Archive by Author

Clinique Men – New Urban Cargo Brand Partner

by on February 5, 2013 in Men's Grooming

Clinique Men has just become Urban Cargo’s newest brand partner.  As part of the partnership, Urban Cargo started sending Clinique Men’s products in its Quarterly Box of Handsome in January 2013.  Both companies are excited about this partnership and look forward to continue to be pioneers in the men’s grooming market.  To learn more about Urban Cargo’s Quarterly Box of Handsome, please click here

About Urban Cargo

Urban Cargo is a resource for men to discover and understand the power behind men’s skincare and hair care. For $17.95 / quarter, members receive a box of handsome filled with premium samples of grooming products that are chosen based off of their unique profiles. Products range from shaving creams to anti-aging serums. Members also receive a $5 store credit to purchase their favorites from the ecommerce shop. Urban Cargo makes it easy for men to look good regardless of whatever rugged challenges they encounter.

Read more here

About Clinique Men

Founded on the philosophy that Great Skin Can Be Created, Clinique is the first dermatologist-developed skin care brand.  Each Clinique skin care product is Allergy Tested and is 100% Fragrance Free.  All products are rooted in this unique heritage and Clinique for Men Dermatological Solutions are designed to meet your specific needs.

Read more here

How to Wear a Suit

by on January 4, 2013 in Fashion, Tips

Great info regarding men’s suits.

 

5 Reasons Why Alcohol Gives You A Hangover

by on December 14, 2012 in Fitness, Interesting Facts, Tips

1. Congeners

Congeners are impurities that are byproducts of the fermentation process. Our bodies treat them as a poison, and a headache is a very common symptom of poison processing. That said, different people may be better or worse at metabolizing and flushing these toxins.  It is widely believed that because cheaper alcoholic beverages begin with lower-quality ingredients and hence more congeners are likely to be produced at the fermentation stage.

2. Lack of distillation and filtration

Each time liquor goes through the distilling process, more and more congeners and impurities (which may cause headaches) are removed. Tito’s, a quality vodka, is distilled six times. If you are buying bottom-shelf vodka, you’ll be lucky if it was distilled twice. Filtration is another way that vodka brands attempt to clear out impurities. Bottom-self brands typically do the minimum for filtration.

3. Darker Spirits

Darker spirits, like brandy, whisky, and cognac, tend to have higher concentrations of congeners than their clear brethren—vodka, gin, or white rum. (Tequila is an exception.) This isn’t a cheap vs. expensive thing, though, it’s simply a difference in the distillation process. The mark of a good vodka is no flavor, whereas whiskey should have a distinct flavor and congeners are an important part of that equation.

4. The Red Wine Puzzle

The comparative price of a wine doesn’t seem to be a factor, as every extremely expensive wines can cause Red Wine Headache. The leading cause seems to be histamines, which are present in grape skins. White wine, which is made without the skins, has far fewer histamines in it, and is much less likely to cause a headache.  However, the histamine content can change from vintage to vintage, so a wine that didn’t give you a headache last year can lead to a pounding headache this year.

Another factor is sugar content – cheap wines are often very sugary. Adding sugar to grape juice can accelerate the fermentation process, but this typically leads to an inferior type of alcohol. Also, the added sugar will cause a spike in your blood-sugar. When it comes crashing down, headaches are a common side effect. Liqueurs, candy-like spirits, and very sweet cocktails may have the same effect.

5. Dehydration

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means you need to go to the bathroom more often and hence less water for your internal organs. Your organs then try to borrow water from anywhere they can, including your brain. As your brain dehydrates, it slightly contracts. This strains the connective tissue that holds your brain in your skull, resulting in a screaming headache. In other words, stay hydrated as you drink.

Read full article here

Brand Spotlight: Suki

by on December 10, 2012 in Brand Spotlight, Men's Grooming, Product Review, Skin care

Suki have created great natural products that are focused on delivering results. They take a clinical approach to extracting natural healers, and then subject their products to tough clinical tests.

 

And, they’ve actually got the data to back it up!

  • 73% clinically tested subjects showed dramatically clearer skin using Suki’s oily / acne prone skin products, including their Concentrated Balanced Toner.
  • 84% show improvements in their skin’s overall appearance using Suki’s products for dry / mature skin, including their Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser.
Between all the different products they offer, it was tough for us to pick a favorite, so we let our members decide and have highlighted the top 3 bestsellers below.

 

Combating acne ain’t easy, and concentrated balancing toner makes all the difference. Applying this lemony fresh product daily will clear up your skin easier than photoshop! (no wonder Tom Hanks and Terrence Howard are Suki fans).  This toner calms & soothes irritation & redness, reduces blemishes & inflammation, prepares skin for the treatments & moisturizers that follow, restores skin’s natural ph.  Just a few spritzes on your face after cleansing with face wash will do wonders for your complexion.
Click here >>

 
 

Known as the “fountain of youth” in our HQ, eye lift renewal cream is a key ingredient in staying young. It’s the secret weapon in the fight vs dark circles, puffiness and crow’s feet.  This eye cream boosts collagen synthesis, firms under eye area, reduces puffiness, brightens dark circles, fights visible lines & wrinkles, restores radiance, nourishes cells, leaves skin lifted, toned & velvety smooth.  Gently dab pin size amount on your eye area after cleansing day and night for the best results.
Click here>>

 

Using exfoliate foaming cleanser regularly will clear out the old, and make room for new, healthy skin cells! It’s the perfect remedy for dry skin, lines and wrinkles. Replace your daily face wash with this exfoliator at least 1-2x a week.
Click here >

 
 
 
 

Product Review – John Masters Organics Men 2-in-1

by on December 7, 2012 in Product Review, Skin care

Over these past two months, I’ve had the privilege to review the 2 new products from John Masters Organics – the John Masters Organics Eucalyptus & Agave 2-in-1 Face Wash & Shave Foam as well as the John Masters Organics Eucalyptus & Agave 2-in-1 Moisturizer & Aftershave. They were convenient, lightweight and well priced. However, the biggest selling point for both of these products is the smell of Eucalyptus – it is incredibly calming and soothing. Below is a more detailed review.

