URBAN LUMBERJACK

When you base an outfit on the iconic boot, it’s hard to not go for the lumberjack look which is highly fall appropriate. Pair the iconic boots with modern straightfit jeans. Fit your tops with a plain t-shirt under a flannel shirt and throw in a down vest. Play with your colors to make the layers pop and you’re set to go out stomping.
BOOTS, JEANS AND PUFFER VEST FROM TIMBERLAND
SHIRT- MODEL’S OWN

INTO THE WILD

The fall season is the perfect time to go hiking around the valley. For that, you might want a good pair of hiking boots. Wear a modern pair of cargoes that’s been slimmed down, and keep warm with a functional jacket. This one is water proof as well.
BOOTS,CARGO PANTS, DOUBLE LAYRED JACKET, BACK PACK AND CAP FORM TIMBERLAND

TSHIRT MODEL’S OWN.

SCALING THE CONCRETE JUNGLE

Timberland’s new collection consists of athletic shoes with FlyRoam that allows you superior mobility. Mobility means possibilities. Wear it with a pair of joggers, a long line tee, and a ribbed hoodie for added texture. Layer not just in lengths, but in materials as well.

LONG-LINE T-SHIRT AND RIBBED HOODIE FROM THE WALL JOGGERS AND TRAINERS FROM TIMBERLAND BRACELET FROM MASALA BEADS

MODEL:SEKHAR SUBEDI | CONCEPT:NIRVEEK PPJ SHAH | PHOTOS:SHASHANK PRADHAN

Ps: these items were so comfor table that I cried when I had to return them.

LUMBERSEXUAL

Red flannels have a bad rep for being the “shirt of the year” but hey, they look hella good. If you’re still worried, fret not; these shirts are reversible. Plus, the pearl tab buttons make the whole process of dressing so much more easier.

-Reversible Flannel Shirt

-Tapered Fit Jeans

RACING TO A CAFÉ

I love leather jackets but I feel that it’s still a bit warm for it. So the next best option is the denim jacket, which is great in it’s own regard as well. If you’re going to pull off the denim on denim look, just make sure that the jacket and the pants are of different shades.

-Distressed Denim Jacket

-Super Skinny Jeans

-Vintage Logo T Shirt

CONTEMPORARY MINIMALISM

It just seems that people these days are obsessed with the whole concept of “less is more”. One can’t blame them however. You really don’t need prints to look good, just good clothes. If you insist on that pop, make sure it’s a small accessory like the watch here.

-Mandarin Button Up in Pink

-Grey Jumper

-Super Skinny Jeans in Black

FOR A DAY OUT

T Shirts are probably one of the most important inventions from mankind. Hence, there’s no reason why you should not wear one. Layer it up with a denim shirt since the weather these days tend to be cold and you’re set to hit it up with your boys.

-Dark Striped T Shirt

-Light Wash Denim Shirt

CONCEPT:NIRVEEK PPJ SHAH | PHOTO:PRITAM CHHETRI | WARDROBE COURTESY:LEVI’S

SAY IT WITH PATTERNS

You don’t have to put much effort while wearing Kurtas. Just pick a pattern you like and wear it proudly.

ON WEDNESDAYS WE WEAR PINK

Not the manliest of movie quotes, but it is manly to wear pink. Don’t be shy.

FOR THE NIGHT IS DARK AND FULL OF STYLE

General rule of thumb: light for day, dark for night. This dark patterned Kurta could not be any more perfect for night time parties.

EFFORT? WHAT’S THAT?

Pardon me for repeating, but Kurtas are effortless to pull off. Just be careful about the fit, and throw in a Nehru Jacket. Weather forecast: A heavy rain of compliments.

CONCEPT: NIRVEEK PPJ SHAH | PHOTOS: PRITAM CHHETRI | MODEL: RIYAJ DHOJ JOSHI | WARDROBE: FABINDIA

SUNSCREEN

As the name of the product suggests, it screens the sun, meaning it blocks away the sun from your skin. Sun’s ultraviolet rays and other radiations that are harmful for the skin and is the leading cause for the killer C. Also, you can get sunburn, which hurts like a SOB with any movement you make and/or with any contact made to it.

You want to get something that says SPF, which stands for Sun Protection Factor. These tend to range from 15 (blocks 93% of the UVB), 30 (97%), 50 and (98%). If it says anything above 50, it’s lying.

Apart from these, there are two types of Sunscreens, Physical and Chemical. Without getting too much into chemistry, Physical has ingredients like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide which forms a layer on top of your skin and deflects the sun. Chemical has stuff like Avobenzone and Oxybenzone which are absorbed into the skin and take in the UV rays, convert them into heat and let them out.

Now, there are 2 sides to a coin, so Physical is not that ideal because it will wear out if you sweat a lot or go swimming. However, it is neutral to the skin and won’t block thine pores. Chemicals can cause skin concerns but the tend to stick around for more, ideal if you’re the active kind.

OVER CLEANSING

These days, we seemed to be obsessed with matte finish. Matte cars, matte laptops, matte lipstick, and matte faces. Everything matte is not good, specially when it comes to skin. See, when the face is oily, we tend to think “Why just twice a day? Imma wash my face every hour!” This is where we bend ourselves over. When we face wash, we rip away the oil. But the skin does need a bit of oil, a.k.a, moisture. Without it, the skin will crack and be all crusty, and in no time, you’ll look like the Thing from Fantastic Four. Or get some Harlequin-type ichthyosis. Google it.

CLEANSING

Using a sunscreen is the most important step you can take. The next step is to clean it away. Now, when you live in a place like Kathmandu where roads seem to go through the process of existing and being replaced by a desert, you’re bound to develop a mini desert on your skin. SO you need to clean them out. Get yourself a daily face wash, and an exfoliating wash. The phase was is to be use twice a day, during morning and night, while the exfoliator twice or thrice a week. The purpose of the exfoliator is for ripping away the dead skin cells and giving life to new skin cells.

MOISTURIZE

Since we talked about taking the oil away from the skin, we need to talk about putting it back in. But first, a bit on what if you were not to do so. You ripped it away for the sake of cleaning the skin. But the skin does need the oil so it produces oil on its own to get what it wants. In this manner, it keeps producing and that’s how you end up with so much skin oil that you can fry a bag of chips with. Basically, the concept of moisturizing is to fight fire with fire. Get a good moisturizer so that your skin is nice and moist and not flaking.

CHILL OUT

Did you know that the perfect temperature for your skin to prosper is 31°C, which is lower than the body temperature. So, stay in and in cool places. You can try to use ice, it’s actually really good for closing up your pores. But the downside is, when you’re exposed to areas with A/Cs and fans, your skin will dry up. So moisturize!

DON’T SAG AWAY FROM SAAG

Your mom is right to tell you to eat your greens and veggies. Leafy ones like spinach and other vegetables like carrots are rich in Vitamin A. These typically advocate great vision, but they’re great for controlling oil production. So don’t fight your mom and eat it! Also, you want to stay away from chips and other fried goodies, I know it’s hard. But, think of it this way, the more oil you put in, the more oil you put out. Also, drink plenty of water. Hydrated skin is a healthy skin.

WORDS:NIRVEEK SHAH

Sigh…

And a day later, I saw another one with a camo colorway. The next day, a red one. Then a black one. It was within a week that these Anello backpacks were everywhere. In my school, in the alley, in the bus, and in my dreams, haunting with the mocking monotone of “We rule you. You are like everyone. We rule you. You are like everyone. We rule you. You are like everyone.”

I woke up in a pool of sweat. I looked in the mirror and saw my face morph into just a sheet of flat skin with no features. I was losing my identity. I was becoming like everyone.

After some time, I calmed down. I sat down, and I asked myself, is shampoo a body wash for dogs? Or is it the other way around? Do we even have body wash for dogs?

Also, what is so wrong about being like everyone?

Now, I’m someone who likes to have, or at least I like to think so, that I have a unique sense of style. But then again, the idea of being unique is hypocritical because it’s influenced by a lot of people on Instagram, Pinterest, and movies. It is influenced by things that already exist. That’s when the notion of being unique loses its meaning. In addition to that, being a student of literature, I have come to know that life itself is an imitation of events that have already take place. For instance, so many things we do in our daily lives, like the way we talk, are the unconscious act of replicating a scene we saw in a movie. That is kind of why we like to pretend out life is a movie, like there’s a camera following us and filing the trivial things that we do, so we make it as cinematic as we in pure pretence, regardless of it being just in our heads.

