If there were "stocking stuffers" for Father’s Day, these three grooming products would fit perfectly. Instead, think of them as possibilities for last-minute gift ideas (or supplements) today. It’s always good to be able to jazz up the quotidian routine …Guys are suckers for compliments: After an offhand suggestion from a friend ("I liked your haircut right around Halloween, when it was really short") I just chopped off eight months’ worth of hair. So it’s goodbye, lazy curls and cowlicks; hello, short, strict styling. I’m back to Philip B Shin-Aid Pomade ($26), which has a strong hold but is soft to the touch — no slickery texture or crispy-crunchy peaks. It’s available at Essentials + More at Hilton Village, Scottsdale (which is closed Sundays), and Ulta stores throughout the East Valley.

The shaving cream used most in Italian barbershops is made by Proraso, which teamed up with C.O. Bigelow to bring the eucalyptus-spiked formula to the United States. Premium Shave Cream ($10) also has glycerin for a smooth shave, menthol to numb the face to reduce irritation and redness, and coconut oil for moisture. (The eucalyptus, in addition to smelling good, also is an antiseptic for any cuts.) It’s sold at Bath & Body Works stores around the East Valley.

I’m not saying I’ve picked clothing up off the floor and worn it again the next day … but I *do* have a single pair of Gap hipster khakis that have shown up multiple times during the workweek. (One week I wore them five days in a row with different shirts, just to see if anyone would say anything.) Woody’s Body and Laundry deodorant spray ($12.95) from the men’s grooming line pulls double duty and keeps clothing smelling fresh, too — think of it as Axe meets Febreze. Find it at Men’s Ultimate Grooming at Superstition Springs Center, Mesa.

Posted in: Great Stuff |

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.