Post by Ace on Jul 14, 2004 7:27:37 GMT -5
Post Style: Putting the man in manicure
July 14, 2004 12:50pm
Europe Intelligence Wire
There's been a revolution in the beauty world. The finger is pointing firmly at the likes of Judd Law and David Beckham. Forget power tools and DIY, these days men want to spend their time pampering and preening.
Sales figures for male grooming products are shooting through the roof as blokes are now just as likely to have a daily cleansing/toning/ moisturising routine as girls.
Most of the major players in the competitive world of beauty now offer specific men's lines, whether it's fragrances, moisturisers, colognes or exfoliators.
Even fake tan manufacturers are gearing their advertising campaigns towards guys, tapping into the idea that they care about their appearance just as much as women.
Pressure from girlfriends and wives, along with the age of celebrity, are being pinpointed as reasons for this shift in attitudes. A recent survey carried out by Virgin Money revealed that 73 per cent of women would prefer their partners to have good looks as opposed to a fat wallet. It seems women are no longer prepared to put up with smelly socks and greasy hair - no matter how much money you earn. And under pressure, men are sitting up and taking notice, spending pounds 102.75 every month on new clothes, keeping fit and beauty treatments - just pounds 2 less than the girls' bill.
'Celebrities have made it more acceptable for guys to get into grooming,' says Hilary Andrews of mankindonline.co.uk - the UK's first male grooming website - 'It's not unusual for men to prepare for a night out with a sunbed session or by shopping for a new outfit.'
However, unless you're a seasoned pro when it comes to the
ever-more confusing world of beauty it's difficult to know where to start. After all, not all men are as vain as Big Brother's Jay, who, incredibly, spends up to three hours a day pampering and preening.
A great place to start is the beauty counters in leading department stores. All five of Birmingham's big hitters offer products aimed at male shoppers. And just as you would go to a mechanic for advice on your car, you should seek assistance from the professionals.
Clinique and Clarins are two of the biggest names, with ranges of products that have been designed to tackle men's skin. Packaged in either masculine grey or strong blue, there is nothing girlie about showing them off on the bathroom shelf.
Clinique has a collection of pre-shave and post-shave goodies that can ease irritation, as well as moisturisers and sun screens to protect you whether you're firing up the barbecue or spending a day on the golf course.
Clarins Men is the skincare range that is revealing the fastest growth, with figures for the UK showing a year on year increase of an incredible 85 per cent, with a 24 per cent total market share. The top seller is the Moisture Balm, followed by Active Face Wash and Undereye Serum.
The company has just launched two news products, Total Wrinkle Control and Active Hand Cream, showing that men are now demanding products that go beyond the basics.
If you want designer labels, then Space NK Apothecary, at Harvey Nichols, is a great bet. Many of the products are unisex, but there are a number of men-only lines.
Anthony Logistics for Men has no-nonsense products, including the All Purpose Facial Moisturiser making your choice less confusing. Czech & Speake has earned a worldwide reputation for quality and luxury, and has a loyal and dedicated following. It is inspired by the traditional gentleman's barber but with a modern twist and updated technology. The packaging is striking, in black with grey lettering, and includes aftershave, cologne spray and shower gel.
And then there's the Space NK own-brand range, based around the aromatic essential oils and woody oriental notes.
While all the products are available to buy over the counter, for those who are a little shy, all the major companies have dedicated websites with male sections.
Who's a pretty boy then?
The Virgin Pulling Power study identified four typical male grooming addicts:
Style Slave: David Beckham is his fashion guru and while he might draw the line at wearing a sarong, he's most likely to be pulling out his plastic in designer boutiques and splashing out on the latest trends.
Pretty Boy: Taking his lead from the likes of Jude Law, the pretty boy is not afraid of the beauty salon and is prepared to spend on manicures and sunbed sessions to look his best.
Fit Fatale: He knows a perfect six-pack is often the way to a woman's heart, and will invest in a gym membership and home fitness equipment to achieve the perfect body sported by Brad Pitt.
Grooming Gods: He's dedicated to the cause of looking good and knows if you want to compete with Pierce Brosnan or George Clooney, you need to invest time and money to have it all - glowing skin, a fit body and a sexy suit.
The top five male scents for summer:
1: Yves Saint Laurent Kouros Cologne Sport, pounds 28 for 100ml.
2: D'Issey Pour Homme, pounds 27 for 100ml.
3: Paul Smith Extreme, pounds 31 for 100ml.
4: Lacoste, pounds 37 for 100ml.
5: Givenchy Blue Label, pounds 40 for 100ml.
All available from Beatties and other leading department stores.
Copyright © 2004 Birmingham Post & Mail Ltd.
===========================
Well "Grooming God" at least sounds better than Metrosexual.