Coming back to topic, while I was doing a bit of research, I came across various blogs that give 10 or so points on why you should not follow fashion trends. They say stuff like trends don’t last, fashion is temporary, it is mass produced, and that the sun rises from the east. Well I have news for you Queen Ogbaje, Blogger and Freelance Writer for Huffington Post, I know all of that. Everyone knows that.

What I would like to draw the attention towards is the one point that every article has in common: It robs you from your identity. They argue how trendy clothes makes you look like everyone and you don’t have your own uniqueness. Then they often end with the point: wear things you’re comfortable in. Well, what if you’re comfortable in something that’s in trend? I mean, oversized hoodies are in trend right now and they’re mighty comfy. That’s a real fix ain’t it?

Let’s get away from this and divert to a memory of ours. You must remember having to put on a uniform when you went to school. Your shirt had to be a specific shade of white or blue, the trousers had to be pleated, the socks had to be grey, shoes black with laces, and your ties had to reach your belt and not past it. Everyone had to wear the same thing. The reason why schools have uniforms is because the students look smart in them. They look good in them. So, everyone was made to wear them. Same goes for the army and the whole purpose of high profile cocktail parties and red carpet events having a dress code; to ensure that you look. You don’t complain about looking like everyone then now, do you?

See, fashion houses are businesses. Furthermore, brands like H&M, Zara, Asos, Saint Laurent, and Kanye West are good businesses and they know what’s good for their business. The majority of the items in the collections they bring out are brought out because they look good on the general population and appeal to a lot. Then, people wear them, look good on them, more people see them, think they’ll look good wearing them, and eventually the number of people wearing them multiplies exponentially. That’s how the Stan Smiths came to be popular, a trend, and eventually a wardrobe staple. May I also add that such blogs that I mentioned recommend investing on staples, something everyone wears. So… yeah…

To wrap this up, just do whatever you want. Yes, people do judge you on the clothes you wear, but you have the liberty to do whatever you want. It’s okay if you follow the streetwear scene, the urban dandy look, or just the look-like-a-homeless-personfor-$1000 Yeezy trend, or none at all. It is completely okay. As long as you’re comfortable with what you wear and don’t mind the opinions of others, it is perfectly and completely okay. You do you, fam.

WORDS:NIRVEEK SHAH

D: We all come from different backgrounds so we weren’t familiar with each other right at first. In fact, when we first met it was through the relief campaign we were volunteering in together; it was for an organization called Ujyalo Foundation. We were just hanging out one evening and were talking about the underappreciated Nepali artists and art.
Conversations were flowing and we were coming up with the appropriate ways that could reflect these talents in some way or a way we could endorse them. Coincidentally, all three of us were shoe fanatics and that instigated the idea of incorporating shoes and Nepali culture together.
The concept just seemed to click. We started investing a lot of our time for the required research to go forward to transform that idea into a venture. We had to come up with the name as well so we decided on Dochaa which simply means shoes in Sherpa language.
If the comfort of the shoes and the authentic Nepali designs could be embedded together we could be able to contribute towards the art sector in Nepal. That’s the story of how Dochaa started.

TNM: LIKE ANY OTHER BUSINESS, DOCHAA MAY HAVE HAD TO FACE SOME CHALLENGES ALONG THE WAY. WHAT WERE THEY AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT?

D: The production process can be a hassle, the market is very volatile and the limited variety of raw materials available is also very troublesome in case of the fabrics required for making shoes. Because of that we also had to halt the production for a little while, we started again when conditions were ideal. That was a big challenge. Also, we didn’t have any prior experience in this field, we were not related to this industry so we had to take a lot of time learning about what goes into doing what we are doing.

TNM: WHAT GOES INTO MAKING A PAIR OF DOCHAA SHOES? TELL US YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?

D: First, we start with extensive research, while being sensitive towards what designs can go in the shoes because we need to be careful to not include designs that can be offensive in any way to place in the shoes. After examining that, we decide on a certain design, digitalize it, brainstorm and continuously improvise till we finalize the design.
We have been focusing more on the social media marketing, other than that we have not used other platforms for marketing. The basic idea is to help people understand that we have this brand and this represents something personal. Our brand reflects the core value of embodying our identities through the integration of Nepali culture.

TNM: WHAT WAS THE RESPONSE LIKE AFTER FIRST LAUNCHING DOCHAA IN THE MARKET? DID IT MATCH YOUR EXPECTATIONS?

D: The response has been overwhelming, to say the least. We were excited about how the public would react because we personally liked how the final product looked like. Till now the response has been positive. But we are still looking into aspects that we can improve on. This has been the first step for us and it has been a learning process. People were slightly skeptical about the price. I think it is also a mindset revolution that we are trying to bring by showing that Nepali products can be qualitative and can live up to a standard. We also want to create a brand value which can be relatable to other Nepali brands as well. It is not as simple as making a pair of shoes; it takes a lot of research, resources and patience to produce a pair of Dochaa Shoes. Nepali products have been famous in the international market as well but we want to meet that level in the fabric industry as well.

TNM: WHAT DOES DOCHAA REPRESENT?

D: If you tear apart a Dochaa it bleeds our culture, the work of artists that have remained unnoticed from different corners of our country. We want to create a brand value which can be relatable to other Nepali brands as well. It is not just buying a shoe, it takes a lot of research, resources and patience to produce a pair of Dochaa. Nepali products have been famous in the international market as well but we want to meet that level in the fabric industry as well. For a lot of people who are in different parts of Nepal, we, the whole Dochaa family, hope that we can represent the essence of all their cultures, arts, colors, and prints through Dochaa. Embodying our identity does not just mean referencing our history. Yes, it is there and will always be a subject of pride but we need to do it in the present as well. It may not go down in history but people who appreciate our culture will appreciate Dochaa and that is enough for us right now. These are small steps that help us grow as an economy.

WORDS:SHREYA SANGROULA | PHOTO:PRITAM CHHETRI

This is where the Lakme Salon comes in. Recently opened as a flagship parlor at Labim Mall, Lalitpur, Lakme has been grooming men and women who want the finest. Employing not only their own exceptional products but also hairstylists who should be termed as artisans, Lakme is pretty much your one stop solution to all of your hair tantrums.

Now, we would not recommend a place to our faithful readers just like that. We would never do that. That is why we got two drastically different people with two drastically different hairstyles to see what can be done with their mane. We were more than impressed with the results.

Our first model is Solar Karki. He has the kind of hair every man would be jealous of. Long, straight, bouncy, and oh-so thick. When he came in, his hair was long on the top and shorter on the sides. For him, the look we were going for was a more of a rockabilly slick back. Our stylist started of by sectioning the hair in three, separating the top part and either the sides. Going in with a buzzer with a number 3 clip, the sides were cropped short. Then, to make everything clean, a number 1 was used. For the top, we needed the length, so just the tips were trimmed to eliminate split ends. Then, the model was sent for a wash.

Using cold water, the hair was washed with Lakmé’s all purpose shampoo and the blown dry. While blowing dry, the hair was combed backwards and upwards to give it some volume. A roller brush was used to do this. With the desired volume, a high sheen wax was applied and let to sit. Just to make everything spot on (as if it wasn’t already) a trimmer with no guard was used to clean up the strands that may have gone astray.

Now, Solar has a very chiseled jaw. To emphasize it, we could have gone with a clean shave but the stylist suggested that we should just clean up the neck with a trimmer so that the masculinity of the facial hair stays intact. Masculinity is something that is always welcome, and let this be a prime example for one having to always listen to their stylist. They know their stuff. This was speck ally evident when the towel was taken off Solar and he looked ready to dazzle the entire galaxy with his fresh cut and exquisitely define jawline.

The next model, me, has the sort of hair one would juxtapose with pubic hair. With a thinning top and embarrassingly rough texture, I came into the salon eager for an upgrade. The stylist took one look at me and you could see in his reaction that a challenge was before him. But he was as cool as a cucumber and showed me to the chair. (This would be a good time to point out that the chairs here are the comfiest.)

My hair being dry, the stylist did not have to bother with clips to partition my hair. Also, it not being as long as Solar’s, we went for a short side part. Hence, trimmer with a number 3 was used to crop the sides and back. Then, for the top, the stylist pointed out a fallacy. My hair being thin, I thought I could cover up with long hair. But what that apparently does is it makes the hair heavy, making it lay out in different manners, thus revealing various bald areas. So we went on to trim it down. For this, a pair of scissors were used. When the length was appropriate enough, the stylist went at it at an angle of 45 degrees to give it some texture. Similar to Solar’s, my hair was washed with cold water and shampooed with the same product. Then, it was blown dry and combed upwards with a roller brush. I was initially against it, but under his better judgment, we put down a line on the left side so that a sharper side part could be made. My concern was having to maintain it but he bypassed it as unnecessary whining. This is a decision I do not regret and would like to reinforce the previous statement: always listen to your stylist. Even more so when he’s from Lakme.

