November 5th sees the anniversary of Guy Fawkes, it also sees Jockey Club Racecourses open the gates of Sandown Park for the men’s event of the year. Gentlemen’s Day is an action packed, fun-filled event which lends itself perfectly to the finer parts of your wardrobe. We’re giving 3 lucky winners the chance to get their hands on a pair of tickets for the day & a bottle of Wash With Joe™ Coffee Mint Body Wash. To enter, simply use the comment field below to tell us the name of your favourite grooming brand.

Winners will be randomly selected

Tickets are non-transferable / non-refundable

Closes October Midnight GMT25th

Look the part this summer by starting from within. Clear skin, a lean torso, healthy immune system and a little fitness assistance will all pave the way into a successful summer, whatever your success maybe…?

We’ve selected some of the most critically acclaimed diet supplements to help get you looking summer savvy this year.

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help: clear skin men – £9.99, www.workswithwater.co.uk

Packed with all the nutrients you need to achieve a flawless complexion this summer.

Trim by Anthony Inside – £40 www.anthony.com

Encourages the metabolism and reduces excess fat around the abdomen. Great results; drink plenty of water though, you’re mouth is sure to dry out.

Menscience Thermogenic Formula – £32.50 www.menscience.com

An exercise saviour. Thermogenic qualities will enhance performance and help maintain a more consistent fitness regime. Again, drink plenty of water, they can be quit dehydrating.

bee prepared by Un-bee-lievable health £17.35 www.unbeelievablehealth.co.uk

A potent pill packed with all the vital ingredients to bring your inner-self  back to health. Great for hangover cure too!

Nobody can survive summer without a set of super swimmers. We’ve selected the finest board shorts from this season’s leading designers. 5 of the most stylish pairs around, suitable for the most refined fellow.

Top tips:

Fuller figure – avoid patterned/striped

Slim waist – go for heavy detail

Short? – opt for something above the knee, anything which extends lower will reduce your height further.

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Corosol by Vilebraquin – £120 www.vilebrequin.com

Lido Reversible by Ralph Lauren – £100 www.ralphlauren.co.uk

Tuckernuck by Oiler & Boiler – £35 www.selfridges.com

Long Slim Swimmers by Paul Smith – £90 www.paulsmith.co.uk

Dane Board Shorts by Orlebar Brown – £139 www.orlebarbrown.co.uk

As the war against terror continues, the need for charitable assistance deepens.

Help for Heroes, a cause solely focused on the rehabilitation of our soldiers, have taken to the men’s underwear market in their latest attempt at increasing their fund raising outreach. The pants will launch on June 1st, retailing at just £12 per pair and, if purchased from hforhunderwear.com, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to this worthy cause.

Help for Heroes is one of few charities which assists in transitioning our military personnel from a life of adrenaline and danger to the serenity of a civilian existence. The charity prides itself on offering any help required within 72 hours of the need being identified.

Please help, £12 out of your back pocket will really make a difference. There’s very few things in life every man should own, Help for Heroes Underwear is one of them!

P.s. we’re backing the red and white ones!

Move with the times and protect your face from the damage caused by overexposure to the the sun. Back in the day, sitting awkwardly in the sun lounger, dripping in baby oil to maximise your melanin intense, tanned veneer was totally acceptable. Not anymore, a. the days of a tan looking cool are over, and, b. the damage is irreversible.

We’ve picked out some of the best men’s skin-care products to protect your from the harmful rays and reduce the effects of pre-mature ageing.

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OleHenriksen Skin Insulator Comforting Cream SPF15 £31/50g

www.olehenriksen.com

Korres Chestnut and Ruscus Anti-Ageing Cream SPF15 £22/50ml

www.carterandbond.com

Anthony Sun Spray SPF15 £23/177ml

www.anthony.com

HeadLube SPF-30 Moisturizing Lotion £14.50/237ml

www.carterandbond.com

Baxter of California Super Shape SPF15 £20/120ml

www.carterandbond.com

Regular trips to the dentist will help to keep your knasher’s in good repair, but why wait for your bi-annual check-up for an oral MOT? Simple steps, which require very little of your precious time, can help keep your teeth free of decay and free from the need of professional assistance. Bad breath something you’re concerned about? Worry not. Flossing, brushing and using inter-dental brushes can help to reduce the build-up of plaque and odour causing bacteria.

We’ve selected 5 of the best dental products on the market to aid your new-found, dental attention.

