Grooming Essentials via Bespoke

When I was a poor college student I used to place my toiletries in a plastic grocery bag and pray nothing opened while in transit and ruined my clothes. Those days are behind me now that I invested in a Dopp kit. This month's Bespoke Box brought a Blue Claw Co. dopp kit filled with top notch grooming products. They include some familiar names and some that deserve your attention. You'll get to try out Mitch products Double Hitter 2-in-1 shampoo & conditioner and their construction paste. The Base Light Daily Refresh Bar Soap with peppermint will keep you clean and fresh along with the Maapilim face Cleanser and Marvis Classic Strong Mint toothpaste. The contents of this box will help you travel like an adult and look great day to day.

Razor not included

Harsh Winter Must-Have Grooming Products

In the last couple of weeks temperatures have drastically changed from 16 degrees that feel like -10 degrees to the mid 50s. With that said, we have to be vigilant in taking care of ourselves. Sadly, I started the new year with strep throat that required 10 days worth of antibiotics. We need to take care of ourselves internally and externally. Below are some of my favorite new finds to combat this harsh winter.

 From top to bottom:

V76 Smooth Shave Cream- This is the perfect size to pack in a carry-on. The weight of the cream is nice and light and with the essentials the blade just glides.

Kiehl's Age Defender Power Serum- Time is not on our side. Fortunately, Kiehl's Age defender line is on our side. This bottle is almost empty. Need I say more?

Duluth Trading Knuckle Wax- These guys are known for their sturdy apparel and ultra comfortable underwear. They are delving in to the men's grooming arena with some heavy hitters. This season has been really cold and dry in NYC. This knuckle wax does the trick.

Oars + Alps Power Cleansing face stick- This is another one of my travel essentials. You just have to roll on the face wash directly from the stick and rinse.

Base Light Essential Face Moisturizer- This line is new too brought to us by Bespoke Post! You must check out the rest of their line. Love the clean lines of the packaging and of course the product itself.

Duluth Trading Hand Lotion- So good I also had to include in this review. Plot twist- smells woods. It does not feel greasy when applied and the scent is not strong. All good things in my book.

About Face

The change of season requires you to adapt. Below are a few grooming products that will keep you ready for what ever mother natures throws at you.

Your winter arsenal from top to bottom:

Kiehl's Close Shaves Squadron- Help that blade glide ever so smoothly with this lotion.

Harry's Handle and Blade- I'm such a fan of this sleek and light design. Oh, and you can get it engraved!

Kiehl's Vitality- (At the time of posting this was out of stock) Check out the website for other great options. 

V76 Beard oil- Take that extra step to make sure your beard gets the hydration and protection it needs.

Coqui Coqui- I currently went through a scent tour of all Coqui Coqui has to offer and my favorite to my surprise is named Tabaco.

V76 Detox Bar Soap- Treat Yo Self and smell great too!

Matrix Mega Varnish- This is great if you suffer from frizzyness. 

Bosley Professional Strength BosVolumize Ultra Boost Styling Crème- Another way to nourish your hair. This cream contains Gingko Biloba kernel oil, Argania Spinosa kernel oil, Moringa Oleifera seed oil...all good things.

Jurlique Purifying Mask- Once a week I take the time for a face mask. This one is for oily skin and helps exfoliate. Win!

The elegant watch you see is from Jorg Gray. It's classic design goes well in any season.

Com'n get Classy: Grooming Guide

photographer- Joel Richards

Now a days, there is a plethora of grooming products available. In one way, it's great to have so many options. Not gonna lie I'm still fond of classic scents and old-school shaving products. Let me introduce you to Portuguese brand Musgo Real. You don't even need to take the bar of soap out of the package to smell that wonderful scent of sandalwood, sage and woody accord. Check out the variety of scents and products they have to offer! For other great products you don't have to look far. Van Der Hagen is an American brand which offer a wide range of razors, brushes, shave oils and more. So if you're still trying to figure out what to get Dad for Father's Day consider a touch of class with these elegant grooming products.

Van Der Hagen Giveaway!

