CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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Detox me up in 2014

Screen Shot 2014-01-05 at 15.32.04If the answer to any one or more of the following questions is YES then I’m sure, like me, the thought of de-toxing has, at least, flashed across your mind over the last week or so;

1) I don’t want to see another Tin of Quality Street, Roses, Celebrations, Ferrero Rochers or so much as a selection box for the next 11 months ? Yes / No
2) I crave vegetables, that doesn’t count Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Parsnips or at least 4 different types of potatoes all on the same oversized plate ? Yes / No
3) If I see a Turkey based meal between now and 24th December 2014, including, Turkey Stir-fry, Curry, pie or fajitas I shall commit Hari-kari on a Quality Street Toffee Finger ? Yes / No

Yes, after the over-excesses of the last month or so, if you’re feeling anything remotely like myself, your skin feels terrible, your hair feels crap and your generally feeling like a something you would scrap off the bottom of your shoe. We at Clothes Make the Man have sourced some products and advice which should put you on the road to recovery or at least start to make you feel slightly more human.

We asked the experts at Vitaman for some advice “Do you have any new year tips after the excesses of the Yuletide ?”

  • To counter the excesses of Yuletide, a bath in Epsom salts is a quick and easy detox. Add a cup of Epsom salts (available from all good Pharmacies) with a few drops of rosemary or grapefruit essential oil and soak for half an hour.
  • To get your circulation going after relentless parties, a work out in the gym will do wonders. It increases circulation and oxygenates the blood and skin. It is especially good the morning after the night before – it’s a great hangover cure.
  • Refresh your skin- We tend to drink a little too much during the party season which dehydrates your skin. To combat this, use a facial masque to deep cleanse the skin and draw out toxins leaving your skin fresh and revitalised.
  • To start a post-Christmas detox, scrub your skin. It removes dead skin cells, get the blood flowing and stimulates the lymphatic system to detox. You can use a body bush or grab a tub of VitaMan’s Salt Scrub. Massage it into the skin in vigorous movements working towards the heart.

The VitaMan Sea Salt Body Scrub also works to eliminate the build-up of dead skin cells, daily grime and dirt. Excellent for dry, rough skin, ingrown hairs. It quickly exfoliates, helps eliminate blackheads and acne and leaves you feeling refreshed and invigorated with smooth, clean, younger looking skin. Ingredients include Aloe Vera Gel.Australia Sea Salt – coastal sea salt – a natural, gentle exfoliatant perfect for removing dead skin cells, Macadamia Nut Oil ,Patchouli and Almond Oil and Cinnamon Extract – used to treat skin infection whilst imparting a warm, spicy aroma

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If your January calendar now rammed full of rigorous gym sessions (and avoiding the pub)? It’s not just our bodies which need a swift detox your hair has taken a right ole hammering this yule. The Naked Detox 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner is infused with peppermint and sorrel leaf to get rid of pollutants and other product build-up, leaving hair feeling fresh, clean and ready for the year ahead.

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Blink – If you’re feeling dry eyed and not very bushy tailed after the New Year Abbott Blink Eye drops will rescue and protect tired, dry eyes and soothe them at night for a more restful night’s sleep.

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Lastly, Clarins MEN Fatigue Fighter is a light, cream-gel which gives an instant energising boost to tired, stressed looking skin. As soon as it’s applied, skin looks fresher, healthier, firmer, even rested. For all skin types as a pick-me-up after a late night or heavy week at work. Use on its own or over Moisture Balm or Gel. Whenever your skin needs that extra boost.

“Over the festive period, late nights and an excess amount of alcohol will cause skin to become dehydrated, making it look dull and lacking in vitality.  Start the New Year by drinking plenty of water and stick to a time efficient skin care routine- it takes less than a minute per day and will keep those dehydration lines at bay in 2014”

Marie Mckeever – Clarins Head of Treatment Development

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Ensuring you look and smell your best come the BIG day – The Grooming Gift Guide

728x90_CMTM_BannerWell it’s nearly upon us, The Most Wonderful time of the Year ! And even though you may have the hangover from Christmas Past come back and haunt you, come December 25th you want to ensure you’ve dropped enough hints, discretely of course, so that you get the right presents. But more importantly you give the right, meaning best-est, presents so that you guarantee your place as Golden boy for the next 365 days, whether thats with your Girlfriend, Parents, mates or even the Outlaws.

We at Clothes Make the Man have literally worked in collaboration with the good man, yes him of the Red Hat, a fondness for a cheeky sherry, a mince pie and a ho ho ho to find the great and the good of Christmas Present Gift ideas to assure you get it right. First up today, is Grooming Gift ideas, think more Acqua Di Parma then Blue Stratos.

Tom Ford for Men Collection Group Shot, Richard Burbridge (small)

“Fine grooming is the mark of a modern gentleman. It is the way a man presents the best version of himself to the world.”—Tom Ford
Well said Mr Ford, Ford believes that any man can achieve a handsome and impeccable look with a straightforward and effective grooming regimen. Inspired by this philosophy and by his personal grooming ritual, he developed TOM FORD FOR MEN, a collection of essential tools a man needs to look his very best.

