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July 4, 2008
Celebrity Facial Hair Friday - Uncle Sam
What do you do in today's energy conscience world? Reduce, reuse, recycle. And that's why I'm reusing last year's July 4th post (which I liberally called Celebrity Facial Hair Wednesday) and posting it again today. Also, I'm lazy.
"In honor of the 4th of July, Independence Day, we've chosen Uncle Sam as our featured facial hair pick. Yes, [232] years ago our country declared its independence from British rule by proving that the pen was mightier than the sword. 56 men, including John Hancock, put their John Hancock on the Declaration of Independence, and a new country was born. (That may be the condensed version.)
"This now ubiquitous image of Uncle Sam (right) was painted by James Montgomery Flagg in 1917 as a recruitment poster for the US army during World War I. (Thanks Wikipedia. I seem smart!) It is based on this 1914 recruitment poster (left) from England. Who has worse facial hair? Gee that's a tough call. While the Briton's mustache is comically giant, I don't know any American today who would walk around with a white tail protruding from his chin. We've come a long way in our facial hair styles in 90 years. Too bad we're still at war."
Interested in one of those hot new Schick Quattro Titanium Trimmers? You can get one for free. Here's the catch - you have to endure a pillow fight with two scantily-clad women. Oh, the things we do in the name of shaving.
First, get a picture of yourself, or someone else you want to see pillow fighting two women. Next, click on over to TrimFlixx.com and upload your photo. Watch it, laugh, wish you were there, and then save your movie. (That's the important part.) After that there will be an option to register and receive a free Schick Quattro Titanium Trimmer.
Two things to note - one: the girls sound suggestive, so don't open TrimFlixx.com at work. And two: the site will email you a registration confirmation with your password in the clear. Guys, haven't we learned anything about privacy?
Cooking Tip: Peel Carrots With A Disposable Single-Blade Razor
Do I need to start a cooking category on this website? Here's a cute little tip from chef Graham Elliot Bowles courtesy of Food and Wine magazine.
"I use drugstore razors for peeling delicate vegetables, like baby carrots, because they waste less," explains Graham Elliot Bowles, who will be opening Graham Elliot in Chicago this summer.
I just looked at the menu for Graham Elliot restaurant, and aside from the mildly annoying music, I'm hungry! "Spring pea bisque: carrot marshmallows, pea tendril salad, pickles carrots, lavender yogurt drizzle." Mmm mmm mmm. I can just taste the disposable razor.
Kind of crazy to think we're midway through the year, but today is July 1st. We're looking forward to shaving with products from Peter Thomas Roth this month, but first, let's look back and see what we learned.
A big thanks again to our partner Philips Norelco for the ShavingStuff/arcitec contest where we gave away five razors. Congrats again to our two mailing list winners and our three write-in winners who had the guts to bare all and share their shaving stories. Read the winning first, second, and third stories here.
Misc
While the early part of the month was dominated by Fathers Day gift suggestions, we did have a few articles worthy of note. One astute Shaving Stuff reader wrote in that Proraso products are now at Bath and Body Works under the C.O. Bigelow Name. We also were lit up by NXT Light Shave Gel, which literally has a light in the bottom to give the packaging that other-worldly glow. Shaving with future? Why yes!
Reader Review of the MANGROOMER Do-It-Yourself Electric Back Hair Shaver
Shaving Stuff reader Kit recently wrote in with this thorough and positive review of the MANGROOMER Back Hair Shaver. It's in the comments section of the MANGROOMER post we did a while back, but I thought it was worth it's own front-page time. So here goes:
After reading the reviews on this web page I have to admit I was
reluctant to purchase the Mangroomer. Although I am by no means a
gorilla and have the greatest sympathy for those men that are close, I
have had comments about my back hair. On a recent trip to Lake Havasu I
was described as a "silverback", being 54 has more than on
disadvantage. For years I have used an old Remington electric razor
with a trimmer about four inches wide on my back, I usually spent about
45 minutes to get a clean shave. Most of the time I only had to do this
about once every four months. I decide to gamble and went to my local
Bed, Bath and Beyond and spent the $40.00 plus tax on a Mangroomer.