I've partnered with Van Der Hagen to give one lucky follower this shaving kit- just in time for Father's Day!

To Participate:

1. FOLLOW ME on Instagram @AdentroStyle

2. LIKE this picture and leave a comment when you're done.

3. If you want to double your chances to win, LIKE my last 3 pics.

Competition starts on May 31st and ends June 4 5pm EST. Winner will be announced on a comment on this pic on my Instagram page.

Indulging Your Senses

 

Colognes are something I think men can learn more about and be willing to expand their options.  How many colognes do you own and use? I really want to know, so please comment below! As time has passed I've been more perceptive and willing to try out new scents. When you try out different colognes you'll learn what you like and what you don't. There's needs to be that trial and error. Fortunately this is not life or death, so take some risks. If you feel you need a brief introduction to the world of fragrances and its jargon then go here. After checking out my cologne guide you'll be able to articulate your thoughts on why you like it or not. One of the colognes I've come across recently is POLO RED by Ralph Lauren and I'm pleased with its soft yet masculine scent.

A cologne adds an extra weightless layer to your outfit and life. Whether you are going to work or out on the town there is a cologne that will be right for you. Next time you are out looking for a cologne try something new and check out POLO RED, you'll see for yourself how well it will fit your lifestyle.

Sponsored

Grooming Guide 2016

Originally motivated by Movember, I ended up keeping my beard once the month was over. During that time I learned how to take care of it. The arsenal that's been helping me maintain my beard, smile and skin healthy throughout the season include some well known names and some newcomers that are worth your consideration.

Hat- QP Collections | Shirt- Wrangler | Photographer- Ty Mecham

1-Kiehl's Age Defender Power Serum: There comes a time in every man's life that you have to admit that you are getting older. This anti-aging serum is light weight and not greasy. My skin feels refreshed as soon as I apply it.

2-Braun Series 9: A beard is great but keep it clean around the neck. This shaver will do just that and its such a close shave you'll be pleased every time.

3-Colgate Optic White: I've been using it for a few months now and noticed how much whiter my teeth are. Follow the instructions and you'll see a brighter smile!

4-Lab Series Instant Eye Lift: Not sure about you but sometimes my brain can't stop thinking when it's time to go to bed. Enter Lab Series's Instant Eye Lift for us insomniacs. 

5-Phillips Norelco Multigroom: This is the most essential tool you should have if you have a beard. With the easy to use attachments you'll feel empowered to take care of your beard.

6-Baxter Shave Tonic: As you're taking care of your beard don't forget skin maintenance. This tonic will help open pores and lift hair pre-shave. Post-shave it will help close pores and it will have you smelling minty fresh.

7- Redbeard Brand's Beer'd Conditioner: It has been a life saver during these harsh wintery days. I apply it to my beard and it's helped avoid dry skin and I'm a fan of the eucalyptus scent.

Backstage with Aveda: Loris Diran

Backstage at the Loris Diran show during NYFWM I met up with Jon Reyman from Aveda. He explained what the inspiration for this year's Fall/Winter 2016 show. Jon described their hair as Old-school-Greaser-Fifties but a little more modern. In order to achieve this look they used Men's Firm Hold Gel and then Men's Pomade to give some shine, texture and make it look a little more greasy.

Jon Reyman with Walter Derrig

and Brian Altemus

Photography- Phillip Van Nostrand

The New Suburbia: Richard Chai S/S2016

At Skylight Clarckson Sq. in NYC Richard Chai showed his 2016 Spring/Summer collection during New York Fashion Week Men's. I was able to go backstage and have a quick word with Aveda Guest Artist Frank Rizzieri about the inspiration behind the hair styling. Rizzieri said "I used the thickening tonic to bring about a spirited and youthful fulness to the hair, and then the grooming cream and control paste gave the look an edge with the cool tousled style." As he spoke about the products he was using to achieve this look I was surprised to hear that he also added grooming cream and just layering in spots. I never thought about putting hair product in just a couple of spots instead of evenly distributing all over the hair. You learn something new every day!

