When it comes to shaving I freely admit I am very much old school in my preference of using a shaving brush and soap over canned foam and a single blade razor rather than one of the numerous multi bladed cartridges that are now available. That is not to say I don’t try them, I just find myself returning to that which I am used to.

While a wet shave is always preferable, there are times when it’s just not practical and for that reason I also have an electric razor, it doesn’t give me as close a shave as I would like but I’m not sure anyone would notice. I don’t feel I’m alone there, a lot of men I know say the same thing and it seems manufacturers are starting to listen, or at least Panasonic are.

Panasonic have recently launched two new 4-blade wet and dry shavers for men. They claim the new models, the ES-RF41 and the ES-RF31, are certain to put smiles on men’s faces thanks to a revolutionary 4-blade cutting system unique to Panasonic. The secret seemingly lies in an additional, extra-thin, finishing foil thereby expanding the shaving surface and enhancing results.

By increasing the number of blades the shave should be both faster (more blades cut down shaving time) and smoother (four blades achieve closer skin contact with lighter shaving strokes) resulting in a closer shave, even if you have tough stubble. Interestingly the average male facial hair, when dry, is as tough as a copper wire of the same thickness. This may explain why most women are not so keen on stubble when it’s pressed against their face!

As with the majority of Panasonic’s men’s shavers, the RF-series are 100% waterproof so can be used dry or in the shower with gel, foam or soap to further protect and soften the skin.  The outer foils feature a revolutionary curved shape that fits uniformly against the skin, even under the chin and the multi-directional pivoting head in both models adapts up, down, left and right to fit the contours of the face for irritation free results.

Combine all that with nano-polished blades that have been sharpened to a 30° knife’s edge and Panasonic claim it will give you the sharpest, closest, smoothest shave they have ever offered.  The extra-long battery in both models will give around 65 minutes shaving when used cordlessly and as far as I can make out the only difference between the two models are that the ES-RF41 comes with a charging stand and has five LED charge indicators, while the ES-RF31 has three LED charging indicators.

The retail price of the ES-RF41 is £169.99 and the ES-RF31 £149.99. Both models are available from John Lewis, www.amazon.co.uk, www.shavers.co.uk and Comet

If the shelves groaning with skin care products aimed at men are anything to go by it would appear that today’s modern man is finally less inhibited than his forefathers when it comes to looking after his skin.  I have to say it’s about time too!  When you consider that the average chap scrapes the hair and skin from his face 2-3 times a week it’s no wonder that the majority have suffered from skin irritation caused by shaving at some point or another.

Now, I’m sure I speak for a lot of men out there when I admit that I like gadgets.  In the bathroom I have not only a Sonicare toothbrush but a Waterpik water jet and I may well have to splash out on the latest gizmo, a Clarisonic Skin Cleaning System.

Now, if you think that sounds like the toothbrush it’s probably because it was developed by the inventor of the Sonicare toothbrush and uses a similar sonic micro-massage technology.  Just like the toothbrush, you simply apply a cleanser or balm to the skin care brush, and switch on. The brush head oscillates at a sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second (faster than the eye can see) and works with the skin’s natural elasticity to clean the face, neck and body by gently massaging dirt and impurities from the surface and deep within the pores.

Best of all you can do the whole process in just 60 seconds!  Yes, in one minute you can fully massage and cleanse your face.  There’s a nifty little electronic timer which lets you know when to clean the next area of the face and you can even change gears, moving through multiple different speed and duration settings.  As it is waterproof, it can be used in the shower and there is a Plus model which comes with a second replaceable head which specifically targets the body, perfect for tackling sweat and trapped dirt after a sports game or workout.

Now, you’re probably asking, “Where can I get one of these beauties?”  Well, you can order direct from www.clarisonic.com and get free  shipping or if you are in London you could wait until Monday and head over to Knightsbridge where a special edition Clarisonic with a Charcoal Grey power handle is being launched exclusively in Harrods to coincide with the opening its new Gentleman’s Lounge.

Yes, from Monday 18 October Harrods will have a dedicated department which is testament to the rise of the modern day male groomer.  The Harrods Gentlemen’s Lounge will allow men to escape from the rigours of shopping and enjoy reviving treatments, watch films, log on to computers or even have a refreshing snifter!  Of course you will also be able to find out about the latest fragrances; skincare and grooming products but admit it, who doesn’t fancy the idea of having a cheeky wee dram while the other half is shopping till she drops?

I have to be honest and admit something to you dear readers.  I do not own an iPhone.  I was never very impressed with them when they were first released as they didn’t seem to offer much I wanted.  Yes, they look very nice but that’s about it as far as I’m concerned.  That said, I feel my opinion might have been different if I had seen this retro cassette tape cover.

As much as I love the digital format, I miss those endless hours of compiling mix-tapes, calculating the time to ensure the maximum usage of tape without compromising the integrity of my compilation…ahhhh sweet memories!

However, back to 2010 and the iPhone cover.  It looks exactly like those cassette tapes of old and comes complete with a cassette box that doubles as a stand so that you can prop up your iPhone to gaze lovingly at it, or watch videos I suppose!

You’ll find this case over at Iwantoneofthose.com (who offer International Shipping) for a very reasonable £12.99