Last week Out brought you the top five moisturizers, all of them perfect for keeping your skin well-hydrated after a good shave. But, first you've gotta get said good shave. And, let's face it, shaving is no fun. Crucial to avoiding getting (razor) burned is the appropriate shave cream/gel -- one that prevents friction and also properly nourishes your skin.
Out's top five selections are perfect starters to a healthfully groomed face. And, as we believe in the importance of manscaping here on Stylelist, we also endorse these creams and gels for other bodily grooming needs, because, boys, razor bumps are always unsightly.
Previously > Five of the Best: Moisturizers > The New Gillette full body grooming products
Who doesn't love a good, concise, digestible list? We know we do! Thus, Out.com introduces its new weekly series "Five of the Best" that features -- you guessed it! -- five of our favorite style/fashion/grooming products in a given category.
First up, the Out editors bring you five of the best moisturizers on the market to not only keep your face flake-free, but also looking healthier and younger. And in these harsh winter months, we can certainly use all the help we can get.
Stay tuned to Out.com and Stylelist each week for a new list of the best of bunch.
-- SETH PLATTNER
Photo courtesy of Porter Novelli
Gillette has been at the grooming game for over 100 years. Meaning what? They know men. While their products have been largely limited to shaving, in the last year Gillette has started to focus their attention on a new body care line that promises a head to toe polish.
We recently got to try out a few of the goods at the Gillette G-Lounge -- notice the relaxing shave pictured -- and, even though we can be a little snobbish when it comes to grooming products, Gillette's offerings are decidedly top shelf and definitely up to our queer quality standards.
Whether your a baby-face type guy or you rock the full beard, we can't enforce enough the importance of being well groomed. After all, Hugh Jackman was just named the Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine and a large part of it was due to his perfectly manicured scruff. Hint hint.
With gift-giving season upon us, we thought it would be a great time to lavish our readers with a little something something for being so faithful. Simply tell us which celebrity you think wears his face the best -- from fully shaven to full-on ZZ Top -- and why and the first 5 readers to respond will win a gift basket filled with Gillette grooming products, including:
-- Fusion Power Phenom razor
-- Gillette Clinical Strength Ultra Comfort deodorant (trust us, it works)
-- Gillette Deep Cleaning Shampoo
-- Gillette Hydrating Conditioner
-- Gillette Dry Skin Hydrator Body Wash
All great products for your dirty little self -- or the dirty man in your life. And keep your eye out for a new line of Gillette hair products to hit stores in February, just in time for spring flings.
-- SETH PLATTNER
Photo: Getty Images
Following Marni's footsteps, Valentino will forgo a Milan runway show this season. And the black cloud continues to descend upon Fashion Week. [WWD]
Rumor alert: Britney Spears (pictured) to appear on Project Runway? Heidi Klum was at B. Spears' 27th birthday, and speculation says Klum was talking shop. Please make it work! [MSNBC]
Now you can suck in your spare tire with LumberWear, basically a girdle for men. They're being marketed for men with back pain, but they are sooo obviously for those gays out there who have always wanted to try on their girl friend's Spanx. [The Cut]
We'd never expect such behavior from a gay, but dermatologists warn against washing your body with shampoo. Being that shampoos are designed for oily hair, they strips your body of essential skin oils. Pass this info along to your straight brother. [Dermatology Blog]
Open for Business: Versace in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam, as part of the company's 45 million euro plan to open eleven new stores in Asia.
-- SETH PLATTNER
Photo: Getty Images
As her contract runs out, rumors are abound that Anna Wintour is mulling over retirement. At 59 years old and with a magazine in decline, we love you Anna, but we'll love you even more if you bow out gracefully. [NYP]
Not only is Madonna appearing in the new Louis Vuitton ad campaigns, but she's get $10 million for it. With an upcoming divorce settlement in the works, she'll need a bit of cushion. [NYP]
Christian Siriano wants to get married to his boyfriend...and be on Gossip Girl. We're all happy for your engagement, of course, but we're dying to see Christian elevator Serena and call her Hot Mess Van der Woosen. Has a nice ring to it, no? [E!]
In Paris, A giant retrospective exhibition dedicated to Yves Saint Laurent is being readied. The Foundation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent has some 5,000 couture
garments plus some 15,000 accessories, sketches and assorted objects
spanning Saint Laurent’s 40-year career that will be featured. Now that's a legacy. [WWD]
Men's grooming brand Baxter of California will now be sold in Urban Outfitter stores. Once hardly found outside of places like the exclusive Freemans Sporting Club, Baxter's goods will be launched at 10 Urban Outfitters locations, including stores in
New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Toronto. [WWD]
-- SETH PLATTNER
 Photo: thedubaimall.com
Dubai has opened the largest mall in the world. Inside among the designer label stores you'll also find a 10-million-liter aquarium, an amusement park and an ice skating rink. [Material Interest]
We know gays love their female models (because we want to be one), but would you ever invest in one? One company, Beauty Holding, is allowing consumers to buy a stake in a model and
you'll get a share of her earnings for the next year. If we can't get a piece of Jessia Stam, we're hardly interested. [Urban Daddy]
Are high-end labels immune to the woes of the economy? It turns out they're not, and some are looking for new investors. So if you've got a few bucks left over from your Jessica Stam purchase you know where to put them. [The Cut] via [WWD]
The H&M Commes des Garcon line dropped in Tokyo and it was Japanese mayhem. H&M made a video documenting the uproar. Witness the carnage. [The Cut]
Smell this: Mark Eco is debuting fragrances for men and women, with the men's scent hitting shelves as early as next fall. [WWD]
Turns out Bergamot is a natural deodorant. So spray it on and try to avoid those unsightly pit stains. [BellaSugar]
-- SETH PLATTNER
Photo: Getty Images
At a recent cocktail party, Harper's Bazaar helmstress, Glenda
Bailey, was seen chatting with Project Runway finalist Kenley Collins. Apparently Kenley's collection was Bailey's favorite. Might we see her designs in a well story coming soon? [NYP]
Beauty industry insiders speculate on what type of foundation Obama (pictured) and McCain used at the debates. While the verdict is still out on both, they're leaning towards MAC for Obama. And does it really matter for McCain? [Lucky]
Michael Kors was spotted at the CFA Iams Cat Championship this weekend with an unidentified man at his side. Could cat hair jackets be all the rage for Fall 2009? [Fey]
Fetishes aside, no man likes funk in the junk. Introducing Man Junk, an organic scrotum wash specially formulated with maximum odor control and moisturizers. We're all for being kind to our nether region but perhaps this is going a bit too far? [AdWeek]
-- SETH PLATTNER
Lanvin's Alber Elbaz loved the colored pencils he used to sketch his
collections so much that he's putting his name on a limited edition set. It's not guarantee you'll be showing at the tents if you get your own set, but look how pretty! [WWD]
The big rumor out of Paris is that Martin Margiela is ready to move out of the Maison.