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Enlighten Tooth Whitening Serum – enlightensmiles.com

Recommended by 29 of the country’s leading dental proffessionals, this nano-repair whitening serum gives your smile some ‘zing.’ Used twice daily in replacement of your usual paste, Enlighten Tooth Whitening Serum is the only whitening treatment, worldwide,  guaranteed to deliver VITA shade B1.

Tepe Inter-dental Brushes – available from leading supermarkets

Used after brushing or on-the-go, Tepe Inter-dental brushes will help you to reach the nasties occupying 40% of the surface of your teeth which you cannot access with a conventional toothbrush. Great for stopping decay.

Tongue Detox – £3.25 available from leading supermarkets

This 2 handled tongue cleaner will strip your licker clean of odour causing germs, reducing bad breath and preventing plaque.

Sensitrol Bud – £3.25, available from Waitrose

It is estimated that 20 million people in the UK suffer the effects of dental sensitivity daily. 93% of Sensitrol Bud users reported a huge reduction in dental discomfort caused by sensitivity. Great for use after whitening treatments.

PlaqueOff by ProDen – £15.99 120 capsules, available from leading pharmacies

This revolutionary food supplement will help to reduce the build-up of plaque and assist in preventing ‘new’ deposits. Packed with natural Seaweed, PlaqueOff was accidentally discovered by a Swedish dentist monitoring his country clientele who ate the delicacy frequently.

Summer isn’t quite here yet so a versatile wardrobe is your key to spring-style success. Plaid shirts were massive last year, and unlike most trends, they’ve still around this year too. Team up your checked number with cargo shorts or jeans, roll up the sleeves and drop a few buttons open. Feeling adventurous? Raise the back of collar slightly for the ultimate, on-trend look.

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Hawke by Jack Wills – £59

jackwills.com

Double Faced, Funnel Shirt by ASOS – £30

asos.com

Plaid Flannel Shirt by Burberry Brit – £125

mrporter.com

Boot Check by Jack & Jones – £35

asos.com

Western Vintage Plaid by Levi’s – £162.50

mrporter.com

“Shave after showering, avoid electric razors and finish with a good moisturiser are just 3 of the expert tips from the male grooming crackerjack behind a whole new generation of macho pampering.”

International hair styling superstar, Nicky Clarke OBE, has become a household name throughout the land. A talent which attracts the most select clientele and a reputation worth its weight in gold are just two hallmarks from the hair dresser’s list of highly admired attributes.

Having been previously heavily associated with the female market, Nicky has decided to pave a whole new path through the world of male grooming. In keeping with the brands’ systemic approach, Nicky has enlisted the help of male grooming expert and stylist to the stars, Kelly Simpkin, to ensure the successful launch of a whole new male grooming era. Simpkin has worked within the brand for the past 7 years, serving her talents to some of the most famous faces in the UK and her enthusiasm for the male grooming market is not to be underestimated.

The Grooming Vault has occupied a previously redundant space within Nicky’s flagship salon, Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London. The cosy, ‘cave like’ room has been decked out in the most masculine manner and is truly a celebration of all things blokey. Vintage razors rest alongside shaving vessels of a bygone age to reflect the typical british gent who, historically, has always taken great pride in his appearance. The area is totally private making discretion the heartbeat of the operation and inviting the most uncommon clientele, making them feel totally at home.

Haircuts, wet-shaves and hot towel facials are just some of the luxury services offered in The Grooming Vault. Kelly’s ethos bleeds versatility, you call the shots, she’ll come up with the goods.

A resounding 5 star accreditation has to be awarded to this undeniably amazing concept. Keep your eyes peeled for a new name in male grooming who is, without a doubt, going to change the male pampering market beyond recognition.

nickyclarke.com

The healthy glow of summer skin doesn’t always come from weeks of sun drenched days on the beach. With health being top of all our agenda’s, faking it seems to be the way forward.

Self tanning solutions have been plagued by a stigma of ghastly, highly detectable smells and streak marks for as long as we can all remember. The rise of male interest in bronzing products has called for a more inconspicuous approach to formulating a self tan which doesn’t smell, doesn’t streak and is worthy of it’s weight in gold.

So, if you want a summer glow without looking too much like David Dickinson or Dale Winton, try one of our specially selected tanning products for men which have been tried and tested, and delivered the goods!

