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

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.

But first, please indulge me: I love product launches. But for the wrong reason.

Speaker 1: “Guys lose their hair, shaving sucks, here’s how we can help.”

Speaker 2: “Try this new whiskey and get your shoes shined in the fancy library we’ve rented just for you.”

Really.

That’s how it went down Johnson & Johnson’s “Men’s Product Showcase” last week. Not that I’m complaining. The whisky earned an A+. But a brand as advanced as J&J, which owns Neutrogena, doesn’t need to butch it up to release a new shave balm for guys with sensitive skin. Leave that to the brands trying to sell guyliner.

Now, about that balm: It’s one of three new products along with a daily moisturizer (SPF 30!) and a shave cream.

Neutrogena already has a line for guys with sensitive skin. Yet these products are now their super-soothing-est because of Pro-Soothe Technology, an awkward name for a handful of good ingredients (soy, glycerine, vitamins).

The lowdown.

The balm is cool and the shave creamy is slippery. They left my post-shave face calm. But the real winner was the Neutrogena Men Sensitive Skin Oil-Free Moisture SPF 30.  To get such a high SPF, I figured the cream would feel like goo—but it doesn’t. It’s lightweight, fragrance-free, and passes the “Slick Test.” I’ve been using it for a week and don’t look or feel like I’m wearing anything.

The high SPF is thanks to Helioplex, the stable blend of broad-spectrum sunblockers in most of Neutrogena’s popular and effective sunscreen products. It’s also the reason why their Sport Spray is always in my dopp kit.

ps: More on that hair-loss news coming soon! Stay tuned.

Neutrogena Men Sensitive Skin Oil-Free Moisture SPF 30, $6.49 (1.7 oz.), visit drugstore.com —Aaron Krach

When you don’t get enough sleep, it is hell on your body. According to Harvard Medical School, sleep is important for:

1. 1. Learning and memory: Sleep helps the brain commit new information to memory through a process called memory consolidation. In studies, people who’d slept after learning a task did better on tests later.
   2. Metabolism and weight: Chronic sleep deprivation may cause weight gain by affecting the way our bodies process and store carbohydrates, and by altering levels of hormones that affect our appetite.
   3. Safety: Sleep debt contributes to a greater tendency to fall asleep during the daytime. These lapses may cause falls and mistakes such as medical errors, air traffic mishaps, and road accidents.
   4. Mood: Sleep loss may result in irritability, impatience, inability to concentrate, and moodiness. Too little sleep can also leave you too tired to do the things you like to do.
   5. Cardiovascular health: Serious sleep disorders have been linked to hypertension, increased stress hormone levels, and irregular heartbeat.
   6. Disease: Sleep deprivation alters immune function, including the activity of the body’s killer cells. Keeping up with sleep may also help fight cancer.

Recognizing the importance of sleep, Kiehl’s Since 1851 has released the Midnight Recovery Concentrate, a nighttime serum designed to help restore your skin overnight, making it look better and younger by morning. The serum is 98.9 perecent natural, paraben-free, and included oils of evening primrose and lavender, and moisturizing squalane that works with the skin’s natural oils. Use two to three drops each night before bed and wake up to better-looking skin.

As part of Kiehl’s effort to launch the Midnight Recovery Concentrate, they kick off the Midnight Recovery Diaries today. The Diaries challenge a handful of high-powered insomniacs (including me!) to go to bed before midnight for two weeks while using the new serum. Watch my progress over the two-week challenge and vote for me.

If you’re an insomniac, you’re invited to take part in the challenge as well, just click over to MidnightRecoveryDiaries.com for details.

Photo by Hairy Jacques (Flickr)

Got a burning question for Donatella Versace? Who doesn’t! Now’s your chance to ask her!  Starting today, she’ll be accepting questions from fans of her Facebook page. She’ll answer them with short videos after her show on Friday. [WWD]

Get the long and the short… well, short anyway… on Thom Browne–Menswear’s favorite purveyor of ankle-baring pants, cardigans and the ’50s-style suit. [Out]

London Fashion Week is obviously not for the weak. Sass and Bide’s invite was crafted to look like broken glass and left recipients reaching for Band-Aids. [Fashionista]

Colin Farrell has cleaned up his look. His mustache and goatee are looking neat and tidy. Women will swoon once again over the lad. [She Knows Best]

Gillette launches its Odor Shield line. This must mean that Spring is right around the corner. The line of body washes, deodorants and antiperspirants are designed to keep you smelling fresh and not foul–all day long. [She Knows Best]

Improve more than your hand-eye coordination while playing video games by taking style cues from these (pixelated) leading men.