Frank Rizzieri (on right) giving instructions

Just a couple of the Aveda Products used to achieve the cool suburbia looks.

A closer look at the S/S16 collection. Love the green!

The finishing touches. Photo via Aveda

Suburbian cool indeed. Photo via Aveda

photo via Aveda

Photos by Phil Van Norstrand unless otherwise stated.

Fashion Week Grooming Survival Guide

Never knowing who would be around and when the cameras may shoot my grooming regimen had to be on point. Below are some of my fashion week essentials and why I used them. 

Eau De Lacoste- Because when going in for a hug best to be greeted with a great scent.

The Art of Shaving Moisturizer- Because single digit temperatures plus wind chill equals bad news for your skin.

Altoids- Because fashion week is also a semi-annual reunion of stylists, editors, and bloggers with a lot of hellos and how are yous.

The Art of Shaving Facial Scrub- Because cleansing your skin after a day of shows and presentations is a must.

Chapstick- Because chapped lips are never fashionable.

The Art of Shaving Eye Gel- Because late night after parties and early morning shows - enough said.

Come to think of it, these items will help us all stay on point all the time!

Grooming: A Healthier Beard

I was surprised to see how excited I was when I got my hands on The Art Of Shaving Beard Oil. I've been sporting a beard for the last month and was doing my best to maintain it. The clippers are not enough. Once I heard about the beard oil I knew that is what I needed to sooth my coarse hair and hydrate my skin. The beard oil is made from lightweight essential oils including grape seed, sweet and bitter almond, apricot and vitamin E. Basically, all the good stuff. That same night, after washing my face I applied the beard oil and massaged it in. It felt really great on my skin and the citrus scent was relaxing. If you have a beard I highly suggest you get yourself some of this- stat!

Me sorprendi cuan emocionado estaba cuando finalmente llegó el aceite para mi barba de The Art Of Shaving en el correo. He tenido una barba por un mes y estaba haciendo lo mejor posible para mantenerlo en orden. La maquina para afeitar no es suficiente. Cuando supe que había un aceite que ayuda mantener la barba mas suave y la piel hidratada supe que lo necesitaba. El aceite de barba esta hecho con aceites esenciales incluyendo semillas de uvas, almendras dulce y amarga, albaricoque y vitamina E. Esa misa noche, después de lavarme la cara use el aceite para la barba. Se sintió muy bien en mi piel y el aroma cítrico fue bien relajante. Si tienes una barba te recomiendo que te consigas este aceite para la barba lo mas pronto posible!

Men's Grooming Arsenal

Like it or not we men have to up our grooming game. To start, I tried out a couple of grooming products specifically for shaving because I have to do it every couple of days. I've used the Gillete blades for years and then got introduced to the Micro Touch One Blade. The classic look is great and I love the feel of it as I shave. For shaving cream the Super Close Shave Formula from Baxter of California works really well. I used it with their Badger Shave Brush which made it all very old-school and results in a smooth close shave. As for aftershaves aside from moisturizing I'm particular about scents, my favorites are the Baxter's After Shave Balm citric scent and Blind Barber's Aftershave because of its mint scent. In-between shaves I maintain the scruff with the Phillips Norelco Multigroom trimmer. They are all absolute musts in my shaving arsenal.

For skin care my dermatologist recommended for my dry and sensitive skin Eucerin Professional Repair and Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser- it's simple and it works. For body washes AXE's Black Chill shower gel is one to consider. As for hair products I was recently introduced to Canadian brand AG Style (also available in the US). They have a lot of great products, like the Shampoo & Body Wash and Conditioner & Shaving Lotion. I'm a fan of combo products, it makes life simpler. I also use their Stucco matte clay paste for a firm hold, love the earthy scent. I found that Suave Professionals MEN line also has a great styling gel and like its medium shine. Baxter of Califonia's Cream Pomade is another great one. It has a soft hold and feels really light. I use it practically everyday. 

Sometimes, all you need to do is go to your neighborhood big box store and find the grooming products you need but making the extra effort and finding the brands I mentioned above in the long run will help you look better and really that's what it's all about.

Portraits by Richard Gerst.