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Nickel’s Le Grand Bluff    £22/50ml

The latest launch from Nickel is a unique skin primer for men to give a flawless look to the skin. It conceals redness, dilated pores, mattifies skin and leaves the skin flawless. Suitable for all skin types. Light reflecting particles diffuse light and blur imperfections whilst Shea Butter nourishes the skin and smoothes out rough spots. Best for those looking for a light glow.

Rodial’s Brazilian Tan Daily    £40/150ml

Rodial Brazilian Tan Daily has a new moisturising lightweight formula with a hint of tanning agent. Enriched with Shea butter and vitamin E which is ultra-moisturising, leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated, whilst building a gradual tan. The final results are a natural looking tan and nourished skin. Instantly absorbed, meaning no “drying time.” Best for building a gradual tan, best for fair skin.

St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse    £3/200ml

St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse gives you a professional, flawless tan with minimal effort. St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse has been specially developed with ingredients which help to create an instant bronzing effect, providing you with a perfect, all over, professional self tan. Quick drying, and processes over a time period of around 4 hours to give you a natural looking, streak free golden self tan. Best for value for money.

He-Shi Dark Foaming Self Tanning Mousse    £27/150ml

The perfect formula to develop a deep dark tan instantly. He-Shi’s Dark Foaming Self Tanning Mousse is formulated to offer a streak free tan in seconds and leave the skin soft and smooth. The foam is easily applied and totally free from nasty smells.Best for instant glow.

Anthony for Men Self Tanner with Anti-Ageing Complex    £25/70g

Specifically formulated for men, Anthony for Men’s Self Tanner answers all our pale skin prayers. The cream is easily applied, streak free and offers great coverage. The anti-ageing complex within keeps the skin soft and smooth whilst offering total nourishment. Best for Performance.

Some of our most treasured grooming products may not be all they’re cracked up to be. Wrinkle diminishing, age-spot fighting, anti-ageing, well the list goes on. Cosmetic brands put some serious cash into research and come up with some astounding claims, to which, many of us express a cautious response. Do you ever look at the ingredients in a product before parting with your cash? Probably not. I know I certainly don’t, but after reading this you may well decide to adjust your buying behaviour.

Many skin-care manufacturers use preservatives to extend the shelf life of their products, some use oils to enhance the texture and some use ingredients which you’ll also find in your anti-freeze and your car’s engine oil. There are 4 main nasties which you must watch out for when picking your grooming goodies. Most of them will be disguised by scientific names, but as we become more conscious about what we put into and put onto our bodies, we’re becoming more aware, so take heed.

#Propylene Glycol (Alcohol)

Sounds fairly innocent. It’s a cosmetic form of mineral oil found in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid and industrial antifreeze. In the skin and hair, propylene glycol works as a humescent, which causes retention of moisture content of skin or cosmetic products by preventing the escape of moisture or water. The warnings include; users to avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as this strong skin irritant can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage. Found in wallpaper stripper.

A product we love which contains it – Molton Brown’s Re-Charge Black Pepper Body Wash. This is one of the best selling men’s grooming products and shames itself by containing some of the nastiest ingredients around.

#Parabens

Usually in one of 4 forms. Their efficacy as preservatives, in combination with their low cost, the long history of their use, and the inefficacy of natural alternatives like grapefruit seed extract (GSE), probably explains why parabens are so commonplace. Parabens have displayed the ability to mimic the female hormone- Estrogen, and coincidentally, have been found in small amounts on breast cancer tissue.

A product we love which contains them – Dermalogica’s Daily Defense Block SPF15. Unfortunately, a massive percentage of their range also contain parabens too, slap on the wrist for Dermalogica.

#Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)

Starting out as an industrial degreasing agent, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate has been used to clean the floors of garages and been hailed for its ability to strip oil from surfaces. Most commonly found in toothpastes and shampoos, this grease stripping trojan has been found to cause dysfunction to the biological systems of some of our organs and inhibit hair growth. Found in; Colgate Toothpaste & lots of shampoos.

#Petrochemicals

Derived from crude oil. Petroleum-based ingredients such as petrolatum, mineral oil, and paraffin (derived from nonrenewable sources) form a barrier when applied to the skin that does not allow it to breathe and can clog pores. Also responsible for trapping toxins in the skin.

Petrolatum found in; Carmex Lipbalm. No wonder you can still feel it hours after application.

The ingredients found in most skincare products will penetrate the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis). Some will be utilised, some won’t. So where do they end up?  A study in the USA has shown that 90% of the population have these chemicals present in their urine. So, are your skin-care products doing more than they should?