Thanks to the evolution of social media and the power of suggestion, the “metrosexual” is making a comeback. This hybrid form of masculine man looks as polished and preened as well-dressed women, and there is an additional factor that is now coming into play for men which is the adoption and use of high-quality beauty cosmetics.

From eyeliner to blush and moisturizer, men want to look and feel their best as they step out the door too. Gone are the days when shaggy beards are considered acceptable wear; men want to tailor their looks and be properly manicured when it comes to presenting themselves for public view. Why is this?

Dad’s habits aren’t cutting it anymore

Most of us have been taking our grooming cues from Dad, and although that worked for some time, we want more of a piece of the multi-billion dollar beauty industry that makes you ladies look and smell so good. Most dads weren’t the greatest teachers when it came to methods of shaving, aftershave, and moisturization; they would show rather than to educate, and it was up to us to figure out the semantics. It wasn’t enough to watch him use a safety razor, or to wave the shaving brush around in imitation of Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber, we needed some tutoring. Some of us were successful, some of us were left in the dust. At some point, we decided that we needed more out of our grooming routine.

We desire to be more attractive

Hollywood and media have really raised the bar when it comes to what is possible for men and beauty. Simply put, we want to make ourselves attractive to our mates, and we want to be competitive when it comes to appearing desirable to others. The array of products and services that are now available to women AND men make it easier to find things that enhance our natural, god-given attributes. Look out, ladies, you might just have some competition in the being attractive department.

Men want to be manicured and stylish too

More and more frequently, men are looking to shave companies to get a manicured look and healthy skin that exudes confidence. A straight razor kit that arrives magically at your home is now available from companies such as OriginalShaveCompany.com, Harry’s and Dollar Shave Club. These clubs are taking the men’s cosmetic industry by storm.

Clean, close shaves and healthy-looking skin are something that most guys want nowadays; gone are the days when a quick shave with a safety razor does the trick; men want more from their grooming routines. These popular shave clubs and the products they offer including a straight razor kit, shaving brush, and aftershave are quite common, and they come to your doorstep for a fraction of the price that a professional shave at a salon would cost you. More and more men are signing up for these clubs in anticipation of cleaner, healthier, smoother skin than ever before.

A typical skincare package for men

Regardless of the store you choose to purchase from, there are some essentials that come in most basic kits; men’s beauty care items that you can use to improve both your complexion and your toiletry collection. These items include:

1. Straight razor kit

These kits cater to the man who just wants to get business done in the bathroom, and they don’t fancy themselves needing the extra fluff and frills that come with some kits. A word of caution, though—these kids should only be used by experienced shavers; those with less experience or a more rugged terrain should consider the use of a safety razor to eliminate unsightly bumps and cuts.

2. Safety razor

When you are feeling a little unsteady, or if you do not have a lot of experience with shaving, consider using a safety razor to help reduce irritation. You’ll still get the clean, close shave of a regular razor, but you won’t have all of the added stress of trying not to cut yourself when you are in a hurry.

3. Shaving brush

A shaving brush is perfect for slathering on rich, foamy shaving cream; it will help to stimulate blood flow beneath the skin and get rid of dead skin cells that might dull your complexion. Make sure to rinse the brush out thoroughly in between uses.

4. Aftershave

After you have subjected your skin to a wet shave, it is always a good idea to apply aftershave. You’ll soothe irritation, condition your cleaned skin, and with unique blends of botanicals and essential oils, you’ll look and smell great!

Men want to look and feel their best, even when on a budget. Rock your beautiful self, and look forward to using all of the wonderful products that are at your disposal to uncover your most attractive and vibrant you!

Even though it isn’t your big day, you’ll still be expected to put your best foot forward when your close friend ties the knot. Being a groomsman isn’t just about being selected as one of your friend’s wingmen at his wedding; this role also comes with a lot of responsibilities that you’ll need to keep in mind as you kick back and relax. Check out our top 10 tips for being the best groomsman you can be when you’re called upon to fulfill this important function.

1. Show up Looking Nice

There’s no such thing as a grungy groomsman. If you show up not looking your best, there’s no doubt that someone with a conscience will ask you to go home or clean up. To avoid any potential embarrassment, it’s important to make sure that you look nice before you show up to the event.

In all likelihood, you will have attended a wedding rehearsal the night before, and you already know the types of clothes you’ll be wearing and the degree of decorum that’s to be expected. Even if you’re well-rehearsed in the aesthetic requirements of the day, it’s still possible to slip up at the real event, so don’t let your guard down.

If you have a beard, consider trimming it, and if you don’t, make sure you shave in the morning and put on a nice-smelling (but not too overpowering) aftershave. Men often overlook their nails, but if you have any dirt or grime under your fingernails, you’ll need to clean it out. In fact, it’s best to simply cut your nails on the day of the wedding or the night before to make sure that there are no places for grime to hide.

Make sure that your face is pimple-free, lightly moisturize your skin, and most importantly, make sure that your hair is up to par. While you don’t want to overshadow the groom’s epic haircut, you also don’t want to show up looking shaggy.

2. Be a Grown-up

Your friend’s wedding is going to be an exciting event. There will be lots of people you haven’t seen for a long time, and as the gang starts coming together, you guys might feel the urge to get up to your old hijinks and start roughhousing like a bunch of tournament winning high school buddies.

However, you’re all men now, and it’s important to convey an air of gravitas as you help your friend prepare for one of life’s biggest journeys. No one expects you to act like you’re at a funeral, but tossing the groom into a fountain is off-limits too. As a general rule of thumb, you should avoid doing anything that will mess up your clean-cut looks or your outfit (especially if you’ve rented a tux).

This rule even applies to the way you sound. Don’t go so far as to be demure, but try not to laugh too loudly, and fart jokes are definitely party fouls when you’re a groomsman. Stay your buoyant self, but save most of the silliness for the reception where you can let loose a little more.

3. Monitor Your Drinking

If your friend’s wedding is anything like similar events, there will be lots of booze flowing around. With champagne flutes on every table, or a bucket of silver bullets depending on the type of wedding you’re at, it will be your base instinct to pick a new one up whenever you drain the flute you have. However, this tactic can quickly lead to a level of inebriation that’s unbecoming of a man who has been selected to be a groomsman.

It’s true that a little bit of alcohol will loosen you up and help you interact with other guests, but there’s a limit to how loose you should get. If you can, limit yourself to a single drink every hour, and whatever you do, make sure to keep a close watch on your intake and observe yourself for any signs of excess drunkenness.

If it comes right down to it, remember the location of the nearest bathroom or private space where you can escape to sober up for a few minutes. Don’t forget that losing your lunch in a public area means you’ve failed as a wingman whether you’re out at the club or your best friend’s wedding.

4. Don’t Be Embarrassing

As a groomsman, you’re expected to be excited and have fun. That doesn’t mean, however, that you should blurt things out at random just to show what a great time you’re having. Everyone remembers being at a groan-worthy wedding where every groomsman’s speech was laced with profanity and bodily humor.

Even if all of your buddies are getting on the embarrassment train, hold yourself back. When you look at the wedding videos later and see that you were the only one to keep your cool, you’ll be able to pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

5. Be Aware of Cameras

Cameras are everywhere at weddings, and the last thing you want is to have a bunch of videos of you picking at your crotch or with your finger in your nose. While you should be on the lookout for candid cameras, you should also be aware of photos and videos being taken near you for another reason.

As an integral player in the wedding, you’ll be expected to take part in a variety of photo opportunities, and you definitely won’t be the only one who gets left out of important pictures or who slows everyone else down as you stumble toward your designated spot in the frame. While you might get sick of all the pictures after a while, remember that you’ll treasure those snapshots for years to come.

6. Prepare a Statement

Like it or not, you’ll be expected to say something in front of everyone at some point during the celebration. While you might not be used to public speaking, you’ll still need to come up with a witty, poignant, and to-the-point statement that will encapsulate your history with and feelings for the groom.

It definitely isn’t a good idea to wing it, but it’s an even worse idea to recite a dry and boring speech that doesn’t sound as good out loud as it does on paper. As you write, practice reading your statement aloud, and add embellishment to any areas that you think could sound better.

When pressed to keep everybody entertained, many groomsmen make the mistake of going for shock value and saying something raunchy. Don’t be that guy. This is an important occasion for your friend, and you don’t want to be remembered as the groomsman who ruined it by humiliating the groom or the bride.

7. Be Sociable

As a groomsman, you’ll be expected to be a social butterfly. Members of the wedding party have the responsibility of maintaining social cohesion throughout a wedding, and you’ll need to do your part by introducing yourself to as many guests at the party as possible. Compliment all of the young ladies on their dresses, and offer to get drinks or snacks for any tottering grandmas you see wandering around. In short, be the pillar of the celebration, and show your manliness by shouldering social responsibility in as many ways as possible.

However, there’s a point where being sociable goes too far. Don’t insert yourself into situations where you aren’t invited, and whatever you do, don’t make things awkward. Stay approachable and friendly, but be wary of becoming friendlier than other people can handle.

8. Reminisce within Reason

As you make small talk with the other guests at the wedding, you won’t need to limit your conversation to sports or the weather. You are a groomsman, after all, which means that you’re expected to know a thing or two about the groom.

Prepare a couple of fun anecdotes to tell as you ingratiate yourself with guests on both sides of the aisle. Childhood memories, sporting adventures, and other PG-rated escapades are all fair game. Try to leave out tales of drinking and carousing, however; they tend to leave a bad taste in the mouth of the guests you’re trying to impress at your buddy’s wedding.

