• Men's Grooming

Men’s Grooming: Preparing For A Big Event

Introduction

Whether you’re attending weddings, parties, proms, graduations – it’s approaching that time of year when our calendars are full of social events. After waiting all winter for a chance to eat, drink, party and be merry, quite frankly, it’s about time!

When preparing for a landmark occasion we all spend time thinking about what we’re going to wear (you’re in the right place if you’re looking for inspiration), but it’s just as important to spend some time on your grooming routine in the lead up to ‘event season’.

For me this is something that’s not only a great subject for an article, but also extremely topical. I’m off to Las Vegas in a couple of weeks, and the process detailed below is one I will be following myself.

So whatever your event and whatever your grooming expertise, you need to be prepared. And it starts long before the big day…

One Month Until The Event

Time For A New Hair Style?

I bumped into a friend the other day and his hair was more overgrown and bushy than I’d ever seen it. After I quizzed him on it (as you do) he said that he was “timing his hair cut” before going on holiday. He wanted to have it cut just before going away so he looked as sharp as possible, and this is certainly something to consider in the run up to your event. Do you like your hair freshly cut? Or do you prefer it a couple of weeks after your trim? You need to time it right.

If you’re thinking of a new hair style for your big event, you also need to plan ahead. You may need to grow out your current style, or book an appointment at a busy salon or barbers ? so thinking a month in advance always pays dividends.

Get inspiration for a new hair style here: Men’s Hair Trends For Spring/Summer 2013.

And consider all the relevant factors before taking the plunge: Picking A New Men’s Hairstyle.

Clear Up Your Complexion

If the condition of your skin is a real concern then there’s no better time to find a solution, especially if there’s lots of focus on you for the big event.

The three main areas for concern are acne, oily skin and dry skin as these are the skin types that produce more visible symptoms. For all these skin conditions you need to start at least a month in advance to give your skin time to respond to the professional products and to see the results coming through.

Best For Acne

• Murad Blemish Complex Kit Kit
• Anti Blemish Solutions Clearing Moisturiser 50ml
• Clinique Anti-blemish Cleansing Foam

Best For Dryness

• Clarins Super Moisture Balm 50ml
• Elemis Men Sos Survival Cream 50ml
• Clinique Skin Supplies For Men Maximum Hydrator 50ml

Best For Oily Skin

• Lab Series Skincare For Men Oil Control Daily Hydrator 50ml
• Men-u Matt Skin Refresh Gel 100ml
• Clinique Scruffing Lotion 4.5 Very Oily Skin

Two Weeks To Go

Trial & (Hopefully No) Error

As the big day draws closer it’s time to step your prep up a gear. If you’re adding products and procedures into your routine for the event, then now is the time to start testing them. The last thing you need is to try a new hair product or apply self tan for the first time in the final days before.

Testing all your routine in advance will mean that if there are any mishaps you’ve got plenty of time to correct them. And talking of tanning…

Time To Tan?

Special occasions and the need for a golden glow tend to go hand in hand. These days, even guys want to look back at their photos and see a healthy glow, or head off on holiday without looking like the Milky Bar kid. I would never advise anybody to use a sun bed as the health risks are simply too high, so the only question to ask yourself is whether you’re going to go instant or gradual?

Instant tanner gives you an (obviously) immediate impact, but the risks of patchy legs or an over the top glow are more of a concern. Gradual tanners can be applied over time in the run up to your event and do give you more control over your colour. I would advise any tanning first-timers to start with gradual, and if you’re more of an expert groomer then opt for the quick, quality results of the instant self tanner.

The Best Instant Tanners:

• St.tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse 120ml
• St.tropez Tan Applicator Mitt
• Xen-tan Mousse Intense 118ml

The Best Gradual Tan Lotions:

• No7 Naturally Sun Kissed Gradual Body Tan
• Gradual Tan Everyday Body Light / Medium
• Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Gradual Tanning Moisturizing Lotion 250ml

Body Grooming

Body hair may be a big concern for those of you getting some (or all) of your kit off as part of your big summer event. You don’t want to adopt the nickname of ‘Gorilla’ on your lads holiday, that’s for sure.