After a application of low shine wax, I felt like a proper man rather than a boy. I could not thank Lakme enough for making me fit enough to pose beside a proper model and actually put my hand on his shoulder and establish myself as the alpha.

THE HAIR STYLISTS

Mr. Varun Dogra

Mr. Sarwan Pradhan

WORDS: NIRVEEK PPJ SHAH | PHOTOS: PRITAM CHHETRI

So you want to be a well-balanced man but don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place. Being a well-balanced man isn’t a personality quirk. It’s not something you turn on and off like a switch. It’s a lifestyle. Although it is a reputation that has hit the endangered traits among human beings, the first prerequisite for being a true gentleman lies in knowing how to be a decent human being.

Nevertheless, here are a few handy tips for anyone who wants to up their game.

BEING FIT IS LIT.

Six-pack abs and a back that ripples like a sack of pythons isn’t a prerequisite to being a better man. Fitness goes beyond vain aesthetics and extends to more important factors like your health and well-being. You don’t have to spend hours at the gym everyday; give yourself some time for yoga, a light workout or gather up some friends for weekly games of footy. Anything that keeps you healthy and active is good to go.

TIME AND TIDE WAITS FOR NO ONE.


If you’re not early, you’re late. Plan for traffic and other little disasters. Make sure you have gas in your car. There’s no excuse for
being late.
Respect the
time. And if anyone else is late, don’t draw attention to it. The correct answer to the question “how long have you been waiting” is “I just got here a few minutes ago.” Never keep anyone waiting. And this applies not only to your professional life but your personal life as well. Be on time when your parents or friends invite you to dinner. Make time for the parent-teacher meetings for your kids and some quality time with your significant other to keep the relationship strong.

DO YOU EVEN SHOWER?

This one is a basic requirement, so come on, guys, be clean! Taking a shower or a bath every day isn’t really optional. Keeping clean not only makes you smell infinitely nicer, it also makes going about your day-to-day life much more pleasant for those around you. And know what our body looks like and what clothing is appropriate for you. It is something that matters.

BEING CONSIDERATE MEANS BEING AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND THE WAY YOU AFFECT THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU.

DO YOU KISS YOUR MOTHER WITH THAT MOUTH?


As someone who’s an unintentional potty mouth, I
was alarmed to find out how many people are offended by swearing. So, do your best to keep the f-bombs at a minimum. It’s obviously a huge no-no in professional settings, but trust me, when you constantly swear in your personal life, it becomes increasingly difficult to reel in the habit at work.

NARCISSIST? MORE LIKE NAH-CISSIT!


Being considerate means being aware of your surroundings and the way you affect the people around you. A true gentleman always takes other people’s opinions and feelings into consideration before doing anything. For example, a gentleman takes his less-than- fragrant lunch outside of the office to eat so that co-workers won’t have to smell it should they be offended or will share once- in-a-while and will also spend some quality lunch time with the staff members.

YOU’RE NOT A FISH.

The most important thing is not all of your drinking buddies may have your persona while drinking so stay away from sentences like “Damn, I hang out with men who don’t know how to drink, let me teach you a few things.” Stay subtle and maybe organize your sentences to not come off as the annoying know-it-all. And the worst case scenario is, after you have coached all your buddies and you fall from your bar stool. Don’t gulp down your drink because you’re not in your college days anymore, although starting early to develop the drinking etiquettes is better.

KNOW WHAT’S UP.

Once you know the major headlines, you may decide to follow up on
a few and learn more on what current events you are interested in. Save time by heading straight to a news source you already trust rather than sorting through questionable internet search results. It is not a good idea that you don’t know, even not have an idea about what your colleagues may be talking about and have to stand there pretending to know it all. That’s just sad man.

IT’S CALLED FACEBOOK FOR A REASON.

Your virtual image is just as important as your personal image and even more important. Behave well with people while having online conversations and what you upload and share. While you’re at it, set up a grown-up e-mail address. The sounds-dirty-but-isn’t e-mail account you’ve had since high school is the farthest thing from gentlemanly. Ever.

Most guys over 40 will admit that they don’t care about men’s fashion and that’s because most of those guys are married or in committed relationships and their significant others do all the caring. When it comes to clothing, there’s a fundamental difference between “fashion” and “style” – and the key to dressing in your 40s is to favor the latter. However, the struggle comes from being comfortable while also denying that we are getting older. Some men want to regress rather than embrace their refinement. We may not have the answer for every fashion blunder but we wanted to share these tips that will help any man over 40 rise above the crowd because you don’t have to dress like someone who’s settled into his job and is just waiting for retirement.

DRESS TO THAT 40’S FINESSE

Go ahead and get it in something beyond the basic two-button, notch-lapel jacket style. Peaked lapels? Sure. Double breasted? Go for it. Pin stripes on that dark, rich color? Keep them modest — true pinstripes, just a needle’s width of white color — but why not? Do something to shake the generic formula up. As great as they look, suits and blazers aren’t the only kinds of jacket a man should own. One of the marks of a well-dressed man is his outerwear’s ability to stand with the rest of his outfit. As part of your long-term collection, lay in a few coats that you can dress up or down as needed. A long, straight, wool overcoat is a good staple, and a good starting place. Once you own one of those in dark wool, add another in a lighter color and a different cut, or switch to a shorter style like a pea coat. A man in his forties can certainly wear a leather coat as well, but it should look a bit like him: sturdy, weathered, and starting to show a few lines here and there. Leave the shiny, sleek motorcycle jackets to guys with something to prove.

EMBRACE THAT SHINY SILVER

As we get older, maintaining a fresh and youthful look starts with the right haircut.  Mistakes many men make as they get older include holding on to a haircut that’s too trendy or opting for a haircut that is too safe.  Just because we get a little older, doesn’t mean we have to adopt a boring haircut.  The classic Caesar cut is a great option for many men in their 40s as it is easy to maintain and especially good at covering up a bit of a receding hairline.  Sometime we tend to lose our “edge” as we get older and one way to get that edge back and give yourself a powerful look, is to shave your head.  If you have the right head shape, oval or square work great with a shaved head this may be a good option, especially if your hair is thinning.  Combine the shaved head with a short beard and you’ve got an ultra-masculine rugged look. That said, if you’ve got a great head of hair, show it off!  Do it by having the hair cut in long layers with a bit of taper around the sides and back.

START FIGHTING BACK THOSE LINES ON YOUR FACE.

Those great times in the sun you had in your teens are showing up on your face. However, don’t even think of retiring from the skincare game. It’s never too late to prevent sun damage and to stop the progression of damage you may already have. Cell turnover is slow; the most significant change you’ll notice in your complexion in the dryness and loss of elasticity. Use a daily moisturizer and a sunscreen to protect your skin from the damage. Getting older also means that the skin loses moisture so you can have cracked lips and cracked nails as well, always use a lip balm and groom your nails regularly.

RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES.

-A Really Nice Hat

-Well-Fitted Leather Gloves

-A French-Cuff Shirt (and Cufflinks)

-Pocket Squares

-The man bag

ONE FINAL NOTE

Not all men in their forties have families or children to think about. But if you are a father and whether your children are boys, girls, or not even completely decided on that yet, there’s extra incentive to dress both well and comfortably. It may not seem like it, but your kids will notice when you’re the best-dressed dad in the room — and when you’re the worst-dressed.

November’s done and gone. That means Movember too is done and gone. You now stand in front of William Brospeare and he asks you one question: To shave or not to shave. Yeah sure, you could just take the blade and run it across your skin and retreat back to your baby face and be everyone’s Bhai. Let us tell you, no matter how expensive your razor or and how smooth it promises to be, this shave will stink. We’re not talking about razor burns, but about the fact that you invested a month into this. Do you really want to mow down the glorious mane you’ve cultivated on your face for a month? We both know that you want too keep it. However, keeping it comes at a price. One, it takes a lot of effort, adding more time to your grooming game; and two, beard products aren’t cheap. Now, being men, we need to be resourceful. Here’s a whole grooming set you can whip up on your own.

