For guys, especially, establishing a good skin care regimen is often a daunting and tedious task but doing so is essential to maintaining balanced, healthy skin that stays moisturized.  Shaving can cause dryness and irritation so using a cleanser that provides fresh, moisturized skin is a big deal!  That being said, I’ve been using Neutrogena’s Transparent Facial Bar to cleanse nightly for a while and I thought I’d give you my review.  Check it out!

Packaging: Initially, this is what really drove me to give Neutrogena a shot.  It seems that the branding has been consistent for quite some time which makes it pretty recognizable on the shelf (in addition to the brand being advertised as #1 dermatologist recommended). I also appreciate the clean and simple design of the box as it lacks all the bells and whistles of some other popular brands. 3/5

Smell: There’s not much to say here, except that there’s nothing remarkable about the scent of this soap.  It has a fresh scent to it, but doesn’t smell natural which was definitely a problem for me. 2/5

Price: Arguably the product’s best-selling point, the product retails for $2.50 for a 3.5 oz bar, making it a great value. 5/5

Overall Impression: While I really wanted to like this one due to its affordability and availability, I can say that I will not be repurchasing Neutrogena’s Transparent Facial Bar.  I know what some people swear by it, however, without fail, I found that it stripped my skin of moisture and that’s exactly the opposite of what I need.  In my opinion, if you’re looking for a moisturizing wash, then steer clear of this one.   2/5

Image source: TheArtofBeingNormal.com

The men’s grooming industry is on the cusp of a boom of sorts.  Cosmetic and skin care companies alike are formulating new products geared towards men and writers around the world have noticed this trend as men across the globe are spending more and more on skin care and grooming products.  Even journalists are tapping into the changing norm in articles such as “Real men do beauty too.”  But, this new trend has some folks asking, are men becoming too “pretty”?

There are benefits to guys paying more attention to their looks and grooming habits…there is the obvious greater likelihood of attracting potential partners, but there has also been research to indicate that well-groomed men are deemed more attractive and competent in the workplace which opens up many doors as you can imagine.  While this isn’t necessarily politically correct, it’s a day-to-day reality that appearance really does matter.   Shaving, probably the largest market for men, is almost ubiquitous among men and many guys are starting to realize that shaving regularly wreaks havoc on your skin causing irritation, loss of moisture and potential scarring.

While grooming and beauty products have long been enormous markets for women, men are now starting to get more offerings as well. Companies like EVOLUTIONMAN and 4V00 offer various products such as nail varnish and skin powders and bronzers for men.  Obviously, not all men will venture outside of the box to these types of brands or products, but if you’ve been paying attention in the last twenty years you have most certainly recognized the movement from the stereotypical hypermasculine scruffy dude to the new stereotype of the well polished urbanite.  In my opinion, I appreciate the opportunity to try out new products and let other guys know about them, well because basically, this site wouldn’t exist without this switch in attitudes.  So I guess you just have to ask yourself, are men becoming too “pretty”?

I recently stumbled across this brand spotlight video from The Art of Shaving, a popular men’s grooming brand dedicated to helping all guys get the perfect shave.  While I haven’t personally tried their products, this video will definitely give you the basics to achieving the best shave.  The four elements of the perfect shave are:

• Prepare
• Lather up!
• Shave
• Moisturize

Any comprehensive skin care brand out now will use this as the foundation of their recommended shaving routine. Personally, I’ve found that I have cleaner, softer skin AND I can’t remember the last time I nicked myself shaving!  I highly recommend Shea Moisture’s Shave & Groom Set or EVOLUTIONMAN products.  I’ve used both and have had great results.

Way back in the day, Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding was one of the first products I tried when I started growing out my fro. It’s promises elongated and defined coils for natural curls and fros so I thought it would be a good fit.  Ultimately, I loved the look of my hair when I used it but felt it did nothing for the health or feel of my hair.  I recently began using it again to see if my opinion changed and I thought I’d share my experience with all of you.  Enjoy! Read on for the full review…

Sophisticated. Modern. Light.  These are the three words that come to mind when I think about Frederick Benjamin products. After years of working in the industry, Michael James founded Frederick Benjamin as a bit of an homage to his ever so-stylish grandfather.  When I came across Frederick Benjamin products, I was instantly excited about the brand’s emphasis on providing multicultural men with modern and sophisticated products, which is missing from the current marketplace.  Frederick Benjamin meet MANE MAN!  Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my first impressions of the Frederick Benjamin hair care line.

