Beautykinguk

Best Male Beauty Advent Calendars for 2023

2023-11-10T11:44:00.001+00:00

With over 100 Advent Calendars listed, it might have missed your attention that there are some really good Advent Calendar options for the man in your life, be it Dad, Teen, Husband or even son-in-law indoors. So, having taken a good look around, I have picked 7 of them which stand out.

Having covered Advent Calendars from as far back as 2017, each year more brands seem to be making an offering. Ranging in price, each Advent Calendar is a real mixture of fragrance, beauty and grooming and some of them also have a health and wellness aspect to them as well.

Liberty London Men’s Advent Calendar 2023. Described as featuring a better than ever line-up, the Liberty Men's Advent Calendar is once again packed with a luxury selection of men's grooming must-haves alongside some of Liberty's favourites. Inside, you will find a host of cult products, new launches all from brands you will find in the Liberty Beauty Hall such - Votary, Acqua Di Parma, Seated Queen, REN Clean Skincare and more.

Priced at £230 it is worth £630 - on sale here.

Baylis & Harding Signature For Him Advent Calendar Advent Calendar 2023. Described as being a wild beauty of the great outdoors meeting the classic gentlemen’s refinement, the Calendar is inspired by nature and it features a majestic stag icon paired with subtle tones of navy, buff and tweed - escape the everyday with this artisan, rustic, luxury collection.

Priced at just £22.50 if you have a Boots Advantage Care.

Harry's Christmas Cracker Advent Calendar 2023. Come the 24 December, Harry's have produced an advent calendar to give you an entire shave kit to keep the grooming box ticked well into the new year. From skincare to shave creams, and the brand's much-loved Winston razor.

Priced at just £99 it is on sale right now.

The Rituals Ultimate Men’s Gift Box 2023. Rituals presents its very first Ultimate Men’s Gift Box and it is such good value for money! This very exclusive gift includes 12 products which are described as being hardworking and ones which are said to support him through each and every day. Featuring everything from the brands iconic foaming shower gels and effective caffeine shampoo to their 24h antiperspirant and Sport body lotion,

Worth £185.10, it is on sale right now for £98.90 here.

Clarins 12 Day Men Advent Calendar 2023. Without faily every year, Clarins produces a His and Her Advent Calendar. This year, the 12 day Advent calendar brings you the magic of the holidays with 12 ClarinsMen icons, including a full size Super Moisture Balm and Aftershave Cooling Gel.

Priced at £65 it is on sale right here.

Next 12 Days Of Grooming Advent Calendar 2023. This is one of the best valu Advent Calendars I have come across. Described as bursting with foolproof skincare, body care, and grooming essentials, it features some brand bestsellers from the likes of Clarins, ELEMIS, and L’Occitane.

Worth over £159 it is on sale for just £50 here.

Lookfantastic Men’s Grooming Advent Calendar 2023. Featuring 25 days of Beauty, the Lookfantastic Advent Calendar for him is worth over £340. Inside you will find 25 self-care products from brands such as Elemis, Barber Pro, Pai, Aromatherapy Associates and ESPA.

On sale for £80 here.

It is great to see a selection of Advent Calendars for Men this year and all of them are reasonably priced and a great alternative to chocolate or socks offerings!

Win £49 to spend at Trendhim

2020-11-16T10:41:00.003+00:00

When looking for accessories the first stop is always the site Trendhim, whom I’ve featured on my blog before. This time I am back with a giveaway, offering you the chase to win £49 to spend on site, which could mean grabbing that last minute gift for the man in your life.

Trendhim opened back in 2007 and are a Scandinavian brand based in Denmark. If you hadn’t guessed by now, Trendhim are all about accessories for men and on their website, you will find items such as bags, belts, jewellery, ties and so much more.

I have a growing list of items I really like from Trendhim which include the following:

Moody Mason Jax Stainless Steel Cuff Bracelet- This silver-tone men’s cuff looks simple enough from the top… but turn it over and you’ll see 2 skulls staring back at you.
Warren Asher Skull and Crossbones cuff links - Crafted from super-strong silver-toned alloy, these edgy skull-and-crossbones cufflinks will keep your shirt cuffs in order.
TND Basics Black and Silver Tone Rosary Beads - A pendant inspired by The Miraculous Medal joins the chain together. A crucifix is suspended at the end of the necklace.
Fawler Freddie Black Urban Scarf - A chunky men's scarf features a variety of textures, including classic cable knit.
Lucleon Smith Dark Brown Leather RFID Blocking Wallet - This wallet features room for 4 cards and a flap to hold your ID. Hold cash in the 2 currency pockets, while other cards or receipts can be stored in the 2 slip pockets.

As you can see from my list, there is a whole host of different products to choose from, and this isn’t even half of them! Hopefully this list has tempted you into taking part in my competition which is detailed below.

COMPETITION

So how can you be in with the chance of winning £49 to spend at Trendhim? All you need to is go over to the Trendhim website and let me know using 8 words or more - what would you spend the voucher on and who would the gift be for?

Rafflecopter giveaway

Please remember that you must complete the entries as set out on the Rafflecopter widget. Failure to do so will mean your entry will be null and void.
This is a UK only giveaway and you must be 18+ to enter or have parental permission
There is no cash alternative

Barber Pro 12 Days of Grooming Essentials Advent Calendar 2020

2020-09-25T06:00:00.001+01:00

For 2020, Barber Pro have the 12 Days of Grooming Essentials Advent Calendar and it is not one i was expecting to find.

Priced at just £39, the countdown to Christmas with this Grooming Essentials Advent Calendar isndescribed as being the ultimate festive choice for him! It includes an array of masks to keep him looking smart and groomed over the party season.

1 x Under Eye Mask (3 pairs)
1 x Face Putty (3 pack)
2 x Post Shave Cooling Mask
2 x Foaming Cleansing Mask
3 x Gentlemen’s Mask
3 x Calming Infused Mask

This Barber Pro Advent Calendar is available right now from Very for just £39.

ASOS MEN'S GROOMING 12 DAY ADVENT CALENDAR 2020

2020-09-23T06:00:00.001+01:00

I am hoping 2020 will be a good year for Male advent calendars, for 2019 it wasn’t the best year, but so far I’ve seen at least five decent ones. Today is the turn of ASOS with their 12 Day Grooming Advent Calendar and I think it is pretty good!

For me ASOS have really upped their game with brands that are being offered. Instead of seeing the usual ones, there is now the inclusion of some new and more edgy brands. This calendar features brands such as House 99, LAB Series, Bull Dog and Men Expert hidden inside boxes and all for just £35 here*.

Murdock Beard Moisturiser 150ml
LAB Series Multi Action Face Wash 30ml
Marvis Classic Strong Mint Toothpaste 10ml
BullDog Original Aftershave Balm 75ml
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution
Harry’s Razor
Doers of London Cut Out The Fluff Shave Cream
L’oreal Men Expert Wake Up Effect Shower Gel 300ml
Johnny’s Chop Shop Wild Cat Hair Clay 70g
This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
House 99 Shaping Pomade
Barber Pro Gentlemens Sheet Mask

It is on sale now, so if If you don’t want the man in your life, to miss out opening an Advent, or if you have a Christmas present to purchase and you want it to be a little bit different to the usual gifts, then ASOS might just save your day!

will be live soon with ASOS, so keeping watching to grab it quick before it sells out!

Liberty Men’s Advent Calendar 2020

2020-09-21T06:00:00.004+01:00

The Liberty Advent Calendar for men is back for a second year and it is definitely one worth looking at, not just in terms of content but for the price, it looks amazing.

Inside the calendar, it features a really impressive list of brands and products, many of which you will find featured in the Liberty Beauty Hall. Those brands include the likes of Davines, Dr Sebagh, Bamford, Ruffians, Escentric Molecules and Kiehls to name just a few of them.

It will go on sale for £195 on 7th October and the products included are reported to be worth over £460. To ensure you can get your hands on it, whether for yourself or as a gift, there is as a sign up list here* which alerts you to the sale.

