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?

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!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals aren’t just for the ladies. Here, we’re wrangling up the grooming deals for guys. From electric shavers and toothbrushes to high-techlight treatments and motorized facial scrubbers, we’ve got you covered this holiday season. If you’ve got a tip on a hot deal for products, send us a tip! Check back here all week for updates!

Every Man Jack

Cyber Monday Only

Get 10% all orders. Enter promo code: “Cyber”
All orders over $75 that use the promo code will be entered into a drawing to win an Every Man Jack gift basket valued at more than $75.

Visit: EveryManJack.com

Target (details here)

Available: Friday (while supplies last)

Norelco Sensotouch Wet/Dry Electric Razor $89.99 ($10 off)
Oral-B Professional Care Toothbrush $34.99 ($35 off!, Door Buster, while supplies last)

Walmart (details here)

Available: All Day, Friday

Philips Sonicare Essence Electric Toothbrush $37.97
Philips Norelco 7363 Electric Shaver $37.97

KMart (day/time details here)

Available: All Day, Friday (while supplies last)

Electric Shavers

Prices: $14.99 to 19.99:
Philips Norelco G370
Conair GMT189
Remington PG-360

Prices $24.99 to $39.99
Philips Norelco 6490
Braun Series 1
Remington R-3130
Remington R-5130

Price: $49.99
Philips Norelco 7810

Fragrance Gift Sets $15.99
Axe Gift Sets $1.00 off

Costco (details here)

ANSR: Beam Visibly Better Skin Pack $99.99 ($30 off)

Anthony For Men
Anthony For Men is offering 20% off any purchase on anthony.com from Nov.22nd- 26th.
On Cyber Monday (Nov. 29), get 20% off any purchase plus a free Tool Kit and complimentary ground shipping with any purchase of $50 or more.
Visit: www.anthony.com

Dr. Gerald Imber Youth Corridor
Nov. 26 to Dec. 3 Only
Get 20% off Youth Corridor Antioxidant Boost Skin Serum
Enter Discount Code 20CyberYC at Checkout
Visit: drimber.com

Zeno
Black Friday through Cyber Monday (Nov. 26 to 29 Only)
25% off the entire site for 4 days – Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Also get free shipping!
Visit: www.myzeno.com

AHAVA
Cyber Monday Deals (Nov. 29 Only)
Spend $50 and get 15% off PLUS a deluxe size Hand/Body/Foot Cream with code GIVE15;
Spend $100 and get 20% off PLUS a deluxe size Hand/Body/Foot Cream, an Exfoliating Washcloth, and a Botanic Bliss Set, with code GIVE20
Spend $200 and get 30% off PLUS a deluxe size Hand/Body/Foot Cream, an Exfoliating Washcloth, and a Botanic Bliss Set, with code GIVE30.
Visit: www.AHAVA.com

LovelySkin.com
On Black Friday, LovelySkin.com will offer 25% off the entire site (Including men’s and unisex products from Murad, B. Kamins, MD Forte, La Roche-Posay and many men’s fragragrances).
Plus, you can earn double rewards points and receive a free Obagi ELASTIderm Eye product with a purchase of $200 or more.
On Cyber Monday, LovelySkin will offer 25% off the entire site and all purchases over $200 will receive a freeNeocutis Lumiere Eye Cream.
No discount code needed.
Visit: lovelyskin.com

Clarisonic
All “Skincare Pairs” that are purchased this Cyber Monday will be 20% off. Products such as the Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System, Opal Sonic Infusion, brush heads and cleansers bought in pairs will be included in this special. There is free shipping on all orders as well as a free gift with purchase: a Limited Edition Pink Brush Head (Normal), 6 oz. Gentle Hydro Cleanser and travel bag ($65 value). Clarisonic brushes make great gift for guys with beards!
Visit: www.clarisonic.com

Tweezerman
Cyber Monday Only! Enjoy free shipping on all orders over $45 and a free gift with any order over $75.
Visit: www.tweezerman.com

Shobha
For Cyber Monday only, buy 1 at-home hair removal or after care product (i.e. ingrown hair relief, rosewater toner) online and get a 2^nd free (same product). Simply choose “buy one, get one free” from the drop down menu before putting the product in the shopping bag.
Also, enjoy free shipping on all domestic orders! Enter coupon code “FSH2010” during checkout when choosing shipping.
Visit: www.myshobha.com

The Bearded Gentleman is the complete guide to beards, mustaches and sideburns from the industry’s leading grooming writers. It’s a must-have for men young and old.

