Alum is a natural antiseptic that, when used for shaving, can calm irritated skin and stop bleeding on any cuts. To use, you simply get it wet and rub it over your skin, pausing for a few seconds on any cuts. Given that it is an astringent, it will sting a bit.

Alum is actually a salt and was first used for shaving 4000 years ago by the Egyptians. This type of alum, potassium alum, can also be used as a natural deodorant often referred to as "crystal deodorant." [Wikipedia] Obviously, if you are looking for a deodorant, get a second block.

Tags: alum block, the art of shaving, alum, crystal alum, crystal deodorant, potassium alum, shaving, grooming, antiseptic, aftershave

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Ianiv before his shave (that’s only 2 days of hair growth, if you can believe it):

1. Prepare - Pre-Shave Oil softens beard and prepares for the shave. Made from essential oils and all-natural ingredients.
2. Lather Up - Shaving Cream made with glycerin, coconut oil and essential oils. You only need a pea size amount. Simply lather with fingers or the Genuine Badger Shaving Brush.
   
3. Shave – Shaving technique is still key (Ianiv’s leaves something to be desired, I do admit). Repeat steps 1 to 3 for a closer shave.
   
4. Alum – I will review the alum block in my next post. It’s basically an antiseptic to ease irritation.
   
5. Moisturize – After-Shave Balm made from grapeseed extract, shea butter and vitamin C, and free of alcohol.
   

Yes, it still looks like Ianiv has hair on his face, but really he doesn’t. His hair is so thick and dark that even when he goes over twice and makes it baby smooth he has the full beard outline. However, I must say it has been one of his most successful shaving routines yet. Not only is it nicer on the skin, but also far more interesting a process.

Available at detailsformen.com for $38.

Tags: art of shaving, shaving, how to shave, shaving products, aftershave, alum block, preshave oil, face, face products, grooming, grooming for men

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The Torquay Sweatshirt by Reef ($56) is a great example of wide horizontal stripes. The combination of colors and unusual stripe variation makes it a very attractive stripe, one less prone to widening the figure. Cotton fleece.

Tags: reef, torquay sweatshirt, sweater, sweatshirt, track jacket, mens fashion, men fashion, men sweater, shopping

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Via product dose ; Tags: belts, belt, quicksilver, mens fashion, fashion, fashion tips

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Conair makes an electric beard groomer with a 2-blade system to tackle thick facial hair as well as quick touch ups. Probably best reserved for travel rather than regular use.

Via product dose ; Tags: conair, beard, beards, beard trimmer, grooming, mens grooming

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1. Two-button suits make you look slimmer
2. Your suit is probably too large. The shoulder of the jacket should hug your shoulders, not stick out. Arm length to hinge of the wrist, pants to break only once.
3. Toe caps on leather dress shoes keep ‘em nice longer
4. Wooden hangers. Because you’re supposed to care what your clothes look like not on you too (I give this a whatever)
5. Charcoal grey v-neck sweaters are universal
6. J.M. Weston belts are classic
7. Slim ties make you look younger. (I say no to this one)
8. Buy a tailored raincoat / trench
9. If you rent tuxes a lot, consider investing in a classic style
10. Tape rollers are the best for lint
11. Learn how to tie a bow tie – no clip ons allowed
12. A long dark scarf can be worn even when it’s only slightly cold out
13. Make your tie dimple
14. Cordovan shoes are a good investment (easy on the product placement, hey?)
15. Dryclean infrequently. Steam press instead.
16. Square pocket squares, not puffy ones
17. Have an extra dress shirt at the office
18. Keep your overnight toiletries kit packed
19. Hand press your shirts – no starch
20. Grey crew necks are back in (I’m iffy on this)
21. Get a murse shoulder bag
22. You can go beltless with a two-button suit
23. You can wear cufflinks without a tie
24. Sunglasses with a suit look chic
25. Dress down a suit with Sambas, no tie, no belt and a layered jacket

Ok, so I agree with most of the recommendations. Some are a little too dapper, not my style, and who really needs to wear a tux that much, but I like some of the more practical suggestions. The lint roller is one good one – tip: leave one in the car!

Tags: gq, style, style rules, fashion, fashion advice

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Available at Barneys for $90

Tags: polo, polo shirt, trovata, barneys

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Keep your eye out for great ties & clothes, and maybe even a fragrance or two.

Tags: sale, barneys, barneys new york, hot deals, warehouse sale

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The tips:

1. don’t wear socks with sandals
2. untuck that shirt
3. free shirts are not stylish
4. running shoes are only for sports
5. throw out anything with a hole, stain or fade
6. avoid pleats and tapers
7. facial hair is risky, trim it off
8. nails are important
9. white socks are for sports
10. always wear a belt

I love the top one. You can read my rant on that here.

Tags: fashion tips, fashion, fashion for nerds, guys, dating

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b5media, the network this blog belongs to, has set up a donation drive with the American Heart Association to raise money to fight against heart disease and strokes. During the month of February, we will be campaigning to raise $5,000 for the American Heart Association.

Take a stand against heart disease and help us meet this goal.

Check here for daily updates on the money raised so far.

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