It’s no longer unusual for me to hear from male friends that they have just been for a manicure or a massage , it seems a simple shave and shower is no longer enough for the discerning gentleman in world led by David Beckham and the new man.

To ensure every man has the opportunity to look and feel like a A lister  London-based luxury hair and beauty spa Aldo Coppola has launched a new bespoke grooming package, just for men and they invited me to experience the package for myself.

Longer working hours, stress, city pollution and UVA damage all contribute to dehydrated skin, uneven pigmentation and fine lines, as well as prematurely grey hair. Aldo Coppola’s Ultimate Man Package is a winning combination of treatments that address all these issues, leaving any man restored and revitalised.

The treatment combination includes an anti-ageing face and eye treatment to smooth away fine lines and rehydrate the skin, followed by a hand and nail treatment, completed with a hair colour, cut and style.

The face and eye treatment draws upon Aldo Coppola’s renowned Fusion Mesotherapy techniques to deliver visible results. This gentle and non-invasive treatment begins with cleansing and massage before the Fusion Mesotherapy machine is used to transmit topical products deeper into the skin’s layers, thanks to radio frequency waves.

This increases the skin’s temperature, which stimulates collagen production and skin tightening, helping to reduce dark circles and under-eye bags, and smooth away wrinkles and expression lines. The treatment concludes with a relaxing shoulder massage, to ease away any remaining tension. I really enjoyed this treatment, it was so relaxing in fact that I think I fell alsleep for a few minutes!

No well-groomed man should be seen with rough, dry hands and split nails, so the Ultimate Man Package also includes a ‘Man’-icure. Starting with a scrub to slough away hard, dry skin, the hands and arms are then treated to a relaxing massage. Nails are then filed and buffed to a natural shine. This was my first ever manicure and Ive actually had a fair few comments since the treatment about my nails from women that have noticed my nails, I now see how important keeping your nails in good condition is and do plan to get a manicure again.

Finally, for those with pesky grey hairs to disguise or those seeking a new look, the master colourists at Aldo Coppola will work with you to achieve the perfect colour. Both the Henna and Shatush colouring techniques use natural ingredients to protect and nourish the hair structure, leaving it soft, healthy and noticeably less grey. I didnt need any colour but its included as part of the package if required go for it.

After the coluring  the team will then wash, cut and style the hair to finish.

The Ultimate Man Package takes from two to two and a half hours, and is certain to leave you feeling and looking at your best when its over. I throughly enjoyed the time I spend at Aldo Copppla and I hpe you do too.

The Ultimate Man Package at Aldo Coppola is priced at £195.

For more details see www.aldocoppola.co.uk

 Aldo Coppola, 70 Sloane Avenue, South Kensington, London SW3 3DD

On Saturday 15^th October 2011, Orchid the men’s cancer charity in conjunction with The Gentry Grooming Co and Wilkinson will be undertaking an exclusive ‘Guinness World Record Shave Off Charity Fundraising Event’ at Manchester Arndale to raise money to support Orchid’s vital research and work into fighting male cancer.

Orchid exists to save men’s lives from testicular, prostate and penile cancers through pioneering research and promoting awareness. Over 37,000 men are diagnosed with male cancer every year and these numbers are increasing and relentlessly approaching breast cancer figures, yet the awareness is still much lower with men often avoiding health issues, warning signs and symptoms and failing to carry-out regular self checks. From sons to grandfathers all men of any age face the risk of prostate, penile or testicular cancer. Orchid plays a leading role in the fight against male cancer through research and awareness and by supporting men and their families.

We are looking for 251 to 1,000 men to participate in ‘Guinness World Record Shave Off Charity Fundraising Event’ to beat the current world record for ‘Most Faces Shaved In 8 Hours’ and to raise maximum funds and awareness for Orchid. Participants will have to shave themselves and must have at least 24 hours of stubble. The Gentry Grooming Co’s Shave Experts will be undertaking live tutorials to demonstrate how to achieve a professional shave. Participants will be provided with a razor courtesy of Wilkinson and The 3D Shave Cream courtesy of The Gentry Grooming Co. Orchid will provide valuable advice on how to undertake a men’s health M.O.T check.