After shaving about on quarter of my back I noticed the shaver seemed
to be getting clogged as stated in the reviews I had read on this web
site. But I also noticed that hair was sticking all over the handle
also. I tried to brush it off the handle and the blades but it was very
difficult. Living in Southern California I am familiar with the
problems of static electricity. Lucky for me I had a spray bottle of
"Static Guard" handy. I sprayed this on the handles and the blades
of the Mangroomer and the problem was solved! After discovering this
cure I spent about five more minutes and had the smoothest back since I
was ten years old. I want to thank Marut Enterprises LLC. for importing
this product and Bed, Bath and Beyond for having the insight to sell
it.
Possibly the first use of Static Guard in a shaving story. Well done Kit! Or shall I call you MacGyver?
Today we're going to take a quick look at our final John Allan's product in what has turned out to be John Allan's review week at Shaving Stuff. I've never been much of a hair product man, but a strange confluence of events recently led me to start experimenting in styling. And what I found is that I tend to shy away from the shine, and hold out for the hold. John Allan's Matte styling pomade fits that bill perfectly.
A light-weight, water-based pomade that gives hair detail without the shine. It can be used on all hair types to provide separation, direction and a light, flexible hold. As a pliable styling tool, this pomade allows you to create and recreate any look or style and washes out easily. Nourishes and conditions hair and scalp with botanical extracts of Orange Flower, Lemongrass, Lime, and Grapefruit.
If you're looking for greased-back lines or the I-just-got-out-of-the-shower tease, try one of his other products. But if you like the subtle hold which doesn't look like you have any product in your hair, Matte's where it's at.
Review of John Allan's Face Replenishment Moisturizer
So we talked about John Allan's Splash aftershave on Tuesday, but that only covers half of your face. What about your forehead? It needs love too. Enter John Allan's Face Replenishment Moisturizer, which I've been using on my forehead with great results after I shave (after showering) and also on my whole face after I wash up at night.
An advanced hydrating formula that utilizes a combination of essential vitamins, botanical extracts and natural emollients to replenish skin and helps to diminish the effects of aging. It also helps to soothe and protect dry or irritated skin caused by shaving, extreme weather conditions or years of neglect.
Extreme weather!!! Woot! I don't know about you, but we had a hail storm in New England on an 80 degree summer day this week. If that doesn't qualify for extreme weather, I don't know what does.
Anyway, where was I? Ah yes, JA's Face moisturizer. What's in it?
Hydrates using Shea Butter, Coca Butter and Jojoba. Provides advanced anti-aging correction and prevention using Vitamins A, B2, C, D, E, K. Helps to protect skin with Oat and Willow Bark Extracts.
So butter, vitamins, and bark. And somehow if manages to soothe your face. And smell pretty good too. Shaving Stuff wife says it vaguely reminds her of grapefruit. Also, she says "You smell clean." Thanks John. Can I call you John?
Rub a dub dub, it's time for a Scrub. John Allan's Scrub, that is. We've gone through exfoliants a bunch of times on this site, so I won't bore you with the background. Basically there are two camps - one which thinks you should exfoliate before you shave, and one which thinks you should exfoliate a couple times a week, preferrably when you don't shave. Personally, I'm in the latter camp. Shaving exfoliates enough by itself.
John Allan's Scrub is a green, grainy (not gritty) goo. The grains are not too fine, not too coarse, and they are plentiful. Like the recent exfoliant we reviewed from Mensgroom, John Allan's Scrub looks like something you might make a superball out of. Lime green substance with flecks suspended in it. (Those flecks are "Volcanic Pumice". Very cool. Or hot, depending on how fresh the volcanic pumice is.)