About the Book:
For centuries, men have been growing and styling their facial hair, whether for the sake of vanity, religion, or cultural considerations, but most of us don’t give it a second thought. The Bearded Gentleman is an authoritative yet lighthearted guide that offers detailed information on some fifty specific facial hair styles: where they come from, how to grow them, and how to maintain them.

Among them are many well-known styles, such as the Handlebar, the Fu Manchu, the Goatee, the Van Dyck, and the more recent Soul Patch. But there are also those that are less familiar, including the Horseshoe, the Lampshade, the Painter’s Brush, the Landing Strip, the French Fork, and El Insecto (a.k.a. The Mighty). There’s also practical advice on choosing a facial hair style that’s right for you, as well as insight into how facial hair has figured in the history of masculinity, including its impact on politics, class, and sexuality.

The Bearded Gentleman is an entertaining, witty, and useful guide to facial hair styles and the men who wear them.

Reviews:

“Facial hair is totally BACK!!!! But anyone attempting to navigate this treacherous and codified world without consulting Nick Burns and Allan Peterkin is destined for gruesome public humiliation.” – Simon Doonan, author of Eccentric Glamour and Creative Director of Barneys New York.

“Equal parts humorous and informative, ‘The Bearded Gentleman’ is a must-read for guys who have or are considering facial hair. Burns and Peterkin provide thoughtful advice on growing, styling and upkeep, with advice from some of the industry’s leading experts along the way. Did you know there are right and wrong beard styles for your face shape? Read this book and look your best.”

—Brian Boye, Fashion & Grooming Director, Men’s Health

A must for every man with a beard or the man planning to grow one!
—Phil Olsen, Beard Team USA

Allan Peterkin and Nick Burns have come to the rescue of men everywhere! At once funny and incredibly informative, The Bearded Gentleman waxes poetic about facial hair and saves the modern man from overgrown embarrassment. From tips on eyebrows to laser hair removal and the perfect shaving kit, the authors leave no stone unturned. Here is a book that should be issued to every man in America.
—Casey Gillespie, Editor in Chief, ZINK Magazine

About the Authors:

Allan Peterkin is the author of numerous books including 1000 Beards: A Cultural History of Facial Hair. He grew up in Winnipeg and completed degrees in literature and medicine. He is a writer and doctor now living in Toronto

Nick Burns is one of the leading writers on men’s grooming. As a journalist, he has covered skin care, fashion, and health for leading magazines and newspapers including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, GQ, Details, Elle Accessories, Out, and Zink, and he pens the popular men’s style blog, HommeGrooming.com. He lives in San Francisco, California. For more information, visit his website at nickburns.net.

For more information about The Bearded Gentleman, visit: Beardedgentleman.com

The humble Dopp kit — named after its early 20th century inventor, leather craftsman Charles Doppelt — has come a long way since it was a standard-issue razor-and-toothbrush carrier for WWII GIs. Just as modern man’s grooming needs have evolved to include more than a bar of soap and bucket of warm water, so have the innards of his Dopp kit.

Think of it as your personal arsenal of grooming weapons — whether you’re headed off on a relief mission or simply prepping for another war at the office. Here’s everything you need:

1. Face wash

Put down the bar of soap and step away from the sink. Seriously. Now. Soap is drying and irritating. The trick here is to dissolve dirt and clean skin without stripping away all the oil, which can actually cause your skin to overcompensate by producing excess oil. And remember, when it comes to your face, you don’t want to over-cleanse. Once a day, preferably before you shave, is enough.

What to look for:

If you have dry skin, select a cream-based cleanser. If your face looks like an oil spill, look for an oil-free, soap-free liquid. And if you’re especially prone to breakouts, choose one that contains salicylic acid.

2. Pre-shave oil

Think of this as a primer for the second coat (that would be the shave cream). It softens skin and hairs to prevent razor burn and provides a super-slick surface for the razor to glide across.

What to look for:

Opt for natural plant-based softeners like coconut oil or olive oil, instead of petroleum-based products, which can clog pores.

3. Sensitive skin shave cream
Even if you don’t think you have sensitive skin, choosing a “sensitive skin” cream, gel or foam can help protect against redness and irritation.

What to look for:

Opt for one that contains aloe, glycerin and mineral oil — key ingredients that soften and soothe.

4. Shaving brush
This old-school tool is making a major comeback thanks to properly educated barbers and sophisticated consumers. It doesn’t just feel good on your skin, it’s backed by actual science: The gentle action of the bristles exfoliates skin and removes dead skin cells, then fluffs up your whiskers so they’re standing straight up for a closer shave.