Liberty Sloe Gin Miniature 50ml (FULL SIZE)
Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Angel 40ml
Dr Vranjes Firenze Milano Room Spray 25ML (FULL SIZE)
Davines Naturaltech Rebalancing Shampoo 100ML (FULL SIZE)
(MALIN+GOETZ) Meadowfoam Ool Balm 30ML
Aveda Rosemary Mint Hand & Body Wash 50ML (FULL SIZE)
Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant 13G (FULL SIZE)
Escentric Molecules Escentric Molecules 03 EDT Travel Size Refill 30ML (FULL SIZE)
Susanne Kaufman Witch Hazel Bath 30ML
Dr Sebagh Serum Repair 20ML (FULL SIZE)
Verso Eye Cream 20ML (FULL SIZE)
Ruffians Hair Powder 3G (FULL SIZE)
Claus Porto Musgo Real Spiced Citrus Soap 190G (FULL SIZE)
Marvis Classic Travel Toothpaste 25ML
Frédéric Male French Lover Eau de Parfum 10ML (FULL SIZE)
L:A Bruket 092 Sage Rosemary Lavendar Hans Cream 30ML
Noble Isle Summer Rising Soap Bar 30G
Noble Isle Summer arising Bath & Shower Gel 50ml
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel no-shine moisturising lip balm 4.4G (FULL SIZE)
Ren Clean Skincare Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm 30ML (FULL SIZE)
Triumph & Disaster Rock & Roll Face Scrub 145G (FULL SIZE)
Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream 30ML (FULL SIZE)
The Lab Co. Bergamot Tea Denim Wash 60ML
Bamford Grooming Department Sport Depdorant 30ML (FULL SIZE)
Neom Organics Energising Hans Balm 30ML (FULL SIZE)
Omorovicza Cleansing Foam 30ML (FULL SIZE)

As I have said, the content is one which really does impress me and given the RRP, I am really impressed it is just £195. This would make a great gift for your better half, other half, Dad, Husband, brother, Uncle and whoever you think deserves a treat - I most definitely will be hinting!!

The Liberty Men’s Grooming Advent Calendar will launch on 7th October.

SINCLAIR MEZZO WATCH

2020-07-06T12:31:00.001+01:00

I have a bit of a thing for watches, ever since my beloved Bvlgari watch died after a fall from height I've tried numerous different watches from an array of brands and none of them have felt quite right. The latest watch to my collection was kindly gifted to me via Trendhim, a website which designs quality men’s accessories that are fashionable and affordable. They currently have 13 brands within their portfolio and offer everything from suit accessories and wallets to Jewellery and watches.

I chose the Sinclair Mezzo Watch (£69) which features a Danish design and it features a Japanese Quartz movement. I was drawn to it because of the watch face, a design that I haven't come across before and I also liked the look of the watch strap too.

Made of Stainless Steel for the strap, the watch also features a Zinc Alloy Case. With regards to the dimensions, the strap is 2cm wide with the face diameter being 4cm. The watch face itself is quite plain, the brand name quite clearly positioned at the top, but the only numbers visible sit in the middle of the face, at first, I thought this was a sticker, but it is in fact part of the design and around it, the hands work their round, so it is still easy to tell the time, without the numbers.

I like that this watch is one which could be worn for any occasion, not that we have been out much since the lockdown came into play, but it works just as well with formal attire as it does with the casual. The watch is also really lightweight, you barely register that it is on your wrist, which for me is another plus.

For £69, this watch is beautifully designed and made, it fits snug to my wrist without being too tight and I think I made a really good choice of watch. As an added extra when making a purchase, you can also choose whether or not to engrave your watch, add gift wrapping and even swap the box it is presented in to something a little more hard wearing too.

A lovely comfortable watch, it looks great and won't read the bank.

RECOMMENDED

Beauty Advent Calendars 2019 - Male Edition

2019-09-22T22:18:00.001+01:00

How is it nearly Christmas again?!?!? No seriously, the last time I looked it was March! My other half is obsessed with Beauty Advent Calendars. Not only do I have to listen to her talk about the female calendars (I deserve a medal) but it seems like there is a new one released every other day.

Last year I thought was 'peak' beauty advent calendars but again I was wrong. You can see my posts from 2016 here, 2017 here 2018 here that we still don't rank highly thought of by some brands when it comes to releasing an advent calendar, already 2019 is a pretty poor show, but I have found at least three calendars that have stood out and caught my eye.

First up we have Clarins, a brand who has for many years created a calendar for men and women. This time, the advent calendar takes on the shape of a treasure and inside there are 12 products waiting to be found.

I have a bit of a love hate relationship with Clarins, their eye cream did absolutely nothing for me but the Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate I really like. This advent calendar comes with a £60 price tag later this month and below you can find a full list of what is inside.

Full Contents

ClarinsMen Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream 20ml
ClarinsMen Active Hand Care 75ml
Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate 100ml
7 Day Double Serum Sample 4.9g
Hydra-Essentiel Lip Balm 3ml
Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil 5g
ClarinsMen Super Moisture Balm 12ml
ClarinsMen Shampoo & Shower 30ml
Fresh Face Scrub 15ml
ClarinsMen Super Moisture Gel 12ml
Relax Bath & Shower Concentrate 100ml
ClarinsMen Active Face Wash 30ml

I am really impressed with the sizes of each of these products, it is rare to find a 100ml of anything in an advent calendar. It launches on 29th September and is available from Boots, Harrods and Selfridges.

ASOS Face + Body is similar with product content to that of 2018 and the price has remained the same at £35. Inside there is 12 products from brand such as L'Oreal, American Crew and Rituals.

Inside the box, are smaller boxes containing all 12 of the products and for me, this advent calendar is one of the best to come from ASOS since I started my annual review. A full list of contents can be found below, but if you don't want to know what is inside, scroll quick to see what the third calendar has on offer.

Full Contents

31st State Roll On Deodorant: Full Size
Barber Pro Eye Mask x3: Full Size
LAB SERIES: Oil Control Clay Cleanser & Mask: 30ml
L'Oreal Men Expert Hydra Energy Sheet Mask: Full Size
America Crew Classic Fibre: 50gm
Mens Society Beard Oil: Full Size
SKYN ICELAND Glacial Face Wash: 30ml
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid: Full Size
Murdock London Beard Moisturiser: 50ml
Rituals Samurai Shave Cream: 70ml
MEN:U Facial Moisturiser Lift 15ml
House 99 All Bright Natural Bronzing Moisturising Gel: 20ml

ASOS state that the box has been designed to be reused and it is on sale right now.

The final advent calendar that has really caught my attention if the Next x Fabled by Marie Claire Advent and it isn't one I was expecting to find if I am totally honest. The Fabled store is just up the road from my office and they house some incredible brands, some of which can be found inside this calendar.

Featuring some of my favourite brands such as L'Occitane and Hawkins & Brimble plus there are some brands like House 99 that I would quite like to try. This is a 24 day Advent Calendar and it is priced at £65 with the contents being worth over £210, so it is quite the saving if you are wanting to discover some new brands or become reacquainted with some old favourites. Again, if you don't want to see the full list of contents, then look away now!

Full Contents

Green People Exfoliating Facial Scrub 30ml
L’Occitane Cedrat Shower Gel 75ml
House 99 All Bright Bronzing Moisturiser 20ml
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel 50ml
Hugo Boss Boss Bottled 5ml
Barber Pro Gentlemen’s Sheet Mask
Mo Bro’s Winter Spice Beard Balm 15ml
This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray 5ml
Marvis Classic Strong Mint Toothpaste 25ml
Percy Nobleman Beard Wash 30ml
Men’s Society Zing Shampoo & Body Wash 50ml
Ted Baker Beard Oil 45ml
Clinique for Men Face Scrub 15ml
House 99 Smooth Back Shaping Pomade 15ml
Mr Natty Shave Oil 30ml
Hawkins & Brimble Face Wash 150ml
31st State Hair Putty 100ml
Hawkins & Brimble Eye Cream 20ml
Men-u Shave & Cleanse Duo 2 x 15ml
Dr Botanicals Advanced Anti Fatigue Vit C Serum 30ml
Brighton Beard Company Mandarin & Cedarwood Beard Oil 10ml
Gunslingers Matt Shaper Wax 75ml
Monuskin Skin Salvage Men’s Moisturiser 30ml
Hugo Boss Boss The Scent 5ml

This calendar is available within the next few days, so definitely one to keep a look out for, either as a treat for your mister or as a gift for yourself.

