How Much Are Men Spending on Grooming Products? More Than You Think
More men are frequenting spas, undergoing cosmetic surgery and buying new lines of grooming products in drugstores.
The three-day beard look is definitely out, as is drawing the line at a neat hairstyle and some aftershave.
While that approach is both simple and inexpensive, the escalating importance of appearance in the current social and business climate has created the new "metrosexual" man.As currently defined, "metrosexual" is not one, but a range of attitudes about male appearance, and looking sharp and clean-cut is the goal.
Though some veer left, others right - when it comes to right down to it, everyone is on the same page. Good-looking skin, hair and nails are essential, both in business and in attracting the opposite sex.Investing in the Bottom LineRecognition is growing that paying attention to grooming products may simply be a wise investment, and that it's not easy to keep up with women who utilize every method under the sun to stay looking young and attractive as long as possible.
According to Drug Store News, "men have become more aware," and they're spending more than $1 billion annually on their appearance.
Manufacturers of personal care products have also become more aware, offering Nivea for Men, Gillette Complete Skincare, and a new Clearasil line extension just for young men.Eye Cream for Men?
Unthinkable No LongerThe "average Joe" is even dabbling in tinted moisturizers, eye creams and hair treatments, such as XCD's Improver Tinted Moisturizer and Reviver Eye Cream, and Vogue International's Ego Trip and Not For Girls haircare.
Accordingly, chains such as CVS and Rite Aid are making room to expand space devoted exclusively to men.Even Toenails Get Scrutiny
An article in the August 13, 2004, Wall Street Journal quoted one male professional as saying "I prefer open-toe, but I would probably wear socks with them in public.
Otherwise, you have to prepare your toes."
This puts a whole new spin on the saying, "Be prepared"!
The widespread popularity of sandals has also created a greater demand for pedicures and foot grooming products.
Just as men notice women's feet, women are giving men a head-to-toe scrutiny, and "flip-flops" or Birkenstocks won't hide any toenail or dry, cracked heel problems.
Carol Buck, CEO of Xenna Corporation says young and middle-aged men are very becoming very self-conscious about discolored toenails ? women can polish them, but men have no way to hide the problem.
"Some men are so embarrassed they not only won't wear sandals, but stay away from the beach or pool scene," she says.
Xenna's addresses the problem of embarrassing nails and feet with its NonyX Nail Gel, an exfoliant of nail-yellowing keratin debris, and Callex Callus Ointment for flaking or cracked heels and foot calluses.
Metallica MetaphorphosisWhile a few of the Hollywood types may still aim for a Marlboro Man image, it appears that "metrosexual" products are here to stay.
After viewing himself in the documentary "Metallica: Some Kind of Monster," guitarist Kirk Hammett was quoted by Time Magazine as saying he wished he had "spent a little more time in the grooming department."
With drugstores now full of male-oriented products, he's not alone, and solutions are right down the street..
5 Adorable Baby Halloween Costumes on a Budget
Have you thought about what Halloween costume to get for your baby? Here are some cute and inexpensive ideas for baby costumes. We know not everyone has the time (and the many assistants) that Martha Stewart has, so these costumes are designed to be E-A-S-Y to create.
* Strawberry: Dress your little one all in red. Red socks, shirt and pants. Place a green cap on her head and you're set to go. If you're feeling especially artistic, you can make a leaf or two out of green felt and attach it to the hat by sewing it or by using a safety pin or two.
(We know you're busy, so you might not have time to sew!)
* Leopard: It's fairly easy to find pants in leopard print for children. If you're on a budget, you can even visit a thrift store and find pants like these. Put your child in a leopard top, too, if you can find one. Put him in a black top if you can't. You can buy some inexpensive cat ears anywhere costumes are sold and voila! You'll have a little leopard...
Socks > 5 Adorable Baby Halloween Costumes on a Budget
Prevent the airlines from losing your luggage when you travel
(ContentDesk) April 10, 2006 -- Airlines around the globe mishandled about 1 percent of the 3 billion bags checked last year. Airlines in the U.S. alone lost 10,000 pieces of luggage a day in 2005. Although airlines claim to return roughly 98% of lost luggage within a few hours to a few days, it makes traveling, and more importantly, enjoying your vacation, difficult.
So, what can travelers do to avoid lost luggage? Tim Jacobsen, Vice President of Luggage Online along with Brooke Dowd, Editor of travel blog Wellpacked.com, offer tips and expert advice.
Dowd says that the best solution would be to carry on your luggage. But, she explains, with carry on luggage restrictions down to 45 maximum linear inches, for most travelers it is nearly impossible to carry on enough, even for a long weekend getaway...
Socks > Prevent the airlines from losing your luggage when you travel
Designer Hospital Gowns, Surgical Scrub Caps, Bouffant Hats and StethoSocks launches its Fall Fashion Season
(ContentDesk) August 16, 2005 -- Hospitalgowns.com and Surgicalcaps.com launches its hot fall fashion season with comfortable healthcare designs and over 100 crazy colorful quality prints. With 25 Patient Hospital Gown prints, 101 Surgical Scrub Cap prints, 21 Bouffant Hat prints and 100 Stethoscope Cover Socks all products are in stock, washed and ready to wear and shipping worldwide daily - its now time to shop on-line with www.hospitalgowns.com or www.surgicalcaps.comDesigner Patient Gowns, Surgical Caps, Bouffant Hats and Stethoscope Covers will make you look better and feel better with colorful style and comfort in life's most challenging moments. All patient hospital gowns, surgical scrub caps, bouffant hats and StethoSocks? are in stock, washed and ready to wear, shipping daily worldwide. For the very best in healthcare wear click on by and check us out today.Stethosocks.com...
Designer Hospital Gowns, Surgical Scrub Caps, Bouffant Hats and StethoSocks launches its Fall Fashion Season
Socks > Designer Hospital Gowns, Surgical Scrub Caps, Bouffant Hats and StethoSocks launches its Fall Fashion Season
Finding Networking Opportunities Is Easy
Copyright 2006 Leni Chauvin
Business networking is all about forming strong relationships built on mutual respect and trust. Those relationships are the basis for the single most important tool that we all need if we want to survive in the competitive 21st century.
I'm talking about referrals.
And today's savvy business professionals know that--just as night follows day--networking leads to referral business.
Opportunities to network--to meet people for mutual support (and eventually referrals)--are everywhere. Here are just a few places to consider starting your networking efforts:
Professional Associations--Join your professional association.
It's a powerful source for richly rewarding contacts
that can result in a tremendous number of referrals from people with a different specialty than yours.
If possible, join the professional association of your target market.
Form those relationships....
Socks > Finding Networking Opportunities Is Easy