SHAMPOO: Like that bush in on top of your head, you need to wash the bush down there. Okay, not that way down, we mean your beard of course. Yes, you can just use regular shampoo but the thing is, the beard is different from your hair; it tends to get dry faster and is prone to getting dirty quicker. Plus, it’s on your face and your face is sensitive. Regular shampoo might be too harsh and it’s not favorable for the soft skin you want. Here’s what you’ll need to get that mane nice and clean: -Coconut oil ½ tablespoon -Baking soda ½ teaspoon -Baby shampoo (for foam) ½ teaspoon

No need to get a mixing bowl, just do it in your palm. Put the coconut oil first, move it around to make it more malleable. Not only does coconut moisturize and cleanse the beard, but it is also acts as a natural anti-bacterial. Next, put the baking soda and mix. Baking soda will give you a deep cleanse and deodorize the beard. Now, you’re good to go from here and you may begin to apply it on your beard. Just wash your beard and slap it on, massage and rinse to finish. However, if you like some lather action going on, you can throw in your regular shampoo. But we recommend baby shampoo for it is milder. Rub the mixer on, lather up, massage, rinse and you’re good to go.

CONDITIONER: Like the beard shampoo, regular conditioner may be a little too harsh for a man. Trust us, no matter how manly you may be, products that aren’t meant for the face can cause some damage. Besides, conditioners are notorious for leaving the hair dry, going opposite to what it’s supposed to do. So, here a simple recipe that you can brew up even in your sleep.

-Rosemary ¾ ounce (21.26 g)

-Water 3 cups

-Spray bottle

Get your water boiling. Throw in your rosemary in and let it bubble around for a couple of minutes. Cut the heat, and let it sit for about 12 hours. Yeah, this is going to test your patience, but really, it’ll be worth the wait. While steeping, the rosemary will release its oil. This oil will promote hair growth, repair the damage your mane has taken and keep it moisturized. It’s an added bonus that rosemary smells really nice and herby. When the waiting is done, take out the rosemary and dispose it off. You may wring out the droplets if you don’t want any to go to waste, which we recommend. Next, pour the solution into a spray bottle and at this point, you may add a drop or two of essence oil. It’s optional, so if you want to get creative with the fragrances, you’re your own master. To apply, just squirt that shizz on your facial hair and you’re good to go. Easy, right? This solution will probably last you a couple of weeks and we recommend this proportion of the ingredients so that it stays fresh. The last thing you want is stale rosemary funk. Just put together a new batch when it has been used up.

BEARD OIL/BALM: By now, it should be clear to you that beard treatment is very like the treatment for your head hair. Yet, very different from one another. Before we get all Charles Dickens, let us explain to you why, and it’s simple: hair is thin, beard is thick. Hair oil is meant for penetrating thin hair and stick onto the scalp. Beard oil is meant for hanging around the beard and give off a nice fragrance. Most hair oils aren’t that great smelling and if you use it on your beard, you’ll be getting that irritating smell all day long. So here’s a mild flavor you might love.

-Almond/Coconut oil 1 ounce/1 tablespoon

-Vanilla essential oil

Take your almond oil and put it in a dish. This is your carrier oil, and it will make the most of the bulk. Basically, the function of the carrier oil is to dilute the essential oil so you get a more mellow fragrance rather than an in-your-facepow-wow-you-can-smell-me-from-the-moon smell. And almond oil prevents inflamations and prevents ingrown hair. Next, put in your essential oil. If you want it faint, 2 to 3 drops will do. If you want it strong, don’t put in more than 5. Mix it up and put it in a bottle with an eye dropper. To apply, drip 2 to 3 drops of it in your hands and spread it all over the beard. If you chose to go with coconut oil, you’ll form a balm rather than an oil. When you buy it, it’s generally in solid for. So melt it down in a pan on low heat. Once it’s liquid, add in your essential oil. We recommend vanilla, but you can get creative. Lavender and mint are pretty nice as well. Like with almond oil, just 2-3 drop for mild, 5 for strong. Store it in a tin or any container. When you get back to it, you’ll find that it has solidified again. Don’t worry, you don’t have to bring out your pan again, just scrap out a small amount of it with your finger, slap it on you hand and rub, it’ll turn into oil again, and apply it to your beard. Coconut oil is great if you live in a dry environment and/or have dry hair.

MUSTACHE WAX: This is the final step before you plunge into the world with your magnificent face hair. You can stop at the balm and you’re pretty good to go like that. But if you want the epic handle bar mustache, you might want to consider this.

-Bee’s wax 2 tablespoon

-Coconut oil 1 tablespoon

-Mint essential oil

Take the wax and liquify it over gentle heat in a pot. When that’s liquid, put in the coconut and let both of them mix with one another. Take it out of heat when both have been reduced to liquid, and pour it in a container. Now would be the time to add in the essential oil. Mint is nice but, again, you’re your own master. Let it sit for about 45 minutes and it should solidify. To apply, take a small portion, rub it in between your fingers and apply to your mustache. Then, take a small comb and part it from the middle to ensure that you have an even coat. Else, some hairs will cling together and some will just stick out or look thin and just all over the place. You want it to be neat. When done parting, take a smaller amount and roll the tips of your mo into a nice curl. You now look like a boss. Congratulations!

Cheese is great. It’s the gift of the Gods. It tastes great and feels pretty darn epic in the mouth, and the part of its awesomeness is due to its smell. If you haven’t fallen in love
with the smell of melted cheese, you are missing out on life. Yes, it’s pleasant; but when something smells like that when it’s not supposed to, you have a problem. I’m talking about your feet.

Bromhidrosis is the technical term for foot odor; which literally translates to a situation where you’re hanging out with your homie who has a hot sister and someone with smelly feet comes in and you exclaim “Bro! Hide your sis!”. When you sweat and the sweat does not evaporate because you’re wearing shoes or socks, the bacteria in your skin starts to eat the sweat away. It is this process of eating away of the sweat that produces acids that reek like Satan’s bunghole. Yes, it’s a natural phenomena, but just because it’s natural does not mean that it’s good. Smelly feet are a curse. If you’re someone who has it, you know the embarrassment, especially in our Nepalese culture where we have to take our shoes off to do one thing or another. However, we are here to tell you to fret no more; here are some ways you can kick smelly feet’s butt.

1. SALTWATER

Salt pulls away moisture from your skin. Lack of moisture means lack of habitable surface for bacteria. So in a tub of warm water, add half to a cup of salt and soak your stompers for 20 minutes. Do this daily for 2 weeks and you’re golden.

2. VINEGAR

We’ve talked about salt, now we’re talking about vinegar. It may sound like we’re instructing you to make foot pickles but trust us. If you want
to make your foot completely inhabitable for bacteria, mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water in a tub and soak your feet for 30 minutes. Vinegar too wicks moisture away from your skin and it basically starves the bacteria. Do this once a day for a week.

3. TEA PARTY

Everyone loves to go to a tea
party and your feet are no exception. Steep two bags of black tea to two cups of water for 15 minutes. Dump it in a tub and add a cup and a half of cool water and soak for 30 minutes. Tea possesses acids that closes skin pores, reducing sweating drastically. It is also antibiotic, it kills bacteria.This too is to be done once a day for a week. Don’t drink the tea afterwards.

4. THE RIGHT SOCKS

Fabrics like nylon don’t let the skin breathe. So your sweat will be trapped if you wear nylons,
or any other synthetic fibers. Always rock a pair of cotton ones for they are more breathable. And when we say always, we mean ALWAYS. Yes, the sockless look is pretty darn rad, but when you go sockless, your feet sweat more. That sweat gets stored into the fabric of your shoes and what you make of it is a cave of thriving bacteria. Not pretty is it? If you want to go for the sockless look, get loafer socks or “ballerina socks” as they’re often referred to.

5. SPRAYS

Foot sprays are life savers. They contain ethanol and other sanitizing substances that disinfect. So if you got a pair
of kicks that smell like mouldy cheese, don’t chunk ‘em out just yet. Spray the insides of them and take a pair of clean socks, spray them too, and stuff them inside the shoes. Leave them overnight, the socks will let more of the disinfectant soak into the shoe.

6. POWDER POWER

Talcum powder contains talc which essentially absorbs moisture and provides a smooth frictionless surface. It works hella good for your feet and leaves a pleasant smell. If you’re not a fan of the fragrance, you can use corn starch alternatively. And you don’t even have to wait to let them sit, they work right away. So you can just sprinkle it in, shove your tootsies in and go walk your walk.

One thing that can be considered a major turn off by all women is men with bad body odor. Body odor and excess sweating is one thing that is very common amongst men and gone are those days when these things were considered ‘manly’

In a metrosexual world where men are expected to be well groomed it is important that you solve body odor issues and keep them at bay by keeping yourself informed about all you can do to keep it away.
So here is a simple breakdown of the causes and remedies about all you can do about Body Odor.

