Friday, June 11, 2010

6 Ways To Wear A T-Shirt

Like a pair of jeans, the humble T-shirt is the go-to item of a man’s wardrobe; they are the building blocks that you can take in any direction you please, dressing them up or down depending on the occasion. Of course, when it comes to T-shirts, what’s in vogue changes on a regular basis. This means that while some pieces in this category are classics, others are more transient, shifting in popularity according to the fashion zeitgeist. Whether they’re timeless or trendy, to find out which T-shirts should be in your wardrobe right now read on.


1. The polo T-shirt
Once upon a time, polo shirts were the domain of golfers and prepsters. Everything changed when successful advertising campaigns by companies like Ralph Lauren and Lacoste made us all realize how incredibly versatile this piece was. Nowadays, everyone owns -- or ought to own -- a polo. No matter what your style, a polo will be a useful addition to your wardrobe that you’ll be able to adapt to your unique look. During the summer months, try it in a playful, ultra bright shade like this multi-striped version from Lacoste. The only thing you need to remember is that while preppy equals polished, you want to avoid wearing it head to toe.
Wear it with: White trousers in the summer and your own accessories.

2. The nautical tee

Beloved from New England to Europe, the nautical tee successfully combines fashion with function. Whether you’re down at the docks or chilling on a yacht, a nautical tee will stand you in good stead. Like this long-sleeved model from Ralph Lauren, you’ll want to get yours in lightweight cotton, which can be thrown straight into the wash in order to maximize its usage. Even if you don’t have a perfect physique, don’t be put off by wearing horizontal stripes as these are some of the most flattering lines you’ll ever come across. There’s only one caveat: This shirt is the definition of easy summer living, so don’t even think about wearing it in the winter.

Wear it with: It’s stunning with white, so dress it up with a white blazer or keep it casual with cotton shorts.

3. The graphic T-shirt
Having made a major impact on the T-shirt market when it first appeared, the graphic tee remains a wardrobe must-have for stylish men from Johannesburg to Jacksonville. To be able to wear your graphic T-shirt with practically everything in your wardrobe, you’ll want to stick to a reasonably abstract pattern such as this ship mast image on Toddland’s super soft cotton crew neck.

Wear it with: Make a graphic statement by mixing this T-shirt with gray jeans or corduroys, and throw on a blazer for funky, fuss-free style on a wild night out.



4. The sports T-shirt

While you can’t get away with wearing your favorite player’s jersey on a regular basis as it’s neither acceptable office wear nor particularly stylish, you can show your love for the game at work by playing with a carefully chosen sports tee. Retro Sport is one label that makes fantastic vintage-inspired T-shirts featuring logos from old-school sporting teams. Football fans can pledge their allegiance to the sport without compromising their style with this T-shirt from the Los Angeles bulldogs, who competed from 1936 to 1948.

Wear it with: Slim fitting jeans and canvas sneakers.

5. The deep V-neck T-shirt

While a V-shaped neckline is never really outdated, you can increase the style quotient of your ensemble by choosing a tee with a deep V-neck rather than the standard collarbone length style. This 50% cotton and 50% modal version from Daftbird is seasonless and will slim a less-than-ideal shape, making it appear more masculine. At the same time, the neckline isn’t so low that you’ll feel cheesy in it or like you’re contemplating entering a cleavage competition.

Wear it with: Blazers make it smarter, cuffed denim keeps it casual and layering a cardigan over it takes it into fall.

6. The granddad T-shirt


Essentially a short-sleeve Henley, the granddad tee is reminiscent of those long-sleeve thermals your old man’s old man wore. Thankfully, this time around they have been updated with a more flattering fit and you won’t be restricted to wearing them exclusively as an undergarment. This dark-navy option from G-Star is cut to skim the body and show off a gym-toned physique to its full advantage without being skin tight.

Wear it with: Denim or pressed cotton pants. In colder months, layer it underneath a plaid shirt to try out the American revival trend.