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Make sure you look as sharp after the twelve days of Christmas as you did when you started. The secret of this breakthrough innovation is Braun’s pioneering Thermo-Electric-Cooling technology, usually employed in the construction of spacecrafts and satellites. While most electric shavers allow heat to build up uncomfortably in the head of the shaver, the °CoolTec’s integrated aluminium cooling bar actively transports heat away from skin to minimise the shaving-induced increase in skin temperature.

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This newly customised set for men from Creme de la Mer from urbanretreat.co.uk containing a complete regime to cleanse, treat and moisturise the skin. Products work together to renew the look of skin, improving the look of tone and texture. Particularly helpful in the season to be Joy, when I say Joy, I kinda mean overdoing it on the fun front & burning the candle at both ends. Oh but do remember after years of us sneaking a use of the girlfriend’s potions and lotions, with this lil bundle, she might be returning the “Favour”, if you know what I mean ;).

 

 

 

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Not all men are are as modern in their interpretation of shaving. A lot of guys prefer the traditional approach and while this isn’t quite a cut throat razor is it the height of old school Luxury. Acqua di Parma has  formulated  everything  necessary  to  interpret  this  fundamental  moment  of grooming and elegance.  A shaving product must prepare the skin for shaving leaving it soft and supple. The Barbiere Collection comprises three different products: Soft brush shaving cream, Soft brushless shaving cream and Shaving Oil. These three extraordinary formulas are rich in eudermic oils and advanced active principles; they are easy to use products that facilitate the smooth, precise gliding of the razor for an impeccable shave and they leave a soothing feeling of freshness and well-being afterwards.

Men's Grooming Tied Up

 

Another great shaving gift idea is this, Guinot – Grooming Tied Up set available from urbanretreat.co.uk. Designed for men who aren’t afraid of taking care of their appearance, the indulget christmas gift set makes for a perfect shaving and skincare ritual.Screen Shot 2013-11-25 at 20.59.06

 

No matter how easy going we are theres always a product in a gift set that  we aren’t so keen on, no matter how great it is. Well those boffins in white coats over at Lab Series have listened to our moans and like all good scientific solutions have only blinking well gone and answered it ! You can select up to three of their best selling products from their CLEAN, SHAVE, TREAT and HAIR/BODY range. The perfect package of High-Tech, High Performance products will come gift wrapped, FLIPPING FREE just for you, ahhhh.

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The Oral-B Limited Edition 5000 is the must have gift for the discerning man. The black handle with silver trim and bold blue lighting, wouldn’t look out of place on a high-performance sports care. It includes six, yes six, modes for a more personalised brushing experience. It has a SmartGuide wireless technology that acts like a SATNAV for your mouth, giving you while you brush feedback to help you brush more effectively. Plus, did you know that the computer power on the 5000 is 20 times higher in performance compared to NASA’s Apoolo Guidance Computer that managed the calculations for the moon landing. So small step for man, one giant leap for your mouth.

Clinique Great Skin For Him £30 €40 @ www.houseoffraser.co.uk

ClarinsMen Collection 'Grooming Essentials' £38 @ www.houseoffraser.co.uk

 

Pretty much every grooming brand, pulls it out of the hat with gift sets for the Christmas Market, with most being GREAT value for money. These two from Clinique for MEN and ClarinsMEN are prime examples, where for the cost of one or two products you get LOTS of added extras plus a great wash bag, which we all know we need, whether we like it or not.

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Ensure your lips are Kissably perfect for the Yuletide with 6 of the Best Lip Balms by Amanda Lewis

 

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Ahhh the Festive Party season is approaching fast and if you want to ensure your Christmas Kisses under the mistletoe, make sure your lips are as suave and smooth as the rest of you. And as always Clothes Make the Man has done the research to make your life that little bit easier, so check out 6 of the best Lip Balms;

Screen Shot 2013-11-18 at 19.47.54KIEHL’S FACIAL FUEL No-shine Moisturizing Lip Balm

This does what it says on the tube. It smells lovely and keeps lips well protected with Apricot Kernel oil, Jojoba, Menthol and Shea butter.

Screen Shot 2013-11-18 at 19.51.34TOM FORD FOR MEN HYDRATING LIP BALM

This Ultra-emollient Lip Balm contains a unique blend of Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado Extract and Vitamins A and E to soothe and condition dry lips. The balm seals in moisture, helping to protect lips from the effects of any kind of weather so they feel comfortable  and look tip top.

Screen Shot 2013-11-18 at 19.54.02Lotil Lip Balm

This rich creamy lip balm will keep moisture locked in throughout the day and will keep the bitter weather from cracking your lips. It also has an SPF 30, so if you’re hitting the slopes this winter this is a must have.