He's been hinting to colleagues for the past year that he is set to
retire his sewing kit, but no one can get any confirmation. Margiela
is as elusive for interviews as Palin is for press talks. [NYT]
Men's Vogue is hoping that its new slogan will improve readership. "Style is how you live" is catchy, but it will never be as clever as those two looming letters: GQ. [The Cut] via [WWD]
Smell This: Ikon by mens skincare line, Zihr. With notes of lemon, cardamom, cedar and amber. Generic, yes, but you have to ease some men into male grooming. [Now Smell This]
-- SETH PLATTNER
Photo: Getty Images
The newest face of Yves Saint Laurent beauty products is significantly scruffier than those seen in previous campaigns. That's because it belongs to Stuart Pilkington, a former contestant on the ninth season of wildly popular Big Brother UK.
The reality star recently helped YSL launch the men's version of their Touche Eclat eyeliner at Selfridges department store, the star product from their full line which hopes to "encourage men to use cosmetics as a skin enhancer, rather than to create a full make-up look," according to MakeHerUp.com.
David Walker-Smith, director of beauty at Selfridges, revealed the store will sell the eyeliner for $45. "Men have gone from stealing beauty products from their wives and girlfriends to stocking up on their own," he said, adding, "They no longer consider them to decrease their male bravado."
Of course it was Jean-Paul Gaultier who has always been out in front of these trends, whether make-up or men in skirts, we're always up for another round -- especially if it means soon the streets will be filled with mopey, dark-eyed Jared Leto look-alikes.
-- NOAH MICHELSON
Photo: Karl Simone
Five tips to achieving a smoother shave:
1. Soften your hairs by showering first, or preferably shave in the shower.
2.
Use a good shaving foam or gel to keep the bristles soft as you shave.
Kiehl’s Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream is good, but a can of Barbasol
will do the trick.
3. Don’t force the razor. Let it run lightly over your face for a comfortable shave.
4. Avoid shaving your chin until the end, when
the tougher hairs that grow there will have had longer to soften.
5.
Always moisturize. And slap on the sunscreen while you’re at it.
Clinique Men’s Age Defense Hydrator SPF15 serves both purposes at once.
Six products to aid you in your pursuit:
1. Forest Rain Eau de Toilette by Kiehl’s, $37.50
At first fresh and spicy, this scent settles woodsy and strong.
2. Tom Ford Extreme by Tom Ford, $60
The brand packs its luxury into a small package of after-shave balm.
3. Arcitec cordless razor by Norelco, $229
A little flexibility is always good, and the adjustable head provides just that.
4. Electric Shave Solution by Lab Series, $14
No rinse-off required with this cooling liquid for an effortless glide.
5. Five-blade luxury razor by Ê-shave, $85
Five blades is better than four when it comes to a close shave.
6. Skin Difference by Clarins Men, $35
Dual-phase formula softens whiskers at their base and slows new growth.
Photo: Getty Images
Brad Pitt has teamed up with cosmetics giant Kiehl's to create a sumptuous new Earth-conscious body wash and simultaneously raise funds for eco-friendly causes, thus finally catching up with the smarts of legions of gay men long on board with the skin-saver.
Kiehl's Aloe Vera Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser will be available in stores and online starting in October for $16.95 a bottle. The cleanser, packaged in recyclable plastic and made up of all-natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut, and glycerin, will permanently join Kiehl's already popular line of skin-care products.
While neither the packaging nor the product's promotion campaign will
feature the actor's photogenic mug, the bottle's text boasts Pitt's
handwriting. "Brad is not a face, he's a partner," Roberta Weiss, Kiehl's senior VP of global marketing told WWD.com. "We shared a vision, to support this new way of thinking -- being more eco-intelligent."
One hundred percent of proceeds from the sales of the body wash will benefit JPF Eco Systems, the nonprofit started by Pitt and Kiehl's to "minimize impact on the environment through thoughtful design," which will channel the funds to a variety of green groups. First up? Pitt's own Make It Right organization, which he started last year to hep rebuilding projects in New Orleans.
-- NOAH MICHELSON
Photo: Getty Images
Feel like smelling good? (The right answer is "yes," whether or not you like to wear fragrances.) In any event, check out Perfumes The Guide by Luca Turin, a leading scholar in the field of olfactory science and his co-author and perfume collector Tina Sanchez. Don't feel like reading the whole book? Fine. Here's a short list of the best masculine scents on the market:
Chanel - Pour Monsieur (chypre)
"Reference masculine - embodies to perfection the accord of fresh bergamot, sweet labdanum, and austere oakmoss that defines the genre - a warm, relaxed, confident voice, quietly melodious and in which you can hear a smile."