And I'm a fan. Smells great - mildly floral, washes off easily, and gets the job done. Plus, they do the dangerous job of harvesting the volcano. What else do you need? John Allan's Face Exfoliant Scrub is $17 for a 4.8oz tube.
[A plea to my humble reader - please read this entire review. What may seem like a lost cause turns into a happy ending.]
There's a reason they call John Allan's Splash After Shave "an old school after-shave splash with a bite." Alcohol. And lots of it. What looks like a friendly bottle of bubbles turns out to be a harsh wake-up after your shave. Splash some Splash on your freshly shaven face and feel the bite.
[Note to humble reader: keep reading]
But then something magical happens. Your face actually feels good. And it doesn't need any more love. Last time around we after-shaved with John Allan's Calming After Shave Balm, and if you remember, we often needed to supplement with a little heavier cream. Splash is the total package. Could be the Chamomilla Extract & Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice. Could be the Willow Bark and Cucumber Extracts. Could be that anything feels better after being slapped by an alcohol induced rage. Whatever it is, I came to really like John Allan's Splash.
I'm recommending this after shave whole heartedly. I had no redness or irritation from this product. In fact my skin seems clearer and healthier than before. I fully expect to get some feedback about the horrors of "the bite", or the use of alcohol in after shave, but I'm standing by my man John (or J.A., as I like to call him). He's made a believer out of me again.
Every so often we get the chance to go back and visit an old favorite. Such is the case with John Allan's. A couple months ago we got a bunch of new products in and we've been steadily working our way through them.
Some history, for those new to John Allan's - starts in Europe, studies with the best, comes to New York, opens membership club, starts his own product line, products are awesome. What? Too much for you in today's information overload world? (Full history is here.)
I've been shaving with John Allan's Shave for about a month now, and it's like seeing a good friend after a year's absence. Great shave, great scent, great to catch up. In fact, my old review still holds true. Allow myself to quote myself, (unless of course the A. P. objects):
John Allan's Shave Cream is a white, almost fluffy cream, which smells like oats. Reminds me of those Molton Brown Oatmeal Soaps you sometimes find in fine hotels or restaurant bathrooms. The cream goes on easily and remains visibly white on your face, although it doesn't foam up so you can still easily see your skin underneath. Best to use your fingers when applying. It's a little too thick for a brush, and despite your best efforts (with fingers or with a brush), the cream will never look truly uniform on your face. I was initially concerned about this, but it turned out to be a non-issue. The shave is great. Far fewer nicks and cuts than other shaving creams. Great lubrication - no razor burn whatsoever. Also, John Allan's did a great job of lifting even my stubborn hairs up, so I always got a smooth, close shave.
Like I said, it's good to see you again, Mr. Allan. Over the next few days we'll check out some other John Allan's products which are new to Shaving Stuff. In the meantime, John Allan's Shave is $14.50 for a 4oz tube. Get some.
Been a while since we've done a Celebrity Facial Hair Friday post, and who better to get us back in the schwing of things than funnyman Mike Myers. From Wayne to Dieter to Austin Powers to Dr Evil, Myers is the king of character creation. And now he's back in his first live-action role since the god awful Cat in the Hat. This Friday Love Guru opens, and we get to meet Mike's latest creation - Guru Pitka.
OK, so obviously the beard is a site gag. It's funny at first, and normally I'd worry it would gets old fast, but Myers has a talent for pulling off the inane. I'll withhold judgment, but I'm hoping that by the end of the movie, Pitka's beard gets the same treatment as Austin Powers' teeth. Plus, I hope there's a lot of Jessica Alba.
Young man, there's no need to feel down.
I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground.
I said, young man, 'cause you're in a new town
You just need a Remington CODE.
Hard to convey the phrasing of that last line. In my head it works.