BUILDING BLOCKS
You probably wear them so often you barely think about them, but the introduction of the T-shirt initiated a style revolution -- just think about what it did for stars like James Dean and Steve McQueen and its power will become crystal clear. Universally appealing thanks to their relatively low cost, high comfort and sheer versatility, T-shirts can be worn in an endless number of ways and are the perfect budget-conscious way to revitalize your wardrobe this season and the next.

Top 10: Habits That Improve Your Appearance

The desire to look good is in our nature as human beings. After all, attractive people are more popular with members of the opposite sex and some studies suggest they're financially more successful, too. Of course, there are an overwhelming number of things and products you can try in your quest to be the best version of yourself. What really works, however, are these top 10 habits that improve your appearance. Adopt these habits today and you'll see a noticeable improvement in your appearance in two weeks' time.

No.10 - Change your bedsheets
Dirty pillow cases are a prime reason for breakouts, so switching your sheets once a week will reduce your skin's contact with pore-clogging grime. It's particularly important to lay out some fresh bedding if you frequently have a female in your bed, as residue from women's makeup and hair products can get left behind on your sheets and subsequently be transferred to your face




No.9 - Shampoo no more than once a day
Ideally, you should wash your hair no more than a few times a week as over-shampooing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dull and brittle. If you're a regular exerciser, however, you can't get around lathering up on a daily basis, so make sure to follow up with an intensive conditioner. For men who can't get morning workouts in, skip the shampoo session if you shower in the a.m. and suds up only after you exercise later in the day.


No.8 - Floss every day and whiten teeth every six months
For a more attractive smile, nothing beats regular flossing as it gets rid of any unsightly buildup between your teeth. Take things one step further by using a drugstore whitening kit, which will do an excellent job of noticeably, but not freakishly, lightening the color of your teeth. Just make sure you whiten no more than once every six months or you could develop sensitive gums. For a week after whitening, avoid consuming products that could stain your teeth, such as red wine, coffee and soy sauce, and brush your teeth as soon as you can if you slip up.


No.7 - See a barber every three to six weeks
Keeping your hair trimmed is an easy way to ensure that you always look polished. It's also typically inexpensive and quick. Once you've found a barber you like, stick with him so that he'll always get it right when you come in for a cut.


No.6 - Shave after showering
Steaming up your bathroom is a bit like creating your own personal sauna. This humid environment will open up your pores, make your facial hair softer and plumper, and prime your follicles, all of which will reduce your chances of developing ingrown hairs and experiencing razor burn. If you don't have time for a shower, create a hot compress by soaking a face towel in hot water and then applying it to your face for two to three minutes.



No.5 - Cleanse, moisturize, apply eye care cream, and use lip balm every morning
A basic skin care routine is an absolute must for improving your appearance. Start with a mild cleanser, preferably one with a 2% concentration of salicylic acid to help zap zits. Follow it up two to three times a week with an exfoliant to really get the gunk out of your skin and slough off dead cells. Next, apply a moisturizer that contains a broad-spectrum SPF to replenish your skin's moisture levels and prevent aging related to sun damage. Then dab on an eye cream, working from the outside in toward the center of your face, to hydrate and keep the thin skin in this region supple. Finally, slick on a lip balm with an SPF of 15 to keep your lips soft, smooth and kissable


No.4 - Avoid sugar and simple carbs
A diet that's high in lean protein, vegetables, slow-digesting grains, and healthy fats is one that will reduce bloating in your belly and decrease any puffiness in your face. Furthermore, steering clear of sugar and simple carbs will go a long way toward eliminating acne or keeping it at bay as junk food, even in moderate amounts, is a common cause of troubled skin.