Guerlain - Eau de Guerlain (citrus verbena)
"Has a coherent, fresh drydown that completely transcends the cologne genre. If you want citrus, there is simply nothing better out there."
L'Artisan Parfumeur - Timbuktu (woody smoky)
"An affecting start of vetiver, sandalwood, and incense that seems quiet until you realize that, like modern sound systems that can pipe music into every room, one sprtiz fills a house with an odd, distinctly perceptible, but almost infared shimmer of woody freshness."
Skincare maker Zirh hit the market with their new platinum line just in time to refresh your sun-baked summer skin. They're luxurious and man-friendly. Always game to try new products, one Out editor tried them all in rapid succession. (He was quite pleased with himself as he gazed into the fluorescent-lit bathroom mirror.)
There's a whole line, including:
Drenched
Perfect for the sallow among us, and those in need of a pick-me-up, Drenched is for guys with normal to very dry skin in need of a fuller, firmer look.
Age-Defense
Not that I should have to explain what this is for, but if you're determined to look forever 21, give this "environmental response cream" a go and attack those fine lines.
Total Recharge
Though you're supposed to wear it more often, it's perfect for Sunday nights -- especially if you're the type with wrecked weekend skin who wants to look bright and shiny come Monday morning.
The good people at Zirh saw fit to give Out Stylelist readers 20% off Platinum purchases.
Feel like shopping? Punch in offer code: ZIRHOUT at checkout.
Photo: Getty Images
To our heart's dismay, Stefano Pilati kicked off Paris Fashion Week with a video runway show featuring Jack Houston for YSL's Spring 09' collection. Yes, it's so avant garde, but how dare they deprive us of our models! [The Cut]
First Vivienne Westwood sent that bear of a man down the runway, then
DSquared2 showed their collection with a noticeable absensce of white
models, and now, in Yohji Yamamoto's Paris show, he used old men as
models. Yes, we may be losing eye candy at the hands of social
commentary, but I think designers are finally starting to make
statements about the lack of diversity in the fashion world. [The Cut]
Ok, keep it together when I tell you this, but, It is with great
anticipation that I report that Dior Homme is reportedly trying to get
Hedi Slimane back at their label. [Fashionista]
Just in time for a less humiliating summer is The Mangroomer, a foldable back hair remover. Isn't that what boyfriends and best friends are for? [Haute Concept]
La Perla has just release a new men's fragrance called Hedo White. The fragrance notes include lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, pear,
watermelon, ginger, cardamom, cypress, patchouli, musk, tonka bean and
cedar. Hooray, lots of fruit for fruits! [Now Smell This]
I can handle the belted waist for men (it looks surprisingly masculine), but the wedges Fendi showed in their men's show? Your Stylelist will have to veto. [Time UK]
But he approves the classy leather clutches that showed in Milan and continue to come down runways in Paris. [Fashionista]
Check back after the weekend for more on all the fashion mayhem in Paris!
-- SETH PLATTNER
Photo: Courtesy of Kiehl's
This weekend, the gays in New York City and San Francisco take to the streets to celebrate gay pride in the best way we know how: a huge party with loud music, booze, and mostly naked men. But before you line up along the parade route, revel in gayness and wave your rainbow flag, legendary skincare company Kiehl's and your Out.com Stylelist want to make sure you look your best.
To celebrate Pride, the amazing folks at Kiehl's have designed a special Gay Pride Prep Kit that's packed with all the goodies you need to protect and rehydrate your face, body and hair while watching Sunday's parade—or dancing the night away!
Here's what's inside:
-
Vital Sun Spf 30 for Body
- UV Protective Sunscreen Cream with Mexoryl for Face and Body
- Ultra Moisturizing Eye Stick SPF 30
- Lip Balm Spf 15
- Superbly Resorative Body Lotion with 100% Organic Moroccan Argan Oil
- Superbly Restorative Dry Oil with 100% Organic Moroccan Argan Oil
- Olive Fruit Oil Shampoo
We are giving away FIVE prep kits to the first five Out.com Stylelist readers to email outstylelist@gmail.com with your full name and mailing address! Hurry! These are going to go fast!
UPDATE!: All of our kits have been awarded! Thanks for entering and keep reading Out.com Stylelist for more giveaways!
If you don't snag a freebie, be sure to visit Kiehls.com and design your very own Gay Pride Survival Kit!
