Grooming Falsely

There ’s something not quite right about a cheap suit. At first glance, it looks almost as good as its more expensive cousin. But give it an hour or two and the differences become uncomfortably obvious. It feels too tight in some spots. too baggy in others. The back of the jacket becomes rumpled and, as the temperature rises, you ’re all sweaty while those around you keep their cool.

Like cheap suits, cheap skincare products are a false economy. They look similar, often boasting some of the same ingredients, but, like a suit ’s wool content, the difference is in the quantity and the quality. Tony Sosnick, creator of Anthony Logistics for Men, uses shaving cream as an example. He says mass-produced shave foams are literally filled with air, whereas his Shave Cream ($32) is all thick, dense cream, filled with vitamins, eucalyptus oil and aloe vera. It may cost more but it offers a closer, more nourishing shave.

Dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross, creator of MD Skincare, agrees. "There are certain groups of ingredients that you should look for. Premium products contain better-quality versions and more of the best ingredients." Ingredients like anti-oxidants and collagen boosters that will make a real ditference if formulated intelligently. "If we know 10 ingredients that can help treat lines," says Gross. "I want all 10 in one bottle." Matthew Maim, co-creator of Maim + Goetz, says it also comes down to how those ingredients are used. He points to "CLEANSING AND PURIFYING THE SKIN IS CRITICAL IN REMOVING DIRT AND SEBUM." BOY ’S OWN We ’re all human, but men and women have different skincare needs, so opt for a product created specifically for male skin Lab Series ’ Matt Ten says, "Men ’s skin is 20 to 30 per cent thicker than women ’s, as men have more collagen and elastin. As a result, men ’s skin ages differently, and at a different rate, to women s Men ’s skin produces more oil due to an increase in sebaceous glands and hair follicles Because of increased sebum production, oil can block pores, causing them to enlarge and stretch, and oxidized sebum has proven to damage skin in a variety of ways." Dr Gross agrees, adding, "Although men naturally have more collagen than women, the wrinkles men get appear more pronounced than women ’s" the much-maligned sodium laureth sulphatE as an example. "This foaming agent often receives a bad rap because, in a mass product. it is over-used to create a greater or more immediate sense of clean," he says "But used at lower levels and strategically as part of a formula, a thorough cleanse can be achieved without drying or irritation. ’ For instance, MaIm + Goetz Grapefruit Faci Cleanser ($54) combines the ingredient with plant-based protein amino acids.

Because makers of premium skincare products invest in cutting-edge research, they are usually first with skincare innovations. "Sometimes it ’s an ingredient discovery, such as a new repair molecule, a transport system or understanding the longevity gene." says Matt Ten, vice president of corporate product development for men-only brand Lab Series. "At other times it can be a new breakthrough or a new way of creating a solution to a problem to yield faster, easier results." While they focus on what ’s inside the bottle, prestige product makers are unashamedly proud of the outside too.

No cheap and nasty packaging here. Just ask Rob Calcraft the man behind the elegantly designed Ren skincare range if presentation is important: "Increasingly the look of a product is a lifestyle choice too, looking good in the modern Volatapped bathroom, next to the plunge pool and Egyptian cotton towels, and it might even impress the modern lady-about-town.

Modern man workshop

Watsons, a name synonymous with health, beauty and personal care, kicked off its very first Watsons Modern Man Workshop on March 15 at the Sepang International Karting Circuit.
The one-day event was aimed at inspiring 50 males between the ages of 20 and 30 with a workshop that touched on a wide range of topics such as health, personal grooming, facial and hair care. Image Power director Dolly Kee spoke on personal grooming and fashion sense.

According to Jessica Ng, director of marketing and development, Watsons Malaysia, "this workshop is useful for men of this age group. This particular group of men are at the right age to either join the workforce or at the beginning of their career.

"As such, talks on power dressing, creating the right image, hygiene and health are essential to build confidence and enhance the wellbeing of the participants".

In addition to providing interactive and entertaining talks on personal grooming and health, the modern male workshop also provided an avenue for these young men to enjoy an adrenaline high.

They also tested their racing skills in a go-kart race for a chance to win up to RM2,500 per team. Each team consisted of five participants.

In the end, the winning team comprised You Hong Leong, Lee Fook Lim, Foo Sze Keat, Yap Kim Chor and Mahesh Khanna.