So what are you waiting for? Join Orchid the men’s cancer charity, The Gentry Grooming Co and Wilkinson on Saturday 15^th October 2011

in Hallé Square at Manchester Arndale for ‘The Big Shave Off’ and break a Guinness World Record!

DSquared2 have launched Potion, a new fragrance for men,  Potion is described as “the scent of seduction” and is fronted by model Diego Miguel.

I recently had the opportunity to  try this new fragrance and will do my best to describe my findings.

Potion is an aromatic woody amber fragrance developed by perfumer Annick Menardo; notes include mint, angelica, thyme, gentian, cinnamon, cashmere wood, patchouli, amber and musk. I think the best way I can describe the smell is that scent of a smells like a blown-out cinnamon-vanilla candle and that’s quite a unique smell which I love!

The bottle has a very retro feel which looks rather elegant in my bath room cabinet
DSquared2 Potion will be available in 30, 50 and 100 ml Eau de Parfum.

DSquared2 Potion for Man (£42.50 for 50ml, £57 for 100ml) is exclusively available at Harvey Nichols  now and  nationwide  in  October 2011.

I was kindly sent a RazorSharp to test, as ‘m currently growing a beard I asked my good friend Dave to evaluate  the RazorSharp over the last month and here is what he had to say :

The razor-sharp is a convenient way to hold your Mach 3  razor and sharpen the blades. I’ve been using it for over a month now and I’m very pleased with it for extending the life of my Mach 3 razor blades. Usually I get 5-6  decent shaves out of the razor blade before I change it for a new one, one a day for work and maybe the weekend if I’m going out. At about £1.50 a blade they aren’t cheap to throw away however the razor sharp (£16.95) has extended the use to over 30 shaves so far and they claim up to 150 shaves from a single Mach 3 disposable blade. At the 30 day shave point the razor is holding steady at the 3-4 day sharpness point. The actual device is a razor holder that is coated in some kind of rubber over a solid plastic frame. It feel good in the hand being rubberised and some weight to it and feels well made unlike the cheap brittle plastic holders you usually get given. It’s simple to use just running the razor against the base of the holder 4 times after shaving. It does exactly what it says on the tin. The only downside that it has is that it doesn’t have a place to store spare razor blades but when one razor will last 150 shaves you really don’t need it too.  One of the best shaving products I’ve seen come onto the market in years

Available from www.razorsharpuk.co.uk for £16.95

Italian Aldo Coppola has been a consultant for L’Oreal for years. During fashion week in Milan for ready to wear and Rome (high fashion) he created and executes the hairstyles on models for the most prestigious fashion names. He operates a number of salons in Italy and now London’s Sloane Square.

To compliment the salons Aldo has released a range of styling products including  The  Styling Paste for men  from the Mediterranean Complex range at Aldo Coppola, is available exclusively in store (0207 052 0709) or online at www.aldocoppolashop.co.uk for £25.00. The paste leaves hair soft and pliable, and is formulated with aloe extract to moisturise and revitalise dry hair. The Aldo Coppola Mediterranean Complex range is inspired by the med and is rich in naturally derived ingredients, whilst being designed for specific hair types such as dry, coarse etc.

The Mediterranean Complex range is available now from www.aldocoppolashop.co.uk

This latest fragrance  from Salvatore  Ferragamo is a woody-oriental scent that is fresh and sensual in equal parts. It opens with fresh notes of Marjoram, Cardamon and Mandarin,  you are hit by a  warm spice of  Saffron and a modern touch of Pimento. Whilst the woody, smoky dry down of Patchouli and Vetiver feels like a real mans scent.

I can imagine this is the sort of scent Don Drapper from Mad Men would splash onto this neck before a night out in a high end supper club, this is one to impress and be noticed.

40 ml Eau de Toilette Spray £36
60 ml Eau de Toilette Spray £47
100 ml Eau de Toilette Spray £64
150ml Shampoo&Shower Gel £21
75ml Deodorant Stick £21
100ml After Shave Lotion £42
Worldwide pre-launch Harrods July 2011
UK launch nationwide September 2011

Belfast based Male Grooming expert Jason Shankey, who launched his unique range of hair and skincare products into the Urban Retreat at Harrods this year, has now gone one step further by promising men a completely pain-free shave.