Photo: Getty Images
The goods keep rolling down the runways in Milan. Checkout the latest slide shows for what's in store for Spring 09'. [The Cut]
In never ceasing battle against aging, dragon fruit has recently proving highly effective in fighting cell proliferation. Look better and smell fruitily delicious? Yes, please! [Cosmetic Design]
After his Spring 09' show Giorgio Armani gave a little zing to his fellow Italians:
"It is time to straighten ourselves out, we are too slovenly," he
said. He blamed the lack of decent dressing on a culture of "atrocious
permissiveness". Ya hear that Staten Island? Atrocious Permissiveness... [Telegraph]
Rag & Bone, who recently set their pre-fall line to sale, might be
setting a trend among the new it-labels. Tim Hamilton is following
suit by releasing their pre-fall collection exclusively at Bergdorf
Goodman, meaning you can start looking good before the runway says so. [Material Interest]
Just because Tom Ford's suits can cost $3,800 and boots a mere $10,000 (pocket change, really), don't expect the fashion saavy male to miss out on wearing the CFDA's Menswear Designer of the Year label. After the opening of his Madison avenue store in New York City, sales were reportedly well above projections. The ass, the cheekbones, the best eye in fashion, and now more continued success? What doesn't this guy have? [Reuters]
Wait, hold please. Tom Ford's luck might have just run out. Turns out a former male model was hospitalized last night in Milan after a spotlight fell from the ceiling on to his perfectly coutured head. I'm sure Tom was marginally phased, and then slightly relieved to know that one less hottie was potentially stealing his thunder. [Fashionista]
You know it's an issue when the Italians are designing American fashion. On the way from B.D. Baggies, which was recently bought by Italina conglomerates W.P. Lavori (the same folks responsible for the reintroduction of Woolrich Woolen Mills at the hands of Daiki Suzuki) is a relaxed but stylish line of button downs, tees and hoodies. Dave Mullen, who birthed Save Khaki, will helm the design under the crack of a supple Italian whip. [Material Interest]
-- SETH PLATTNER
Photo: Getty Images
We love Milan fashion week for the onslaught of gorgeous male models who strut the runway in amazing clothes (and sometimes barely any clothes at all), but Vivienne Westwood turned the stereotypical male model on its head when she sent a balding, middle-aged, beefy, daddy stomping down the catwalk (see photo). Seriously, I think this guy is my plumber. [The Cut]
Men's grooming brand Zirh is looking to go from cult classic to household name with the launch of their first fragrance, Ikon. With a name like that, someone sure has high hopes for themselves. [WWD]
U.S. politics continue their sweep of the world as Donatella Versace dedicates her Spring 09' men's line to Barrack Obama, saying her collection is for "a relaxed man who doesn't need to flex muscles to show he has power." But Miss Versace sure has to flex her marginal world knowledge to show she's not a complete moron. [The Canadian Press]
Naomi Campbell, fresh off her trial for that little incident at Heathrow, walked in Dolce & Gabbana's sleepwear inspired men's Spring 09' runway show. Nice to see the boys at D&G making an appeal to the transgendered/sexual community. [British Vogue]
Rag & Bone have teased a holiday collection to debut in October that is inspired by the Ian Curtis biopic, Control. Soon thereafter, they've promised a Manhattan retail location to display looks that delve deeper into the late-seventies and
early-eighties U.K. music scene. "Mods, punks, rude boys,
suedeheads—they all took their looks very seriously," says codesigner Marcus Wainwright. And we will also be taking their looks very seriously. [Material Interest]
The most, er, notable? trends for Spring 09 from Milan? Pajamas and, yes, cinched waists. Androgyny continues. [Fashionista (2)]
-- SETH PLATTNER
Photo: Getty Images
Though known mostly for their spiffy French crystal, Lalique hasn't done too shabby with their fragrance portfolio, which they're hoping to punch up with the launch of their new men's scent, Lalique White, this fall. At least the bottle looks cool. [Cosmetic News]
Lab Series Skincare for Men, a brand who can nary do wrong, begins the expansion of their line of sensitive skin products with the release of their Mild Foaming Face Wash. Set to debut this summer, the wash will retail at $16 a bottle--well worth it for those of us who aren't so keen to "feel the burn" when we wash our faces every morning. [WWD]
Seems those saucy Savile Row tailors from across the pond have got their knickers in a bunch. Ever dedicated to the term "bespoke" and their ability to craft a perfect suit entirely by hand and without a pre-existing pattern, they are gnashing their teeth now that the term is being allowed to describe suits that take a few shortcuts in the manufacturing process. [The Cut] via [Telegraph UK]
To help get hype up for the fourth annual Fashion Focus in Chicago (the city's answer to New York Fashion Week), Pete Wentz is lending his name and his label to the week's designer lineup. I could make some snarky joke about another celebrity starting their own fashion line, but even that is getting so tired. [WWD]
New Yorkers, mount up. Steven Alan's Urban Outfitters line has already hit the floor at the Noho store, even though it wasn't set to debut until July 4th! Stop reading and go! [Racked]
Here's three new and noteworthy denim labels to get to before everyone else does. [Refinery 29]
Pitti Uomo, the international melee of brand marketing, often times hints at the next big label in fashion. Check out Material Interest for a roundup of who and what to keep your eye on.