As always, I am hoping there will be more advent calendars for us males out there, but the one product that has really caught my eye comes from Mankind. How about you?

Adexe London Mac Grande Mesh Watch

2019-06-03T07:00:00.000+01:00

Watches are my favourite item of jewellery and something I wear every single day without fail. I'm yet to succumb to the witchery that is using my phone for absolutely everything and still prefer to feel the weight of a watch on my wrist, otherwise I feel butt naked.

Adexe London describe themselves as being the non-conformist brand which differentiates itself from the mass-produced competitors, by offering traditional quality and luxury, but invoking contemporary minimalism. Vertically integrated under one roof. With one mission in mind:

“Create Finely Crafted, Uniquely Appointed Timepieces at Affordable Prices”.

I really like that everything from Adexe is designed and manufactured in-house here in London and the story behind the brand is one worth reading. I was given the option to choose a watch to review and I had quite a problem deciding which watch I liked the best, there is quite the choice of strap design, the design of the face and not to mention the colour of both before deciding which size watch face works best with your wrist. In the end, I managed to whittle my choice down to the Mac Grande Mesh watch.

Presentation is important when buying anything to me and I really like the brightly coloured box the watch comes presented in. Removing the lid, inside you see the watch in all its glory already fixed together and ready to wear.

The Mac Grande Mesh is black in colour and is made from hand-polished All Stainless Steel. Priced at £119, this watch could quite easily be worn by anyone regardless of their sex and because it is black in colour, it can be worn with any outfit be it formal or casual.

The Adexe Mac design is available in three different styles depending on your preference for colour and size and each watch also comes with a pair of pre-set extra straps in black or brown colour. In addition to the extra strap, inside the box you will also find that this watch also includes a really tiny tool which means you can change your strap you without having to set foot within a jewellers or watchmakers to ask them to do it for you. Some of the features of this watch include:

Case Material: Hand-Polished All Stainless Steel
Case size: 41 mm diameter
Band Width: 20 mm
Glass: Curved Hardened Crystal
Straps: Hand-Made Mesh Band
Waterproof: 3 ATM
Movement: Japanese Miyota GM15
Battery: 5 years

The dial of the Adexe MAC Grande Gun Black Watch is also a matte black colour, and the dial features a slightly sunken sub-dial which features five minute markers whereas the the outer dial houses the hours, so for me, this design makes it really easy to tell the time without having to squint at a small dial to figure it out. The hands on the dial are a matte silver hands which really compliment the black gunmetal design. At the base sub-dial you will also notice that there is a small number which represents the date of the current month without displaying the month. I am quite looking forward to see how well the dates work with the changing numbers of days per month.

The extra set of straps to accompany my watch or not just any ordinary leather strap, it is a contactless strap. I know I said I didn't like to rely on my phone to do absolutely everything for me, but I was intrigued by the term 'Contactless Strap'.

To look at, the strap just looks like any normal leather watch strap, but this is anything but. The bPay Contactless Straps features a contactless chip which is safely secured within the strap. This chip then enables you to pay quickly and securely for any purchases of £30 and under, making it perfect for everyday use, commuting, a night out and even travelling. For me, as someone who commutes on a daily basis, the option of just flicking my wrist over the tap-in options for the tube and bus to allow me to get on with my day.

The bPay straps work with any Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card. All you need to do is download the free bPay app, or visit bpay.co.uk to activate your account, top it up with money from your account and you are good to go. All I have to say is that if this technophobe can manage to make this work, then anyone can!

This is my first watch from Adexe London and it has been quite the experience, not ony have I got myself a watch that I can wear for any occasion, but I also have one which means I don't have to worry about carrying a lot of cash with me at all times and I also have the means of getting around London, not should I forget my wallet, but when I do!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

SKINCARE: Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream by Black Leopard

2019-01-23T06:00:00.000+00:00

Hello 2019, and what a way to bring in the New Year and mark my return to my little blog by looking at a new range of skincare products for men from Black Leopard Skincare. With a range that includes moisturiser, aftershave, and face scrub, today I’ll be focusing on Black Leopard Eye Cream.

A 15ml tube of the cream will set you back A$29, that’s about £16 which for an eye cream if it works is in my view pretty good value for money.

This is what they say about the eye cream over at their website here:

‘This anti-wrinkle cream developed using the most advanced anti-ageing technology is specifically designed for use on men’s skin. Reducing puffiness and dark circles. Increasing elasticity, locks in moisturiser and plumps the skin to reduce wrinkles. Be amazed by how good your skin looks by adding this one step to your nightly routine.’

But obviously, the crux of whether you should lay out your hard earned cash on this rests with whether it will actually banish those bags and help make your face look that bit smoother and less battle-worn (like my own).

I received the full range as a PR sample back in October shortly after coming out of hospital when I frankly looked like I’d been dead for a month, buried and then dug up again. Not a good look. Wanting to feel better about myself this was the first product I reached for, and after a good eight weeks of using it in the evening I’ve discovered that yes, yes this really does have a positive effect.

A tiny pea sized amount of the cream is all that’s needed – it has a great consistency that makes it easy to spread around the eyes and into the crevasses that I’ve cultivated over the years without leaving your fingers, hands and face feel greasy. Win!

After a week of using the cream the skin tone and feel to the touch of the skin around my eyes had started to be transformed. By the end of week two the dark bags and circles were barely noticeable and the crows feet had visibly reduced. My skin was as they promised plumper and silky smooth.

I hate looking in the mirror and seeing a corpse looking back. Thankfully, by using this beauty of a product it’s no longer an issue for me. At £16 for a product that is still going strong I have to say it represents excellent value for money, provides outstanding results and will last for month after month.

Black Leopard knock the spots off the competition.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Beauty Advent Calendars - Male Edition

2018-12-01T06:00:00.000+00:00

How is it nearly Christmas again?!?!? No seriously, the last time I looked it was March! My other half is obsessed with Beauty Advent Calendars. Not only do I have to listen to her talk about the female calendars (I deserve a medal), but I have to hold them all while she takes endless photographs (some of them are huge - see here) and now every other day there seems to be a new one popping up.

Last year I thought was 'peak' beauty advent calendars but alas I was wrong. You can see my post from 2016 here, 2017 here today will be those I have found for 2018 and I have to say, I was expecting more!

Makind - Not quite an Advent Calendar but it is pretty special. Featuring 12 full sized products from brands such as Hanz de Fuko, Elemis and Omorovicza to name just a few.

This Christmas Collection has an RRP of £475 but is available for just £100 right here.

ASOS - This years Grooming Advent Calendar has twelve doors to open and behind each one is a product from the likes of Lab Series, Clinique, Uppercut and more.

Priced at £30, you can find it right here via ASOS.

Clarins - It is good to see Clarins have been consistent and are back again with their 2018 Advent Calendar. The 12 days of Christmas Triangle features some amazing products including - A full size Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream, a 100ml Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate, SOS Hydra Mask and Super Moisture Balm to name just a few.

Priced at £60 it has a combined worth of £110 and is a great way to try out some Clarins products, stock up on your favourites or to simply just treat yourself. You can find it he re.

Superdrug Bristle and Smith Mens 12 Days Advent Calendar - currently on offer for £9 (here)

The Bristle & Smith range helps you to tame and maintain your look with a range of dapper toiletries and accessories. An impeccably groomed man always looks smart and dapper wearing these socks. Featuring products such as Body Wash 30ml, Shower Gel 30ml, Beard Wash 30ml, Body Lotion 30ml, Shave Balm 30ml, Body Scrub 30ml, Bath Salts 30g and some handy grooming tools.

