CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

For many of us we’ve already had and experienced the first snow of Winter. But this season is something that needs preparation. You have to make sure that the heating system is still working well and that the pipings are insulated.

More than just preparing your house, you also need to stock up on apparel that will not only give protection from the cold but comfort as well. Here, you’ll see the best and the trendiest winter headwear for men. Check this out so you can get an idea of what to wear during the snowy season:

Trapper Hats

This first item on the list is the most common men’s winter hat because they are applicable to a wide variety of activities. Trappers, derived from the Russian ushanka, feature ear flaps that are strapped around the chin. These flaps cover a significant area of the face from frigid winter winds.

Trappers are comfortable since they have thick layers of animal hair, usually wool and rabbit fur—moreover, men like wearing this type of headwear for their versatility. The earflaps can be strapped during extreme cold, and they could also be tucked away if the wearer deems it fit.

If you are looking for trendy trapper hats, you should check out Tough Headwear’s winter collection. AKASO, City Hunter, and Ergodyne are also crowd favorites.

Beanies

(Image by Will Spirit SBN)

For more casual and modern winter hats, beanies are the headgear of choice. They do not have brims and usually lack visors as well. They provide comfort due to their snug fit on the crown area of the head.

Beanies are made of stretchable fabrics like felt or cloth, so they are not very advisable for outdoor use, especially during snowstorms. Most people prefer wearing this type of headwear when they go to the grocery store or visit a friend’s house.

Because they are usable all-year-round, most major garment manufacturers retail beanies. Famous brands include Under Armour, The North Face, and Urban Outfitters.

Ski Masks

Image by Nick Olsen

The winter is also a perfect season for different snow activities. If you are looking forward to spending time outdoors skiing and snowboarding, you have to prepare headwear covering the entire face. Ski masks are just the item for that application.

Also known as balaclavas, ski masks protect virtually every surface of the head, except for the eyes and sometimes the mouth. Ordinary ski masks are made of stretchable materials like knit wool. However, specialized ski masks have multiple layers of synthetic fiber to provide better insulation against the cold.

Under Armour has a casual ski mask that a lot of users find comfortable and warm. On the other hand, those into snow sports tilt towards brands like Ergodyne, Self Pro, and Tough Headwear.

What Should I Wear?

Only three general types of winter headgear for men were discussed here, and there are still several types out there. To help you decide, ask yourself about your intended application.

Where will you go? How long will you stay outdoors? As soon as you have pinpointed your purpose, you can start donning your preferred winter headwear

These days, skincare routines can feel a bit complicated and overwhelming. There are so many products being pushed your way, how do you know what to use and what to do to take care of your skin?

Luckily, the basics of skincare are not that complicated – from finding a moisturiser or lotion that works for you, to perfecting your shaving routine, this easy-to-use, simple guide has you covered.

1: Back to basics

Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. It can feel pretty intimidating seeing all the products out there – from cleansers and toners to complicated masks and moisturisers – but there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. There are three basic steps for looking after your skin:

Anything else you want to add to your routine, you can, but these are the three base steps for any good routine.

2: Re-evaluate your shaving routine

The first time you can legitimately shave is a pretty exciting time, but it’s important not to stick with that same shaving technique you learned all those years ago. Always remember to prep your skin, make sure you use good-quality blades, and don’t skip out on post-shave skin care – this helps to prevent shaving rashes and lock in moisture.

For more shaving tips, check out this article full of advice from a master barber.

3: Avoid hot water

Long, hot showers are a great way to unwind after a long day, but this could actually be detrimental to your skin. The hot water strips your skin of its natural oils and can cause dryness and irritation. Instead, opt for warm – not hot – water and try and limit shower-time to 5-10 minutes.

4: Moisturise

Moisturisers work to help trap moisture in your skin, not only helping to avoid dry, flaky skin and give you glowing skin, but helping to avoid wrinkles and acne as well.

And it’s not just your face that deserves some TLC – make sure you use body lotion to avoid dryness and provide an all-over glow.  With a range of lotions out there to tackle a range of issues – from aging skin to sensitive skin – find one that works for you and fits with your routine. It’s best to apply after a shower or bath, to help replenish any moisture lost.

5: SPF

SPF is probably only in your mind during summer (and if it’s not, it should be) but SPF is important all-year round. Sun exposure can cause skin damage, so opt for a facial moisturiser with SPF to protect your skin

Remember: the best skincare routine for men doesn’t need to be complicated – just find something that works for you and your specific skincare needs.

Words by Emma Collins

Shoes will always be one of the best investments you can make for yourself, especially that it has the capability to make or break your whole outfit. To just make a subtle change such as your shoes, it can easily make you look smarter and more professional. In this article, we will be listing down the best shoe brands for men that will serve as a guide for you for your next purchase of shoes.

With these brands, you will never be wrong as they provide the highest quality of a product. Moreover, each brand specializes in a type of shoe they produce so you will definitely find the right shoe brand for your own preference.

