mustache in 30 days (one day, I’ll grow up to be a real man!)! Thankfully, there was also a strong sense of brotherhood among Mo Bros (guys participating in Movember). We had about 35 people in my office grow them and we supported one another along the way – the tears, the triumphs, the complicated company matching form. I encourage every man to give it a go whether you can grow a mustache or not! But be warned, it’s not for the weak!

Still need another reason to give it a go? When else do you get a free pass to grow a mustache? Most people are forced to wait until they have a significant amount of time off from work (hopefully a vacation). Your wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, boss, or parents can’t deny the good intentions of raising funds for a worthy cause – even if they aren’t big fans of a furry upper lip. Instead of demanding that you shave, they’ll be forced to support your fundraising efforts.

By Day 30, with your mustache in full bloom, you can walk down the street with your head held high as the wind blows through your whiskers. You’ll feel confident that you’re saving a prostate or two — not to mention a few pairs of helpless testicles. And in major cities, you’ll be invited to attend a Movember party where you and your mustachioed brethren will congratulate one another on a job well done!

Now go forth and grow!

To sign up or learn more about Movember, visit Movember.com

UPDATE: Some people received a note that all the razors have been given away. Gillette has corrected the error and should now work fine. If you participated in the Pro-Glide Challenge last year, you won’t be able to sign up to receive a second razor.

Razors are expensive. So why fork out some cold hard cash to try something new when you’re not sure if it will be better than your current blade? Well, our great friends over at Gillette are offering Homme Grooming readers 200 razors completely free! You read that right. They are so confident about their new Fusion Pro-Glide, that they are giving them away.  So, I know what you’re thinking. How do I get one of these newfangled, five-bladed bad boys?  It’s simple! Just click the Pro-Glide Widget in the sidebar!

The Fusion Pro-Glide Razor features a completely overhauled design that improves on the original five-blade Fusion:

• Thinner blades – with a low-resistance coating to reduce tug and pull on your whiskers.
• “Enhanced Lubrastrip” – The larger strip contains more mineral oil and lubricating polymers to help the razor move smoothly over the skin.
• “Snowplow Comfort Guard” – Okay, the name is silly, but it is designed to clear away any excess shaving cream, foam, oil and other preparations while stretching the skin before it reaches the blade.
• Microcomb – A new comb that helps to guide hair to the blade more efficiently.
• Blade Stabilizer – Helps to maintain optimal blade spacing for comfort while allowing them to adjust to the contours of your mug.
• Precision Trimmer Upgrade – They added a comb card to help align long hairs and made it easier to clean.
• Redesigned Handle – A bigger, more ergonomic grip that allows for better control and comfort.

This is your chance to take the razor for a test drive on your own! My only request is that you report back! I’d love to hear what you think of the razor. If you’d like to give Gillette your feedback directly, you can find them on Facebook or Twitter (or tweet out your review with the hashtag #ProGlideChallenge).

We asked a member of our Average Joe Panel, Dan Burke, to take Neutrogena’s latest shaving and skin care offerings for a spin. Here’s what he had to say!

Neutrogena Men Razor Defense Shaving Cream for Sensitive Skin, $5.49, Drugstore.com

The shaving cream was unlike any I’ve seen before. Given that I buy shaving cream maybe once a year, that’s probably not all that surprising. The main difference was that instead of a thick foam, it lathers on as a thin film, similar to when you put too much suntan lotion on your skin and you can’t get it all to absorb. I was skeptical, but the first stroke down my cheek allayed my concerns. My several-day-old whiskers were dispatched without a problem. I did nick my chin several times, which is a rarity for me, but it may have been carelessness on my part. My neck, which I usually nick at least once, remained unscathed. Recommended; four stars out of five.

Neutrogena Men Post Shave Balm for Sensitive Skin, $6.99, Drugstore.com

The aftershave was fine, but nothing to write home about. Despite being alcohol-free, it still burned about as much as any other aftershave. After that burning subsided, though, it did leave my face feeling cool and a little more refreshed. I’d use it again. Recommended; three stars out of five.

Neutrogena Men Sensitive Skin Oil-Free Moisture SPF 30 with Helioplex $6.99, Drugstore.com

The moisturizer exceeded my expectations, I must say. I’m not a big moisturizer user in general, but this went on without any greasy residue, and 12 waking hours later my face still feels, well, nice is actually the best word to describe it. Even with my stubble beginning to grow back, my cheeks and neck are still soft. Independent female observers (read: ladies that have no interest in sleeping with me) also confirmed said softness, and complimented the aroma of the moisturizer, as well. Recommended; four stars out of five.

Get Task Essentials up to 70 percent off from Gilt Man. The Swiss skin care line’s Anti-aging and shaving products range from $10 to $39 each.

The sale ends 12/15 at 9pm PST, so you had better hurry.

Visit GiltMan.com

Looking for that perfect gift for your boyfriend, no-strings bed-buddy or friend who happens to be a boy. We’ve got you covered. In the first of our series of Gift Guides, here are five can’t-miss gifts for the man who has everything. –Seth Howard

Kiehl’s Scented Lip Balm #1, $9 (.05 fl oz), Kiehls.com
The holiday season is all about kissing. Whether under the mistle-toe or ringing in the New Year, you’re sure to catch a pucker at some point! Make sure his lips (and yours) are ready to go with Kiehl’s Mango Scented Lip Balm. There are a few flavors available, but in the depths of winter, why not go with something a bit more tropical?

Dr. Sebagh Anti-Pollution Purifying Mask, $80 (100ml), Barneys.com
Heading to a city for holidays? Dr. Sebagh’s Anti-Pollution Purifying Mask will keep your guy looking his best. With its environmental protection film, this mask guards against UV rays and free radical agents like pollution.  Just because you’re partying into the New Year, it doesn’t have to be written all over your face.