Manstuff - The MAN'STUFF 12 day Cube Advent Calendar features a mixture of grooming producta and grooming tools behind each of the 12 doors.

Hidden behind the 12 doors are items such as Shower Gel, Tweezers, Soap, Lip Balm and a Charcoal Face Wash to give you a little idea as to what you might find. Priced at £12.95 here, this is a great gift.

LYNX Men's Grooming Count Down 12 Days Advent Calendar Kit - Currently on offer for £15 (here)

I am sure every man reading this post will have, at some stage in their life been given numerous Lynx gift sets at Christmas. This year, Lynx have decided to bring about their own complete 12 day Grooming count down kit and it is packed full products which includes a full size Lynx Gold Body spray, 2 Lynx Black Bodyspray , 2 mini Lynx Black Bodywash , a full size 75ml Lynx Urban Hair Wax and some much needed grooming tools too.

Admittedly, I am hoping there will be more advent calendars for us males out there, but the one product that has really caught my eye comes from Mankind. How about you?

Apollon Morpheus with Gents Bracelets

2018-09-09T14:09:00.001+01:00

Aside from my watch and wedding ring, I tend to wear a lot of male bracelets particularly those which feature of a skull and my interest and obsession all stemmed from Pinterest on which here you can see that I have a rather large board featuring bracelets costing anywhere from £5 to £5,000 that I would love to adorn my wrists.Aldi Lacura Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kit Dupe

The Apollon Morpheus bracelet from Gents Bracelet is the latest addition to my collection and it is just beautiful. Gents Bracelets describe themselves as follows:

In this day and age of price wars in a race to the bottom between brands, quality inevitably begins to suffer. It’s a shame because, for the discerning gentlemen of today, quality is everything. It’s easy to tell when something has been crafted with love, skill, care, and attention. Gents Bracelets are breaking the mould and turning heads with our quality over quantity ethos… We don’t cut corners.

With Gents Bracelets, the word quality is one which features quite a lot descriptively alongside their products and this is because it is of such high importance. Not only is each individual bracelet made from the highest quality leather, the production of the bracelet is just as important and this is due to the fact that only use leather that accrues at the traditional slaughter as a “Waste product“. At approximately 6mm wide, the bracelet isn't too wide that it excessively heavy, but it is big enough that it stands out.

Aside from the bracelet being of the highest quality, it also arrives in a stunning black box which has an pull string opening. Inside there is a leather pouch which contains your chosen item and again, the presentation is just stunning.

Designed to be adaptable, comfortable and stylish, this bracelet is made of high quality materials. What stood out to me was the bright white leather of the wristband which contrasts perfectly with my summer tanned arms and it also works well sitting amongst the other bracelets from within my collection, of all which are black. This bracelet also features two black skulls and it is here that the craftmanship comes into its own. Made from shiny stainless steal and the details, right now to the teeth is just incredible and to finish the black magnetic fastener is made of stainless steel with the gents bracelets engrave on the reverse.

The Apollon Morpheus Stack is a set of two individual men bracelets that is offered for a special price. Of course, both skull bracelets can be worn individually. Also ideal as a gift and at the mention of gifts and with Christmas on the horizon, the lovely people at Gents Bracelets have given me a bracelet, exactly the same as the one above to give away to one of you. All you have to do is complete the widget below!

This competition is open worldwide
If you are aged under 16 you will need parental permission to enter as I will need your name and postal address if you are selected as the winner.
The winner will be selected at random from Rafflecopter.

Competition is Closed and the winner is Archie Welling.

Archie, I have emailed you.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Matching a shirt and blazer: a man’s guide

2018-08-18T16:38:00.001+01:00

The staple blazer and shirt outfit has been at the forefront of men’s fashion for decades. From casual get-togethers to formal affairs, this look has carried men effortlessly through almost every style of event — but are you maximising its full potential?

Here, we’ve put together a fool-proof guide on creating a suave jacket and shirt outfit that’s fresh and on-trend. Not sure which colours, fabrics and patterns got together? Check out our shirt and blazer guide for style tips and tricks.

Colour - Your suit palette is perhaps the first feature of your look that people will notice — so it’s critical to get this right. Essentially, you can go down three avenues to pinpoint the perfect suit colour: block, tonal and statement.

Block colouring is your more adventurous option — and it’s a big trend in men’s fashion for AW18. When you colour block your outfit, you go for bright panels of contrasting, solid colours. Think electric blue blazers with canary-yellow ties and pure-white shirts. This is a tough one to perfect, but the trick is to contrast warm and cool colours and then tone it down with a neutral shade. Something like a steel-grey suit jacket with a blush-pink shirt and lemon tie or a red tweed blazer over a forest green shirt.

Tonal colouring is almost the opposite of block colouring, as you choose a single shade and wear its variants. Say you go for purple. You could throw on a velvet jacket in a rich, dark plum shade over a lighter, mauve shirt and polish off the palette with a bright lilac tie or dickie bow. Pick your favourite colour and just turn up or down the pigments on your shirt, blazer, trousers, etc.

Statement colouring does what it says on the tin: makes a statement. Similar to tonal colouring but focusing on a single shade surrounded by neutrals — like brown, grey, white, and black — this colour style exudes understated confidence. Pair a wine-coloured Oxford shirt with a rich, chocolate men’s blazer or go for a teal, seersucker suit with a white shirt and skinny black tie.

Texture - Next up is the fabric. You probably already have a favourite blazer texture, but if you usually stick to the same kind, maybe it’s time to switch it up. Fabric plays a big part in how formal or not an outfit looks, so make sure you get the combination right.

Go for the staple, lightweight polyester suit jacket and cool cotton shirt for a comfortable outfit during long occasions or try a boxy wool blazer and flannel checked shirt for a touch of old-time style that’s suited for casual events.

Brown or khaki tweed has an unmistakeably rural gentleman appeal and looks ideal with a plain white, cotton shirt and tweed waistcoat, while a clean and crisp white or silver jacket in linen delivers a laid-back vibe that goes great with a fine pinpoint Oxford cloth shirt — ideal for relaxed, outdoor events. If you’re after something formal but slightly against the grain, corduroy and velvet are spot on. The former is a type of woven cotton with a distinctive, raised texture that looks especially good in a rust or maroon shade with a white shirt in a twill fabric — the slight shine of the shirt will contrast perfectly against the thicker corduroy.

For the ultimate in masculine luxury, try velvet or satin. If you’re going for this fabric, make sure you do it in style by opting for a dinner suit or smoking jacket in a rich, elegant shade — like royal blue or emerald green. As a thin, light, modest fabric; smooth broadcloth shirts look best with luxe velvet or satin blazers — scarves and pocket squares also look incredible with this jacket fabric.

Pattern - The pattern can seal the deal on a good and bad jacket-and-shirt combo — and the trick is to not splice different types in a single outfit. Either go for a patterned blazer or keep this plain and enhance your look via your shirt.

Window-pane checks are large and bold — ideal for making a statement at an event that matters. Pair this style with a block-colour shirt and plain tie for maximum effect. Smaller checks are also in-season, so switch it round — keep your blazer plain and go for an Oxford shirt with a burgundy base-colour with navy gingham checks.

Vertical stripes create a longer torso and look great on men dressing to impress in a smart jacket and shirt. High-contrast shades are best for stand-out impact — think two-stripe coral and white or multi-stripe red, navy and white — and remember to consider the weight of your stripe choice. The thicker the stripe, the less formal the event.

For casual get-together with mates, tropical print-shirts are on top form this fashion season — we recommend keeping to the casual tone by pairing it with an ultra-lightweight cotton jacket. Alternatively, panel shirts let you combine multiple block colours that you can tone down with a neutral, wool-blend blazer.

There are many ways you can wear a shirt and jacket for a knock-out effect that’s on-trend for modern men. Combine the patterns, fabrics and colours above to create a look of your own or pair up with your dates dress at your next social event.