Again, this is something I would advise planning a couple of weeks in advance to make sure you get the look you want and to give yourself time for your hair to grow back in the event of any disasters.

FashionBeans Tip: if you are planning on applying fake tan as part of your routine then do your body hair removal first to make your application easier.

Your hair removal options…

Body Hair Trimming

Pros: The ‘gradual’, pain free option.

Cons: Stubbly re-growth and the worst option for complete removal.

• Philips Tt2040/32 Bodygroom Ultimate Metallic Finish Body Hair Clipper/shaver
• Babyliss 7180cu Dark Red Mini Trimmer
• Remington Pg6030 Edge All-in-1 Kit

Body Hair Waxing

Pros: The most effective removal method.

Cons: The pain, oh the pain.

• Parissa Tea Tree Express Wax Strips For Men Full Body Works 20s 10x 2 Sided Strips
• Nads For Men Body Wax Strips 20s
• Veet For Men Hair Removing Wax Strips Wax Strips 20 Strips + 4 Moisturising Wipes

Body Hair Removal Cream

Pros: Decent results if you’re looking for complete removal.

Cons: Messy, and harsh on sensitive skin.

• Nads Hair Removal Cream For Men 200ml
• Veet For Men Hair Removal Gel Creme 200 Ml
• Revitol Hair Removal Cream 1 ~ 4 Ounce Bottle

The Day Of The Event

The Finest Fragrance

Now the event is finally here, it’s about looking ? and smelling – great. Fragrances have become more of a day-to-day essential for the modern man, but the ‘special occasion’ scent can still have a big impact for you.

The key here is saving your favourite scent, your crowning fragrance glory, for the event in question. It needs to be striking, but not overpowering. It needs to be masculine, but not brutish. And it needs to be just as special as your outfit, your look and the big day.

Here are some of my favourite special occasion fragrances…

• Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau De Parfum 30ml
• D2 Potion Eau De Parfum Pour Homme
• Acqua Di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Bergamotto Di Calabria Eau De Toilette Spray
• Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Eau De Toilette

Shave The Day

A smooth, irritation free shave is an absolute essential for your event. Razor burn, bumps and cuts are not on the agenda today and you need to opt for top quality products and tools in order to prevent any shaving hiccups.

Take your time, ensure you wash your face thoroughly with warm water and rinse your blade throughout. Then if you choose the right products, like those below, the rest will take care of itself.

• Bolin Webb Rs-1 Razor Blue
• Merkur Futur Razor
• No7 For Men Anti-friction Shave Gel
• Kent Shaving Brush
• Men-u Barbiere Shaving Set – Red
• Kyoku For Men Sake Infused Shave Creme For Normal Skin 170 G/6.0 Oz

The Best In Body Care

It’s the finer body care details and the grooming basics that can often make all the difference. Firstly, your skin needs to be smooth to touch ? all over. Palmers Cocoa Butter is a fantastic product that will ensure you hit the beach, pool or * cough * bedroom with skin that’s noticeably soft.

Next, you need to avoid excessive perspiration and sweat patches like the plague ? which can be tough if the pressure and the temperatures are high. PerspireX, when used sparingly and as per the strict instructions, will ensure that you have absolutely nothing to worry about. No sweat!

Lastly, your nails, cuticles and eyebrows need to be in tip top shape to round off your look. The Gentlemen’s Hardware Manicure Set from John Lewis has everything you need to get these grooming basics right, and it comes in a handy travel pouch for grooming on the go.

• Perspirex Anti-perspirant Roll On 25ml
• Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Body Lotion – 1 X 250ml
• Gentlemans Hardware Manicure Set

The Final Word

Whatever event you’re attending this summer, and whatever you’re planning to wear, don’t let your grooming routine be your downfall. Make sure you plan well in advance and everything will go without a hitch – then just be yourself and don’t get too drunk.

Duncan Copeland

Our resident grooming expert. Has many years experience within the grooming industry after working for Lookfantastic.com. Articles are invaluable for men who want to look and feel their best all year round.