ê Shave

For most of us, shaving is just a necessary evil---a prerequisite for short skirts and a demand placed on scruffy-faced boyfriends. But for former sculptor, Danielle Malka, razor-wielding is truly an art.

And Malka is bringing her art to men everywhere with ê Shave, a collection of sophisticated shaving essentials. She designs and hand-sculpts the stylish and luxurious tools and accessories in her collection, and promises every man, “No razor burn, no bumps, no ingrown hair, no 5 o’clock shadow; just irresistible, touchable, smooth skin every time.”

Opened days ago in Midtown Manhattan, the ê Shave boutique, with its white, gallery-like space and elegantly presented shaving tools is intimidating to walk into, even for the most ardent of metrosexuals. Accompany the man in your life with this unique shopping experience or surprise him with a few of Malka’s grooming tools, like shaving creams in Almond and White Tea scents, or a beautifully designed razor handle.

Just be prepared to drop a lot of cash. ê Shave’s razor handles go for up to $75 and are available in seven colors with three metal finish options (gunmetal, nickel-plated, and eighteen-karat-gold-plated) available for the razor’s upper carriage.

Happy shaving!

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Nailcare

Equality minded as the modern woman is, she’s not likely to dig her man having talons as long as her own. This goes double for toenails that clatter on uncarpeted floors, hang over the edge of sandals, scratch legs at night and are generally in a state of yuck. So what’s a guy to do? The answer is simple, and civilized males have been doing it for decades: get a manicure! A pedicure! Clip the unsightly claws that tear and the world will thank you by not looking at you in disgust.

One of the first things the stylists do on makeover shows where men are the victims, is give a long lecture on nail-care. This should be a no-brainer; like washing your hands after using the bathroom, but like washing your hands after using the bathroom, it isn’t.

If going to a salon seems too girly (even though there are tons of salons an centers that cater to men, especially in metropolitan areas), then simply invest in a pair of nail-clippers from the local drugstore. Or borrow your girlfriend’s. She’ll be grossed out initially but will thank you when your big toe stops cutting red marks into her shins under the sheets. It’d be nice if you file the edges and cut cuticles too, but baby steps…

If you are in LA, visit www.markmatthew.net for a complete list of men’s grooming ideas, including top-notch manicures and pedicures, or Google search for such a place in your own city.

Women like manly men, not men who can’t take care of themselves!

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Snip, Snip Hooray: Floyd’s 99 Barbershop In Boston

You’re a guy that likes to look good, but the time and money you’re willing to spend to achieve perfection (or as close to it as you’re gonna get) is definitely limited. When you last braved the neighborhood barber you left looking as though you had enlisted. Now that the buzz cut’s thoroughly shaggy, it’s time to seek another snip. The butcher shop (err, barber shop) is not an option. A salon? Maybe for some men, but you’re not that into your hair.

Last week we stopped by Floyd’s 99 Barbershop. This franchised shop recently opened on Mass Ave. near Symphony, in that long building that also houses a Radio Shack, Au Bon Pain, post office, CVS, and other such conveniences. Floyd’s atmosphere and offerings are the perfect synthesis of the neighborhood barber and high-end salon, drawing the best elements of each. For just $24 a guy can get a cut, hot lather neck shave and shoulder massage by a fully trained stylist or master barber. (Ladies, don’t be shy, they do cuts and color for you too.)

The décor’s got a rock’n’roll vibe, with a rock music poster wall, plasma TVs tuned to Sox games and such, Internet stations and cool black leather and chrome barber chairs, complete with shampoo bowls at every seat. You can even request your choice of tunes. (We opted for Tom Petty and Johnny Cash.) You can book appointments online with your preferred technician, or just walk in. If you choose not to hang about checking email or sports scores, they’ll take your cell phone number, so you can attend to errands. All in all, Floyd’s is a great find.

Floyd's 99 Barbershop
189 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston, MA 02115

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