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AFTERSHAVE: Michael Bublé Pour Homme

2018-06-24T13:25:00.001+01:00

When it comes to celebrity fragrances I tend to steer well clear, they often smell cheap and nasty and I'm convinced (with zero evidence to back up this feeling) that more often than not it's just cheap stuff whacked in a bottle and flogged to the gullible. I've had to kind of reassess this after being asked by the wife to review Michael Bublé Pour Homme.

At £39 for a 70ml bottle or £55 for 100ml, this I think sits in the mid-range for aftershaves - anything over £60 and I take a serious whiff of it before forking out my own cash. The attractiveness of the bottle, with its sharp angles and lines, are said to have been inspired by the microphone with the shade of blue being a reference to Buble himself and his usual choice of suit (or so I'm told).

MB Pour Homme is described as a rich signature scent for the sophisticated modern gentleman. The notes to Pour Homme are:

Head: Grapefruit, bergamot and pink pepper
Heart: Geranium, neroli and blond wood
Dry-down: Patchouli, sandalwood and musk

Almost as soon as this left the bottle I was in love with the fragrance - it's unique, fresh and has a depth of fragrance that sits right in the middle of the woody and spicy fragrance family. The freshness of the citrusy notes really make this fragrance for me and blended with the Patchouli, you have an aroma that seamlessly takes you from day to night and one which is suitable for absolutely any man in your life.

My only question is if you've sold 55 million albums worldwide, why would you branch out into aftershave? You can't be short of a few quid. The many questions that run through my head aside, this is a lovely fragrance that isn't too heavy or warm on the nose. If you are looking for something a little unique this summer then you can do a lot worse than this.

In terms of celebrity aftershaves and fragrances, this stands head and shoulders above any other I've had the chance to sniff at.

Perfect for any occasion, this is one where throughout the day you'll close your eyes and think "mmm, yes, this is actually a good fragrance" and you'll be feeling good.

RECOMMENDED

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BEARDS: Schwarzkopf Got2b Beard Oil

2018-06-17T14:15:00.002+01:00

Last week a massive box of the new products from the Schwarzkopf Got2b Phenomenal range was delivered - everything from a beard trimmer, hair paste, wax and sprays. As part of the package was Schwarzkopf Got2b Phenomenal Beard Oil, and for the last seven days I've been slapping it onto my ever growing beard, stepping back and then making the other half feel the results.

Given my experience with this beard oil I thought it deserved a post all to itself, so check back over the coming weeks if you want to read more reviews of the range.

What does the marketing blurb say about the beard oil under review?

'Discover the real gentleman in you. The lightweight conditioning oil softens and tames your beard, leaving it well-groomed and non-greasy.'

I had no idea that this sat firmly in the budget range of grooming products (it's RRP is £4.07 for 75ml) but prior experience with the got2b hair styling range meant that I had some pretty high hopes. Had I seen the price beforehand I would have expected little.

So what did the product do? Well, it surprised me immensely from the moment it left the bottle and for hour after hour later. Why? Well, many reasons. The first being the silky smooth oil that really could not be simpler to apply. Two to three pumps from the dispenser should be enough according to the directions but given the longer length of my facial foliage I use two to three on the beard on my cheeks and chin and another two to massage into the shaft of the hair that hangs about five inches down from under my chin and on my neck.

The oil is a lot thinner than pretty much every oil I've ever used before but this helps with the absorption into the hair and within a matter of seconds you'll hardly know that you've applied it - it isn't greasy as promised and washing it off your palms is much, much easier than other premium brands.

The results are out of this world - after three days of using this my beard was noticeably softer to the touch, and I mean really soft so much so that I spent most of last week stroking my beard. Normally if using oil on my beard this would result in residue bein transferred to my fingers and the risk of oil stains on my clothing but not with this - excellent.

The beard some six hours after using Schwarzkopf Got2b Phenomenal Beard Oil

While much runnier than normal this doesn't detract from the hold it provides when styling the beard - I've found that it keeps my long beard in place for a good seven hours before the hairs start to lift up off my face and look untidy. That's much better than oils you can find yourself paying upwards of £20 for elsewhere.

They say that the Got2b range is truly phenomenal and when it comes to the beard oil I'm inclined to agree. Not only can you pick this up for under £5 when fully priced (you can get it from Superdrugor just £3) it also leaves you feeling like you've just stepped out of the barber's chair. I has a fragrance that will throw you back to your childhood (it reminds me of the smell of Barbicide used by barbers) while also taming your beard - it softens so well, in fact, better than any other beard oil I've used and it keeps my fairly long beard well and truly under control.

Price, availability and results taken into consideration and pow, you have an absolute belter of a beard oil.

HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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SKINCARE: Peel & Polish by Pixi

2018-06-16T14:44:00.000+01:00

Every now and again I'll play shower roulette, this involves me reaching onto the shelf, picking up a product without looking and then giving it a try. No, seriously, I do.....and that's how I came to try Peel & Polish by Pixi, a kind of peel and exfoliating potion the other half must use.

I've never used anything by Pixi before that I can recall so I had no prior misconceptions or indeed any expectations for this to do anything to my elephant hide like skin. Needless to say, that after the first application I've now been using this twice a week on my face to banish dead skin - but at £26 for a 80ml tube does this really compare with other face washes, scrubs and general exfoliants out there? Read on folks, read on.

This is what they say about the product:

'This radiance revealing enzyme peel resurfaces for smoother, softer skin, and a healthy looking glow. Natural fruit enzymes loosen dead skins cells, lactic acid gently exfoliates, cellulose peels & sugar extracts polishes, lifting away dullness revealing brighter skin. Professional salon peel treatment without leaving home.'

After taking the lid off and giving this a good sniff I was pleasantly surprised to find that it has a rather gender neutral fragrance, not too light and flowery and equally, not too heavy on the nose - the orange, papaya and lemon extract provide a fresh and fruity aroma that can become rather addictive.

Whacking a healthy dose of the cream onto my hands I rubbed it gently into my dry face and neck. First up, the grains within the cream are really fine, noticeable, but this is a gentle exfoliation rather than a full-blown sandblast of the face. As advised, I left it on the skin for a couple of minutes and that is when the tingling started - and it was good. Like a really weird mild burning sensation that tingles rather than hurts you can almost feel the dirt and dead skin cells being removed. Top marks.

As the tingling starts I tend to rub the cream into my face a bit to provide an extra touch of exfoliation.

As the particles/grains are so fine they are washed off really easily, leaving results that can be summarised in one word - "wow". To see the colour of the water after using would make you wretch - it clearly does eliminate built up grime and dirt but best of all, my skin looks radiant after using and to the touch it's smoother than it's been in years. When I say years, I can hand on heart say at least a decade.

This is a lucky find for me and while I wouldn't have ever sought this out or bought it myself I can't honestly see this out of my skincare routine now. It's excellent and does exactly what it says it'll do.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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HAIR: Just for Men Control GX - Grey Reducing Shampoo

2018-06-10T13:55:00.003+01:00

There comes a time in every man's life when the old colour in the hair starts to fade and those pesky grey hairs start multiplying faster than a rabbit colony subjected to Barry White on a constant loop. For me, that time came when I was fourteen, yes, fourteen - WTF!!! I've been dying my old barnet for well over 20 years, but in recent years I've tried to grow old gracefully, that was until the grey got out of hand, and with a longer style it was becoming too much. Step forward Just for Men Control GX, a shampoo that promises to gradually reduce the appearance of grey hairs.

Rather than being a conventional dye that blasts the hair and leaves a uniform colour, this promises to leave hair looking natural by reducing rather than completely covering the grey.

Bold claims!

So, for just under £10 for a 147ml tube I set off on my grey reducing journey. If you want to pick up a bottle after reading this (seriously, read the whole post first) you can pick it up at most high street chains - Superdrug, Boots, Tesco and Sainsbury's.

First up was the 48-hour allergy test - seriously important given the plethora of chemicals and to avoid looking like your face has been attacked by a hive of angry bees.