-- SETH PLATTNER
Not content with creating a book to commemorate their retrsopective at the Barbican Art Gallery in London, Viktor & Rolf (pictured) have created limited-edition fragrances of Antidote and Flowerbomb. While the fragrances are essentially the same, the bottles are numbered and signed. Only 1,000 bottles of Antidote, the V&R's men's fragrance will be available and sell for $116. [FWD]
Here's a shocker: Nobody wants to buy Perez Hilton's Hot Topic clothes. At a launch event at a Los Angeles store, a Hot Topic employee reports, seven people showed up to meet the celebrity blogger. [The Cut]
Stuart Vevers will debut his men's collection for Loewe in Paris during Fashion Week later this month. Vevers, previous designed for Mulberry and his women's collection for Loewe received rave reviews last March. This oughta be good! [FWD]
Girl, you look tired! If you can't curb the weekend benders, you had better get your hands on some high-tech eye cream to cover those dark circles! [NY Times]
What Broadway dancers do once they are too old to dance...at age 24. Those who can't dance design! One Cry-Baby dancer plans to trade his high kicks in for a needle and thread in true Project Runway style. He's already designing dresses for the Tony Awards between performances. He could very well be the gayest man alive...and that's fabulous! [NY Times]
How to get Karl Lagerfeld's attention and snap a photo with him. Here's a hint: Don't bring a fan. [The Cut]
Photo: Getty Images
The biggest names in fashion speak out on the man, the legend, Yves Saint Laurent. [The Cut]
Kiehl's new line of sunscreens are so advanced they not only block UV rays, but they actually deactivate them. A healthy glow without fear of looking like a leather bag 20 years down the road? Sold. [British Vogue]
Dad may still be asking "Sure your still gay?" every time you come home, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't be pampered on quickly-approaching Father's Day. Here are some suitable gifts for your old man...or maybe for you if you're still bitter. [The Cut]
He is a darling of the fashion world, he was just nominated for Menswear Designer of the Year at the CFDAs, and his New York fashion shows are harder to get into than his extremely fitted clothes, but is all actually well down at the Thom Browne (pictured) show room? [Page Six]
-- SETH PLATTNER
Photo: Getty Images
15-year old Greenwich village musician Hayes Peebles (hehe, Peebles) has recently become the apple of Hedi Slimane's eye, who shot him recently for V Magazine. We dare say Slimane can do no wrong, but let's hope this crush doesn't extend beyond the boys musical talent. [The Cut]
At her womenswear presentation last night, Elise Øverland hinted that
she might make a foray into menswear. A support petition is being
drafted as we speak. [Fashionista]
Having been scoffed at for using moisturizers and anti-aging creams since the tender age of 14, I know turn those scoffs in your direction, skeptical naysayers. Studies now prove that all that cream actually works! No wonder I can still bag those college boys. [Cosmetic Designs]
Naomi Campbell was charged with assault for her little tiff at Heathrow airport. She could face up to 6 months in jail and $10,000 in fines. Something tells me she would do pretty well in a prison fight. [The Cut via WWD]
Though I wouldn't say this is an issue for most readers of this blog, but, would you carry a woman's purse if it had just the right amount of masculine appeal? [Fashionista]
Leave it to always-saavy France to have the first magazine that fuses fashion with video games. Will this finally convince my avid-gamer brother to buy a shirt that actually fits him, or just a decent pair of pants? Honestly... [Towleroad]
-- SETH PLATTNER
Photo: Getty Images
Although I started moisturizing when I was 14 and can confidently say it's helped my skin stay young and fresh, that doesn't mean my eyes aren't peeled for the next miracle anti-aging product. (Someone actually told me I was too old for them over the weekend. I don't want to talk about it). Clinique Skin Supplies for Men is set to launch an anti-aging line in September. [DNR]
Tom Ford is sexy as all hell, which means he get can get away with a lot. But $2,200 sunglasses? At that price they better come with a five-course meal and some, ahem, dessert from the man himself. [Material Interest]
Harry's of London, known for their rakishly stylish British footwear, opens up shop online for the first time. [Material Interest]
Diddy tells CBS News that his label, Sean Jean, is "fashion Viagra." He continues: "I’ve had 40 year-old men tell
me that once they started wearing Sean Jean, everything changed for
them, [including] their sex life." He assumes for the better--we're skeptical. [Perez Hilton] -- SETH PLATTNER
Photo: Courtesy of Clarins
Everyone knows a healthy looking tan is one of the season's must-have accessories. But leathery, wrinkled faces are not so "in." Sun exposure is the number one reason for speeding up the aging process. So, how do you get a healthy, glowing tan without putting the aging process on hyperdrive? Fake and bake!
I know what you're thinking. Sunless tanners look orange, streaky, fake and obvious. While that was certainly true for older formulations, the latest crop of tanners have improved formulas that provide a realistic-looking tan without the tell-tale signs of a bottle tan. They use multiple tanning agents to create a golden brown glow instead of a bitchy orange hue.
Here are some tips for getting the perfect fake tan:
1. Choose the right tanner! We love Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel because it adds a subtle amount of perfect bronze color without being completely obvious—even for pale queens like me. If you're a first-timer or extremely pale, try using a "Build A Tan" or "Gradual Tan" by Neutrogena, Jergens or Coppertone which creates a golden look after a few days of regular use. These build-your-own style products give you more control over how much color you get and makes streaks nearly impossible.
2. Exfoliate before you apply! Sunless tanners work by interacting with the keratin on the outermost layers of your skin. The tanners interact differently with rough, dry patches of skin and can look blotchy and obvious. So scrub those patches away and apply the tanner sparingly to elbows and knees. Exfoliating will also extend the life of your tan by a couple of days.
3. Put it on before bed and wake up with a new tan. It takes roughly 4 to 8 hours for the tan to fully develop and you don't want your coworkers to wonder why you're changing colors over the course of the work day. Just make sure that you allow the product to dry completely before hopping into the sheets or your linens will get a golden tan, too.
4. Wash your hands frequently during application. One of the tell-tale signs of self-tanning are orange or tan palms because people forget to wash their hands thoroughly during application. Or, wear a pair of gloves if you've got em.
5. Avoid self tanners with instant bronzers. When a self tanning product contains an instant bronzer, it includes a brown dye to create a tan look immediately. While they are helpful in showing where you've applied the product, the bronzers often lead to streaks. The dyes wash off in the shower and sometimes rub off on clothes. Stick to the tried-and-true formulas.
Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel, $30, Clarins.com
Photo: Getty Images
I love Valentino. The man has made some incredibly sexy clothes for men and women. But since he retired from designing clothes, I'm concerned. While I'm sure he would like everyone to think that he has been relaxing in Saint Tropez, it looks like he has been spending some quality time with a bottle of St.Tropez sunless tanner instead! Lay off the bronzer, Valentino.
Of course, the big irony here, is that this photo was snapped last night while he attended Tom Sachs Bronze Collection for Lever House in New York City. Valentino didn't get the memo that the art would be in bronze, not the attendees.