Ng said they had received encouraging response from their customers but only 30 participants were shortlisted for the event.

Watsons had also invited 10 lucky Autocar Asean readers and 10 members of the media for the workshop as well as compete in the race.

In addition to cash prizes worth RM4,500, Watsons also gave participants goodie bags worth RM50 each and products on personal grooming during the workshop participation.

The participants were treated to free flow of food and beverages throughout the fun, interactive, entertaining and educational event.

As the official media for the event, the Autocar Asean provided free copies of the latest magazine for all participants. The main sponsors for the event were Gatsby, Horleys, Loreal and Nivea.

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Don't let yourself go or you may bemistaken for your dad

I SPENT the last week in such a sorry state.

It was horrifying because I lost all will to groom. Everywhere I went, I had to apologise for my lack of hair product.

I looked and felt like hell.

It seemed that all I could do was muster enough strength to shower, shampoo and wash my face.
Even brushing my teeth felt like a mammoth task.

Squirting cologne took determination too.

My friends think I'm a drama queen (although I was looking more and more like a serf) but, be kind, even fabulous takes the occasional holiday.

The slide started the week before and I was determined to put down my final pack of candy and do something about it because I refuse to give in.

I am now at the stage in my life when a few shots of Botox is no longer for vanity but for courtesy's sake.

And at this point, you've got to make an effort.

So I started looking around at products to beautify myself.

Confidence

Some men think they are exempt from beautification but really, no one is because it does wonders for your self confidence.
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I once chatted with two men who were of the same age. But looking at them, they might as well have been father and son.

And true to conventional thinking, the younger looking guy was confident and had a swagger, while the friend looked and acted like the lowly sidekick.

It seems to be an automatic response.

When you feel you look good, things will happen for you.

Don't be so vain that you'll force your spouse out of her sink-top space. And if it takes more than 20 minutes to complete your regime, you have crossed the line from being aware to being obsessed.

Still, if you're curious about new discoveries, you'll spend a pleasant afternoon trying out new products and learning how to use them.

It will be perplexing for first-timers but it will be worth it.

And when you feel as good as you look, everything should fall in place, fingers crossed.
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DON'T BE SCARED TO USE THESE, GUYS

1. The Vichy Homme Purifying Cleansing Gel is one of my favourite new discoveries. This soap-free non-drying cleanser ($19 now, usually $21.90) has Vichy's signature thermal spa water, which is of volcanic origin and rich in rare minerals. The range has been tested on Asian male skin and has been found suitable even for sensitive skin. I like it too because it smells great. The skincare range is affordable because all items in the range are under $40.

2. If your skin is dull because of stress, try L'Oreal's Hydra Energetic Turbo Booster ($27.90).

It has Vitamin C, pro-Phosphore (which stimulates the production and storage of 'energy fuel' for the skin) and peppermint leaf extract, which helps to reinforce your skin's natural resistance to stress.

3. Later this month, Clinique will launch a new whitening range called Derma White, with five new products. There is one that men might want to use. Although the term 'whitening' might scare you off, these lighten dark spots due sun damage. So if you've been doing sports without sunscreen, you might want to think about this.
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The Derma White Brightening Moisture Mask ($79) is easy to use: Apply thrice a week for 10 minutes, then rinse your face.

4. The Good Skin Labs range of products is fast becoming my go-to brand for affordable skincare.

It is also the brand that introduced the Tri-Aktiline eye product, which is helpful in reducing lines around the eyes,

The latest product is Smooth-365 serum ($82) is an anti-aging treatment that provides almost instant improvements to the skin.

5. Never underestimate the appeal of nice feet.
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Discoloured toe nails are a real turnoff, and with Singapore being such a slipper nation, maintaining your toes should be a priority.

Scholl's Discoloured Toenail Treatment ($15.50) combines remedial toenail healthcare and it'll pretty up your toe nails.It reduces yellowing and discolouration, but does not treat fungal nail infections (which is something your doctor should look at anyway).

6. Come on guys, admit it - you worry about that spotty nose too.

The Men's Biore Black Pore Pack ($4.95) removes blackheads, and we know how a noseful of blackheads can ruin your day.

It also contains oil-absorbing powder to help control sebum and the menthol provides a cooling sensation. And, really, the black is pretty cool too.

By Yeoh Wee Teck
http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg