Gillette Fusion ProShield FlexBall Razor

I have been a massive devotee (aka fan boy ) of Gillette razors since I started shaving – I’ve actually never used any other! I remember when the new FlexBall razor came out in the US, I was so excited that I order it on Amazon.com and got it shipped to Ireland and I had it a good 6 months before it came out in Ireland and the UK. Now that’s devotion! 

I was totally in love with the FlexBall razor; I have quite a square jawline and I found it really hard to shave this area but this was an utter God send!  I thought I would never need to buy another razor again …

BUT what the experts at Gillette do??? Go and make an f**king better razor!!! The Gillette Fusion ProShield razor. 

After watching thousands of men shave each year, researchers at Gillette have found that guys are on autopilot during shaving and subsequently are risking the quality of their skin - signs of aging, and ingrown hairs with a poor quality razor (not good).  This is because the shave gel has wiped away, which means for the remaining strokes their face is at the mercy of sharp, steel blades – oftentimes resulting in irritation…

Through in-depth research, Gillette found that guys on average, take up to 170 razor strokes while shaving, with as many as 120 strokes happening after the shave gel has been wiped away – leaving the skin unprotected for the rest of the shave, causing irritation from these re-strokes.  That’s why Gillette launched the ProShield, providing added lubrication to protect guys from re-stroke, so you don’t have to change the way they shave.

Now Gillette claim that the ProShield:

“shields while you shave. ProShield Lubrication before and after the blades lays down a protective layer to shield from irritation. Plus, FlexBall Technology makes maximum contact* over contours and gets virtually every hair (*among Fusion razors). Gillette Fusion ProShield is Gillette's most advanced razor.”

And that it features:

• The thinnest, finest edge blades with less tug and pull
• Gillette’s most advanced blade coating
• Blade Stability Bar maintains optimal blade spacing for exceptional comfort
• MicroComb to help guide stubble to the blades
•  Precision Trimmer for accurate edging

I was dying to try the new Gillette Fusion ProShield razor when it was released to see if the claims were true and I’m thrilled to report that they are.  With five blades, Fusion ProShield lubricating strip, and FlexBall Technology, this is one hard hitting razor.  It is housed within a comb guard so that you can trim down longer hairs, something previously unseen this razor market.  Now you can shave with a week old beard and not whip out an expensive electric beard trimmer first; ideal when you’re running late in the morning. The real winner is the enhanced Lubrastrip infused with mineral oils and lubricating polymers, which not only soothe your skin but allow for a smoother glide and fewer passes.

My Verdict

Overall totally 

Firstly, the packaging is fantastic.  I mean, who wouldn't look at this on the shelf at a store and think, "This must slice through my stubble."  And secondly it actually slices through said stubble.  I've tried it 3 times so far and OMFG it glides on my face to give the closest, smoothest shaver … EVER 

Gillette totally re-invented shaving in 2014 with the introduction of the Fusion ProGlide with FlexBall Technology, and has now revolutionised the face of cartridge technology with the Fusion ProShield. More than 25 million men have made the switch to FlexBall, and together with Fusion ProShield, the whole daily debacle of shaving has gotten even better and easier. 

The new Gillette Fusion ProShield razor with FlexBall technology delivers a smooth close shave with no dragging or tugging.  The handle is supremely comfortable.  The Fusion ProShield is noticeable throughout the shave, and the results are even more evident afterwards; there really is no irritation! Whoop Whoop!!  Just a truly close shave in a faster time to boot.   

The Gillette Fusion ProShield FlexBall Razor is available online here at Boots and Superdrug.

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BOSS The Scent | Fragrance Review

Whoop Whoop! Another great fragrance review – this time I’m talking BOSS The Scent. With Valentines’ Day looming or if you’re in the market for a new eau de toilette or aftershave and can’t work out which men’s fragrance is best – maybe consider BOSS The Scent? OR for those in the gift market, if you’re thinking what fragrance shall I buy my boyfriend for Valentines’ or his birthday – then have a read of this and get INSPIRED!

BOSS The Scent is a unique aftershave; it boasts an exclusive ingredient from Africa - an aphrodisiac Maninka fruit. Maninka is the backbone of The Scent, it has an interesting dry-fruit aroma that gives The Scent its seductive aura. Together with the leather, vanilla, woody base and spicy ginger top notes, it creates a distinctive scent.

Exquisite notes of Ginger, exotic and exclusive Maninka and virile Leather unfold over time. The effect is evocatively intoxicating (in a good way), crafted to incite the senses with an air of depth and enigma.

 The Scent is an Oriental Woody fragrance

• Top Notes: Ginger, spices
• Heart Notes: Maninka fruit
• Base Notes: Leather accords, vanilla

The bottle and packaging of BOSS The Scent presents the evocative amber liquid set in a silver cage, as if somehow capturing this unfathomable essence of seduction.

I really love this aftershave from Hugo Boss!! I have to admit that the first time that I gave this a whiff, I wasn’t sold on it. But I gave it another tentative sniff a few months later and I was literally blown away! – it was nothing like I had smelled before.

It has a light and fruity, but still warm and robust aroma. I have never smelt something so elegant and gorgeously sensuous. Sensuous is the one word to describe this scent with.  This is my statement scent right now and I’m sure that this will be a staple fragrance for me, as it prompts images of a well-clad and groomed urbanite, sophisticated, but still up for a laugh. I feel like this will suit any man, as it's bold, classic and long lasting. BOSS The Scent is fresh enough to wear through the day, but also bold enough to splash on before an evening out - I find it so versatile! I usually have a preference for wearing lighter and fruity aftershaves – this being a different scent from something I would usually choose, its warmer and more heady but Hugo Boss have well and truly nailed it with this one in my eyes.

 I LOVE IT. I am obsessed with this fragrance and with good reason. Screaming quality, opulent masculinity and overall appeal. The great versatility means it will be staying in my toiletry bag for the foreseeable future!  And undoubtedly a staple in many a man’s toiletry bag.

BOSS The Scent is available online here at Boots and Fragrance Direct.

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The Daniel Wellington St Mawes Watch

I know that this is something that I never write about – style or fashion but I recently received a Daniel Wellington St Mawes watch for my birthday and I’m so besotted that I’m dedicating a whole post to it.  

I am not really that into jewellery or accessories but I have always donned a watch since my primary school days. I’m quite particular when it comes to watches (my one & only watch I have for about 12 yrs!), as I have a slim wrist and I don’t want anything humongous that will emphasis this; vain I know!  

So I have been searching for a long time to find my perfect replacement and one day I stumbled across the Daniel Wellington watch and I knew instantly that it was the one. 

BACKGROUND ON Daniel Wellington:

Established in Uppsala in Sweden, just an hour’s drive from Stockholm, there is a story about how the watch came to be and their website states:

“Filip Tysander, the founder of Daniel Wellington, met an intriguing gentleman from the British Isles. The man had the inspiring ability to be gentlemanly but still relaxed and unpretentious. He had an impeccable style, and loved to wear his watches on old weathered Nato straps. His name? Well, Daniel Wellington, of course. A strong friendship emerged between the two, and our founder was inspired not only by the man’s many great life stories but also by his class and timeless style of fashion”.

Daniel Wellington watches are manufactured and sent from Sweden and they are available at a few outlets; but they do sell from their main website. They offer a range of mens and ladies watches and most come with interchangeable straps. Others are fitted with a leather strap and each watch is available in silver or rose gold.

The mens watch measures 40mm by just 6mm making it a very thin watch. This is what really caught my attention; it’s so slim and comfortable to wear. They are also water resistant but they recommend that you avoid all contact with water.  All of the faces are in eggshell white which gives a very classic, clean and crisp appearance.

PACKAGING & PRESENTATION

I love the Daniel Wellington packaging. Mine arrived in a beautiful leather gift box which makes it feel like a real luxury item. In the box there is a manual, instructions and a 2 year guarantee. It also has a tool to remove the pins so that you can change the pins; you can customise you DW to your #OOTD (handy ).

MY THOUGHTS:
Overall a huge 

With its classic, minimalist and preppy look, the Daniel Wellington watch is thin; I agree with their description; in that it is elegant and would be suitable for every occasion. I think that it’s versatile to wear with a suit or throw it on to smarten up a jeans and tee combo. Being thin the watch is also light and easy to wear. I find that it doesn't get in the way and I actually forget I’m wearing it i.e. it isn't cumbersome and heavy. It’s not a watch that shouts ‘look at me’ it’s way more discrete and subtle than that, but it definitely stands out and you will get noticed with a DW watch.

Instead of numbers the DW has markers in the form of silver lines on the eggshell white face. I love this with that but some may find it difficult to read the time, having said that I've never had a problem. The strap is good quality too with the hardware matching the silver colour of the watch.

Overall I’m a fan. The Daniel Wellington watch is cool, current and classy. Its simplicity makes it appealing and extremely comfortable to wear.

I'm so grateful for my amazing #birthday present! 😊 I'm so 😍 with my #danielwellington watch #jewellery #Irish #maleblogger #watch #birthdaygift @johnrossjewellers @asos_menswear

The Daniel Wellington St Mawes Watch is available online at ASOS and The Watch Superstore. My DW watch was got in John Ross Jewellers in Tralee – if you have a DW stockist near you definitely go have a look - you can find them here.

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Nuxe Reve De Miel: Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm

I don't know about you, but my lips are the only part of my body that gets dry. Finding a lip balm that does its job, is hard work. 

Particularly for men, who need all the benefits but none of the shine and gloss. I know that good old Vaseline would do the trick but there are much better alternatives out there. Both in terms of performance and appearance. Now the Rêve de Miel, Nuxe's Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm, has quite a peculiar texture in comparison to most lip balms; it doesn't have that oily or shiny texture that we're used to. It's really quite thick and matte, making it a perfect for men's parched lips, and it has an almost grainy feel to it.

Despite its texture, Nuxe's lip balm is something of a hero as it's a very comfortable, non-sticky product to wear, not to mention it lasts for hours. Really moisturising, excellent when it's cold and windy. It comes in a little glass pot, I know not the most practical. It's the 20th Anniversary of Rêve de Miel this year (2015), which goes to show just how good this lip balm really is. 

J'adore Nuxe!

You can find Nuxe Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm here at Escentual or I found it in my local pharmacy. Check out your pharmacy, it might be a stockist too.

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Anthony Logistics Glycolic Facial Cleanser

I mentioned this little bea in my Falling Into Winter | Seasonal Essentials post.

This is actually Anthony Logistics’ top seller for over ten years running. And I am going to tell you why; It’s refreshingly creamy, non-greasy, soothing, and above all exceptionally good at cleansing.

I have to admit that I was a little sceptical of the Anthony Logistics Glycolic Facial Cleanser. It has a non-foaming formula which I’m not accustomed to with a gel formulation. But I knew that glycolic acid works wonders for my skin. If you expect this product to foam up on your hands, then I guess you need to try other cleansers. As a matter of fact, the product is similar to gel cleanser. You can easily rub it on your hands and put it on your face without any drips and messes.

Well, what can I say?  I am in love with this bea - it really leaves my skin feeling soft and very clean, but not tight and dry (that would be the Aloe Vera!) My apprehension with anything creamy is that your face can sometimes feel a little sweaty afterwards, and I was hugely surprised. It cleanses so effectively but leaves absolutely no residue on my skin – my skin in uber clean and soothed after each use.

The Anthony Logistics Glycolic Facial Cleanser is formulated without any parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs and triclosan.

What’s Glycolic Acid anyhow? Well in layman terms, Glycolic Acid is a chemical exfoliator that loosens the bonds of surface dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily swept away. There’s a decent dose of Glycolic Acid – 4.9%. Because all chemical exfoliants can leave your skin a tad dry, but soothing and moisturising Aloe Vera helps to calm the skin and freshly exposed skin cells.

Finally vitamins C and A, two very powerful antioxidants, help to protect and smooth the skin. Vitamin A helps to protect and rejuvenates our skin’s natural support structure and and increase elasticity of skin. whilst Vitamin C is a fantastic brightening agent that also protects, firms skin. 

There’s no artificial fragrance but the natural Pomelo and Mandarin peel extracts give the Anthony Logistics Glycolic Facial Cleanser a really gorgeous citrus scent that lifts you as you get to work with it.

I’ve tried many skin-care products from the cheap brand names whom you can easily find in local drug stores to other expensive brands from high end beauty stores. This product does wonders for my skin. As you already know, I have oily skin (sometime too oily!) that is prone to acne. When I first tried this, the pores on my nose were congested and within two days; completely clear. This cleanser not only absorbs the dirt and oil on my face, but it keeps your skin super clean and blemish free.

Anthony Logistics Glycolic Facial Cleanser is €20.95 for a huge bottle (237ml) and is available from Mankind and  4Men.ie.

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REN Vita Mineral Omega 3 Optimum Skin Serum Oil

I’m becoming more and more adventurous with my face oils, trying all sorts of different textures and blends. I know this may seem ludicrous when I have an oily combination skin but there are so many out there to choose from – balancing oils for blemish-prone skin, regenerating oils for damaged skin and oils with aromatherapy blends – and to be honest I haven’t yet found any that my skin didn’t agree with. I don’t think this is something for the day but at night-time; I have found that gently massaging oil into my face, just before bed, leaves me with really plump, glowing and revitalised skin by morning.

REN Omega 3 Optimum Skin Serum Oil is a great choice if you’re looking for an oil that’s gives you all of the nourishment and hydration that an oil gives but with a slightly lighter texture. The Omega 3 Serum Oil is extraordinarily rich in essential fatty acids, aiding cell renewal and restoring moisture levels so that the skin looks and feels younger and more hydrated. Because it’s heavy in Omegas, this will help to strengthen the lipid barrier and replenish the moisture levels, meaning it would work in hot or cold climates and on dry or oily skins. There is nothing here that will block pores on acne sufferers (hooray!). Rosehip Oil helps with this whole regenerative process (great for tackling those pesky dark spots and acne scars) and Vitamin E, from Rice Germ Oil, is a brilliant antioxidant and works to protect against damage from the environment.

This is wonderful serum/oil and, as I said, a great option if you want something really nourishing, but light in texture. This is incredibly lightweight, super-fast absorbing oil that won’t leave you like an oil slick. It smells insanely good – light & citrusy - not at all overpowering but extremely soothing and relaxing. I apply this at night with nothing on over the top and OMFG! It soothes and heals my skin like nothing else. When I first got this, I had a few irksome surface blemishes due to excess sweating in the summer heat; next morning – gone. Enough said … if you have no problem with dryness; you may find that you can skip the moisturiser altogether. But if you are of a drier persuasion add a moisturiser on top. Just see how you go!

This will be invaluable to banish “winter skin”; that extra support and hydration so badly needed for when the central heating cycle kicks in and transforms your face into something that resembles the Sahara Desert. If you find yourself getting all flaky and chapped, or if your skin starts to feel dull and weather-beaten, this is an excellent booster-upper.

Now I know that it comes in a convenient pump-action bottle but I actually don’t like the packaging (sorry REN). I find that the oil goes down the front of the pump and the whole lot get messy and sticky. But I can get over this pet peeve due to it great results.

The REN Omega 3 Optimum Skin Serum Oil is €28 and is available here online and Sam McCauley and other pharmacies nationwide.