Belvedere Shoes

Belvedere Shoes is one of the rising brands in the past decades as they have redefined what a comfortable yet fashionable shoe should be. They have recruited one of the greatest Italian artisans to craft each piece of shoe with the most intricate designs and comfortable structure. Because of their strong dedication to quality shoes, all of the pairs of shoes that they produce are refined in every aspect. Every single year, they continue to add more variations of sizes, colors, and styles with their shoes so you will surely never go wrong with this brand!

Steven Land

This brand has been famous for its exquisite and trendsetting fashionable men’s clothing and accessories. As one of the best and most distinguishable brands, Steven Land produces a wide variety of high-quality, head-turner shoes and garments that will bring the best in you. Each design is carefully crafted in-house by talented designers and artists to bring you cutting edge fashion and newly transformed ideas. Steven Land is popular for its incredible dual-toned loafer shoes that have a unique pattern that can easily be paired with any suit and coat. No wonder that wherever you go, everyone will notice the bold and stylish Steven Land brand!

Mezlan

Mezlan shoes have become one of the household names, especially by the shoe connoisseurs. When this brand made its way back to the shoe market industry, it has continued to expand its shoe production and evolved the quality of their products. This brand is known for their creativity and passion for formulating the best materials for their shoes. In addition, they have a huge collection that you will surely be able to find one that suits your own preference. All of their shoes come in amazing styles that will never get old and will still be in style for the next years to come.

Finding the right brands for you is a very painful task to do so hopefully this article has narrowed down the options that you have to choose from when you finally buy your next pair.

There are various variables to consider when choosing the right brands, so it is definitely possible that you will not only stick to one brand. You may even have three favorite brands for different types of shoes just like sports shoes for Nike while casual shoes for Adidas. Instead, may this article serve as a guide in finding what are the good shoe brands in the market for men.

Words by Mrs McGrath

This year we have learnt a lot about what’s important in life – family, friends, our health and wellbeing and outside spaces. Often Christmas can be stressful, focus on perfection, what we have to do and have. Well – this is our opportunity to maybe do things a little differently and maybe make some new traditions. Anthony asked me to write this I think in the hope that we would manage it ourselves, kitchen wise I’m ok but usually hopelessly last minute on the rest – cards and wrapping particularly! Well this year we are aiming for a stress free Christmas and after the year we have all had we ALL deserve this.

Shop local – when we needed them our local shops and market stalls really were there for us, delivering fruit and veg and other essentials – try and support them and shop locally, use your local butcher, fishmongers, fruit and veg stall and highstreets. You’ll enjoy the Christmassy feel and avoid supermarket Christmas ques.

It’s all in the planning – take ten minutes to decide what you’ll be eating on the big day – breakfast? Lunch and supper? Pin on the fridge and work out what can be done in advance – stuffing can be made and frozen as well as gravy, veggies peeled then in cold water ready for next day (normally xmas eve with Anthony and my mum) we will have lunch @1 as kids will be hungry so I’ll try and get bird on early then have time to finish everything off as the turkey rests for an hour. I don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all day…then pm will be turkey or salmon sandwiches and cold cuts and bubble and squeak Sunday with rest of leftovers either in a pie or sliced and in fridge for sandwiches, if lots of ham ill freeze that and make a pie or pea and ham soup later on in January.

As Ruairí Stewart aka the Happy-Whole Coach puts it, “Perfection is a myth. We’ve all seen Miracle on 34th Street and had notions that we might be able to recreate that magic in our own lives, but the time comes for realism. Focus on reconnecting with those you hold dearest, no matter what that looks like this year. You don’t have to live up to anyone’s expectations of how the season should be enjoyed – do it your way.”

We don’t need to eat and drink to excess – try a meal planner for the holiday period so you can plan what you’re eating and factor in any leftovers so that you have no food waste – great left over meals include, bubble and squeak, turkey curry/stir-fry /fajitas. Or keep some readymade pastry in the fridge and add the left over roast to this and make a Christmas dinner pie, pop in freezer and reheat for an easy Sunday lunch in January. Super chef and all round good guy Tom Kerridge, told the CMTM readers, “Dont Stress, Christmas is a time to enjoy and if that means, you buy ready pre-prepared veg or anything to make your life easier, so be it. Enjoy it !”

Get some fresh air – we all need too and it’s amazing what some fresh air will do to clear heads and cheer everyone up – hoping for snow but even a walk in the rain will help digest and de-stress.

Delegate – be clear about what you need some help with and when give everyone a special job – Anthony your on peeling, dishwasher (I don’t do it right) recycling  and bins.

Make a list of everything that needs doing and by when – then put in date order and try and do one thing a day – Shopping, Cards, wrapping, so that by Christmas Eve you’ll be able to relax – not still wrapping at midnight (if we achieve that it will be a first!!! And we don’t have Mum to help)

Finally – give something back whether it’s your time or a donation there is always someone worse off than you. Lots of them, so help and in return it will be your best gift to yourself.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday