Nur and friends were ogling at Katy Perry’s inspired nail colours while I went to explore Robinsons. I was eyeing a new fragrance scent as my Armani Attitude and CK BE already ran out. I’m the type of man that looks for a new scent that invokes the senses. Also, it has to be strong and interesting. After being dissed by a rude sales staff, I walked nonchalant towards the Ralph Lauren counter expecting a similar service. To my surprise Kevin was extremely friendly. He gave me a few scents for me to identify my style of fragrance choice and finally took out his choices for me. I had to choose between Polo Black, Polo Double Black and finally the new fragrance by Ralph Lauren Big Pony Collection: Seductive.

I love a scent that is easily recognisable and lingers on even after I have left the room. I hate fresh scents as it smells exactly like soap. If I want a fresh scent, all I need to do is go have a bath. In the mix of coffee beans and the scents, I finally took my choice.

Ralph Lauren Big Pony Collection has four scents for you to choose from and Number 2 was my choice. The red bottle Seductive. It had a spicy scent that was mixed with dark chocolate (this was informed to me by Kevin the Salesman) and certainly left people wanting more (especially the ladies). Haha. Indeed, a delightful aphrodisiac fragrance that whets the appetite.

The Seductive No. 2 of the Ralph Lauren Big Pony Collection is available at all department stores. It is going for $125 at Robinsons. Also, it is available online at www.ralphlauren.com for US$65.

Now, honestly I have never quite favour hair removal creams. I think, they are a messy lot. Well, during the ice-age, when yours truly was experimenting with beauty for probably the first time, I chanced upon a very old tube of Nair Hair Removal Cream. I read the instructions and tried it out. It was a disaster. The smell was pungent, while the procedure made a total mess of my floor. On top of that, I had a weird reaction towards the cream. Safe to say, from that day onwards, I vowed never to try any hair removal creams.
 
That is, until recently. I had set one of my off days specifically for grooming myself, but because I had visitors the whole day, I could not escape into seclusion. Therefore, I opted to giving Veet a chance it never had.
 
I was absolutely thankful that my sister had bought the spray-on hair removal cream as compared to other more traditional hair removal creams whereby you will need your hands to help lather the cream all over your skin. This method shortens the application time by half. All I did was spray enough cream on to the desired body part and I’m good to go. The spray gave a good cream coverage over my skin while I wait for it to work its wonders.
 
While waiting (five minutes as instructed), I went about doing other toilet duties such as brushing my teeth and washing my face. After that, it was back to the hair removal procedure. The Veet Spray-On Hair Removal Cream comes with a handy spatula to help wipe-off the cream. It works just like your normal shaver without the razor sharp blades.
 
Hair comes off very easily with each glide of the spatula. Once I was done, it was back to the shower and off goes the cream. The only bad experience I have from trying the cream out is the strong scent. I wonder why do all hair removal cream have a very strong acrid-like smell.
 
However, a major downside as compared to epilating, hair growth rate is much faster too. This is because, only the top is sort of chopped off just like shaving. Within days I can feel soft stubbles growing on my what was supposed to be satin-like legs. Haiz….
 
Nur @ ilovelookinggood

The hunt for a new face wash is finally here once again. I did love my Men-Ufacial set but for the benefit of our readers, here i am sacrificing my clean handsome face (Haha! ;p) to test out the current brands in the market! I was at Watson Takashimaya when i finally made my purchase upon the advice of Men’s Health magazine award 2009 : Nugeno Men Cool Facial Set! 

Well, a few brands caught my eye while i was skimming the shelves and I was looking at Givenchy & Skin Lab. However, you can thank the Watson staff that simply won me over.

 I am fine with cleansers as I feel most in the market does the job. I am though very particular on moisturisers. I tend to perspire a lot and irritates the hell out of me when my sweat mixed with the moisturiser begins to burn my eyes. Trust me, its not a pretty sight. When i noticed it was a cream, I was skeptical as am sure it was gonna give me those burning sensations in my eyes. But upon testing, the moisturiser is cool! It leaves a refreshing cold touch that immediately saturates into the skin pores (All thanks to the menthol feeling). Even when I sweat, no burning sensation occurs near my eyes. Another important aspect is the oil control and SPF25 sunblock chemical.

The cleanser gives a nice tight clean feeling after the wash. I can feel my skin being rejuvenated and indeed begin to imagine my dark circles start to disappear. Sadly though, it reappeared later in the day. But, it is a good cleanser that doesn’t dry the skin and gives a smooth deep cleansing touch.

Frankly, I kinda like this set. A refreshing, super absorptive and brilliant facial set for men! The Menthol Men Moisturiser goes for $9.95 while the cleanser is $8.90 at Watsons. Do give it a try and feel the difference today.

Fai @ ilovelookinggood

Do read my other post – Go Fresh with Men-U Facial Products

Guys, have you ever been in this position before? Not noticing that your underarms are drenched in sweat and its smell affects your love life and is the bane of your working colleagues and friends. Fret not! For there is a simple solution: DEODORANTS!

Armpit stains and odours are becoming an increasing bane in Singapore. Thanks to our humid weather and packed transport systems, a whole train ride from Joo Koon to Pasir Ris can be filled with many aromas and odours.

However, men are especially at fault. Our scents are far more stronger and destructive compared to women. The onset begins from the age of puberty, these strong smells grow to such devastating effects.

Thus, it is important to arm yourself with deodorants. This shall inform you the many types of men’s deodorants available in the market. But before that, being the Science geek that I am, here are some interesting scientific facts.

Science Bit (Warning ONLY FOR GEEKS!)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deodorant

Human sweat is actually odourless. That is till it is fermented by bacteria. Bacteria loves to grow in hot & humid which is unfortunately found in our underarms. The primary cause of odour is 3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid which is produced by bateria after ingesting sweat from apocrine glands. One interesting fact is that our underarm hair actually reduces body odour by wicking away the moisture on our underarms thus preventing it from developing body odour. Deodorants use aluminium based products most notably being Aluminium Zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly. These aluminium based complexes bind with electrolytes in sweat to form plugs that blocks glands from releasing sweat. COOL STUFF EH!

Deodorants

There are many different types now in the market.

Different Effects

• Anti-perspirant (Removes sweat)
• Anti-odour (Removes smell) 

Also different application methods

• Spray On
• Roll On

And the product base

• Gel
• Stick

These different type enables you to choose which style you like. As for me, i like anti-perspirant, roll on stick based. The spray on doesn’t last long enough for me and i kinda not like the feeling of gel based on my underarms. But each person is not alike thus choose which one you like most.

These are the products that I usually used that are easily available.

Nivea for Men Dry Anti-Perspirant

My first spray on deodorant. Simple to use, easy and able to spray whole body. Unfortunately, it doesn’t give long protection for me.

Nivea Roll-on

I then tried the roll-on. Last longer but sadly though, I began to develop a rash with many bumps on my underarms. Scared me to hell. Ever since then, no Nivea roll-on for me.

Rexona Men Anti-Perspirant Ice Cool

My true love. I have been with Rexona all the way with its smooth touch and scent. And most importantly, NO BUMPS!

Speed Stick Musk Deodorant

However, my love with Rexona is temporarily put on hold as Mustafa didn’t bring in the shipment. So now am currently trying out Speed Stick Musk. At first, my skin had a reaction on the first day where by i started to sweat a lot. But now, it seems all smooth and dry the whole day.

Body Shop for Men Deodorant

Well, am planning to try this out soon. I have been getting many friends recommending me this product. I will give it a try next time.

Fai @ ilovelookinggood

However, I can’t say the same for my face. Haha. Thanks to late nights & short sleeps, I have gained a dull complexion with many breakouts. I guess the bacteria on my skin has acclimatised to my MEN U Facial wash. It’s time to get a new facial set & indeed I have been eyeing the Face Shop Pure Facial Care for Men.

The Face Shop is indeed becoming one of my favourites for facial care. Frankly, I really like their products because they are an Asian company originating from Korea. I believe that we Asians have to buy products made by Asians cause they fully understand our climate and our skin conditions. Thus, i tend to lean more to Asian & Australian products. I have faith in The Face Shop products thanks to their BB Cream & their Eye mask (Hang on, I still havent tried the eye mask yet. HEhe.).

The Pure facial line for men is low in alcohol, oil and fragrance. Its bamboo and other botanical extracts purify skin while controlling excess sebum production, tighten pores, soothe and soften rough skin. Frankly, I love this set of toner, scrub & emulsion lotion. I love the smell and frankly the feel is indeed soothing on the skin. Its not those flowery scents but those woody strong men smell. So guys, do head on down and give a try for THE FACE SHOP PURE facial care for Men.

Fai @ ilovelookinggood

Thus, I decided to give it a try. Brazilian at Gold Dust. Hey! Grooming down under is as important as epilating/shaving/waxing/ your underarms.

The service I had gotten at Gold Dust was extremely very personal. Firstly it is because Gold Dust is not just any waxing parlour but someone’s home. Kerry, the brains and beauty behind Gold Dust had made the room very relaxing and welcoming. She was also very patient and meticulous with me. She made sure I was ok each time I made faces when she pulled the hard wax away from me skin. She didn’t even rush the whole procedure. I really felt comfortable.

On top of all that, Kerry advised me on how to take care of my southern hemisphere. Yes ladies, do not forget applying lotion even on that area after your brazilian session. Kerry shared with me that exfoliating alone does not help. Apparently, the southern hemisphere needs the same attention as the rest of our skin. Thanks Kerry for the tip!  Now I’m experiencing lesser ingrown hairs.

Anyways, on top of the good service and all, Gold Dust has one of the most affordable Brazilian package. Definitely very worth it.

I’ve signed up for one and am just waiting to go back there. You can visit Gold Dust at www.thegolddust.com or simply just call her immediately.

What are you waiting for?

Nur @ ilovelookinggood

Anyways, most people know by now that I swear by epilation for hair removal. Now, Braun has come up with a revolutionary next generation epilator. Braun Silk Epil Xpressive 7781. I know I know, I am a tad too late. But I can’t help being busy and tired since I’ve started my new job.

So, the new Silk Epil Xpressive comes with SIX breakthrough features.

1. NEW patented hairlift system resulting in smooth skin for up to 4 weeks.
2. NEW flexible pivoting head. Meaning, the savvy epilator can adapt to our body contours.
3. IMPROVED Active Massage Attachment to minimalise any discomfort.
4. NEW fully washable.
5. NEW rechargeable model. No more cords! Yay!! :p
6. Lastly, the pack comes with pre epilation wipes courtesy of Olay.

The downside is, since this is latest technology and currently the only one in the market, you won’t be able to get in on sale. The damage to your wallet will be S$169.90.

Although, I must admit, it is all worth it. Did I mention, it comes with a smaller attachment head so you can do your upperlips too? Yup!!

Enjoy ladies!!

Do read my other post : Fashion Red

Nur @ ilovelookinggood

Viva Woman tells you how you can use evening primrose oil to calm your acne flare ups.

Lipstick Addict makes a review on Artdeco Pure Minerals Compact Powder for the very first time!

Have dry, dull and lifeless hair? Beauty Tyrant has found the answer to shiny, beautiful hair.

Beauty411 spotlights the Lancome C’est Magnifique Holiday Collection. Stop by and enter the giveaway for Le Vernis Nailcolor in Midnight Glam!

Neon Bible tells you the best holiday gift to give to the fashionista in your crew.

Beauty Junkies Unite finds out if Sephora Brand really does have the Tricks of The Trade! Does the new eyeshadow primer and lip peel really work?

Mother Blogger Beckie of Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog shares with you 9 tips to keep you safe and beautiful as seen through the eyes of rapists and date rapists.

MissWhoever You Are shows you how to get Zoe Saldana’s gorgeous outfit without the hefty price tag.

Has Boutique Flair‘s Krista had one too many Coronas with lime? Check out her Crabtree & Evelyn’s Aromatherapy Distillations Revitalizing – Conditioning Body Lotion review, and judge for yourself!

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings has found a great, not to mention fool-proof, way to get someone you love a new scent for the holidays without buying something they won’t like! Read all about it here!

Beauty 365 is giving away a Carol’s Daughter gift set. Be a doll and enter today!

Frappelattes smells and reviews Britney Spears Believe fragrance, a sweet guava scent spiced with warm patchouli and sensual amber notes!

eye4style visits the Times Square Sephora for an Eye Studio experience!

The Makeup Divas introduces you to a new product invention that will protect and keep your makeup brushes safe.

A Mom in Red High Heels shows you how to get gorgeous Holiday Hair in a Hurry!

TotalBeauty.com shows you how to recreate the “Four Christmases” star’s hairstyles in their How to Steal Reese Witherspoon’s Look photo gallery.

Mineral Makeup Reviews takes a look at Colorescience Mineral Makeup, which was created by the original creator of Bare Minerals Foundation.

Suzanne at RN Guide to Skin Care explains the benefits of Retinol in Skin Care and reviews Retinol Products.

See why The Beauty Blog thinks that philosophy supernatural concealer is the best concealer on the planet.