Shampoo (Invigorating Cleanser): I have to admit, I was a little skeptical of using the shampoo. All of Frederick Benjamin’s products are designed for normal to dry scalp and hair and the second ingredient in this product is Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a product that many natural hair care enthusiasts (including myself) try to avoid as much as possible.  Many people claim SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) is drying to hair and since most traditional shampoos use it, I found it very surprising that I didn’t find this shampoo drying at all.  I actually found it to be quite gentle on my scalp (and my self diagnosed dermatitis).  The combination of oils left my hair and scalp feeling clean, nourished and not stripped of natural oils.  Overall, a very good product. Oh, and it smells minty too!

Conditioner (Invigorating Moisturizer):  Like the invigorating cleanser, Frederick Benjamin’s conditioner also has a minty, natural smell.  I personally don’t find it overwhelming and unlike some other mint-based products I’ve used, once I started using the conditioner, I actually started to feel my scalp tingle a bit.  I definitely got the feeling that something was happening up there (my head) and it was a pretty enjoyable experience. My only real qualm about the product is that it didn’t have a lot of slip so those with longer and thicker hair may want to take extra care to be patient when detangling. That being said, on my second try, I used a bit of Tresemme Naturals Conditioner with it and was then able to detangle with relative ease.

Daily Hydrator (Styling Creme): By the time I applied the styling creme on wet, clean hair my scalp was tingling away.  And I mean TINGLING! This product is super lightweight which made it surprising that I enjoyed it as much as I did, especially because I tend to favor heavier creams and puddings for styling.  I really love the softness that I get once this dries, and it dries relatively quickly.

Overall Impression: So far I have thoroughly enjoyed using Frederick Benjamin products. This line provides me with soft and touchable hair while providing lasting moisture and hydration.  In my book, Michael James has absolutely filled a gap in the male grooming market and I’m excited to continue using the products and see what he comes up with next!

Last week I headed to my go to spot, Afrigenix, for a quick trim cut because the fro was starting to get a little too big and the ends were looking a little, well…ragged.  Luckily, I easily got to book an appointment (which is always a plus for Afrigenix) with my favorite stylist, Asatta.  The funny part is, Asatta cut away for a good twenty minutes and looked at me in the mirror and said something to the effect of, (Sigh) “It looks like I didn’t cut anything!”  I reassured her that it looked shorter to me but this is proof that my thick mane can wear down even the most dedicated of stylists.  Asatta, you did a great job, thank you! Here are a few things I like about Afrigenix:

• Courteous staff and customers.  I have to admit the first time I went into Afrigenix, I was nervous as I’m not used to going to salons for hair care.  As many of you know, barber shops have a totally different vibe, but I was pleasantly surprised that everyone I have ever run into at Afrigenix is nothing but professional and courteous.
• Reasonable prices.  Now on this one, I have to piggy back on feedback from other customers.  Truth be told, I was used to going into a barber shop and paying $20 total for a shape up and cut.  While Afrigenix has reasonable prices, I have to say that the first time I went there I experienced a bit of sticker shock.  However, I have to say that apparently Afrigenix is a good value, especially in NYC.
• Versatility of styling options.  While I don’t get any styling done while I’m there the salon offers a variety of styling options for both naturals and non-naturals alike.

Before the cut!

After the cut..the picked out fro!

So far I’ve had a pretty good track record using Shea Moisture body products.  While I have sampled a couple of the hair products, I have had such great results with the body products I keep forgetting to buy the hair stuff!  I got this product from a friend who used it on her chemically treated hair and found it too greasy, so we thought my natural mane might soak it right up.  Today, I am reviewing Shea Moisture’s Raw Shea Reconstructive Elixir.

Packaging:  The Raw Shea Butter Reconstructive Elixir is pretty true to Shea Moisture’s consistent branding.  From a marketing standpoint, I think Shea Moisture really has a great look that’s pretty androgynous and unassuming.  That is certainly something I appreciate!

Consistency: The elixir itself is housed in a helpful spray bottle which aids in product distribution. I tried the elixir right out of the spray bottle and found that the pump wasn’t good for me as I tend to get trigger happy when using pumps and this left my hair feeling super oily and greasy.  Then I sprayed the product into my hands and still found it to be oily.  So I put on my thinking cap and used another empty spray bottle and put in 1 part elixir to about 5 parts water and voila!  This was the best use of the product for my hair as my mane seems to have a hard time absorbing shea and other thick butters. My simple concoction is a great daily moisturizer.

Smell: This product is all shea!  If you’re familiar with shea butter (and like the smell) then you will likely appreciate the smell of Shea Moisture’s Reconstructive Elixir.  If not, then be prepared for the seriously nutty smell.  I am more or less neutral on the smell, but I’d generally describe it as a pleasant nutty smell.

Price: Generally retailing for $9.99, the 4 oz. elixir is currently on sale at Walgreens.com for $7.99.  Given that a little goes a long way, I imagine this product could easily stay in your medicine cabinet for months. I’d say that’s a pretty good value.