It's spelled K-A-N-Y-E. Photo: Getty Images
Jerry Kaye, former creative director at Perry Ellis, is now taking his talents to Dr. Marten. God, I remember when yellow stitched Doc Marten boots were the only stamp of cool. I basically bitched slapped my mother until she bought me, like, 8 pairs. Let's hope Kaye's plans to expand into ready-to-wear revive my violent passion for the brand. [Fashionista]
Though somewhat substantiated rumors were flying that Hedi Slimane was in talks to oversee Diesel's new Red Collection, the word on the runway is that, after a reported meeting between Slimane and Renzo Rosso, a deal has yet to be made--and may never be made. [WWD]
Out.com's very own Nick Burns sheds light on new techniques, processes and information in the middle-aged battle against gray hair. I see him around the office and I think he might be losing the battle... (joking my dear) [NY Times]
Kanye West is always looking for another project to slap his name on to further establish himself as the master of, well, everything. So, it's no surprise that he has chosen cult Australian denim brand Ksubi to collaborate with his own label, Pastelle, to launch a line of eye wear. [British Vogue]
OK, we can tolerate Agyness Deyn's foray into music with her marginal collaboration with Five O'Clock horses, but Jessica Stam as a DJ? Tyra Banks goes off and gets a talk show and now every model out there thinks they are entitled to flaunt their "talents." Save it for the Apollo, girls. [Fashionista]
PF Flyers made basketball legend Bob Cousy a superstar on the court; and, now that the brand has relaunched Bob's all-American low tops from 1956, you too can channel greatness. Maybe not with a basketball, but you'll look cute! [Material Interest]
I'm hearing that the striped button down shirt is back again, only now it's all about subtly rather than those loud colorful versions we saw a few seasons ago. Hmm, the frat boys must be freaking out. [NY Times] -- SETH PLATTNER
Photo: Getty Images
A laser hair removal device for use at home is on the way and promises to be very exciting. The price tag, however, is less so. I'm not sure how you'd laser your own back (sounds dangerous) so you might need someone to come over and play a different game of doctor than you're used to. [WWD]
Missoni will open its first hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland early next year, followed by a second in Kuwait. Wow, way to pick the hot, luxurious, travel destinations. We love Edinburgh (they have a bar called C.C. Blooms), and we haven't been to Kuwait (it's a little too close to Iraq for comfort), but those destinations aren't exactly Dubai or Saint-Tropez. [WWD]
Lensman Scott Schuman (pictured), a.k.a. The Sartorialist, announced that he will appear in fall ads for the GAP. How a man that well-dressed is straight is beyond me. (Did you see the story in Fantastic Man?) Come to the dark side, Scott. [Fashionista]
Which presidential candidate do your favorite mall clothiers support? Jezebel spent way too much time compiling this investigative report and we love them for it. [Jezebel]
Rumors of a 2nd generation iPhone are hitting all-time highs. A memo from UK mobile phone company 02 says that the 8GB iPhone and iPod Touch have reached "End of Life." While it sounds ominous, it just means they have sold out in the U.K. and will not be replenished. [Engadget]
Photo: Getty Images
Each week, the fashion editors at Out.com answer your fashion questions! Visit Out.com for new advice or seek answers to your own style quandaries by sending an email to fashionadvice@out.com!
Q: The weather is finally nice and I'm heading out to the beach for the first time. What kind of sunscreen should I use if I don't want to get a major sunburn?
A: Temperatures are heating up and it's time to bare your body at the beach! But be warned that a sunburn is never in style. Protecting yourself from the sun won't only prevent your skin from turning a painful and unattractive shade of pink, but it will also keep wrinkles away! After all, sun damage is the most common cause for premature aging. If you want to keep wrinkles at bay, prevent your skin from looking like crepe paper, and avoid skin cancer, get some major SPF and slather it on with gusto! Unfortunately, not all sunscreens are created equal. It is most important to buy a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays cause the painful, lobster-style burns and UVA rays cause aging and cancer. Unfortunately, most sunscreens that claim to be "full spectrum" only block a portion of the sun's UVA spectrum, while letting some of the rays attack your skin. So pick up a trustworthy cream that provide complete protection. Here are some sunscreens you can count on: If you need serious coverage (meaning you've got pale skin and plan to frolic in the sunshine for a few hours), pick up Neutrogena Ultra Sheer™ Dry-Touch Sunblock, which comes in SPFs of 55. La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Milk is the gold standard in sunscreen but its ingredient Mexoryl XL is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (it is approved in numerous countries and available for purchase online, albeit illegally). If you don't need such strong sunscreen and you prefer a lower SPF, La Roche-Posay also offers an FDA-approved Anthelios SX SPF 15 waterproof sunscreen. Now, I don't want to nag you like a worried mother, but applying your sunscreen once during the day is not enough! Reapply often -- about every two hours -- and especially after splashing around a pool party or doing your best impression of the Little Mermaid on the beach.
Eric "McSteamy" Dane. Photo: Getty Images
While aging has become a taboo for most gay men, gray hair has quietly become a sex symbol. With Anderson Cooper, Eric "McSteamy" Dane and George Clooney sporting graying locks on primetime television, the distinguished look of a man sporting some salt and pepper—especially at an early age—is widely accepted as attractive.
But what can you do once your salt and pepper becomes more salt than pepper? Dying all of your hair can look fake, but luckily, there are a number of products that can help you to reduce the amount of gray on your head without resorting to a major cover up.
Redken for Men Color Camo: This in-salon dye job adds a little more pepper to your salt-and-pepper locks in just one visit to your colorist. Visit RedkenForMen.com to find a nearby salon.
Just For Men Touch of Gray: If you don't want to make the trip to a salon for a dye job, try the DIY approach at home. This super simple, five-minute, brush-in treatment lets you control how much gray you want to cover. Unlike other hair dyes, you won't have to mix anything, so it's mess free and pretty much fool proof. Just For Men Touch of Gray, $7.99, at CVS.com.