In the early days of interactive entertainment, video game characters’ style was more of an afterthought. After all, when you’re made up of a handful of blocky pixels, no one can really tell if you’re wearing an Armani suit of a suit of armor.

In contrast, today’s games include near-photo-realistic graphics, so your in-game avatar’s wardrobe is impossible to miss. This gives gamers a whole new generation of style icons to emulate — from sports stars to action heroes.

Of course, if you follow video game style trends blindly, you might end up wearing overalls and a red plumber’s cap — so pick your icons carefully!

We asked stylists Jorge Ramon and Diane Davis of the Stylelist Web site to examine a lineup of the five most fashion-forward male characters from today’s hottest video games. Here’s who got the joysticks-up and why:

1. James Bond: “Quantum of Solace”
Double-oh-seven has been making tuxes look good for more than 40 years. This latest video game version in the James Bond franchise has him sporting a classic look.

Jorge Ramon: Black and white and kicking butt all over, you can never go wrong in a classic tuxedo. Tailoring is key for a well-fitted and dramatic look. Nothing is worse than an ill-fitting suit that is either too big or small for the guy in it. Do yourself a favor: Go to your local tailor — some dry cleaners offer this service too. Also, have at least one navy suit (pinstripes are always stylish) and a gray suit — these are wardrobe workhorses for guys.

Diane Davis: It’s pretty hard to get more stylish than James Bond. Tom Ford dressed Daniel Craig for Quantum of Solace [and Craig was, in turn, digitally scanned for the game], and boy, do those suits sing. Don’t be afraid to invest in classic suits and tailored shirts — you really can wear those looks for many years.

2. Jin Kazama: “Tekken”
Workout gear doesn’t have to look drab, as this “Tekken” fighting game star proves. Known for his high kicks and acrobatic flips, Jin favors loose-fitting patterned track pants and a generous dose of hair product.

Ramon: Can you say B-U-F-F? Jin’s shredded upper body is the perfect attention grabber that punctuates the gold embroidery on his traditional ying-yang inspired black-and-white flame pants. Black and white is a color combination that will never steer you wrong: A black suit and white shirt can work in many situations — from boardroom (with a slick, square-bottom black tie) to date night (open collar). Just make sure these looks are fitted and your accessories (sorry, Jin, I’d skip the gold in this case) complement the overall look (i.e., good shoes and a belt are a must — and keep them black!).

Davis: Jin is following a cardinal style rule and emphasizing his best asset: his ripped torso. This is not a look easy to replicate at home. But you might be able to find a few pairs of flaming pants that, when combined with the right haircut and some muscles, evoke the same general feeling.

3. Snow Villiers: “Final Fantasy”
A rebel with a cause, fighting the evil Sanctum in “Final Fantasy XIII” (yes, the 13th game in the series), we’re guessing Snow was named after his shock of platinum-blond hair (in sharp contrast to his fiery temper).

Ramon: A classic trench is a must in a well-dressed man’s wardrobe. Versatile and actually useful in the rain, this piece will look amazing over a suit; or with jeans, plaid shirt and a chunky sweater. If you want to get your rocker on, trench coats also come in black. 

Davis: Snow has definite cyberpunk appeal. His trench coat pulls together the entire look, and his studded belts are making a comeback from the 1980s right now. I am digging these two-tone combat boots — they remind me of shoes I’ve seen in a designer’s fall 2009 lineup. I’m not sure you can get Snow’s look off the shelf, but the classic trench is a must-have for every man. Even if you can’t afford designer prices, look for quality details when you do buy a raincoat: topstitching, epaulets and straps at the wrists.

4. Leon Kennedy: “Resident Evil”
One of the mainstays of the long-running “Resident Evil” series, Leon Kennedy manages to look sharp even when blasting brain-hungry zombies. Part of his mojo comes from how he moves effortlessly from his police blues to Indiana Jones-style leather jackets (and honestly, part of it is that always-perfect hair).

Ramon: Right on trend, Leon’s look is strong, masculine and simple — proving less is more. The monochromatic black puts the shearling jacket center stage. And don’t let the initial investment of a shearling jacket deter you from wearing a look that will serve you for many years to come. Keep it casual with jeans, layered tees and boots, or even dress trousers with a turtleneck and a dress shoe/boot. This jacket is manly but always fashionable, and the older it gets, the better it looks.