The instructions advise to run the shampoo into your hair using your palms to avoid staining of the fingers and with that, on went the shampoo and boom, the bathroom smelt like a chemical spill. Pungent is something of an understatement but I'd expected this - it's no more powerful than the ammonia smell you get from permanent hair dyes.

I thought I'd cocked up after the first application as my hands went a sort of dirty purple colour which only got darker and darker as the day progressed and it was a nightmare to remove. On second, third, fourth and fifth applications I was incredibly careful not to use my fingertips but again, my fingers, nails and the palms turned a dodgy colour just hours later. Not the look I was going for, and scrubbing most of the skin off my hands to remove the stains wasn't a pleasant experience. Could the results redeem this product?

The quick answer is - NO.

After using this fifteen, yes, fifteen times a comparison of before and after across the root, shaft and tips of my hair showed zero effect, in fact, to me the tips looked even more grey than before. In terms of masking this is, to be blunt, appalling.

Less than impressive results after fifteen washes over 6 weeks

Who remembers the original marketing slogan for Wash & Go? "Take two bottles into the shower, not me, I just take Wash & Go. Well in the case of Control GX I not only take the tube in the shower but also gloves, a nailbrush and some serious cleansing agents. It's fiddly to use, stains your fingers and palms and in my case did not one jot to reduce the grey in my hair. While it does leave my hair feeling clean, in term of its primary purpose of reducing grey hairs, this is a lemon.

NOT RECOMMENDED

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BEARDS: Modern Day Duke Beard Wash & Tonic

2018-06-02T15:59:00.002+01:00

Where has he been for months I hear you say? Growing a beard. With that in mind expect one or two posts on beards over the coming weeks and months, but today I'll start off with two cracking products from Modern Day Duke - Luxurious Beard Wash and Superior Beard Tonic.

So, who are Modern Day Duke? You can read all about the company and it's ethos over at their website here:

LUXURIOUS BEARD WASH

A 200ml bottle of the luxurious beard wash will set you back £16.95, which compares favourably with other beard washes on the market. There are a number of things that I genuinely like about this beard wash - it smells lovely, it lathers up a dream, it cleans away grime and doesn't dry out my skin.

Those four things above make this a must-have product for any beardy weirdy like me.

But saying that it smells lovely is a bit vague and really doesn't do this justice. It blends together cedarwood (a favourite base note in many an aftershave in my collection), lime and aloe vera. The cedarwood gives it an earthy masculine nose but the sharpness of the lime gives it a fresher tangy citrus waft that personally I've found a touch addictive.

Just two pumps of the beard wash, slap it onto a wet beard and you're away - it's like an explosion of lather that intensifies the fragrance two-fold. Result!

Last but not least, my beard feels clean, smells clean and fresh while also have a softer, smoother feel.

SUPERIOR BEARD TONIC

Having now come down with a massive dose of OBD (Obsessive Beard Disorder) keeping it in shape and trying to avoid looking like a hobo means carefully oiling and brushing down the stray hairs. Get a crappy oil and you'll be wiping oil it off your face, hands and sometimes clothing all day. I'm happy to report that this is not one of those lemons!

While the oil itself is quite thick any fears that this would just be smeared up and down my face were quickly allayed - a couple of drops from the applicator, a quick warm up between the palms and it's ready to go. Being, well, an oil, it is smoothed onto the hair really quickly and is absorbed by the hair and skin in under a minute. Excellent.

Throw into the mix once again that lovely fragrance, this time with hints of bergamot, patchouli and grape. It's fresh, it's fruity and for some reason whenever I use this I have an urge to grab an axe and chop some wood.

Styling my beard is a doddle using this - the one day I didn't use it my lovely aunt commented "you look homeless", which says it all.

Saving the best for last - my beard does grow quicker using the tonic - in just four months I've managed to grow a beard that would have taken at least a year. Indeed, the people I work with have commented on how fast it has grown.

50ml of this will set you back £18 and at that price, if you have whiskers, you shouldn't be without this.

I've been using both products on my ever-growing (and greying) beard now for a good four months. Those four months have seen my beard grow at a speed I've never known before, not a hint of beard itch or scratching and the oil leaves the longer style of beard in a position where brushing and styling is a breeze.

They (Modern Day Duke) say that with a great beard comes great responsibility. Not too sure about that, but when they attach phrases like superior and luxurious to these products I'm more than inclined to agree with the assessment. Both products are reasonably priced, I've been introduced to a brand I will be using again (when this batch runs out) and I know I'll be supporting a company that manufactures here in England.

Summarising in one word how my beard feels after using? Majestic.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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Aftershave: The Scent Intense for Him by Hugo Boss

2018-02-14T07:00:00.001+00:00

The Scent Intense by Hugo Boss is a very new aftershave into the ever growing collection and I only first got my sniffing tackle around it for the first time on Sunday evening after returning from an eventful week away. That said, it had an instant impact and while other aftershaves can sit on the shelf for months, just like my previous post I feel almost compelled to write almost immediately about this offer from the Hugo Boss stable.

Marketed as an irresistible and unforgettable fragrance for him, you can pick up a 50ml bottle of the aftershave from Debenhams for £54. That price places this in the mid-range in my opinion and when you read further on about how long lasting and noticeable to others this is it actually represents good value for money.

Head: Ginger and maninka fruit

Heart: Green cardamom and lavender

Dry-down: Black leather and vanilla

A couple of sprays and "wow, that's not what I expected" - instead of a heavy, warm spicy offering that I'd expected just three sprays and the room (and my skin) was awash with a beautiful blend of spice from the ginger offset by the lighter fruity smell from the maninka fruit - yes, it's warm from the start but it calms down quickly, becoming more floral as it works through the heart notes. The lavender is actually a note that flits in and out as you move around - it isn't a static fragrance it's constantly evolving and from time to time you'll pull out one of the notes yet minutes later it'll be gone.

Fear not however, once it settles down some twenty minutes later you are left with one hell of an intense fragrance that'll blow your mind (in a good way). Combining a mild spice with light floral notes and then slapping leather into the mix should make this super masculine and very heavy on the nose but it doesn't, and that's because the vanilla provides a little bite of sweetness as it gradually rests into a heady blend of warmth with longevity to rival much more expensive brands.

This lasts on the skin for well over twelve hours making it perfect for daywear around the office and then onto a night out. As a plus point, the sillage (the fragrance trail you leave behind) is I'm reliably informed so nice I found a few people leaning in to ask what that cool new fragrance was. Result.

It's the boss - lovely!

RECOMMENDED

For information:

This product was provided to me as a PR sample.
I have not been paid to write this post.

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AFTERSHAVE: Nuit de Megeve by Eight & Bob

2018-02-13T14:53:00.000+00:00

When the missus handed me a 20ml bottle of Nuit de Megeve Eau de Parfum by Eight & Bob my initial reaction was "who the f**k are Eight & Bob" - I'd never of the fragrance or the brand and given that it's taken about six months for me to write down my thoughts I gave this one not a second thought until I pulled out all of the aftershaves I hadn't yet written about (there are over fifteen - when do I start classifying this as an addiction?!?).

Knowing nothing about the brand, the fragrance, the notes, nothing I went to take a peek and do a little research into who Eight & Bob are and where you can pick up a bottle. It turns out that 1, this stuff isn't cheap - £130 for a 100ml bottle of it from John Lewis here and 2, it's actually a unisex fragrance for both men and women.

Normally I find reading about the history of a brand quite tedious, but the story behind Eight & Bob is really quite interesting - I won't ruin it here, but it involves a Parisian aristocrat and a young John F Kennedy in 1937. You can check out the history here.

The notes to Nuit de Megeve are:

Head: Grapefruit, petit grains and clove buds
Heart: Tonka beans, orris and black coffee
Dry-down: Vetiver, tobacco and musks

After a spray or two the first thing that struck me was that it was far, far too feminine for me - it was an instant "nope" from me and as the fragrance triggered my memory this reminded me of my Auntie Sue (in a good way - she has great fragrance tastes) but I didn't want to be smelling like a 60+ female. Initially thoughts were not positive, but it was obvious from the fragrance that the sweetness of the grapefruit on the nose was a little too sharp for my liking. It is a rather heavy fragrance despite the citrus head notes but thankfully these don't last and the fragrance evolves quickly and alters so much that I had to fundamentally change my assessment after fifteen minutes.