CAUSES OF BODY ODOR

You might be surprised to know that it is NOT sweat that makes you smell but the bacteria present in your body. Sweat itself is virtually odorless to humans;
it is the rapid multiplication of bacteria in the presence of sweat and what they do (break sweat down into acids) that eventually causes the unpleasant smell. The smell is perceived as unpleasant, many believe, because most of us have been brought up to dislike it. Body odor is most likely to occur in our feet, groin, armpits, genitals, pubic hair and other hair, belly button, anus, behind the ears, and to some (lesser) extent on the rest of our skin.

Two types of acid are commonly present when there is body odor:

• Propionic acid (propanoic acid) is commonly found in sweat – propionibacteria break amino acids down into propionic acid. Propionibacteria live in the ducts of the sebaceous glands of adult and adolescent humans. Some people may identify a vinegar- like smell with propionic acid, because it is similar to acetic acid, which gives vinegar its sour taste and pungent smell.
• Isovaleric acid (3-methyl butanoic acid) is another source of body odor as a result of actions of the bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis, which are also present in several strong cheese types.

HOME REMEDIES FOR BODY ODOR

BAKING SODA

Baking soda or bicarbonate of soda is a white crystalline compound with many health benefits. Here is how it can help:

• It absorbs moisture from the skin and keeps it dry.
• It acts as a natural deodorant agent to prevent body odor.
• It kills bacteria and neutralizes / alkalizes the body to prevent excess sweating and odor.
• Baking soda will lower the pH level of the sweating parts to counteract the acids in sweat.

Process 1

• Dust baking soda on the places where you sweat the most.
• Let it sit for few minutes to absorb the sweat.
• Discard the excess baking soda and wear clothes as normal.

Process 2

• Place baking soda in a clean bowl and add water to make a fine paste.
• Wet your underarms or affected areas and apply the paste evenly.
• Rub gently for a minute or two and then allow it to sit for about 5 – 10 minutes.
• Shower to remove and repeat regularly.

Process 3 ( With lemon)

• Mix 1 tablespoon each
of baking soda and freshly squeezed lemon juice into a mixing bowl.
• Apply this on your underarms and other body parts where you perspire excessively with either a cotton pad or finger tips.
• Allow it to sit for about 10 – 15 minutes.
• Make sure that not to scrub or rub the skin.
• When dried, have a shower or bath.
• Follow daily for few weeks.

LEMON JUICE

Lemon juice is great for treating body odor. The acidic property of lemon juice helps lower the skin’s pH level, which in turn makes it difficult for odor-producing bacteria to survive.

• Cut one fresh lemon into two halves. Rub one half of the lemon on your underarms. Make sure the juice gets onto your skin. Allow it to dry on its own, and then take your shower. Follow this remedy once daily until the odor is gone completely.
• If you have sensitive skin, you can dilute the juice from half a lemon in one-half cup of water and apply it to your underarms using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 10 minutes, and then wash it off with water. Do this once daily until you notice improvement.

TURNIPS

Turnips have antibacterial properties that help kill odor-causing bacteria. Plus, they are a good source of vitamin C and many other nutrients that help combat body odor.

PROCESS

• Cut two or three turnips into small pieces and put them in a blender to make a paste.
• Put the paste into a sieve and press it with a spoon to extract the juice.
• Apply this juice to your underarms and groin area.
• Allow it to dry on its own, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
• Use this remedy each morning to keep yourself free from body odor for at least 10 hours.
• You can also include turnips in your diet.

TOMATOES

Tomatoes have antiseptic properties that can kill bacteria that cause body odor. They also help shrink pores reduce sweating.

PROCESS

• Gently crush seven to eight tomatoes.
• Press the crushed tomatoes on a sieve to extract the juice.
• Add this freshly extracted juice to a bucket full of water.
• Use it to take your bath.
• Follow this remedy once daily to control body odor.
• You can also drink one to two glasses of tomato juice daily to reduce body odor.

WHEATGRASS

Wheatgrass contains a lot of chlorophyll that has a deodorizing effect. It also helps eliminate toxins.

PROCESS

• Mix one or two tablespoons of wheatgrass juice in one cup of water.
• Drink it on an empty stomach in the morning.
• Follow this routine daily until the body odor is gone.
Warning: As wheatgrass has a very strong taste, it may be nauseating for some people

OTHER FACTS OF BODY ODOR

• Your hair can enhance the odor.
It’s actually not the actual sweat from apocrine glands that creates that smell. Stench-causing bacteria happens to be attracted to that particular sweat. And once they break down the fats in apocrine sweat, the stay-away-from-me aroma appears. The more hair you have, the more surface area bacteria has to cling to, which keeps the smell so pungent.

Foods affect your scent. Garlic, onions, and curry are classic BO instigators that can make your smell even worse.

Overcleansing can make it worse. You can definitely use antibacterial soap and scrub away at your BO hot spots, but don’t go any farther. Some people try rubbing alcohol on those areas, which dries out the skin and causes the body to fight back by producing more sweat.

Stress produces more sweat. Yup. That’s why you might see someone with drenched armpits before they head into a big interview.

QUICK FIXES FOR BODY ODOR

1.HAND SANITIZER
  

Rub hand sanitizer on your armpits. If you are in a really tight spot and need to eliminate body odor as quickly as possible, you can use hand sanitizer to get rid of the smell. To use hand sanitizer as a relief from body odor:

• Squirt a small amount of hand sanitizer into your hand. Use your hand to rub the sanitizer onto your armpits. The sanitizer will help to fight the bacteria that are causing you to smell.

2.OIL BLOTTING PAPER

Use oil blotting paper. If you are sweating heavily and are afraid you might begin to smell, use an oil blotter to wipe up the sweat. These papers are very effective at absorbing moisture, so rub one of the papers under your armpit (or anywhere else you are sweating) in order to prevent yourself from beginning to smell.

3.ALUM STONE


Rub an alum stone on the area emitting the odor. Alum is a mineral that contains properties that can help to fight the bacteria that create body odor. To use an alum stone, you rub it on your armpit much in the same way that you would apply deodorant.[4]

• If you are sweating, consider washing the stone after you have applied it to your skin.
If you would want a specific product to cure odor we would highly recommend Drysol Solutions which has been known
to be one of the best solutions to body odor problems.However if you want something more affordable than Drysol we would recommend Nivea Men Body Deodorizer which is the best antiperspirant in town and is locally available.

* Deodorant kills the bacteria when you sweat, so you do not smell. Anitperspirants stop you from sweating with aluminum, which can accumulate in your body.

WHAT IS IT?

The pompadour is styled by sweeping the hair upwards and away from the face, often worn slick with swept back sides.

History has a way of repeating itself in pop culture, we’re talking polka dots that seems to be the craze with the ladies and the round sunglasses that are catching on quick. Gaining quick popularity in the current fashion trend is the pompadour. This style harks back to the 50’s where the rockabilly style of rock and roll dictated fashion and Elvis hair was in. Today, the pompadour has been toned to make sure that it fits in well with the rock ‘n’ rollas as well as the office goers. There are more than 50 pompadour styles you could choose from such as the classic pompadour,slicked back pompadour,elegant pompadour,comb over-fade etc.

COOL FACT

The pompadour was actually named after the mistress of King Louis XV, Madame de Pompadour. It remained a female dominated style through the 18th century up until World War I. That was put to a stop when Elvis Presley made it part of his signature look.

We don’t see this slick styling going out of style any time soon, so you should definitely consider giving it a shot.

What to ask your barber

“I want a classic side parted hairstyle, maybe clippers on the sides and back. Keep the top short, but not so short that it sticks up when I slick it back and to the side.” Then show him this photo or any other you’ve got on your phone for reference. Ask for your preference of neckline.

THE NECKLINE:

There are basically three major necklines you could choose from.Tapered,block or round.The disadvantages of block and round necklines is that it looks untidy as the hair starts growing back.

MAINTENANCE

The modern pompadour sadly is a little high maintenance both in terms of styling time and upkeep. Here’s how you keep it tight.

1. Use something that is wax based for a sleek and glowing set finish.
2. Comb (pretty essential to use a comb and NOT a brush) for the perfect side partition and to swoop the hair up and back.
2. Visit the barber to keep the sides tidy.

WAX ON WAX OFF

Before you choose your hair product for the perfect pomp here are two major bases of the hair products, their advantages as well as disadvantages in order to help you decide better.

OIL-BASED POMADE

This is basically grease. More specifically petroleum and mineral-oil based grease. Its predominant ingredient by weight is hydrophobic which means it’s water-insoluble. Some brands also include wax- based substances although this isn’t always the case.

PROS:

– Basic ingredients without too many variation
– Relatively cheaper than water-based pomade- A 100g or 100ml jar will usually last around 2 months

– Low to high shine
– No to strong hold
– It never truly dries which means that you can easily restyle it throughout the day

CONS:

– It’s hard to remove
– It’s very greasy and sensitive to weather
– There have been reported some cases of acne during the first couple months of use, so try not to get it on your forehead.