The Perfect Shave comprises Shankey’s three shaving products and his expert guide to shaving, all packaged together in a gorgeous, masculine box.

Shankey, who is a regular contributor to magazines such as Men’s Health and FHM, and TV shows including 10 years younger, told us “97% of men suffer from pain, irritation and redness due to shaving, and my unique ’Perfect Shave’ recipe utilises our three hero products which target men’s underlying shaving problems, facilitating a quick, painless and easy to follow daily routine.

His range of products were developed over a number of years using a hands-on approach, and contain a fascinating list of ingredients which claim to help men’s skin to look clearer, healthier and younger. In Northern Ireland, it is available exclusively in his salons and at House of Fraser Belfast.

From hair growth inhibitors to super exfoliants, his range guarantees a pain-free shave by targeting both the natural and man made processes which cause skin to look red and aggravated, resulting in baby smooth skin with no visible signs of redness.

“By slowing down the beard regrowth, men don’t need to shave as often. And shaving less often means less scraping of the skin, resulting in better looking skin”, he said.

The Perfect Shave gift box is £48  More details about his products can be found on the company’s website: www.jasonshankey.com/expert

The Gentry Grooming Co are launching their new  revolutionary 3D Shave. This genius 3-Dimensional Shave System is a Shave Cream, Shave Oil and a Moisturiser all in one that can be used without water and with an electric razor!

The 3D shave gel is part of Gentry Grooming Co’s Esstential range which we have talked about before,and is infused with the same  Black Pepper & Mint as their other products in the range.

The revolutionary formula helps to soothe, moisturise and condition the skin, preventing razor burn and in-growing hairs. Packed full of natural ingredients including Grape Seed Oil and Shea Nut Butter, the 3D system also contains a Ceramide to allow the skin cells to repair and regenerate.

The 100ml 3D Shave System meets airline carry on regulations, ideal for frequent flyers, businessmen and guys who want to groom on the go!

Also Gentry Grooming have created a great video demostrating the perfect shave

The 3d Shave can be purchased at the following locations :

House of Fraser Manchester & Glasgow / The Gentry Grooming Co Salons

I have always been a fan of Fudge hair products so when they annouced they were bringing a new product to the market I was interested to try it out.

Matte Hed Extra is the big brother of the original massively successful Matte Hed and in relation to the original, offers a much stronger hold that lasts longer, is significantly drier and more matte than original Matte Hed. So your hair stays styled but you don’t look like half a tub of product has been emptied upon your head! Also a added bonus is the fragrance, I find most hair products smell off putting and a chemically but the Fudge Matte Hed Extra actually smells awesome and is a pleasure to apply in the morning.

Fudge Matte Hed Extra Wax is out now and has a RRP of £11.95

Recently I was lucky enough to be sent the new men’s fragrance Moschino Forever  by Moschino and heres what I thought.

Moschino fashion is known for reinterpreting classics with elegance and irony and I guess the same can be said for this fragrance.  A sharp citrus spice fragrance, mellowed with sandalwood, musk and kumquat. This is perfect for evening wear. Moschino Forever  is a fresh, vibrant and elegant scent. A timeless fragrance with a very masculine signature with a vibrating freshness of yuzu meets sandal I can see this becoming a hallmark of unique elegance in the world of men’s fragrances. A powerful yet balanced scent with woody, spicy and citrus. This success is due to its freshness, along with a very masculine signature and affirmed character. A perfect balance of serenity and fused notes.

The bottle has a striking  silver cap that  showcases the logo that reflects the iconic details of Moschino Fashion. The design of the bottle is geometric and linear. The glass is absolutely transparent, the juice bold in colour, there is no doubt this is a mans fragrance.

The fragrance completes itself with an extension line that includes four grooming products a
After shave lotion, After shave balm, Deodorant stick and a refreshing Bath and shower gel all  lightly scented with the Moschino Forever fragrance.

RRP:
EDT 30ml £27.00, EDT 50ml £37.00, EDT 100ml £49.00
Shower Gel 200ml £21.00, Aftershave Balm 100ml £27.00, Deodorant Stick 75g £18.00

Available early May from www.debenhams.co.uk as well as all other good outlets