9. Don’t Forget to Say Thank You

You’ve been given a great honor by being made a groomsman. The groom has recognized you as an asset to his wedding, and the bride has made it apparent that she likes you enough to go along with the plan. Don’t forget to thank the bride and the groom, and while you are at it, thank their parents too.

10. You’ll Need to Give a Gift Too

As a groomsman, you’re part of the wedding party, but you’re still a guest. Forgetting to bring a gift to your friend’s wedding is a big faux pas, but it’s even worse to get a present that’s just for the groom. Make sure that the gift you choose is something that both the bride and the groom will love equally.

The Do’s and Don’t of having a great date night

Date night is special. Whether this is your first time out with a potential partner or you’re taking your wife out on the town for a special occasion, you’ll want to make sure that your grooming is up to par and you have an aftershave that plays the part. The secret to giving her a night she won’t forget doesn’t end there, though; check out our top tips for pulling off the perfect date night.

1. Make a Good Impression By Grooming

Whether you’ve known the girl you’re going out with tonight for years or you’ve just met, putting yourself in a good light as a partner is all-important. Even if grooming isn’t usually your thing, put in the extra effort to show off your manliness and responsibility.

If you’re starting to get scraggly, consider getting a haircut and shaving. Keeping a consistent grooming routine enables you to not scramble last minute to look right before your date. You should take a shower before you go out, and give yourself a quick shave when you’re getting ready even if you already shaved this morning. After you get out of the shower, put on an aftershave that you think will do the trick; while you don’t want to overpower her with your odor, smelling nice when she gets up close is a definite plus.

2. Make It Rain

Okay, we don’t really recommend that you casually flick a stack of dollar bills onto your potential girlfriend on your first date. However, showing up with no cash in your wallet is a great way to go home disappointed.

Don’t rely on credit cards to get the job done. Not every restaurant allows you to pay with a credit/debit card. Remember, you’ll also have to pay your driver or your valet if your date spot is fancy enough and this is always done in the smoothest manner with cash.

We don’t expect you to wear pinkie rings and show up in a Bugatti. We do, however, expect you to have around $200 in cash in your wallet that you can flex if the situation calls for it.

3. Impress Her with Your Ride

Just because you can rent a Lamborghini for the night doesn’t mean you have to. Most girls don’t actually care how expensive your ride is. While she probably won’t look twice at the logo on your trunk, your date will be keeping a close eye on another aspect of your car.

There’s no easier way to make a bad first impression than showing up in a dirty car. Pick those wrappers up off the floor, use some glass cleaner on your interior windows, and most importantly, make sure there are no crumbs on the passenger’s seat.

If you aren’t confident in your automotive grooming skills, get the job professionally done. Consider the potential benefits of getting a full detailing service; you’ll thank us for this tip if your night goes well.

4. Being a Gentleman Is Timeless

Women love men who can provide for them. Don’t be overbearing, but offer to go the extra mile to show off your reliability (and your aftershave) for all to notice.

When you’re out on a first date, don’t make physical contact unless it’s clearly okay. However, there’s nothing stopping you from opening the car door for her when you pick her up. You should probably stop short of buckling her seatbelt, though.

Unless she absolutely refuses, insist on picking her up for your date. Don’t be a creep, and don’t ask for her address unless she’s comfortable with you extending this courtesy. Make every effort, however, to show that you’re available to save her from the annoyance of getting to the date location on her own.

5. Pay Close Attention

Without being a stalker, watch your date’s every move. Learn everything you can about her likes and dislikes, and start putting together an idea of who she is and what she stands for.

If you don’t pay adequate attention to your date, you’ll end the night still being strangers even if you hit it off without a problem. Women appreciate men who treat them as individuals, but more than that, it’s important to learn about your date if you’re serious about your potential relationship. The things you learn while you’re out having a good time may translate into anniversary or birthday gifts in years to come.

6. Don’t Let Things Get Boring

Letting the conversation die out will make things awkward fast. While you might prefer the passive approach, it’s your job to keep the date interesting, and no amount of shuffling her from place to place will make up for a lack of good conversation.

Unless you know your date really well, you should steer clear of potentially controversial topics. For example, politics, religion, your personal opinion on the Keeping Up With The Kardashians show, etc. Instead, focus on subjects that you can both talk about without hurting any feelings or causing any awkwardness.

To make sure that things stay smooth, you should consider writing down five eligible conversation topics. Jot these ideas down as a note on your phone to make it easy to refresh your memory.

7. Enjoy Yourself within Reason

When you’re trying to give a good impression of yourself to a female companion on your first date, you don’t want to look like a stick in the mud. However, you also don’t want to come across as a belligerent lush.

Stick to the two-drink rule when you’re out on a date; never drink more than you can handle, and never appear intoxicated in front of your companion. Just don’t forget to buy all her drinks like a true gentleman.