WATER-BASED POMADE

Yes you guessed it! The main and predominant ingredient is water which means that it’s water-soluble and that it can easily be washed out.

PROS:

– Weather resistant; which means you can apply it almost anytime, unless it’s raining.

– Complete control over the way you style your hair
– Low to medium/high shine – No to super strong hold

– No greasiness
– Easily washes out
– Dries out during the day and stays firmly in place but it can easily be revived with water
– No acne outbreak

CONS:

– It dries out during the day – It’s more expensive than oil-based pomade
– A 100g or 100ml jar will last around 1 month

The pomade is the best product you could use for your pompadour, and here are some of the best ones. But getting your hands on them can be next to impossible in Nepal. Getting a Gatsby or Taft wouldn’t be too bad.

1.UPPERCUT DELUXE POMADE

2.AMERICAN CREW POMAD

3.SUAVECITO POMADE

4.IMPERIAL BARBER PRODUCTS CLASSIC POMADE

For the lucky ones, acne is a part of growing up, a phase that you grow out of as you go through the years. It is often passed off as a result of young women eyeing you, although none of us have been able to connect the dots here.

However, it is not as easy for everyone. The hormonal changes that cause acne and pimple seem to play some sort of evil ruse to stick around and make an appearance every once in a while. More often than not, these repulsive puss filled boils seem to appear in the most inopportune of times.

Here’s the deal. Our skin has many many many hair follicles that may not be visible to the naked eye. And these follicles exude stuff like sweat, the skin’s natural oils, and sebum.
The cause of acne can be traced to the sebaceous glands, which start releasing generous quantities of sebum during adolescence and continue to do so throughout life. As you grow older, this situation can continue in some people. A lot of this has to do with genetic predisposition.

TYPES OF ACNE


• WHITEHEADS – remain under the skin and are very small

• BLACKHEADS – clearly visible, they are black and appear on the surface of the skin. Remember that a blackhead is not caused by dirt. Scrubbing your face vigorously when you see blackheads will not help
• PAPULES – visible on the surface of the skin. They are small bumps, usually pink
• PUSTULES – clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are red at their base and have pus at the top
• NOBULES – clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are large, solid pimples. They are painful and are embedded deep in the skin
• CYSTS – clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are painful, and are filled with pus. Cysts can easily cause scars

Since acne is just a sign showcasing changes in our body on our skin we could use some methods to take care and prevent the thing in our control.

CURE

• EXAMINE YOUR HAIR CARE

If you’ve been breaking out on your forehead, back, or neck, check out the ingredient list on your shampoo and conditioner: they may contain aggravating ingredients (namely artificial fragrances and preservatives). Try changing up your hair care routine with products that are fragrance-free and don’t contain paraben preservatives.

• DITCH DAIRY PRODUCTS

The jury is out whether there is a definitive link between dairy and acne, but many skin care experts agree that the components in milk related to testosterone hormones may stimulate oil glands, creating a breeding ground for acne. Try cutting out dairy for 2 weeks to see how your skin reacts. Or swap out cow dairy for goat and sheep dairy—some say these have less of a negative effect.

• STEAM YOUR FACE.

Want a cheap, easy way to develop healthy skin and banish bad skin days? Grab a pot, fill it with hot, boiling water then drape a towel over your head. Now, hang your head over the top of the pot. Voila – facial steaming on a budget!

The benefits of facial steaming are well documented. By steaming your face, you’re softening your skin and the top layer of dead skin cells. This in turn helps remove and release any buildup of dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells. It will also help your skin absorb your skincare products better.

Note: If you suffer from rosacea of fungal infections, do not try facial steaming without first consulting with your dermatologist or doctor.

• SWEAT IT OFF

Just another reason to get some daily exercise – working out can help you to get clear, beautiful skin! Exercising increases the blood flow in your skin, which helps you to sweat. Sweating then removes toxins from your body that can clog your pores and encourage acne. The extra blood flow provided by exercise also increases the amount of oxygen in the skin and boosts nutrients that stimulate healthy skin. Pretty cool, right?

• CLEAN YOUR ACT:

Assuming you get around seven hours of sleep each night, means that if you wash your pillowcase once a week you’re spending a solid 49 solid hours with your face mooshed against your pillowcase. If you’re washing it once a fortnight, that’s 98 hours. And if you’re washing it once a month … well, that’s 196 hours. Moving on to our next science fact: did you know that you shed about 40,000 skin cells every hour? Every. Hour. So that means every night you shed 280,000 skin cells. Across a week, that’s 1,960,000 skin cells. Over a month it’s 7,840,000 … And guess where all of those skin cells are hanging out? That’s right: your pillowcase. Where you’re sleeping each night.

Ick, right? We’ll give you a quick break to go grab your pillowcases and stuff them into the washing machine. Okay, you done? Awesome. Now it’s pretty unreasonable to expect you to wash your pillowcase each night (although with those figures we don’t see how you can’t). So a good alternative is to cover your pillowcase with a clean towel.

HOME REMEDIES

ALOE FOR ACNE

Aloe vera gel can be used with other things to fight acne, but it’s
a good thing on its own as well. If it’s going to be used on its own, the best is to have a little aloe plant floating around in your house, otherwise a good gel that’s sold in stores may work as well-just do some research on which ones have the least amount of additives. Not only is the aloe soothing, it works as an anti-inflammatory, decreasing redness and swelling. It also has antibacterial properties.

YOU WILL NEED…


-Enough aloe vera gel to spot treat or cover your problem areas Directions

Wash your face with water and pat dry. Using your fingertips or a Q-tip, apply the aloe directly to your problem areas

PAPAYA FOR THE PIMPLE PRONE

Papaya is an essential ingredient in a lot of beauty products on the market today, but theres no need to go out of your way to gain its benefits? Plain raw papaya is an all-natural acne remedy that removes dead skin cells and excess lipids from the surface of the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. Lipids are a general

term for fats, of which oil is a form of. Papaya also contains an enzyme called papain, which reduces inflammation and helps prevent the pus from forming.

YOU WILL NEED…

-1 fresh papaya

DIRECTIONS

Rinse your face with water and pat dry. Mash up the flesh of the papaya well, until it is of a consistency that can be easily applied to your skin. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse off completely with warm water. If your skin has a tendency to get dry after you cleanse it, use a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type afterwards.

THE LAND OF MILK AND HONEY (OR YOGURT)

While there is quite a bit of hub bub around dairy products causing acne, applied topically it seems that milk can improve your outbreaks and skin tone. The reason it is suggested that milk would cause acne is because of the extra hormones in it-but unless it’s ingested, this doesn’t really do much. For the most part, it just soothes the irritated skin, and helps tone down the redness. Cleopatra swore on the milk baths she took, and well, she was Cleopatra. You could also use yogurt. The acids in it are antibacterial while the fat provides moisture, making it quite nourishing for skin.

YOU WILL NEED…

– 1 tablespoon plain low-fat or full-fat yogurt or milk, anything but skim

– 1 tablespoon of natural, raw, honey

DIRECTIONS

Let yogurt or milk come to room temperature (or close to) so you don’t get a chilly shock when you put it on your skin. Mix 1 tablespoon of milk or yogurt thoroughly with 1 tablespoon
of honey. You can apply the mixture with a cotton pad, but scooping it up and patting it on works just fine as well. Let each layer dry before adding a new one, until the mask is the thickness you want. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Wash your mask off and use a washcloth to gently scrub in a circular motion, getting rid of loosened dead skin. Once you’re finished, moisturize as usual.

Here are seven easy breezy tricks to help you protect your shoes that can be done by using household products. Your shoes won’t be the same anymore and so will your lifestyle!

1.WET SHOES

Stuff soaking-
wet shoes with newspaper and dry them away from direct heat. Direct heat can dry the leather too fast, causing it to crack — and once that happens, nothing can save your shoes.

2.HOW TO CLEAN CANVAS SNEAKER SHOES

The 50/50 mixture of water and lemon juice works for canvas, too, but for more serious stains, mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a touch of water and rub the sticky paste onto the offending spots. Wipe dry.

3.SMELLY SHOES?

• Insert dry tea bags and leave them inside overnight.
• Lemon Peel also absorbs the foul odor
• Leaving Naphthalene balls overnight also fights the odor away.

4.LEATHER SHOES?

In order to protect your shoes for a longer period apply a generous amount of oil (any oil in the kitchen preferably mustard oil but any oil will do the trick) after brushing it and before applying the polish. Leave it on the sun for around 30 mins and start applying polish. This will keep your shoes clean for a longer period of time and save you from the cracking and peeling.