What to look for:

Select one made out of badger hair — it’s more expensive than boar but is higher-quality and softer on your face. (Plus, it will last a lifetime.)

5. Razor

If you’re still using the cheap disposable kind or one with too few blades, it’s time for a major upgrade.

What to look for:

Research has actually demonstrated the benefits of multiple-blade razors. The basic science is that the first blade engages the hair and pulls it out of the follicle so that the subsequent blades can cut the hair further down the shaft. Translation: a closer, smoother shave with less risk of nicks and cuts.

6. Styptic pencil
This short, medicated stick is a blast from the past that helps stop bleeding fast if you get a nick or cut. It stings but it works.

What to look for:

Aluminum sulfate in the ingredient list.

7. Aftershave
Use an aftershave gel or balm to calm the skin and reduce irritation.

What to look for:

Skip alcohol-based products, which can cause irritation and dryness. Instead, choose one that contains aloe and vitamin E — Mother Nature’s original soothing and healing agents.

8. Electric nose and ear hair trimmer
You don’t need two separate tools — one will do.

What to look for:

Look for an electric rotary version: It uses a rotary blade system that cuts in a circular motion to trim along the inside of the walls without getting too close. Other key features to look for are a built-in LED light (to help guide you in those dark cavities) and an integrated vacuum system (to collect hair as it trims).

9. Moisturizer
Contrary to every TV ad, face cream isn’t just about preventing wrinkles and fine lines: It helps keep your skin hydrated, protects against sun and wind, and can even promote skin cell regeneration.

What to look for:

If your skin is dry, look for ingredients like shea butter and aloe. If you’re prone to breakouts, look for an oil-free version labeled “noncomedogenic.” Either way, always choose one that contains sunscreen. (The American Academy of Dermatology recently upgraded its minimum SPF recommendation from 15 to 30.)

10. Eye cream
The finest, most delicate skin on your face is around your eyes. That’s also the first place to show signs of aging (like puffiness, crow’s feet and dark circles).

What to look for:

If your main objective is to reduce puffiness, pick a product that contains cucumber and caffeine (to soothe and tighten) with a roll-on application — the simple act of rolling it on helps redistribute lymphatic buildup under the eye skin. To combat dark under-eye circles, look for a product with vitamin K — studies have shown it can be an effective treatment because our body uses this vitamin in clotting.

11. Lip balm
Let’s face it: No one wants to kiss a pair of cracked smackers.

What to look for:

A non-petroleum-based product. It moisturizes without drying and promotes faster healing.

12. Stainless steel
This blanket category goes for all those little metal doodads: grooming scissors, nail clippers and tweezers. And when we say stainless steel, we mean it: You might be tempted to cut corners and go for the cheapest versions, but when you’re manscaping and clipping your sensitive zones, do you really want to risk diving in with rusty, dull blades? Didn’t think so. >

What to look for:

Select tools that can accommodate the size of your mitts. More and more companies are coming out with “man-sized” grooming tools for this very reason.

13. Hair styling products
Here you have many options, including gel, for an all-day, extra-strong hold with a bit of a wet look a la “Mad Men,” or paste/putty for a textured and spiky bed-head look.

What to look for:

If you’re a gel guy, look for a glycerin-based version for added moisture. If you swing for the paste/putty league but can’t decide which team to join, remember this: Putty offers a stronger hold (similar to a gel), while paste allows you to go back and restyle your mop throughout the day.

Jessica Lothstein is a freelance writer and former editor at Best Life magazine. She writes on a range of subjects, including grooming and fashion.

This spring, why not upgrade your stylish stubble or clean shave for a close-cropped beard that highlights your cheekbones, strengthens your jaw, and conceals a second (or third) chin? Grow your beard for three to four weeks, but shave below the line where your jaw meets your neck. Trim up the edges of your beard on your cheeks to create a clean, natural-looking line, for a polished look.

The Braun Mobile Shave is just the right tool to get this look on the go. It’s a small, battery-operated shaver that’s a must-have for overnight flights, quick touch-ups between meetings, or at the gym.

Both the clean-shaven and the hirsute will enjoy the convenience of this pocket shaver, and an added precision trimmer allows you to shave hard-to-reach places and shape up your facial hair.