The sharpness of the citrus dries away quickly and it becomes a much smoother level of sweetness as the vanilla like note from the tonka bean blend with the coffee to make this much warmer, and in turn, much more masculine.

Within thirty minutes you are left with the final fragrance and this is where my love for Nuit de Megeve really explodes. The vetiver and tobacco provide excellent balance to the sweetness and tones it down to more of an earthy warmth. Lovely!

Even though it gets more masculine it sits perfectly as a unisex fragrance - not too light and not overly heavy on the musks and earthy notes.

Once dried down this is in a word - lush.

What really amazed me about this fragrance was it's longevity on my skin - it's quite possible the most hardwearing and long lasting of any aftershave I've ever tried before. A couple of sprays in the morning and you can still detect it on pulse points some 24 hours later - that's astounding.

When testing this out I sprayed my wrists and then a couple of hours later had a shower - even after a good scrub in the shower I could still pick up hints of the tonka bean and vetiver. Wow!

Expensive, yes, but worth every penny. Sadly, this introduction to Eight & Bob is going to seriously destroy my bank account over the coming years. Since I started writing this post I've had the chance to wrap my sniffing tackle around a few other offerings from the brand and like this they just ooze luxurious quality.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

For information:

This product was not provided to me as a PR sample.
I have not been remunerated or incentivised to write this post.

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Giveaway: Modern Gent's Shaving Kit by The Body Shop

2018-01-28T16:59:00.000+00:00

Over two years ago (doesn't time fly?!?) I wrote about the amazing male grooming gift sets available from The Body Shop and just before Christmas I was sent two of the Modern Gent's Shaving Kit to see what I thought of them. At the time I'd completely forgotten that I'd already tested and recommended it.

With that in mind, and the fact that the products are well worth a look I have a spare kit and rather than let it gather dust at my place (I don't shave that often at all anymore) I'm making it available here for one lucky reader to win.

All you have to do is follow the Rafflecopter prompts below. So what's up for grabs in the kit?

1 x 200ml Maca Root Shave Cream

1 x 125ml Maca Root Face Wash

1 x 100ml Maca Root Energetic Face Protector

The giveaway will be open to anyone with a postal address in the United Kingdom.
If you are aged under 16 you will need parental permission to enter as I will need your name and postal address if you are selected as the winner.
The winner will be selected at random from Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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SKINCARE: Bulldog Original Eye Roll-On

2018-01-26T11:45:00.001+00:00

Not being the healthiest person alive and getting by on around three to four hours sleep a night leaves my eyes looking and feeling a complete mess - dark circles under my eyes at times make me look like I've taken a good pasting from Tyson Fury after he's had a night on the Bolivian marching powder. A couple of products have managed to help combat the fine lines around my eyes, and some have even been successful in making me look as though life still courses through my veins. The latest product to get slapped onto my face in the hopes of resolving this is Bulldog Original Eye Roll-On.

A tiny 15ml tube of the product will set you back under £10, yes, under a tenner and says that it will target dark circles (watch out IOC), revive tired eyes, reduce the appearance of fine lines and reduce puffiness.

This is the product description from the Boots website, where you can buy this direct:

'Bulldog Original Eye Roll-On has a unique formulation which contains a special blend of avocado, cucumber and borage oils and Brazilian ginseng extract, millet seed and oak apple tannins.

The cooling roller ball dispenser makes it quick and easy to apply the cream to the area under the eye.'

First up, it doesn't smell great, not nasty, just a bit eurgh. Sorry, but it does nothing to float my fragrance boat. That said, thanks to the metal roller only a minuscule amount of the liquid is spread onto the skin so once on the face you actually can't smell it - my smell assessment comes from rolling it onto my hand and giving it a good whiff.

So, it has a metal ball to apply the liquid eh? Well yes, think of a scaled down roll-on deodorant stick and you are close to how this operates. On the first application I liked how cooling and refreshing the rollerball is on my undereye and it also helps ensure the cream is massaged in, so no need to use fingers. I had to give the tube an almighty squeeze to get it going but once it's on its way the application process could not be simpler and thanks to the smaller ball, the chances of getting the liquid in the eye are smaller than Arsenal finishing in the top four of the Premiership this season, next season and the season after.....Top marks for packaging and applicator design.

But does it actually work?

It certainly does, and it works really quickly. The liquid is absorbed in a stupidly quick time, a couple of rolls under and around my eyes first thing in the morning and last thing at night and I'm sorted.

After just a few minutes I personally could feel the skin under and to the sides of my eyes tightening and within ten minutes the bags that had been glaring back in the mirror had reduced - the dark circles were dark no more - don't get me wrong, it hadn't eliminated them completely (I'd need cosmetic surgery for that) it was more of a pale flesh colour (my natural skin tone) rather than looking like an extra from Vikings.

After an hour the dark circles had all but gone, leaving me with results I was really happy with and much better than I had expected. I have a soft spot for Bulldog products, their hand cream and moisturiser are really great affordable grooming products but this has taken the biscuit (translation: it's much, much better).

In terms of reviving my tired eyes, I can't say I noticed anything other than crippling tiredness but even so, the reduction in the dark rings, the tightening of the skin to reduce the puffiness under my eyes alone is enough for this, hell, I'd pay double.

Affordable and it works - can't say fairer than that.

RECOMMENDED

For information:

All Bulldog products are made in the United Kingdom and are certified to the 'Leaping Bunny' Humane Cosmetics Standard.
This product was not provided as a PR sample
I have not been remunerated or incentivised to write this post.

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BEARDS: Marbeian Beard & Moustache Brush Travel Kit

2018-01-17T17:49:00.000+00:00

As my quest for something of a Viking look continues my beard game is now up to levels where daily care is required to keep both the skin underneath moisturised but also the beard itself conditioned and looking tidy. Nobody wants to look as though they slept in a bush, even if they did. It wasn't until last year that I dipped my toe into the water of beard brushes. My Kent BRD2 brush however seems to have gone and done a disappearing act while waiting for me to regain my mane. I needed a new brush (I turn into a compulsive brusher once fully bearded) - step forward the Beard & Moustache Brush Travel Kit from Marbeian.

I picked up this set of beard grooming goodness from Amazon for just under £15, so a real steal, particularly when you consider that you get two brushes and a comb within the kit. You can pick up the kits here.

So, they are reasonably priced, but is it just tat off Amazon? Well, no.

I'd never heard of Marbeian before, so I did a little look around to see who they were and it turns out to be a family run venture from Spain stocking a range of hairbrushes and grooming tools. Their website here gives the lowdown on the products they have to offer for all your grooming needs. Their customer promise is:

'Our promise is a happy customer who gets only superior quality products. Marbeian products don’t have to be replaced often - some ever! We offer a lifetime guarantee on many products. Style and workmanship last time making Marbeian a sustainable choice. Please consider nature and reduce waste.'

All beard brushes from Marbeian are made using boar hair bristles and the beard brush here is a real corker - the bristles have the rigidity to plough through a thick beard but they also ease out tangles and knots like a hot knife through butter. Resembling more of a boot polish brush the wooden handle makes it perfect for use in either my left or right hand.

If I had to pick up one flaw with the angled bristles on my Kent BRD2 brush it was that I could only use it with my right hand making brushing the left hand side of my face awkward. With the Marbeian brush I have no such problems.

The smaller brush is also a star in it's own right - it makes 'tache shaping so much easier and means you don't have to get your hands messy with beard oil or balm when moulding into shape for the day.

Last up is the wooden 'tache comb - excellent at de-tangling the old tea strainer prior to trimming.

All of the items in the kit are really well made, and with the cotton carry bag these are perfect for slotting into my travel bag when I'm off out and about around the country with work. I've had these brushes for just under six months and I get the feeling that as long as I don't leave them in a hotel somewhere they will still be working their boar bristle magic on my bearded face in many years to come.

