MENS GUIDE TO GROOMING

As 2010 draws to a close, there are many important changes in men's grooming to note. The trend of excessive grooming and manscaping seems to be fading, in favor of a more balanced and natural approach to grooming. Read on to find out more... In the decade between 2000 and 2010, men's grooming shifted towards the excessive. This including full body shaving, makeup, and obsessing over skin care products and routines. Recently men have started to move away from these over-the-top grooming trends, and have begun to seek out a middle ground for grooming.

Manscaping is a term for male hair removal, like landscaping for the body. Men are now returning to a more natural look, finding a balance between our caveman ancestors, and the over-groomed and hairless men of the last decade. So what are the new rules? There are none! Do what works for you. There are, however, some rough guidelines you may want to consider:

Back and Shoulders: These are still areas to consider removing hair. Waxing is preferred to help reduce the growth of future hair, but shaving will work as well.

Chest: Personal decision, although you might want to consider trimming instead of shaving. Many partners like their man to have some hair on the chest.

Arms and Legs: Typically you should leave these areas alone unless you are a pro athlete and need to have zero hair on your body.

Face: Clean-shaven is still a popular choice. If you do grow a beard, consider keeping it short and fairly tidy. Read our Men's Guide To Shaving for more information on grooming this important part of your body.

Eyebrows: Don't over do it here! Some guys may need to remove a few hairs in between the brows, and a few strays. Not much else should be needed. Over-plucked and over-groomed eyebrows on guys doesn't look so great.

Proper men's grooming also involves the right skin care. Where do you start? With so many options and products, it is easy to become overwhelmed. The main thing to remember is to keep it simple. By choosing a simple skin care routine you are much more likely to maintain proper skin care.

Cleanse: Consider using a cleanser that is soap and sulfate free. This allows the cleanser to clean your face without drying or irritating the skin, which means your face will look healthy and happy. Our Purifying SMART Cleanser might be the perfect fit!

Moisturize: Men are beginning to realize the importance of moisturizing their face on a daily basis. This helps keep the skin nourished and healthy, while preventing drying and chafing of the skin, which ages it prematurely. Never moisturized before? Try our Men's Anti Aging Cream.

Protect – Sun damage is the number one cause of skin aging. Part of your skin care routine should involve the daily use of sun block. Consider using a physical sunscreen instead of a chemical one. This way you can minimize your exposure to potentially harmful or irritating chemicals. Our new physical sunscreen might be just the thing!

Follow these guidelines and you will be an expert at men's grooming in no time. Just remember, there are no rules; except to keep it simple! Do you have any men's grooming tips or suggestions? Share them in the comments!