I Heart Heels is totally loving Rock & Republic Cosmetics. Check out the review!

Indian Girl tells you why your nearest drug store is THE place to shop for Skincare and Makeup !

How To Get Lindsay Lohan’s Metallic Nail Polish Look-by Talking Makeup.

The Advice Sisters feels “Diversion” is a serious issue in the beauty industry you should know about but she’s also been blogging about holiday beauty, too!

It’s ’90s Ladies week at Beauty Blogging Junkie! Click here to read about what examples of ’90s pop culture has inspired Amber’s product choices.

Nur @ I Love Looking Good loves the smell and touch of Brylcreem on her Jaan’s (bf) hair. Hair Styling’s Easy with Brylcreem and it is THE hair product to recommend your beloved boyfriend or husband.

Makeup By Ren Ren shows you some inexpensive ways to get to get glossy hair.

Glossypink shows you a lotion that will give you the softest skin of your life!

The girls over at Beauty in Real Life show you how to achieve a great everyday/causal eye with Smashbox. Click here to view.

The Jet Set Girlstell how to use Urban Decay Primer Potion in two new ways.

Daily Dose of Coffee takes a look at a brand new acne treatment called Niapads.

I have seen the dawn of the God of all SHAVERS!

And it’s name is Schick Quattro Titanium!

As you all should know by now, I am a hairy man. And i require shaving. Many times a week. I have always been a Gillette man with the Mach 3 as my most preferred shaver. However, things changed. People change, economies change and certainly preferences to shavers change. To begin with I have never been a brand loyal person.  I am one that is practical especially with efficiency and price.

So what led to my betrayal? So audacious to leave my lovable Mach 3?

Well, it’s because Schick Quattro Titanium has a unique trimmer. The trimmer fits nicely in the shaver & that it’s battery operated. So there’s no need for wires for charging and stuff. Haha. Brilliant for my sideburns. Nurul just hate my sideburns so I am pretty happy to continuously trim it nice, neat & tidy. The shaving head is frankly not up to mark with Mach 3 but it still does a pretty good job. It was so difficult to attain this wonderful shaver. I went to NTUC, Shop & Save, Guardian, Watsons & Mustafa Centre. All didn’t had it! IT was SOLD OUT! I had totally given up on getting it when I was on a hunger trail to Carrefour for our Sushi Hunt that i had finally got it! IT was the last one of the rack. I thought i was simply dreaming, some mirage or sick psychological sensory displaced to portray my dying wish. Haha! I really wanted it. And am glad i have gotten it. It’s once again available at all stores (Just checked it the other day!) going for just $17. Do try it & trust me, you will fall in love with the trimmer. Simply amazing in doing many styles with your beard, goatee & sideburns.

Fai & ilovelookinggood.com

Here’s my other post – Hair Styling’s Easy with Brylcreem

Some cool facts that i got from Wikipedia! Did you know that Brylcreem was created in 1928 by County Chemicals in Birmingham, England? Celebrating it’s 80th Year Anniversary, Brylcreem is back in style as the latest generation seems to favour once again the cool, wet & deep shine hair. I have always been a big fan of Brylcreem and prefer it more when compared to other gels or sprays like Gatsby as it leaves a nice, non-greasy feel to my hair. I know Nurul loves twiddling her fingers in my hair which is simply impossible with gels. Furthermore, the formula that I am using is anti-dandruff thus protecting my scalp. However, you still have to wash it off at night to allow your hair follicles to breathe normally. It can be found at most department stores and retails at $5.70 for a 75ml.

You may order online here on Ebay.

Other interesting facts thanks again to Wikipedia.

David Beckham was a former Brylcreem spokesman before shaving his head.

Brylcreem’s original jingle Tv Advertisement.

“Bryl-creem, a little dab’ll do ya, Use more, only if you dare, But watch out, The gals will all pursue ya,– They’ll love to put their fingers through your hair.”

“Bryl-creem, a little dab’ll do ya, Bryl-creem, you’ll look so debonair. Bryl-creem, the gals will all pursue ya, They’ll love to RUN their fingers through your hair.”

Note-When the dry look became popular, the last line was changed to, “They’ll love the natural look it gives your hair.”

Fred Flintstone’s famous “Yabba Dabba Doo” is derived from this motto.

A movie was made entitled “The Brylcreem Boys”, a film about downed pilots interned in the Republic of Ireland.

An old Brylcreem Ad!

Fai @ ilovelookinggood

Please read my other post – Forever 21 Fedora Hat