6.LEARN HOW TO LACE UP YOUR SNEAKERS ACCORDING TO WHAT KIND OF FOOT ISSUES YOU DEAL WITH.

7.WATER PROOF SNEAKERS

Rub a candle on the surface. Normal candle would do. Melt the wax with the help of hairdryer. After the shoes are dry VOILA! Your shoes are water proof!

1.POSTURE

Your posture is noticeable regardless of the gender. It’s the way you stand, walk, your
body language and how you are around others. Women like men who are strong, confident, and dominant. In general, they find men who are sure of themselves like ‘alpha males’, the most appealing. Your posture plays a major role when it comes to putting that point across.

Hint: walk upright and learn some good postures and at most be confident. Don’t be lame.

2.MANNERISM

Mannerisms are subtle behaviors of a person. Be it your way of doing something or speaking with women. It might be a distinctive quality you possess such as your facial expressions or speech and if you get that right, you might just attract the attention of women. For example, some women like guys who are cheeky while others like it when a guy is mysterious. Arrogance, aggression and rudeness rarely gets you anywhere.

Hint: Keep arrogance and rudeness off the bay when it comes to women. Be polite and gentle.

3.YOUR APPEARANCE

Believe it or not, looks are important to women. Some say it isn’t, we say it is. However, there is more to the physical attraction than meets the eye. As long as you present yourself properly, you can tone down the shortcomings that god presented you with.

Hint: Always try to make the best use of what you have and try to present your true form. Highlight your strong points. Maybe you can grow a mean beard, or your hair is extremely silky; work on enhancing your attributes.

4.DRESSING SENSE

Women like to see a man who takes care of his appearance and the way you dress is one of the first things she will notice. Keep your wardrobe fresh and clean. Update yourself with latest fashion and dress codes.

Hint: Buy clothes that fit your body structure and replenish your wardrobe with the classics such as white tees and jeans, a navy suit and the likes.

5.CLEANLINESS

Cleanliness and lack thereof, is a major factor for women. Be clean, it’s as simple as that. If you have a beard, it should be trimmed. Nails, trimmed. That bat in the cave… get rid of it.

Hint: Invest in good male grooming products and use them regularly.

 6.SMELL

BO is a major turn off, so is bad breath. Sadly, most people with the problem don’t tend to realize it themselves. Take a shower, brush your teeth and wear deodorant. Three things that will keep stench away.

Hint: Don’t go overboard with the fragrances. You don’t want to come off as a leaking can of Axe spray, do you?

7.SKIN

Healthy skin is easily one of the first indications that you care about your body. Soft, healthy, nourished skin is sexy across all genders.

Hint: Drink plenty of water and use a face wash or scrub to help keep your skin looking fresh and clean. Moisturize and wear sunscreen lotion to protect your skin.

8.PHYSICAL FITNESS

A flat stomach is always preferred over an overflowing waist line. Plus, it’s healthy to keep in shape. When is the last time you heard of a woman drooling over beer belly instead of wash board abs.

Hint: Do some regular exercise that you enjoy to stay in shape. You don’t necessarily have to join the gym.

9.VOICE

A high pitched, squeaky or excessively loud voice isn’t the best asset a man can possess, but you have to play the cards you’re dealt with. But you can refine what you have. Don’t fake
a deep voice though because people will see right through it. What you can do is tone down the excitement and volume when you speak normally.

Hint: Relax when you speak.

Most beauty products on television go above and beyond to point out the effects of aging on our skin, and we as men do what we do best: brush it off as vanity. That is, until we realize that our faces are pruning like a raisin- fast. As a result, we’re left scrambling to departmental stores looking for the best anti-aging creams.

As much as we might hate to admit it, the fairer sex got it right with their grooming routines (the annoyingly long ones which we complain about). So, before matters take a turn for the worse, it’d be in your best interest to take some precautionary measures. This should get you started.

WATCH OUT FOR:Expression lines (Folds) – wrinkles (Fine lines) – sagging – blotches (age spots) – blackheads – beard rashes – razor burns – open pores – suntans – loss of firmness – blemishes (redness) – dryness – flaky skin.

Your Knowledge Base

Avoid Sunbathing –The sun just beats the daylights out of your skin. Exposure to the sun is one of the most primary causes of skin damage. Ultraviolet exposure accelerates the skin’s aging process, causing wrinkles, age spots, redness, dryness and skin cancer. Try avoiding the sun when it is at its peak.

Apply sunscreen – One of the most important steps in anti-aging is protecting your skin with sunscreen before your previous years of unprotected sun exposure start to leave their mark. For the most complete sun protection, apply a thick layer of broad spectrum (UVA & UVB protective) SPF 30+ every day (including cloudy days), and reapply frequently, ideally every hour when outdoors. The hands and face are the most frequently exposed, cover them (wear a hat). This helps protects the skin from harmful UV rays.

Moisturize – Dryness exaggerates signs of aging in the face and the body. Moisturizer traps water in your skin, which gives it a more youthful appearance. Starting the practice of moisturizing every day will help you look younger over the years.

Gentle Cleansing – Gently washing your skin helps to remove pollution and other substances without irritating or damaging your skin. This helps wash away impurities away, keeping the skin look and feel fresh. Wash your face twice a day, especially after sweating heavily.

Stop using skin products that sting or burn – These are signs of skin irritation. Excess of irritation can cause breakouts and blemishes leaving behind spots and scars.

Introduce your skin to Facial Treatments – Compared to a women, a man’s skin is more prone to aging symptoms. Facials are helpful in treating worn-out complexions and coping with various skin related problems. It is the best way to keep your skin feeling relaxed and hydrated.

The basic facial includes: Cleansing – Exfoliating with facial scrub – Steam to open the pores – application of a mask to tighten and firm the skin – toning to balance the pH-Level of your skin and Moisturizing depending upon your skin type. You can opt for various facial treatments such as:

• Hydrating Facial Treatments

• Brightening Treatments plus Cleansing Routine

• Facial Peels and Extractions

Homemade Facial Remedies – along with occasional professional facial treatments, adapting a home care routine also help defying the aging of your skin in the long run.

• Take a mixture of honey, egg yolk and olive oil, a tablespoon each. Apply this mixture and massage your face properly. Let it stay on your face for 10- 15 minutes then rinse it off using cold water.

• Take a de-seeded pulp of cucumber and add half a table spoon of lemon juice and a beaten egg and mix them well. Massage your face with this mixture. Let it stay on your face for 10- 15 minutes then rinse it off using cold water.

Antioxidant Creams, Lotions and Ointments: These are substances that counter the effects of free radicals. They may help reduce the risk of wrinkles and protect against sun damage. Unlike sunscreens, they build in the skin and are not washed away.

Vitamin Intake –

• Vitamin A – essential as UV radiation leads to Vitamin A deficiency in the skin.

• Vitamin C – Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, is a strong antioxidant that may also help rebuild collagen. Vitamin C also helps the skin cells survive after exposure to UV rays.

• Vitamin E – Vitamin E decreases skin roughness, length of facial lines, and wrinkles

LIFESTYLE CHANGES:

Your best bet, when it comes to looking (and feeling) young is to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

Nourish Your Body from the inside-out:-Make sure you incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your daily diets along with seafood rich in essential nutrients and vitamins. This may help prevent damage that leads to premature skin aging. Replenish fluids, flush out impurities and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fresh water daily.

Putting a Halt to Smoking – Smoking depletes the skin of water and speeds up skin aging, also causes wrinkles to appear, leaving you with a dull and shallow complexion. If the notion of getting cancer isn’t enough, maybe this will help you kick the butt.

Decreasing the consumption of alcohol – Alcohol dehydrates the skin and in time roughens and damages the skin.

Exercise most days of the week – Exercise improves blood circulation and boosts the immune system. Regular physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues, which boosts energy, improves mental acuity, decreases stress and enhances quality of sleep.

Catch your Z’s – You should let your body adapt a healthy routine, which also involves sleep hours. Eight hours of good quality sleep each night can reduce stress, improve concentration and help control body weight. Human growth hormone is also released during sleep which repairs and regenerates body tissues.

DENIMS

From boot cuts and skinny jeans to straight legs and slim fits, there are a ton of styles on store shelves for everyone. That said, when you buy a good pair, you basically want it to last forever. Buying denim that’s made to last, and caring for it properly, can keep it in top shape. Here are seven simple tricks to help you take better care of your high-quality denims. Remember these rules to make your jeans last longer and to keep them looking as good as they did on the day you bought them.

Do not wash your jeans often!