Screen Shot 2013-11-18 at 19.55.52Carmex Crusader

Offers a limited edition version of an old favourite.  Carmex  an essential for many;  keeps lips in kissable shape. Carmex lip balm has been soothing dry cracked lips for over 75 years.  The lip balm contains menthol, camphor and salicylic acid to soothe the lips with its signature tingle; while lanolin, cocoa butter, and petrolatum leave lips feeling nourished, conditioned and protected from the elements all year round.

The limited edition comic themed lid is available both in store and at selfridges.com 

Screen Shot 2013-11-18 at 19.57.53NIVEA essential care

The moisturising formula of Nivea’s lip balm enriched with Jojoba and Shea butter prevents moisture loss and leaves lips soft and smooth.

Screen Shot 2013-11-18 at 20.00.01Burt’s Bees NEW Ultra Moisturising lip treatment

This balm features antioxidant rich Kokum Butter, packed with essential fatty acids. It’s harvested from the fruit of the Garcinia Tree and is believed to soften skin and improve elasticity. Combined with rich Shea Butter and Vitamin E, to keep lips supple and smooth all day long. Burt’s Bees products are free of petrochemicals and other synthetic ingredients like phthalates, parabens or sodium lauryl sulphate and they are not tested on animals.

Screen Shot 2013-11-18 at 20.02.07Natural EOS lip balm in Tangerine at BeautyMART.

Yes I know its Six of the best but this was just too good to leave out ! This little ball of balm contains vitamins, zinc and Shea butter which is great for protecting and healing the lips in the winter months. 

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They tried to make me go to Rehab, I said Yes, yes, yes ! – The Ultimate Revival Shaving Pack

RehabGiftBox3peiceRehab London‘s range of products are designed specifically for male skin based around the incredible masculine healing qualities of Hawaiian water algae and the volcanic sands of Tahiti to produce a truly splendid grooming results. Rehab London, are the UK’s leading natural skincare brand for men, is launching the ultimate Revival Shaving pack. The pack contains 3 full-size products, essential to achieve the perfect shave.

They include the Daily Detox, which is a natural exfoliant made from volcanic sands of Tahiti, bamboo spiny medulla granules and enzymes produced from pumpkin seeds to gently clear the skin of dead skin cells and avoid that tight just washed feeling. Men’s Revive Survival, which is the ultimate anti-fatigue cream. The extracts of Ginseng and Cocoa Butter help to visibly reduce the signs of skin fatigue and increase circulation, the skin looks rejuvenated and revitalized in just ten minutes. And just in time for the Yuletide festivities, Holy Christmas Crackers, Cold Turkey Shaving Gel, which is made of hero natural ingredients such as Argan oil, aloe vera and cucumber, this gel provides an incredible shaving experience with a cooling tingle sensation after shaving.

CEO of the brand Lisa Hilton says of the trio,“We feel it’s important for this time of the year to offer a shaving pack which includes a post shave revival cream that gives a ten minute makeover to the complexion lifting the face and reducing signs of fatigue.” 

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Ensure your trimmed, plucked & Groomed with the King of Shave Prostyle eGrooming Range

Screen Shot 2013-10-07 at 18.15.38As I’m sure you all know King of Shaves is a range of innovative and performance shaving, skincare and styling products and since Will King(above), see what he did there, created the Original Shaving Oil in 1993, King of Shaves now sells a product every three seconds worldwide !!!

And now after eighteen months in development, King of Shaves are proud to announce Prostyle, their new design led, electrical grooming (eGrooming) range for men. The Prostyle range combines effortless form and effective function, all at pocket friendly prices. King of Shaves is the only male-centric brand to provide a total grooming solution, from shaving preparations and skincare, through high performance system razors to electrical grooming and styling products.

The Prostyle range comprises:

KOS_Prostyle_Bodystyler_Front_Side_v1_thumbThe Bodystyler: the total grooming and styling solution for all over your body. The range comes in a non-slip rubberised precision grip, ideal for shaving your chest, legs, back, shoulders, groin and underarms, if you so choose, but remember this is not for use on pretty lil faces. All the tools in the range are battery powered, shower proof design for wet or dry use whilst three snap-on trimming guides give ultimate control. Hypoallergenic stainless steel blades for sensitive skin.

The Precision Trimmer: helping keep your eyebrows under control and unwanted nose and ear hair at bay. Efficient snap-on bi-directional trimmer and guides for nose, ear and eyebrows whilst rotary trimmer removes unwanted nose and ear hair.

KOS_Prostyle_Beard_Styler_Front_v1_thumbThe Beard Styler: Ensure your facial stubble is trimmed to your required length and groomed to perfection. The trimming guide adjusts from 0.5mm to 15mm allowing you to accurately and con- sistently groom your beard. With up to 30 minutes from each charge you’ll have plenty of time to define your style wherever you are in the world.

The Multi Styler: the complete facial grooming kit with everything you need to maintain your style. Four interchangeable trimmer and shaver heads plus three different guides combined with the non-slip rubberised grip give you precise control over your style. With up to 45 minutes from each charge you’ll have all the time you need to define your look, ohh yeah.

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