(Originally published in British Airways High Life, March 2010)

Baxter Safety Razor, $60, Baxterofcalifornia.com

By Greg Melville for Men’s Life Today

As even cavemen knew thousands of years ago, the act of shaving removes facial hair (except, their method involved sharp rocks, which couldn’t have been much fun and which made removing neck stubble, in particular, an adventure akin to dodging the dreaded follicle-saurus). What they — and maybe a smart iPhone-carrying, Wii-playing guy like you — didn’t realize is that the act of face-blading can also boost job prospects, improve skin health, curb wrinkles, and according to scientific research, make you more attractive. Here’s how.

At Work
Fair or not, people make assumptions about what job you’re suited for based on whether you’re clean-shaven or bearded, according to a Stockholm University study. The psychologists heading the study collected photos of men with and without facial hair and asked subjects to decide which job best fit each man.

The results were surprising: Apparently, having a beard is a positive for a college professor or scientist, but the opposite is true for white-collar jobs. If you’re a lawyer, budding executive or salesman, your favorability goes up once the stubble is shorn. Keep this in mind next time you’re weighing whether or not to come back from vacation with the Grizzly Adams look. 

In the Fountain of Youth
Using a razor keeps the skin healthier and holds acne at bay. It all has to do with exfoliation, the mild removal of the top layer of dead skin. “This helps cleanse your pores and reduce microscopic pimples that could ultimately lead to full-blown pimples visible to the naked eye,” says Dr. Daniel Sheehan, a dermatologist at the Medical College of Georgia.

A second benefit to exfoliation: It stimulates collagen production in the skin, which promotes elasticity and a younger, more vibrant glow.

Behind the Foliage
Dr. John C. Browning, a dermatologist at the University of Texas, notes that beards block you from applying moisturizer, the lack of which can speed up wrinkling. “It also allows others to fully see your face and takes away any assumption that the reason you have facial hair is because you need to hide behind something,” he says.

There’s a caveat, though: “Having a clean-shaven face exposes you to the sun’s rays more, so it’s important to apply sunscreen,” says Browning. “In case you’re worried about not getting enough vitamin D, which your body produces when you expose your skin to sunlight, take dietary supplements.”

In Love
Two studies offer good news for the clean team. The first was conducted by the international market intelligence company Synovate. It found that 26 percent of American women prefer men with beards, while the other 74 percent go for clean-shaven guys. (The highest ratio of women who prefer men who use razors comes from South Africa, at 94 percent; the lowest is Canada, at a still whopping 70 percent.)

The second study came
from scientists at Barry University in Florida and the University of
Louisville. In it, a group of men and women were given pictures of whiskerless
and bearded guys, and they were asked to rate them on certain specific traits.
The findings: Clean-shaven men were regarded as more appealing, more agreeable,
younger and more mature.

Greg Melville is a former Men’s Journal editor who has written about grooming for several publications, including Men’s Health. Melville sports a mean noontime shadow.

Not sure where to find your favorite moisturizer or aftershave? Lucky for you, we’ve got some of the web’s best sites for men’s products just a click away.

If you’ve got a favorite online shop, post a comment and share with the rest of the class!

Grooming Lounge – The Washington, DC based salons for men (favored by Capitol Hill movers and shakers) also offers a popular online store with Baxter, Barc, Acqua di Parma, ClarinsMen, Dermalogica, Geo F. Trumper and many more.

SkinCareLab – The SoHo spa that has become a favorite of celebrities offers a great selection of highly effective products. Each product line is chosen by the spa’s owner, cosmetic dermatologist Bradford Katchen, MD. The site offers hard-to-find products from La Roche-Posay, Clinique Medical, REN, and SkinCeuticals.

Blue Bee Men – The online home to one of Santa Barbara’s most stylish stores stocks John Allan’s, Baxter of California, Malin + Goetz, Molton Brown and L’Artisan Parfumeur.

Sephora – The mothership of beauty products has an extensive collection of products for men including hundreds of colognes. Look for Anthony Logistics, Zirh, Ole Henriksen, Clinique, and Lab Series. That’s just for starters.

SpaceNK – Part of the British Invasion of SoHo in NYC, Space NK is an awesome shop to find hard-to-find products and a number of products from the other side of the pond. Check here for The Art of Shaving, MenScience, Philip Kingsley, Frederic Fekkai, Dr. Hauschka, Diptyque, Eve Lom and more!

MenEssentials (Canada) – The Canadian motherlode of grooming products features everyone from Men-U, Truefitt & Hill, Urth, Marvis, Sharps, Proraso, Nickel and Jack Black, American Crew and more.