Clarins Skin Difference, $38 (1.06 fl oz), Clarins.com
Men often like to grow their facial hair during the winter months for extra warmth. Those snuggling up to them, however, usually find it less enjoyable. This season, get your guy hooked on Clarins Skin Difference, and you’ll both reap the benefits. Skin Difference’s dual formula conditions skin and hair simultaneously making the hair softer and shaving easier.

Bumble and bumble The Live Richly Box, $52, Bumbleandbumble.com
That cold winter’s breeze will do more damage than just tossing your tressles. Keep your man’s mane moisturized and coifed with Bumble’s Live Richly Box. The set includes their Gentle Shampoo, Super Rich Conditioner, and Styling Lotion – oh, there’s even a comb included. Even if he won’t make the effort to style it, these products will protect his hair from the woes of winter.

Creed Spice and Wood, $550 (8.4 oz), CreedBoutique.com
The latest addition to the Creed family, Spice and Wood is a masculine embodiment of an ageless romance – that of Cleopatra and Roman general Antony. It’s the second fragrance celebrating Creed’s 250th Anniversary, and has notes of cedar, oak moss, bergamot and lemons. Giving the gift of great fragrance is really a gift to yourself and those around you… but we’ll keep that a secret.

The brand with its unique scents have become a powerhouse in men’s grooming, slowly consuming shelf space in drugstores as it expands into new categories. First the body sprays, then the antiperspirants and body washes, and now hair care and styling products.

Axe is a great brand for young guys who don’t want to spend a lot of money but are learning the importance of smelling good. It’s not a Givenchy or a Calvin Klein eau de toilette but the brand does a great job educating young men that if you want to get attention from the fairer sex, smelling good is a great way to improve your game.

Piggybacking on the success of Axe Hair care and styling products, the brand just launched three new 2-in-1 shampoo-and-conditioners. The new formulas that take washing your hair to a new level. It’s not just about the fragrance but the experience. With added ingredients like peppermint leaf, tea tree oil and citrus, guys will experience a warming, tingling or cooling sensation. A simple shampoo becomes more refreshing and therapeutic.

Previously, many of these ingredients and experiences were reserved for higher-priced lines like Bumble and bumble’s Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Oil line, or Aveda’s Rosemary Mint Shampoo and Conditioner. Axe brings these experiences and ingredients to the masses at an affordable price.

• AXE Downpour Refreshing Mint Shampoo with peppermint leaf extract refreshes guys so they feel clean and cool.
• AXE Heat Igniting Citrus 2 in 1 Shampoo + Conditioner with warming spices and citrus.
• AXE Zen Soothing Tea Tree Shampoo with real tea tree extract, a natural astringent that’s great for oily hair.

Let’s be honest, most men (unless they dye or treat their hair in some way) don’t need to spend a ton of cash on a high-priced salon brand shampoo or conditioner. With short hair and frequent daily washing, using a gentle shampoo and conditioner designed for everyday use is all you need.

$4.99 for a 12oz. bottle, available at drugstores nationwide.

Enter to Win The Products!

Axe and HOMME Grooming are giving away 1 FULL SET of shampoos and styling products from Axe (that’s 10 shampoos/conditioner and 5 styling products) including the three new products. Can you say early Christmas gift? You won’t need to buy shampoo and styling products for a YEAR (maybe).

Here’s how to be entered to win: (This Contest is Over, but stay tuned for more giveaways!)

1. Vote for Homme Grooming in the Cravat Awards (click here).
2. Once you’ve voted, share this post with your Twitter followers and include a #hommegrooming tag so we can keep track of your vote. The more tweets you send out with the #hommegrooming hashtag, the more entries you’ll receive!

We will announce the winner on our Twitter account @hommegrooming on Monday, December 13th. Stay tuned!

The winner is @KennyLong24! Congratulations! We hope you’ll continue to spread the word about Homme Grooming.

The joy of travel might be lost forever thanks to overzealous TSA security screening procedures. From invasive x-rays, gratuitous pat downs and strict limits on your toiletries, it’s nice to know that one company wants to make sure you look just as good upon your arrival as when you departed. Meet men-u, a collection of ultra-concentrated, high-performance products that save space, time and even the environment.

Not only will their TSA-approved bottles last you over six months, but the products contain skin-friendly ingredients for simple skin care. Here’s what you get:

• A Shaving Brush to raise the beard up and away from the face and to create a rich lather.
• Shaving Cream with lubricants and moisturizers to soften the beard & provide slip for a close shave while protecting skin from irritation and razor burn. Provides 165 shaves (nearly 6 months worth!).
• Face Wash for post-shaving cleansing. Cleanses, soothes and calms the skin to protect skin from razor burn, razor bumps and rash. Contains tea tree, a natural antiseptic and antibacterial, as well as witch hazel and aloe to help calm and soothe skin. Provides up to 200 washes.
• An oil-free moisturizer provides a matte finish. Natural mint and menthol provides a gentle cooling sensation for post-shaving relief.
• The set includes a travel case.

men-u Ultimate Shaving & Skin Care Kit, $59.99 (an $82 value), available at men-uusa.com

WIN IT NOW! In the spirit of giving, HOMME GROOMING and men-u are giving away 1 men-u Ultimate Shaving & Skin Care Kit! Here’s how you can win:

1. Click “E-mail this Post” below and send it to all of your friends! For every person you email, you’ll receive an entry in the drawing to win. The more friends you email, the more chances you can win!

2. Post a comment on this post with your best TSA-security screening story!