Good news for anyone who hates doing laundry! Jeans doesn’t need to be washed very often! If you do not wash your jeans then you will be preventing it from fading and will be preserving its glory days along with it. The fact is, jeans are rarely supposed to be neat and tidy, it is suppose to be dirty and worn regularly for just about anything.

IT’S BEST TO WASH IT WITH SOME COLD WATER

Okay, it’s been an entire month since the last time you washed your jeans and you’ve been wearing it every day. It’s starting to stink. Time for a wash. Just make sure they’re turned inside out and the water is as cold as possible. This will keep them from fading.

TOSS IN TWO SPOONFULS OF SALT TO HELP SET THE DYE.

If you’re washing them for the first time, toss two spoonfuls of salt to help set the dye. It’s good for your jeans.

RECOMMEND YOU TO WASH THEM BY HAND

If you’ve got some time to spare, the best method is to use your own two hands. Start out by filling a bucket with some cold water and, to that, add just a drop of mild detergent. Really, just half a teaspoon! Then turn your jeans inside out, plop them in the water, and walk away. No scrubbing necessary. Come back in an hour and rinse off the jeans with cold water. Hang dry, and voilà: Good as new. Bet that wasn’t as hard as you thought it would be, huh?

ALWAYS AIR-DRY THEM

Air drying is the best way for drying your jeans. It will expand the life expectancy of your jeans. Hang them indoors and out of the sunlight, which helps preserve the color, and place an old towel underneath your drying rack so the indigo dye won’t stain your floors. Your jeans might be stiff after the wash but after one wear it should resume its old self again.

DO NOT USE BLEACH!

Do not use any kind of bleach on your jeans as it damages the yarns of your denim and will decrease the life expectancy of your denim.

STICK THEM IN THE OVEN

Yes, you read that correctly. Stinky jeans? Crank up your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and place your folded jeans on one of the racks for an hour. Let them cool before wearing. And if the mere thought of turning your oven on makes your palms start to sweat, then you can stick your jeans in the freezer overnight. Either way, you’ll rid your jeans of any odor-causing bacteria. They might even end up smelling like warm cookies!

The first thing people notice about you is your shoes, and scuffed untidy shoes don’t give out the best of impressions. If you are going to spend money on a high-end shoe then you better learn how to treat them right as they demand attention after every wear. Men prefer to spend all their money on a few pairs of really good shoes rather than own many mediocre ones. We are not picky about the sauce in our pasta, the tarkari with our rice or if our clothes are washed and ironed or not, but when it comes to shoes we are pretty peculiar. So it isn’t a surprise if you’re keen on finding ways to keep them in their best shape. Here’s how:

USE SHOE POLISH

A good shoe polish keeps your leather shoes shining like a gem. Polishing your shoes regularly does two great things to your shoe: one, it covers and repairs the damage of daily wear and tear and nourishes and moisturizes the leather and second, it keeps your stylish foot wear flexible and healthy. Use cream-based polishes and also carry your shoes along with you when you are going to purchase a polish to ensure you get the right one for your shoe tone.

Tip: Buff the polish off your shoes with a pair of panty hose to get an optimal shine.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR SOLES

A house is only as solid as the foundation on which it’s built, so make sure you take steps to save your shoe soles. While there are many types of soles out there, chances are, a good, high-quality pair of leather shoes will be based on leather soles. Just like the leather on top, the leather on the bottom must be protected. The best option is to have a high end shoe store (Bentley, Galleria) to attach “taps” to the front and rear heels. Acting as buffers between the heel and the ground, taps absorb the shock and damage of constant pounding, and prevent the sole from eroding.

Tip: Don’t add taps until you have worn the shoes about 12 to 18 months; this allows the soles to conform to your gait, making for a smoother stride and more comfortable wear.

REPLACE YOUR SOLES

The soles of your shoes are like the tires on your car: They eventually wear out and need to be replaced. According to the experts, the “upper” part of the shoe can last as long as 20 years, but the “lower” part of the shoe, on average, only lasts around five years. So, when the sole becomes uncomfortable to wear and gets ragged in appearance, the best option is replacing the sole.

Tip: When resoling your shoes, check with the shoe’s manufacturer; many manufacturers offer discounts and packages on resoling and refurbishing shoes.

BUY A FAKE VERSION OF YOUR SHOE

If you have invested on a pair of expensive shoes, buy an extra pair which is a copy of your original. In that manner you can wear your fake ones on a daily basis and save your genuine ones for the events where it is worth showing off those babies.

USE WATER REPELLENT

Before taking your new shoes out on their first walk, be sure to apply a coat of water repellent to the leather. After the initial application, habitually reapply it as instructed. We recommend you to use a water-based repellent to seal the leather because it allows it to breathe and the moisture inside it to escape. Moisture impacts leather’s elasticity, so keeping moisture balanced is a must; too much moisture causes the leather to stretch, while too little moisture causes the leather to shrink.

Tip: Wipe your shoes with a clean sponge dipped in lukewarm water before adding additional coats of repellent; this will warm the leather, making it more porous and improving its ability to absorb the product, and prevent trapping dirt between the leather and the repellent.

GET A SHOE TREE

Since you have already spent your one month’s salary on a pair of shoe spend a little more and extend your shoes life. Shoe trees may cost a few more elephants but it is all worth it. A shoe tree helps to reshape your shoes after using it and also it absorbs moisture from the shoe keeping it fresh for the next wear. A shoe tree also helps to maintain the shoe’s size. Dress shoes are an expensive investment that must be protected, and a few bills here and there will save you a bundle down the road. So, now that you know some tricks of the trade, venture forth in preventive maintenance and style.

Luxury eye wear can enhance your ensemble exponentially, but it is important to keep them in good condition, mainly because it can be a pretty big investment. It is constantly smeared, smudged and fogged. Here’s how you keep them in the best shape possible for as long as possible:

TAKE THEM OFF USING TWO HANDS, INSTEAD OF ONE. Many people have the habit of taking off their shades using one hand. It might look cool but it doesn’t come in the best interest for your shades. Taking them off using two hands keeps the earpieces straight and in the right alignment. Taking them off using one-hand will stretch both the earpieces out and loosens them which increases the risk of them falling and breaking (you really don’t want that).

DON’T PUT YOUR GLASSES ON TOP OF YOUR HEAD. This can distort the shape of your expensive eye wear, and there’s a greater chance of them falling from top of your head and getting damaged that way. The laws of gravity are a bitch, why take the chance?

TRY NOT TO PUSH THEM UP ON YOUR NOSE BY STICKING YOUR FINGER ON THE NOSEPIECE (right between your eyes) if they’re wire-framed. This causes stress on the nose pads, and the center part of the frame, and if they’re any color but silver, it wears the finish off of them. This can leave your glasses with a conspicuous spot in the long run. Instead, grasp the lenses by putting your thumb at the bottom and fingers at the top, and then move them to where you want them to sit on your face. You’ll look classier doing that than the nerdy single-fingered-scrunched-nose nudge.

PURCHASE A MICROFIBER OPTICAL CLEANING CLOTH. These are generally available at optometrists, chemists and supermarkets. The more traditional way of breathing onto your glasses and wiping them on your shirt isn’t the best method of cleaning your glasses.

Firstly, it’s best not to clean your shades with any shirt while you’re still wearing it. Second, you might accidentally rub your lenses with a polyester or lycra blend. Abrasive fabrics can wear away at the anti-glare coating, and even scratch your lenses.

NEVER USE THE FOLLOWING:

• Clothing – dirt trapped in the fibers can scratch the lenses
• Paper towels or tissues – these fibers scratch lenses
• A dirty microfiber cloth – when you’re not using the microfiber cloth, put it in the eyeglass case; if it collects dust, it’ll scratch the lenses, rather than clean them

USE A PREPARED SOLUTION TO DISSOLVE ANY SPOTS. If you feel you can make your glasses even more spotless, buy some glasses lens cleaning spray, available at optical stores. Spray a small amount on both sides of each lens, and clean with the appropriate material (see above).

HAVE THEM ADJUSTED ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR. If you go back to where you got them every six months to one year, they will most likely adjust your glasses free of charge. The technician will examine them for wear and tear, tighten any loose screws, and check the fit again. Soon enough they’ll be good as new. Any replacement parts needed are usually supplied for free, too, or for a nominal charge. Often, any optical dispensing place will do this for free whether you bought them there or not.

KEEP YOUR GLASSES IN A CASE WHEN YOU AREN’T WEARING THEM. When you take your glasses off, put them in the case to keep them from getting scratched. The best ones are the ones that open and close, rather than the ones you slide the glasses into. Even the act of slipping them in can rub against the lenses and cause minute scratches, which your eyes perceive as haze.