Photo by Jennifer Ryan Jones Some basic summer grooming issues need to be addressed before cannonballing into the pool. Yes, we're looking at you, Chewbacca. As you know, wearing less clothing leaves you more exposed. And bright sunshine, a.k.a. the harsh light of day, can be quite revealing when it comes to seasonal grooming situations. Follow these fresh-out-of-hibernation tips prior to unleashing that summer bod on the beach.
No, you don’t have to shave your legs. It’s perfectly acceptable to sport some body hair. However, if your chest fur is too long, you should take a trimmer and thin out your pectoral mane. That goes for bushy arm pit hair and anything hanging out of your swim trunks as well. However, when it comes to back hair, everything must go. Designed like a back scratcher with a double-cartridge, Bakblades Back Shaver 2.0 allows you to get to those hard-to-reach spots and shave your hair sweater on your own. Or, you can seek professional help and make an appointment to get your back waxed at a spa. Either way, a clean ,hairless back looks better, feels better and will keep you cool all summer.
Pro Tip: Afraid of waxing? Take a long hot shower or soak in the tub to soften hair and open pores. Pop a pain reliever before you go and the whole process will be less painful.
De-claw yourself. It’s flip-flop weather and nobody wants to see your talons stretching over the tops of your mandals. Treat yourself to a relaxing pedicure and get your toes in tip-top shape at a reputable men's spa. Or D.I.Y. at home. Start with a good soak. Adding Epson salt to your hot water will relieve tired feet, deodorize and kill bacteria. Give your dogs a good foot scrub. Clip and file your toenails.
Pro Tip: Ingrown toenails are nasty and they hurt. Give your little piggies some love about every 6-8 weeks. Use a bigger clipper designed specifically for feet and make a straight cut across the nail as cutting them on a curve can cause the sides to grow into the skin.
Exfoliate with a gritty scrub and lift off dead skin cells. Your skin will look less ashy and your sunscreen will absorb better. Anthony Sea Kelp Body Scrub utilizes Blue Sea Kelp extract and Sea Salt to get rid of dirt and grime. Pay special attention to the barnacles on your feet and elbows.
Pro Tip: Give dry brushing a try. Take a natural brush with a long wooden handle, start at your feet and work your way up using circular motions. Dry brushing boosts circulation and supports the lymphatic system. It’s an energizing way to loosen dead surface skin as your scrub finishes the job.
Sweating your ass off isn't a look. Like the dreaded pit stains, summer swamp ass is NOT hot. Keep your cool by wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing. And combat heat and humidity with a little powder down below. Keep your boys fresh and friction free with Grooming Lounge Super Powder. It's light and absorbent and will help with itching and chaffing as well.
Pro Tip: Powder works to take beach sand off your body as well. Dust your feet and body with a little powder and brush with a dry towel. See ya, sand!
Sunscreen doesn’t have to be greasy. Try using Jack Black Oil-Free Sun Guard Very Water Resistant Sunscreen SPF 45. Perfect for sweaty athletes and sun tanning slackers alike, this vitamin-enriched formula with will protect your skin from the harmful UVA/UVB rays for up to 80 minutes. Go ahead, take the plunge, this sunscreen won’t run in your eyes.
Pro Tip: Avoid using spray-on sunscreens that blow in the wind. To ensure full coverage, put your first layer of sunscreen on at home. Be sure to slather it on all the places you usually miss. Get the top of your ears, your neck and the tops of your feet.
Hailing from all over the country these bourbons defy the odds with their reasonable price tag and can turn a nightcap into a night you’ll (hopefully) never forget. Here are the seven best bottles of bourbon under $100.