Davis: Leon makes cargo pants and camo look cool by pairing them with a classic leather jacket. He’s clearly dressed for his job and has the confidence to throw trends to the wind. A classic leather bomber can definitely lend any man panache. Just be sure to buy one made from soft but thick quality leather — and no 1980s shoulder pads.

5. Tiger Woods: “Tiger Woods PGA Tour”
If millions of fans were watching your every move under the bright midday sun, you’d be pretty careful about how you dressed too. Not everyone can pull off the classic polo-shirt-and-cap look, but Tiger makes it look effortless — like it’s just part of his job.

Ramon: Fashion plate? Who cares when you’re Tiger Woods! The effortless “golf chic” shirt keeps his lines clean, simple and refined while highlighting those champion guns. Less can be more when dressing your best. The key is to pay attention to the details: Fit is crucial (too loose or too tight is not an option), experiment with color (Tiger’s lucky red works for many skin tones) and always make sure your shoes are shined and well-maintained. Never wear white socks with dress shoes or black socks with shorts. And remember that a baseball cap is not a hairstyle — c’mon guys, you’re big boys now!

Davis: It’s hard to look stylish in polo shirts and pleated pants, but Tiger always pulls it off. You can find polo shirts at any department or discount store. The secret to looking good in them is twofold: First, find one that fits your body type. (Don’t wear one that’s two sizes too big or that gaps at the arm.) Second, take good care of it. If you want it to look crisp and tailored, air-dry it flat, making sure to smooth out all the wrinkles.

Libe Goad is the editor in chief of AOL’s GameDaily video game Web site and a semi-regular TV talking head on CNBC, Bloomberg News, ABC, CBS, NBC and other stations. She was named one of the 50 Most Influential Games Journalists by the Global Game Industry Network.

How much does your nose know when it comes to how you should smell? Here’s our scents-ible primer.

When it comes to cologne, chances are you fall into one of two categories: You either douse yourself daily with the same brand you’ve used since high school (“It worked for me then, so it has to work for me now, right?”) or you avoid the stuff and prefer to go au naturel (“Chicks really dig my pheromones”).

Whichever one sounds more like you, it’s time to rethink. If you’re the brand-loyal douser, now’s the time to update your scent and tone down your method of application. And if you’re scent-free, consider this before you swear off cologne for good: Scientists at the University of Liverpool have recently discovered that the mere act of applying fragrance boosts a man’s self-confidence to the degree of increasing his sex appeal.

If that isn’t enough to send you running to the nearest duty-free store, well, then, you probably need something a little stronger than cologne to help you out.

Here’s how to find your secret scent weapon of choice and wield it for the most effect. The ladies will never know what hit them.

Pick a Family

Unlike your complex relatives, there are only five different cologne “families” (that’s fragrance industry-speak): Citrus (light and fruity), Oriental (spicy and sweet), Fougere (pronounced foo-JER: mossy and oakey), Chypre (pronounced SHEE-pr; woodsy and floral) and Marine (think fresh, salty sea air).

Each category has its own allure, and even season — Orientals and Fougeres are more popular in cold winter months because they smell spicy and warm, while Marine and Citrus are more popular in summer because they offer a cool and refreshing contrast to the heat.

If you already know which category you like best, that’s great, skip to the next section. If not, think about how you want to smell as opposed to how you think you should smell. And ask your girlfriend what smells she likes best. After all, that’s why you’re wearing it, right? Many guys assume that women are attracted to “manly” smells like musk and oak, when in fact, your lady may be more inclined to nuzzle up to a whiff of cucumber and licorice. (There was an actual study linking those aromas to increased sexual arousal in women.)

Take a Test Drive
Fragrances smell different on different people due to a number of chemical factors — skin type, pH levels, sweat glands, etc. — so just because a certain fragrance smells godly when it mingles with the DNA of David Beckham doesn’t mean it’ll smell good on a mere mortal like you (though we’re dying to know how you got to smell Beckham). This means you’re going to need to take trip to a department store (one with a well-stocked men’s scent counter) and try them out.

Find a few colognes with the general scent profile you think you’ll like, then spray them on those little pieces of paper at the counter. Take a sniff, wave it around, wait a few minutes, repeat (wouldn’t hurt to bring a woman with you, since you might not be able to objectively judge your own scent). Fragrances have what the industry calls top, middle and base notes, which basically means they’ll smell different the longer they’ve been in the air (or on your skin). The “top note” is the first (and strongest) smell your nose picks up, and it will dissipate over time.