;D ;D ;D ;D
Ace
July 14, 2004 12:50pm
Europe Intelligence Wire
There's been a revolution in the beauty world. The finger is pointing firmly at the likes of Judd Law and David Beckham. Forget power tools and DIY, these days men want to spend their time pampering and preening.
Sales figures for male grooming products are shooting through the roof as blokes are now just as likely to have a daily cleansing/toning/ moisturising routine as girls.
Most of the major players in the competitive world of beauty now offer specific men's lines, whether it's fragrances, moisturisers, colognes or exfoliators.
Even fake tan manufacturers are gearing their advertising campaigns towards guys, tapping into the idea that they care about their appearance just as much as women.
Pressure from girlfriends and wives, along with the age of celebrity, are being pinpointed as reasons for this shift in attitudes. A recent survey carried out by Virgin Money revealed that 73 per cent of women would prefer their partners to have good looks as opposed to a fat wallet. It seems women are no longer prepared to put up with smelly socks and greasy hair - no matter how much money you earn. And under pressure, men are sitting up and taking notice, spending pounds 102.75 every month on new clothes, keeping fit and beauty treatments - just pounds 2 less than the girls' bill.
'Celebrities have made it more acceptable for guys to get into grooming,' says Hilary Andrews of mankindonline.co.uk - the UK's first male grooming website - 'It's not unusual for men to prepare for a night out with a sunbed session or by shopping for a new outfit.'
However, unless you're a seasoned pro when it comes to the
ever-more confusing world of beauty it's difficult to know where to start. After all, not all men are as vain as Big Brother's Jay, who, incredibly, spends up to three hours a day pampering and preening.
A great place to start is the beauty counters in leading department stores. All five of Birmingham's big hitters offer products aimed at male shoppers. And just as you would go to a mechanic for advice on your car, you should seek assistance from the professionals.
Clinique and Clarins are two of the biggest names, with ranges of products that have been designed to tackle men's skin. Packaged in either masculine grey or strong blue, there is nothing girlie about showing them off on the bathroom shelf.
Clinique has a collection of pre-shave and post-shave goodies that can ease irritation, as well as moisturisers and sun screens to protect you whether you're firing up the barbecue or spending a day on the golf course.
Clarins Men is the skincare range that is revealing the fastest growth, with figures for the UK showing a year on year increase of an incredible 85 per cent, with a 24 per cent total market share. The top seller is the Moisture Balm, followed by Active Face Wash and Undereye Serum.
The company has just launched two news products, Total Wrinkle Control and Active Hand Cream, showing that men are now demanding products that go beyond the basics.
If you want designer labels, then Space NK Apothecary, at Harvey Nichols, is a great bet. Many of the products are unisex, but there are a number of men-only lines.
Anthony Logistics for Men has no-nonsense products, including the All Purpose Facial Moisturiser making your choice less confusing. Czech & Speake has earned a worldwide reputation for quality and luxury, and has a loyal and dedicated following. It is inspired by the traditional gentleman's barber but with a modern twist and updated technology. The packaging is striking, in black with grey lettering, and includes aftershave, cologne spray and shower gel.
And then there's the Space NK own-brand range, based around the aromatic essential oils and woody oriental notes.
While all the products are available to buy over the counter, for those who are a little shy, all the major companies have dedicated websites with male sections.
Who's a pretty boy then?
The Virgin Pulling Power study identified four typical male grooming addicts:
Style Slave: David Beckham is his fashion guru and while he might draw the line at wearing a sarong, he's most likely to be pulling out his plastic in designer boutiques and splashing out on the latest trends.
Pretty Boy: Taking his lead from the likes of Jude Law, the pretty boy is not afraid of the beauty salon and is prepared to spend on manicures and sunbed sessions to look his best.
Fit Fatale: He knows a perfect six-pack is often the way to a woman's heart, and will invest in a gym membership and home fitness equipment to achieve the perfect body sported by Brad Pitt.
Grooming Gods: He's dedicated to the cause of looking good and knows if you want to compete with Pierce Brosnan or George Clooney, you need to invest time and money to have it all - glowing skin, a fit body and a sexy suit.
The top five male scents for summer:
1: Yves Saint Laurent Kouros Cologne Sport, pounds 28 for 100ml.
2: D'Issey Pour Homme, pounds 27 for 100ml.
3: Paul Smith Extreme, pounds 31 for 100ml.
4: Lacoste, pounds 37 for 100ml.
5: Givenchy Blue Label, pounds 40 for 100ml.
All available from Beatties and other leading department stores.
Copyright © 2004 Birmingham Post & Mail Ltd.
===========================
Well "Grooming God" at least sounds better than Metrosexual.
;D ;D ;D ;D
Ace
I don't expect the use of tan lotion 
, but a bit of cleanliness is not asking too much.