No.3 - Get eight hours of sleep
Those seven to nine hours that you should be spending unconscious every day are when your body repairs itself. Skimping on this vital restorative process makes your entire system run less efficiently, and the signs of sleep deprivation show up on your face first. In fact, all it takes is a few nights without enough sleep before you start looking like a haggard zombie. On the other hand, prioritizing sleep will guarantee you appear refreshed and alert and it will also decrease puffy eyes and unflattering dark circles.


No.2 - Drink eight glasses of water a day
Staying hydrated keeps you healthy and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Sipping water slowly rather than pounding it also makes it easier for your body to absorb. Additionally, be mindful of your caffeine and alcohol intake. Both substances are diuretics, meaning they cause your body to release water, which can translate into pasty, dry skin and more visible fine lines. Offset your consumption of these beverages by drinking an 8oz glass of water for each caffeinated or alcoholic drink you
indulge in.

No.1 - Consider exercise non-negotiable
The No. 1 way to improve your appearance is to get fit. Start thinking of exercise as a must-do item on your to-do list and you'll slow down the aging process, get better-looking skin, increase your confidence, and on top of everything, you'll feel amazing. Engage in physical activity in the morning, and you'll benefit further by burning more fat and kicking off your day with a feel-good endorphin rush. An early sweat session will also boost your circulation, so you'll have clear, bright skin all day long -- a potent sign to women that you're a virile, healthy bedmate.

Top 10: Common Grooming Mistakes



No.10 - Sporting too much cologne
Too much of a good thing can spell disaster and that couldn’t be more true than with cologne. A few extra spritzes can turn even the subtlest of scents into a cloud of noxious fumes. All you need is two to three sprays in the right places. Targeting pulse points on the wrists and behind the ears should be enough to keep you going all day (and night).



No.9 - Not using moisturizer
Growing a proverbial thick skin is great thing for survival in a crazy world, but going the literal route by forgoing moisturizer could kill your chances for fighting fine lines and wrinkles. Male skin may look tough, but it’s so fickle that a simple shower can leave it dry and cracked like drought-ridden earth. Irritation from shaving just adds fuel to the fire. A lightweight moisturizer with a hint of SPF should be applied daily to the face and neck to replenish water content, soothe skin and provide protection from the elements.


No.8 - Dirty, uncut nails
While startling, the sight of a well-groomed man with overgrown, cracked nails is not terribly uncommon. Nails should always be clipped short but never so short as to expose the nail bed, which can be an incredibly painful experience. And get over any reservations you may have about manicures and pedicures. Forgoing regular nail care by a professional can lead to uneven nail growth and unsightly fungal infections. It’s essential to treat yourself once every four to six weeks in order to get your nails clipped and filed properly, and most importantly, have your cuticles trimmed down. You can skip the polish.


No.7 - Dry shaving
Despite advances in electric razor technology, dry shaving is still rough stuff. Most men neglect to exfoliate and use proper lubrication when going dry, which can result in razor burn, ingrown hairs and a shave that isn’t as close as it should be. Shave during or after a shower when the beard is softest, and apply an exfoliating face wash to clear away dirt and debris. Then, most importantly, use shaving gel and a clean razor to get the maximum shave with minimal irritation.

No.6 - Using worn-out razors
Disposable razors are just that: disposable. The problem is that even the most experienced shavers forget that the cartridges have a relatively short lifespan of roughly two weeks. Using a blade past its expiration date can wreak havoc on your face by unevenly ripping hairs out of the follicle and leaving burned, bleeding skin in its wake. A healthy blade should glide along the face and cut with painless precision. Fortunately, today’s best razors have an indicator strip at the top that lets you know when its day of reckoning is near.


No.5 - Using too much hair gel
The only thing worse than using no product at all is piling on enough to turn your head into a helmet -- the sound of crunchy hair is one that’s better left in the late '80s. Gloppy gels are child’s play and don’t leave much room for movement, so go for lighter pastes and putties that create shape and definition while still maintaining a natural appearance.