When you look at the price and look at the goods it's a no-brainer to have this kit in your grooming arsenal.

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AFTERSHAVE: Pure XS by Paco Rabanne

2018-01-02T13:58:00.000+00:00

Paco Rabanne, one of the first ever aftershaves in my collection and the original XS version of this aftershave was a staple for a good five years in my early 20s. Invictus was another triumph so when Pure XS fell into my collection after the good lady wife paid a visit to Disneyland in November I was mightily pleased. The massive velvet box of Pure XS by Paco Rabanne also looks the part with something of luxurious start to the testing process.

Is it worth £47 for a 50ml bottle of the stuff?

The notes to Pure XS are:

Head: Green sap and white thyme
Heart: Ginger and cinnamon
Dry-down: Vanilla and myrrh

With notes like that I'd have expected a very heavy fragrance, earthy in nature with a sweet base, but I was astounded by how it played out after spraying it liberally across myself.

First up, it's quite potent, anything more than four sprays and people around you will be gagging for a good hour after you've applied it. The green sap does give something of a earthy fragrance at first and weirdly, I found that it came across a little spicy for the first five minutes, with a warmth on the nose that brought a wry smile to my face - it doesn't give the impression that this is a complex blend but as it starts to evolve and dry down I swear you'll wonder how you did without this in your collection.

The ginger is barely noticeable but you can pick up hints of cinnamon but only for again a few minutes before the warmth intensifies and it becomes very heavy, but again, for no more than thirty minutes. I started to think this was a little too heavy for my tastes, I'm more of a light, fresh citrus kind of aftershave wearer but just as I expected to be panning this for being a bit too blokey, it lightened and actually becomes sweet, on a par with Eros by Versace. Wheres Eros uses tonka beans for the sweetness, the use of vanilla means that this lasts and lasts on the skin.

Just four sprays of this and you'll be smelling lovely all day long - it's strength plays out on the skin for a good ten hours plus making it a very hardwearing fragrance. Yes it does come across as a bit too heavy at first but the sweetness of the vanilla takes the edge off making it a perfect blend between masculinity and sweetness.

Nearly £50 for a bottle is a bit steep but this is a perfect fragrance for day wear around the office and with the excellent sillage properties mean you'll be badgered in a good way about what you're wearing today - those around you will be able to smell it, and if like my experience, at least 95 per cent of people will have a positive reaction. It's hard wearing, a bottle will last for months even if using daily which in my view makes it a decent mid-range aftershave.

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GIVEAWAY: Bois De Vetiver by Karl Lagerfeld

2017-12-10T15:00:00.001+00:00

It's all the fault of the Mail on Sunday, yes, the Mail on Sunday. Casually browsing the paper in a cafe while having breakfast a couple of week ago I saw an advert for Bois De Vetiver by Karl Lagerfeld. The offer suggested that a 50ml bottle was available for around £30 and bing, that was me sold. After wandering around the shops I came across a 50ml bottle at The Perfume Shop for £15 (it's £16.99 now)! Being prepared to spend £30 I ended up buying two bottles and in a pique of Christmas spirit I have a bottle available to give away to one lucky reader.

But do you really want to win it? After all, it could smell a bit rank, and considering it's well.....cheap, suggests that it isn't that popular. I got my sniffing tackle around my bottle and this is what I think to the aftershave.

Bois De Vetiver is a new fragrance for 2017 and is sold as a powerful yet cool fragrance. Personally, after reading the notes to this I had no idea what to expect. The notes are:

Head: Blood orange, pink grapefruit and mint leaves

Heart: Ambrox, geranium and rose

Dry-down: Patchouli, musk and Vetiver

Taking those notes into account, I'd expect a really light fragrance, citrusy and fresh that dries down to something of a floral and woody base. What I encountered was quite possibly the best fragrance find, ever.

The first two sprays really did fill me with a sense of joy, yes, it's light and you can only really detect the grapefruit. It's sharp on the nose for a good five to ten minutes before the crushed mint leaves take the edge off. After ten minutes the the head notes fade and become really subtle and the rose takes on the driving seat. Rather than becoming overly floral like Man Rose by Etro, the heart notes blend beautifully to give a smooth mix of citrus and rose - weirdly, this is where the fragrance starts to become more and more like Grey Vetiver by Tom Ford and when I say like, I mean it's nearly identical!

After about thirty minutes the fragrance becomes so very subtle I can hardly notice it on my skin, but after thrusting my wrist at the other half she assured me it was still strong and when wearing this around the office it's obvious from the compliments that it has excellent sillage properties (it's like a lovely scented trail that follows you around).

An hour in and this is basically the same as Grey Vetiver - I honestly can't tell the difference, if anything, it sparks more comments (positive of course) from those who surround me. Result!

The patchouli and vetiver provide a really masculine base with a warm woody twang with just a hint of the floral notes that sits on the skin without being powerful or overbearing on the nose. It's lush - no, it's actually better than that. I love it. When you consider that this lasts on the skin for well over ten hours it makes it perfect for daywear, nights out or those special romantic occasions. It's perfect for any situation.

So, for under £20 you can pick up an aftershave that is on a par with more expensive variants from Tom Ford (Grey Vetiver can cost up to £85 for 50ml), and if you're lucky, you can pick up a bottle for free if you enter and are drawn as the winner of my giveaway. If you're not lucky, you really should pick up a bottle or two of this while it's on offer, and I promise you will not be disappointed.

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The giveaway is open to people with a UK postal address

Random fact: I met Karl Lagerfeld in a lift at the Munich Hilton when I was twelve years old.

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FASHION: Navy Performance Suit from Dobell

2017-12-04T14:32:00.001+00:00

The problem with working in a dressed down office is that if you plop a suit on to style some pictures you end up with everyone thinking you are off to an interview after work - that didn't deter me however when I was asked if I'd like to try a suit from Dobell - and after selecting a suit from their range it was on and off to work to gauge the reaction - instead of the office it was to an event I ran in Liverpool last week.

Who are Dobell though, and should you really be buying suits online? This is what they say about themselves online here:

Launched in 2003, Dobell has established itself as the leading online formal wear store for men and boys of all ages. From day one our strategy has been to deliver choice, quality and unbeatable value, alongside comprehensive style advice and the very best customer care. Our customers say we are getting a lot right, but we’re determined to keep on improving as we grow!

We pride ourselves on offering the most extensive ranges of tuxedos, men’s suits, shirts, shoes and accessories, at prices up to 50 % cheaper than the high street. Leading suit and shirt brands we retail include Paul Costelloe, Tommy Hilfiger, Noose & Monkey, Esprit, Lambretta, Paul Gross, and Alexander Dobell.

If you pop over to their website you'll find a plethora of suits to suit (pardon the pun) every budget. Suits for under £150, they've got you covered, want something a little more hard wearing, they've got you covered on that too.

I opted for this Dobell Navy Blue Performance Slim Fit Suit which should cost £79.99 and it is described as being a smart, durable navy blue suit from Alexander Dobell is guaranteed to impress at job interviews, business functions and formal events. Cut in the contemporary slim fit style, it hangs beautifully and will flatter in all the right places. Simple and elegant, this single-breasted navy jacket has a double vented back section, notch lapels, two button front fastening, and jetted side pockets with flaps. Mine came as a PR sample but after choosing a darker blue I realised I needed a pair of brown shoes to really make sure I looked the business. So with new suit sized to perfection and new shoes slipped on, this is what I ended up looking like:

POW - a really comfortable fit, which is surprising given my weird body shape (it's more hourglass due to an absence of kidneys where they should be). The material is nice to the touch (the suit is made from a high performance blend of polyester and viscose that is easy to keep clean and comfortable to wear) and the stitching doesn't look like it has been thrown together - it looks like it has come off Savile Row, and when comparing with my Ted Baker Endurance suit it's on a par I'd say, except this suit retails about £350 cheaper.

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Oh and just a little catalogue pose...