Falling Into Winter | Seasonal Essentials

See what I did there Falling into Winter, get it! ... no just me … okay … moving briskly on … 

   

Today I thought I would share my seasonal essential for Autumn and Winter.  I love this time of the year; crisp, sunny days filled with anticipation of Christmas (I know I said it!). But most importantly filled with the little luxuries, which we can’t use in summer.

The Anthony Logistics for Men Glycolic Facial Cleanser is a stellar cleanser for year round use but it’s especially comes into its own during autumn/winter. This cleanser with glycolic acid keeps your skin super clean and blemish free. What I really like about this is that it brightens my skin, no dull ashy skin for me which I can be prone to at this time of the year. Check it out here at 4Men.ie and Mankind.co.uk.

I am totally smitten with the Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief (you can read my full review here). Skin can become a tad dehydrated and flaky in the fall of the year; even oily skin. This can exasperate both acne and dry skin conditions. This instantly rehydrates and soothes your skin but is non greasy – it’s a super light weight gel. So to quench you skin’s thirst, use Clinique MoistureSurge.

Another seasonal favourite is the Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate. This is great as a night time indulgence – it locks in hydration like your life depends on it! But it also fantastic at healing any kind of pigmentation one might have. Oh, did I mention that is smells ahh-mazin! You can find it here at Liz Earle or Boots.

Clarins Men Anti-Fatigue Eye Serum is ideal for this time of the year; with getting up in the dark and what not. And wooh … let’s not forget all the parties and nights out that frequent this busy period. This eye serum will banish any dark circle and puffiness – so everyone will think you were tucked up in front of the fire. You can read all my thoughts on it here. And you can find it here.  

I know this may be a strange one to include in an Autumn/Winter essential but with the sun hibernating until next May, one has to take some action to fight off a ghostly pallor. My two favourites are the St. Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower Lotion (at Boots & full review) and the St. Moriz Medium Tanning Lotion (here at Boots). I’m definitely not advocating to go all out but a light-handed hint-of-a-tint to have you looking you best at this hectic time. And both of these heavenly tanning lotion (cause there St) give the best natural tan ever.

This time of the year wouldn’t be complete with the quintessential transitional item ever – the scarf. Nothing says autumn/winter as eloquently than the scarf. It practical and stylish and adds immediate cosiness to any outfit. I’m particularly partial to any kind of a wine, maroon, burgundy scarf; like the one here.

ahh cosy slippers! Nothing beats coming home after a long hard day on your feet and ripping off your shoes and flinging those dreaded (and sweaty) socks across the room. And then slipping your aching feet into a warm soft lush pair of slippers.  My top tip is to leave your slippers in the hot press (airing cupboard) and they’ll be lovely and toasty when you arrive in the door.

The most notorious item associated with this time of the year is … the coat. I love to have a leather jacket in autumn – the weather can be so changeable and not gonna lie, they’re just plain cool! Pair it with the above mentioned scarf and bang instant autumn style. I love wearing a coat and my favourite is my ¾ length charcoal funnel neck coat. It’s super warm and stylish and I actually don’t know I lived without it. it so versatile - its great for being uber smart work and formal events (graduations, particularly at this time of the year) or pair it with a knitted jumper and some black jeans and you're ready to take on the world. 

My final Falling into Winter essential is a hot chocolate. Personally hot chocolate is dabomb.com; I really lust after the Starbucks hot chocolate.  But Starbucks is a distant luxury for me (it literally and hour and a half to the closest). I like to fill my Starbucks mug to the brim with warm creamy chocolatey goodness, with a roaring fire in the background while watching TV.

I nearly forgot an important staple – the Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm is ideal for autumn/winter as it super nourishing but in a non-sticky or greasy way. It stays put all day long. No bitter wind will turn my lips into sandpaper. You can find it here.

There you have my Falling into Winter basics. What are your staples for autumn/winter?