No.4 - Ignoring thinning hair
Only a few lucky men will never have to face the facts of life with thinning hair. Male pattern baldness can start in your 20s and progress at a steady rate of 4% a year until you're left with patchy growth or nothing at all. The right haircut can minimize the appearance of bald spots, but it’s not going to stop the path of destruction. Surprisingly, over-the-counter serums and foams with the chemical Minoxidil are proven to slow down the process and even regrow hair in many cases. If that’s not enough to cut your losses, talk to a dermatologist about prescription treatments. And when all else fails, shave it clean.



No.3 - Ignoring nose and ear hair
Almost everything you do in life, from careers to dating, requires you to sell your face. And the most distracting (and nauseating) thing to look at is overgrown nose and ear hair. These hairs are important for filtering debris and ultimately keeping the body healthy, but they cease to have any purpose when they make an unwanted outdoor cameo. Use a small grooming scissor to keep the crowd at bay.



No.2 - Unkempt facial hair
Treating your beard like a summer camp arts and crafts project is the quickest way to looking like an artist rendering on America’s Most Wanted. If you have a thing for perpetual scruff, you can keep your mane tame without looking like a criminal. Shave just up to the jaw line to create a look that is neat yet effortless. A few extra days' worth of growth is fine, but don’t let your beard achieve mountain-man proportions. And if it takes too much of your time to maintain a five o’clock shadow, a beard probably isn’t for you.

No.1 - Letting body hair run wild
Hair on the body is an undeniable outward expression of masculinity. But there comes a point when a jungle of hair needs to be pruned back. Invest in a trimmer with adjustable settings and clip hair especially on the chest and stomach to an appropriate but natural-looking length. You can avoid getting stark lines of demarcation by making use of the variable settings. It takes a little practice to get it right, but trimming body hair ultimately makes the difference between being a beauty or a beast when you wear an open collar.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Men's Underwear Dos And Don'ts


MEN'S UNDERWEAR DOS
Do replace old underwear
We’ve heard the statistic tossed around that eight years is the average length of time it takes men to replace their underwear. Whether or not that’s accurate (and we hope it’s not, frankly), no matter how long it takes you to replenish supplies, once a pair has seen better days -- a small hole, a tiny rip, a little fray -- toss it in the trash. Is this a heavy price to pay for a relatively negligible imperfection? Maybe. But wear and tear with underwear is a dangerously slippery slope. And as for those lucky boxers you’ve been holding onto since your dorm days, clear a space in your sock drawer and lay them to rest -- forever.
Do have a collection of men's underwear
Men should have at least 10 pairs of underwear on hand at all times. That’s one for everyday of the week plus two additional for weekend nights and another thrown in for good measure or some sort of, um, emergency. Active guys -- the workout buffs, outdoor types and all-around heavy sweaters -- will need a few more to meet their needs. The opposite isn’t true for couch potatoes: Sitting around all day doesn’t mean you can get away with fewer.
Do find your brand
Variety is the spice of life, except, perhaps, when it comes to men's underwear. It can be difficult to find a brand that fits just right -- one that holds the goods in place without being too tight or too loose. But once you happen to stumble upon the right kind, it’s a good idea to stock up. Sure, you can go wild with different colors, super comfortable eco-friendly fabrics and maybe even a print or two. But your best bet is to always stay loyal to a single name that you know works for you. Besides, do you really want to be spending that much time shopping for underwear?
Do wear a variety of styles
So, while being a one-brand man is a definite do, it’s also important to have an assortment of men's underwear for various activities. Briefs provide the right support for almost every situation from bar to boardroom. But sometimes you just need to set things free come bedtime with a looser-fitting boxer. And then, of course, there’s the hybrid known as the boxer-brief, an ideal way to get both support and coverage for a hardcore workout. Keep each set separate so you always have the right pair ready to rumble.
Do wash your underwear every time
Did you know that dirty drawers typically carry up to a gram of fecal matter? Sick. Fortunately, the answer to keeping clean isn’t wearing a disposable diaper. Loose-fitting boxers won’t get you an extra day’s worth of wear either. Underwear should be washed after each use, period. Use regular bleach if we’re talking whites since it packs a heftier punch than the color-safe kind.

MEN'S UNDERWEAR DON'TS

Don't go commando
Freeballin’. Letting loose. Living large. Call it what you want, but opting out of undergarments is never acceptable. Sure, a cool breeze down there would be more than welcome on a sizzling hot summer day. But the risk of raising the flagpole in public is just too high -- not to mention the gnarly nether-region germs you would be rubbing directly on to your clothing.
Don't wear man-panties
The high-cut, hip-hugging bikini brief was created to up the ante in sex appeal. Oddly enough, it can do just the opposite. Men’s underwear should always look like it was made for a man. If you have to wonder, keep on shopping. And yes, this rule applies to everyone -- European, gay or otherwise.
Don't tolerate stains
Underwear isn’t limited to a discussion about briefs and boxers; it includes beaters and T-shirts too. Sporting either of those with a gruesome golden pit is enough to turn a stomach or two. The yellowish tinge comes from the urea in sweat, the same waste product found in urine. Sadly, getting your T-shirts white again is nearly impossible. Chalk it up to an active lifestyle or overly enthusiastic sweat glands and buy some new white undershirts at the first sign of discoloration.
Don't wear boxers under trousers
Boxer shorts have their rightful place in your underclothing collection. They’re great for sleeping, and if you’re partial to putting a little more swing in your step, boxers are fine with jeans. But during the 9-to-5 grind, stuffing a bulky, baggy boxer short into finely tailored trousers is far from flattering. Suiting up calls for more refined undergarments, ones that don’t require an extra tuck or tug.
Don't show off your underwear
Designer drawers came to life around the same time Marky Mark decided it was cool to drop trou with Calvins. Well, you aren’t Mr. Wahlberg and this isn’t 1991. Conceal your tighty whities (or similarly distinguished boxers) and let them show when it really counts: behind closed doors.
MEN'S UNDERWEAR RULES
The next time you’re pressed to get dressed, remember one thing: The better your underwear looks on, the greater chance she will want to take it off.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

I think you're gorgeous! are you single?

Thanks. >.> And Yeah, i am

Show me your teeth monsters! Ask away :)

Men's Skin Care

“These faces in the mirrors are but the shadows and phantoms of myself.”
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

It is often said by medical professionals that your skin is the largest organ you have because it not only serves as a protective layer against the elements, but also breathes and perspires to provide overall temperature control for your body. More importantly, however, your skin often reveals a great deal about your general health and diet through simple observation, conclusions that might take multiple medical tests to reveal. As such, in order to look your best, men's skin care involves more than just proper grooming; it requires an investment in your health and longevity. This involves the use of hypoallergenic cleansers to wash away dead skin (along with dust and dirt) as well as the appropriate moisturizers and sunscreens to protect your skin against UV radiation and dryness.
MEN'S SKIN CARE ON AM
Although men traditionally spend less time caring for their skin than women do, they spend more time damaging their skin through outdoor activities and hazardous work conditions. This is why AskMen.com regularly compiles, reviews and offers tips on the latest men's skin care products. These include moisturizers, lotions to relieve puffy eyes after long nights, sunscreens, cleansers, and more. You will also find related items such as shaving techniques to help you get a better shave while minimizing razor burn and cuts, as well as aftershave balms and pre-shave lotions for men with sensitive skin or those using electric shavers.

MEN'S SKIN CARE FACT
The human body has approximately 19,000 skin cells per square inch.