Don’t Hit the Bottle Too Hard
When it comes to applying cologne, the biggest mistake guys make is to go overboard. If a little bit makes you smell good, then a lot will make you smell even better, right? Wrong. People should be able to detect your smell when they’re within a few inches of you, not when you’re across the room. A few spritzes right after you get out of the shower is plenty.

If you want to make a bottle last even longer, keep it in the fridge. Just don’t reach for it before you’ve had your coffee and accidentally spritz yourself with that bottle of I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter. (Don’t worry, your secret is safe with us.)

Jessica Lothstein is a former editor at Best Life magazine. She was awarded a Fifi from the Fragrance Foundation for editorial excellence in fragrance coverage.

AskMen.com, one of the web’s premiere destinations for all things enjoyed by men (read: women, cars, booze, sports and women)—and one of our favorite sites—asked over 50,000 of its readers to answer some tough questions about love, sex, money and style. And you might be surprised how American men measured up against guys in Canada, Australia and the UK.

The second annual survey revealed some interesting insights into the minds of men.

When it comes to grooming, 43 percent of American men admitted they “maintain daily basic hygiene, a regular haircut, and additional skin care.” That measley 43 percent put American men in last place behind gentlemen in the UK (55%), Canada (45%) and Australia (45%). However, when it comes to keeping up a “daily basic hygiene, a regular haircut, additional skin care, and the occasional manicure and pedicure,” American men led the pack with 4 percent—Canada came in second with 3 percent while the UK and Australia shared third with 2 percent.  Okay, so 4 percent is not exactly a high score, but we’ll accept any triumphs that we can.

When it comes to fashion, most American AskMen.com readers own 1 to 3 suits (65%) and 4 to 6 pairs of shoes (46%).  Unfortunately, Americans took last place in both categories. Survey participants also agreed that Italian men are the most stylish in the world.  Perhaps some American men need to spend more holidays in Milan and Rome.

In attracting a mate, abs are the new pecs. A majority of men believe women appreciate a toned midsection most.  84 percent of men look for wife potential in a girlfriend, 69 percent have fantasized about a girlfriend or wife’s friend but only 17 percent say they would cheat. For more interesting facts, visit AskMen.com. See all 100 questions and how men from each country responded. How will YOU measure up?

This April, Clarins Men will expand it’s offerings with five new products. Three of the products will target the visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, skin sagging and rough texture. The other two focus on invigorating the skin and fighting signs of fatigue (read: hangovers, late nights, jet lag) like puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.  If you’re in your 20s, you might stick with more invigorating products, leaving the line-control formulas for your 30s and beyond, when the war against wrinkles becomes more pressing.

With the launch comes new packaging and a great new look. Clarins is world renowned for its skin remedies and powerful plant-derived ingredients sourced from all over the world, and these new additions are no exception.

Here, we take roll of the newest additions to the Clarins Men lineup, their key ingredients—and their claimed benefits:

Anti-Fatigue Eye Serum ($29)–Ginkgo biloba aims to reduces puffiness and dark circles (i.e. erases signs of a Monday morning hangover). Ginseng, bison grass and galanga extracts comfort the fragile skin around the eye while boosting stimulation stimulate skin. Oat sugars tighten the skin and smoothing away fine lines. And trehalose prevents moisture loss while purslane soothes and softens the skin.

Line Control Balm ($52) and Line Control Cream ($52)– Paracress is supposed to reduce wrinkles while firming skin. Caffeine (a vasodilator) minimizes the loss of firmness said to “slow the formation of a double chin through lipolytic action.” Bison grass promotes blood circulation while Shea butter moisturizes and nourishes the skin. The balm and cream both Clarins’ patented Expertise 3P Complex to fight environmental stressors and pollution.

Line Control Eye Balm ($35)–In addition to paracress, oat sugars, moisturizing shea butter and purslane extract, the Line Control Eye Balm includes maritime pine, an extract, the company says, that stimulates circulation in the eye area and reduces the appearance of dark circles.

Revitalizing Gel ($36)–In addition to ginseng, bison grass, galanga and purslane extracts, the Revitalizing Gel contains Clarins’ Expertise 3P Complex and Goji extract from the Himalayas to invigorate the skin.

Visit ClarinsMen.com to find a retailer near you, or visit Bloomingdales.com.

(Photos courtesy of Clarins)

The first style has a natural, kind of organic look that’s a tad messy with a soft shine. The hair is brushed forward and across, and the bangs lay across the forehead. The other looks (below) continue to follow fashion’s obsession with Mad Men and the classic men’s looks of the buttoned-up 50s. Slick and all-business, but with some high-shine gel adding some serious polish.

(Photos courtesy of Aveda)