Overall Impression: In its original form, Shea Moisture’s Raw Shea Reconstructive Elixir is simply too much oil for my hair, but with a little coaxing I was able to create a daily spritz/midday moisturizer that is pretty good at reviving second day curls and softening my mane while offering protection from the elements.  You also get a pretty healthy shine, which is good for those with super kinky, coily natural hair.

As you should know by now, Lenny Kravitz is probably my biggest style icon and he was a great inspiration in my decision to start growing my fro.  Like I wrote before, I even took a picture of him to the barber and said, “I want my hair to look like this!”  Fast forward a couple of years and I’ve only just discovered this video on You Tube of Lenny in the Bahamas doing what I’ve done in the shower for a while now…The Shakeout!

P.S. I always wondered what I looked like shaking about and its pretty awkward to watch someone do it LOL

Disclosure: Products for review were provided courtesy of Jack Black.

Created in 2000, Jack Black is a popular men’s skin care brand which emphasizes the use of plant extracts and herbs in indulgent formulations designed to keep men’s skin care fresh and simple.  Recently, I had the chance to sample part of the line up and wanted to give you all my first impression of the line.  Read on for more!

Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser:  One of my favorite things about this product has to be the smell. The Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser is made with aloe and sage which gives this cleanser a fresh yet earthy smell which is perfect for the warmer months.  I enjoyed using the product but found the consistency to be a bit too thin for me.  A 6 oz. tube will run you a hefty $18.  MANE MAN’s rating 3/5.

Intense Therapy Lip Balm:  This is one of my favorites from the sample pack. The great thing about the lip balm is that it comes in different flavors and formulations for those with the most discerning taste.  I used the Natural Mint and Shea Butter Balm and it has proven to be a great choice for the Spring months. Plus, you get a little tingle from the mint everytime you use it.  It’s seriously good stuff and no wonder this balm won Esquire’s Award in 2007 for Best Balm.  A .25 oz. tube retails for $7.50. MANE MAN’s rating 4/5.

All Over Wash: This one was probably my least favorite of the bunch. While I enjoyed the scent, I felt that the product didn’t really deliver the moisture and gentle cleansing properties touted on the bottle.  It wasn’t bad per se, it just left me expecting more. MANE MAN’S rating 2/5.

Double Duty Face Moisturizer:  This award winning moisturizer is,by far, my favorite of the bunch!  The Double Duty Face Moisturizer can only be described as an essential tool in any man’s arsenal.  First off, the smell is awesome.  It’s fresh and light and instantly made me long for beach time in the Summer.  Is it July yet?! Made with Algae Extract and Sea Kelp, this moisturizer is simply smooth, uber light and easily distributes (even over a 5 o’clock shadow).  Did I mention it provides broad spectrum protection for both UVA and UVB rays? Well done Jack Black, well done. MANE MAN’s rating 5/5.

The current line up...it's like a little Shea Moisture family, huh?

I haven’t always had a love affair with shea based products. In fact, I’ve found very few of them to be great with my mane but since I started using Shea Moisture body products regularly, I’ve found a greater appreciation for all things shea.  Fortunately for me, Shea Moisture provided some products for review and I have yet to be let down by their body products.  Here’s my take on a piece of the stash, read my review of Shea Moisture’s Three Butters Wash & Scrub.

Packaging:  I get the impression that Shea Moisture made a concerted effort with this product and the Shave and Groom Set to create a set of specific products targeted to male consumers.  Blue is historically masculine and happens to be one of my favorite colors anyway, so that paired with an amber-colored clear bottle is pretty cool.  It even matches my Yankees themed bathroom (LET’S GO YANKEES! *insert claps here*).  I think most guys wouldn’t mind having this sitting around their shower stall at all, at least I know I didn’t.

Consistency:  With a name like Three Butters, one would expect to get a milky smooth texture and that’s exactly what you get here. Made up of shea, mango and avocado butters this stuff has a pretty rich and luxurious feel to it.  When I first started using the wash I was impressed immediately. It’s just SO smooth and, like the face wash, has jojoba beads for added moisture. The formulation here works so well and the consistency and feel rivals some more mainstream (and expensive) competitors.

Smell: The wash has a very distinct earthy, nutty scent which is great for those seeking mild, natural scents.  There’s also this bright note likely due to the orange and bergamot oils.  To me, it’s damn near perfection.

Price: Most of Shea Moisture’s products retail for about $10.

Overall Impression: Man, this stuff is just…awesome.  Ever since I discovered Shea Moisture’s Three Butters Wash & Scrub I don’t like using anything else.  This wash delivers a natural earthy smell, gentle cleansing properties and moisture all in one.  If you’re a guy and looking for a new wash to try start here!