So, for all you new young men, check out the Remington CODE! With a "Unique cutting system engineered specifically for a younger man's beard", the CODE makes a great first razor for those firmly planted in the awkward puberty years. Plus its green glow makes you think its part alien. And at $25, you'll still have allowance money left over to buy a Wii Fit. (The Wii Fit is the hot new game, right? I'm so old.)
Reader Review of Barbasol Ultra Sensitive Skin Shaving Cream and Balm
Shaving Stuff reader Keith recently wrote in with this review of Barbasol Ultra Sensitive Skin shaving cream and balm.
I switched to the Kiss My Face line of shaving lotions a number of years ago after trying a sample because I felt it did as good a job as my current shaving cream and better prevented razor burn. I chanced across this Barbasol shaving cream by accident and necessity and was impressed with how much nicer the shaving experience was. I felt it was both a smoother and more effective shave and haven't had any razor burn issues. It is now my new shaving cream. Oh - and the moisture balm is nice at conditioning the skin without any sting or discomfort which is a nice added bonus. I'd recommend these products to anyone with sensitive skin trying to avoid razor burn while getting a nice close shave.
Nice! Sounds like we've got a winner. You can find Barbasol Ultra Sensitive Skin at most major supermarkets and drugstores, typically for under $5.
Proraso Products at Bath and Body Works Under the C.O. Bigelow Name
Proraso is an old-school Italian shaving brand which wasn't seen much in the States until Target started carrying it. Then one day their shelves went empty, never to be refilled. Perhaps Proraso didn't have the same mass market appeal as a 250 count box of Hefty Cinch Sacks. Whatever.
Eagle-eye Shaving Stuff reader Scott recently wrote in with this tip:
Bath and Body Works is selling Proraso shave cream under the name "C.O. Bigelow". If you look closely under the Bigelow banner on the box it says "made by Proraso for C.O. Bigelow"
I haven't made it to my local Bath and Body Works shop to verify this, but aside from the item being listed as "Domestic" on their website, I have no reason to doubt this information. If someone out there in shaving land can corroborate, we'd all appreciate.
In the meantime, if you're desperate to get your Proraso on, head on over to Details for Men for a little taste of the Italian import.
A big ShavingStuff congratulations to Jared, who has won himself an arcitec razor. Jared's story is, how do I say this, south of the border. And while he's won himself a Philips Norelco arcitec, perhaps he'd be better served with a BodyGroom:
I was about 16, had started shaving maybe a year earlier, and was starting to understand that one's face isn't necessarily the only area of the body that can be shaved. Being ... curious ... i decided that I should shave my um, euphemisms. So i took my Mach 3 downtown and got to work. Naturally, I got nicked. It wasn't particularly more painful than any other area, but it just WOULDN'T stop bleeding! I washed off and dried off and sat in the bathroom for what seemed like hours waiting for it to stop bleeding. Being a kind of nervous 16 year old, i got more and more worried, until i reached the point of full-on freaking out. So, I did the only thing i could think of doing... i started yelling for my dad. He came to the bathroom door and yelled "What?" and i told him what happened. He stood outside the door, totally silent for a few seconds. Then just yelled back "Well why the hell did you do that?" I responded "Well i didn't try to cut myself!" to which he replied, "I wasn't talking about cutting yourself, you peckerhead!" Anyways, he told me what in hindsight was the obvious solution--hold some toilet paper on the cut until it stops bleeding, which occurred shortly thereafter. I couldn't look my dad in the face for at least a full day, I was so embarrassed!
Oof. Harsh father. If shaving didn't scar you for life, his words might have. Hope you two have made up.
Well, that about sums up our contest. A big thanks to Philips Norelco for providing us and our winners with arcitec razors, and thanks to everyone who wrote in or signed up to our mailing list. There's nothing like a good, mildly embarrassing shaving story. We'll have to do this again sometime.
Celebrity Facial Hair Friday - Uncle Sam
"This now ubiquitous image of Uncle Sam (right) was painted by James Montgomery Flagg in 1917 as a recruitment poster for the US army during World War I. (Thanks 
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