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