Joico Re:Nu Age Defy: Joico's latest haircare system promises to restore color and healthy texture to your locks in five months by stimulating melanin production with a twice-daily Re:nual Serum. In stores May 2008, visit Joico.com/renu for more information.
Anderson Cooper and his beefcake biceps.
Following up on her first homerun scent for men that is in permanent rotation in my cologne collection, Nicole Farhi's latest fragrance foray, Bleu Intense, is an ode to the fragrant Mediterranean Sea that captures the essence of spring's light, clean and floral essence. The eau de toilette mixes floral notes with warm musk and spice. It contains top notes of mandarin, green galbanum and sage, middle notes of violet, lavender, tea tree, birch leaf and willow, and base notes of wood accords, crystalline amber, vanilla and musk.
To get the bottom of this fragrance, your Stylelist went straight to the top and made Out staffers take a big whiff. Here's what they had to say about Nicole Farhi's Bleu Intense:
 "It's a little too powdery, so I wouldn't wear
it. It's just not my taste. I like more spice and musk in my colognes.
I could imagine Richie Rich wearing something like this, or those guys who
wear those really deep v-neck shirts and buy women's jeans for the
fit." —Matthew Breen, Executive Editor
 "I like it and I would wear it. It smells very clean and floral. I can definitely smell the lavender notes. It's a soft fragrance and perfect for the modern
day man! I would love to see a super masculine guy wear this. It would
offset that masculinity a bit. It's certainly a fragrance for someone who is very
confident."
—Seth Howard, Senior Market Editor
"It's a nice bottle. It smells feminine but clean...like a very nice
powder. I don't think I would wear it. I could imagine an old lady
wearing this, or a fussy older gentleman. Seems like something a woman
would buy for her boyfriend or husband and then wear it herself. But I
would have no problem making out with a guy wearing this."
—Joe Mejía,
Managing Editor
"I wouldn't wear it. It's too girly and too pretty for me. It has some floral and musky notes in there. But I prefer something a little more spicy and citrusy."
—Brent Coover, Editorial and Fashion Assistant
"It's smells young, fresh and very spring-like. It reminds me of my favorite babysitter, Becky. When I was with Becky, I felt alive! I just have to spray myself with this fragrance and I immediately feel more alive than I've felt since I was seven."
—Josh Tager, Senior Digital Editor
"I love it! I love fragrances that walk the line between masculine and feminine. This one draws you in with a fresh powdery smell of amber that is perfect for spring, then seduces you with some warm musky notes that come alive on the skin. I'm not butch enough to pull off some wildly masculine fragrance, so this is a perfect warm weather fragrance for me."
—Nick Burns, Out.com Stylelist
Bleu Intense Eau de Toilette, Nicole Farhi, $80, at 202, NYC
When good bronzer goes bad! Photo: Getty Images
The last throes of winter are upon us and as regions of the country are beginning to feel Spring fever (or is it cabin fever?), it's time to turn back to your dopp kit and overhaul your skin care regimen to get your face and body ready for the skin-baring warm weather.
1. Lighten up on the moisturizer. Without the bitter cold, snow, and icy winds dehydrating your face, you won't need that thick moisturizing cream you've been spreading on your face like Spackle. As temperatures rise, your skin will start to give off more oil and sweat and using a thick moisturizer will only contribute to the formula for breakouts and an oil-slick complexion. Instead, reach for a lighter, oil-free formula.
Stylelist Picks: Face: MD Skincare Hydra-Pure Oil-Free Moisture or Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation
Body: Kiehl's Creme de Corps Lightweight Body Lotion SPF 30
More skin-saving tips after the jump!
Continue reading "Spring Clean Your Skin Care" »
Photo: Courtesy of Aveda
You take excellent care of your face. You wash, exfoliate, moisturize and even splurge on some choice high-end products because, hey, every little bit counts. But what have you done for your scalp lately? Most people forget to consider the skin above their forehead that is concealed under (if you're lucky) some thick locks of hair. Aveda Men's Pure-formance Exfoliating Shampoo can give your scalp some much needed attention—and relief—while pampering your hair at the same time!
Aveda Men's Pure-Formance Exfoliating Shampoo is a weekly shampoo that exfoliates the scalp to remove dull, dead skin
cells, excess oil, product build-up and other impurities. In other words, it deep cleanses your head mends any damage done from weeks of product use, environmental stresses, restores a healthy moisture balance, and soothes your scalp. The potion relies on natural ingredients from ancient Chinese medicine and traditional ayurvedic remedies including licorice extract, seaweed, plai oil, tamanu oil and sage extract.
What might surprise first-time users are the gritty exfoliating bits in the shampoo that can make you feel like you accidentally grabbed the St. Ives Apricot Scrub instead of your shampoo, but the end result is incredibly refreshing. Your scalp and hair will feel better immediately and without the excess oil and product buildup, styling your hair is a breeze! Just be sure to follow with a gentle conditioner.
Aveda Men Pure-formance Exfoliating Shampoo, $24, visit Aveda.com
Photo: Courtesy of Kiehl's Since 1851
Cold weather is especially harsh on skin. If you're not lucky enough to live in a year round sunny paradise, chances are your paws are feeling a bit rough from the icy wind, snow, rain and below-freezing temperatures.
Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve is the perfect quick fix. The blend of avocado and sesame oils, and olive oil-derived wax provide excellent moisture for but also create a strong barrier against the elements and moisture loss—without leaving your hands feeling greasy.
And it doesn't smell like those gag-inducing floral or fruity scented moisturizers that your fag hag adores. Your nose and your hands will thank you.
Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, $12.50, Kiehls.com
Photo: Getty Images
Abercrombie & Fitch will resume production on A&F Quarterly, the soft-core porn magalog that you secretly cherished more than your International Male mailer. Well, it will only be distributed in London. The company doesn't plan to distribute it in the U.S. at this time because the right wingers protested its booze, babes and homoerotic photos. Conservatives spoil all the fun! [Fashion Week Daily]
Is Justin Timberlake the new face of a new Givenchy fragrance? Who'd he sleep with to get that gig? Maybe Timbaland will save his ass on that project, too. [FWD Chic Report]
Fashionista is spreading dirt that Project Runway's finale will only feature 3 designers on the Fashion Week runways in February. Last season, four designers showed in Bryant Park. What does that say for this season's talent? [Fashionista]
Lacoste lost a copyright infringement case against a dentist in the U.K. who used a crocodile logo for his practice. The courts ruled that pearly whites are unlikely to get confused for pique polos. Come on, Lacoste, Britons have come a long way in dentistry in the recent years, don't mess with progress in oral health. [British Vogue]
No, Jude Law is NOT playing Halston in an upcoming film...yet. Law's handlers poo-pooed any ideas that the Sexiest Man Alive snagged the role. [WWD]
Going Nutty for Neti Pots? The NY Times enlightens the country with the latest sinus-clearing craze: the nasal enema. It might just save your winter! [NY Times]
Hedi Slimane Photo: Getty Images
Former Dior Homme designer Hedi Slimane is rumored to be in talks with former employer LVMH to start his own design house. We love you Hedi! [DNR News]
Prada to sell itself on the Milan Stock Exchange. [DNR News]
Pantone picks Blue Iris as "Color of the Year." The World continues to turn. [NY Times]
GF Ferré, the younger (read: more affordable) Gianfranco Ferré line that you probably haven't heard of, has two new designers at the helm: Stefano Citron and Federico Piaggi. [WWD]
The NY Times hops on the holiday sweater bandwagon. See? Your Stylelist isn't completely off. [NY Times]
Grooming gadgetry helps you brush better. That means, less stanky breath and more kisses under the mistletoe. [NY Times]
Cole Haan will celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2008 with collaborations with designers from architecture, industrial design, jewelry and sculpture. Perhaps the footwear and accessories brand will finally break free from its laced-up image. [WWD]
Photo: Courtesy of Kiehl's
Legendary NYC skin care pioneers, Kiehl's offers the perfect all-in-one
grooming kit for the traveler on your list. A roomy dopp kit contains
everything a guy needs to look great including Amino Acid Shampoo, Hair
Conditioner and Grooming Aid, Ultimate Man Body Scrub Soap, Ultimate
Brushless Shave Cream, Facial Fuel and Kiehl's Lip Balm #1. With this
kit, he'll be ready for take off.
Kiehl's "Try It, You'll Fly It Dopp Kit" gift set, $78, Kiehls.com
For over 100 great gift ideas, visit Out's holiday Gift Guide!
Photo: Courtesy of Givenchy
Givenchy Man Skin Care
Give the gift of youth with Givenchy’s super-powered anti-aging skin
care collection just for men. High-performance formulas deliver potent
age-fighting ingredients to improve skin in no time. From a skin peel
and eye cream to a daily moisturizer and shave cream, wrinkles don’t
stand a chance.
Givenchy Man skin care products, $22–$63 each, at Macys.com
Photo: Getty Images
Christian Lacroix designed glass bottles for Evian. Get your ready-to-wear bottle for $6 and your "couture" bottle for untold sums. Personally, I prefer to drink my water than to wear it, but to each their own! [Fashionista]
Starbucks and Apple begin their joint quest for world domination as iTunes rolls out in Starbucks locations across the Universe. [Engadget]
Scent of a man! Do you really need to wear antiperspirant and deodorant each day? The NY Times explores the American obsession with battling B.O. and suggests that little man stank goes a long way. [NY Times]
Gift Bags, long lines, supermodel poses, designer cameos and cat fights over leopard prints! That sums up the scene at H&Ms across the world that revealed the Roberto Cavalli line to the world today. I would have been in line this morning, but I didn't want to get trampled to death. [Fashionista]
Are members of the general public the harshest fashion critics? What do you expect when you invite plebeians to attend fashion shows? [NY Times]
Verizon welcomes pre-orders for LG's latest Voyager and Venus clamshell and slider phones starting today! Because some people don't actually want an iPhone. [Engadget]
Project Runway goes interactive and takes a page from Fantasy Football. Pick your favorite designer during each show and see how they do when the judges hurl insults and shred them to pieces! Fun! [Fashionista]
Photo: Getty Images
Skin care and spa treatments can sometimes be torture. That hurt-so-good deep tissue massage or blackhead destroying "extraction" during your facial are prime examples of the great lengths we'll go for beauty. But how well do you know your spa treatments? Radar, in all of its brilliance, offers a quiz to test your knowledge of treatment vs. torture.
Here's one from the quiz to get you thinking:
"The "Scotch Hose" technique requires the subject to stand naked facing a wall while being blasted with a high-pressure hose."
Here are some other techniques that walk the line of treatment and torture:
Running electrical current through the skin to increase oxygen flow and kill bacteria.
Using a high-powered vacuum on the face to clear pores.
Injecting neurotoxins into the face and body to erase wrinkles and reduce excessive sweating.
Burning the skin using focused-energy lasers to refine the texture and reduce wrinkles.
Venture on over to RadarOnline to test your knowledge!
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Last week Out brought you the top five moisturizers, all of them perfect for keeping your skin well-hydrated after a good shave. But, first you've gotta get said good shave. And, let's face it, shaving is no fun. Crucial to avoiding getting (razor) burned is the appropriate shave cream/gel -- one that prevents friction and also properly nourishes your skin. 