Get Better Skin In 5 Steps


Men’s skin care has come a long way from the days when your father would wash his face with a withered bar of soap and cover up shaving nicks with bits of toilet paper. Today, there are an overwhelming amount of products specially formulated to meet the needs of the stubborn (and stubbly) male epidermis. But navigating your way through the glut of grooming goods out there doesn’t have to be intimidating, and it shouldn’t be fussy either; a winning skin care regimen should be swift and simple to ensure that you'll actually follow it. You can check your 12-step program at the bathroom door, because achieving better skin takes just five tips.
1- Cleanse
If you do nothing else, cleansing is the single most important thing you can do for your face. It should be the basis of your skin care regimen, but that doesn’t mean reaching for a simple bar of soap (which can overcompensate and leave your skin dryer than a desert). Men’s skin typically has large pores and very active sebaceous glands. While these glands are critical for keeping the skin naturally moist, they can often produce too much sebum, leaving your skin feeling greasier than an oil slick. Neglecting to wash away the excess oil and dirt can clog pores, which leaves the skin prone to breakouts. A basic gel works just fine, but not all facial cleansers are created equal. Look for one that is strong enough to cut through the grease and yet gentle and affordable enough to be used at least once a day.
2- Exfoliate
Sometimes cleaning the skin with a simple face wash just isn’t enough. A cleanser washes away oil and dirt on the surface, but what about all that nasty stuff deep down in your pores? Even religious use of a face wash will still leave the most men's skin feeling like a bumpy mess. That’s where exfoliation should make an appearance in your skin routine (just two to three times a week). It helps dislodge debris that normal washing can’t touch. A good scrub should have granules to help smooth the skin and eliminate the dullness that results from normal pore clogging and dirt build-up. Exfoliation also softens hair follicles for a closer, less-irritating shave and allows the skin to better absorb moisturizers.
3- Moisturize
Skin care for most men starts and stops with a basic bar of soap or cleanser. But washing is the absolute least you can do to prevent your face from turning into a big blackhead. Even if you happen to live in a sauna, skin can get dry after showering and, over time, that godforsaken process known as aging makes it lose elasticity. Add all that to the horror of placing a sharp blade next to your face everyday to appease rigid HR standards for clean-cut wholesomeness, and you have a recipe for irritated skin that’s parched and taut. Showering and shaving open up pores and allow precious water to escape, but a light moisturizer can fix everything. It replenishes the skin’s moisture content and prevents razor burn. A moisturizer with SPF will also provide a critical shield against the sun. Harsh UVB rays cause the skin to burn, but it’s the UVA rays that lead to long-term damage like deep lines and skin cancer. A moisturizer with multispectrum defense takes care of it all.
4- Protect your eyes
There is one place on the face that men almost never touch: the eyes. But the skin around the eyes is the only area that actually deserves special attention, because men don’t age the same way that women do. Instead of a slow progression of fine lines and wrinkles, men's aging occurs in quantum leaps, and one of the first visible signs of aging comes from the skin around the eyes. The soft, thin layer of skin that surrounds the eye is especially prone to developing creases and crinkles long before other parts of the body begin to show their age. All of this can be prevented with regular use of an eye cream. It smooths and protects the skin, but requires serious commitment and proper usage. Applying eye cream once in a blue moon does nothing, and against all common sense, it shouldn’t be put on the soft skin underneath the eye. Instead, eye cream needs to be dabbed gently on the edge of the bone around the eye to maximize effectiveness and prevent irritation. It will slowly absorb and spread to the fragile areas that need it most.
5- Protect your lips
A close second in fickleness to the skin around the eyes are the lips. The skin here is incredibly thin and prone to severe dryness, cracking, bleeding, and burning from exposure to the elements. That’s because the lips lack both oil glands to keep them naturally moist and melanin to provide protection against harmful UV rays. A little dryness and flaking every now and then sounds like no big deal, but over time the combination of sun exposure, stress and a small cut can lead to nasty cold sores. Herpes simplex, anyone? Forget first base. You can’t even leave the dugout with contagious crap like that on your face. Regular application of lip balm with a hint of SPF once a day can help you avoid a life of being benched.