John Masters Organics Eucalyptus & Agave Face Wash & Shave Foam

This 2-in-1 product combines the daily cleansing and shaving routine into one simple process.  The foam is lightweight, but still provides adequate protection while shaving.  The foam has a light scent of eucalyptus and lavender.  I used it to wash my face and shave in the shower.  Very convenient and washes away easily.  One call out is that the foam is very lightweight, so for those looking for a substantial lather, you might not enjoy this product, but if you are looking for a lightweight 2-in-1 face wash and shaving foam, this is your product.  $22 / 6oz.  Click here to purchase.

True to their philosophy and dedication to the planet, John Masters Organics has sourced the organic eucalyptus oil from a fair trade business in the tree’s native Australia. Cooling and antibacterial, its aromatherapeutic properties stimulate the mind while lavender essential oil balances and calms skin. Naturally anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, witch hazel leaf water and willow bark extract work to protect and soothe the irritation that commonly occurs after shaving. Aloe vera leaf juice and agave leaf extract create a barrier that locks in moisture while promoting collagen production and skin renewal.  Prickly pear moisturizes and soothes, providing long-lasting hydration while calming sensitive skin. The 2-in-1 foam also has anti-aging benefits – organic algae and rice extracts firm and moisturize while gotu kola acts as a wound healer to help prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

John Masters Organics Eucalyptus & Agave Moisturizer & Aftershave

This 2-in-1 product combines the soothing and hydrating effects of both a moisturizer and an aftershave. This refreshing product is alcohol-free and is formulated with a unique combination of desert agave, aloe vera and oat extracts to help to heal nicks and cuts while hydrating and protecting your skin.  The lotion has a very pleasant scent of eucalyptus that is very soothing to the senses.  The lotion also spreads easily and absorbs quickly making product for those that don’t enjoy the feeling of lotion on their face.  However, one gripe about the product is that I wished the pump was different.  But this product is great and is well priced at $28 / 3oz, so check this out!   Click here to purchase

The organic eucalyptus oil aromatherapeutic properties stimulate the mind while soothing the skin. This 2-in-1 product also provides anti-aging benefits. Vegetable-sourced sodium hyaluronate mimics hyaluronic acid’s plumping effects, working to prevent dehydration, wrinkles and loss of elasticity for a more youthful appearance.  Organic algae and rice extracts help firm and moisturize the skin, while gotu kola acts as a wound healer to prevent wrinkles. A natural and plant-derived alternative to Botox, dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline, works as an anti-aging and firming agent while supporting the fight against wrinkles and promoting the skin’s renewal process. Rosemary and guarana extracts act as a free-radical defense line and tonic for the skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth and supple after shaving or cleansing.

Brand Spotlight: Taun

by on December 4, 2012 in Brand Spotlight, Interesting Facts, Men's Grooming, Skin care

The makers of Taun are focused solely on one mission: to keep you looking young with their Facial Repair Formula. They use a combination of active ingredients to keep wrinkles away and help even skin tone. Below are some of those ingredients

1) RETINOL

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A which stimulates skin cell turnover, which means it removes dead skin cells so new healthier cells are able to come through. Vitamin A has a molecular structure that’s tiny enough to get into the lower layers of skin. Because it works underneath the surface of the skin, retinol creams can help fix deep wrinkles.  Retinol is a topical treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating wrinkles.

2) NIACINAMIDE

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) reduces fine lines and wrinkles, as well as uneven skin tone. There are 2 important enzymes (NADH and NADPH) that contribute to the production of cellular energy and lipids (responsible for cell growth). With a sufficient supply of both enzymes, your skin creates an effective barrier to external factors that influence the aging process. However, the levels of both NADH and NADPH decline as we grow older. Niacinamide when applied to the skin helps to slow the rate of decline.

3) HYALURONIC ACID

Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally by the body. It moisturizes and plumps cells by strengthening the skin’s barrier, which helps hold water.

4) VITAMIN-C ESTERS

Vitamin C Esters are potent antioxidants that help protect skin from free radicals and are shown to repair previous damage as well. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a key structural protein of the skin. Secondly, vitamin C is an antioxidant and can help reduce skin damage caused by free radicals. So, when vitamin C is properly delivered into skin cells, there is a good chance to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

5) PEPTIDES

Peptides are amino acid polymers – a cutting edge, technologically advanced ingredient – developed to resemble short proteins produced by the body and “trick” the skin into creating collagen (helps with tissue regeneration).

6) JOJOBA OIL

Jojoba moisturizes by mimicking the skin’s natural oil (sebum).  Jojoba (pronounced “hoh-hoh-buh”) is a shrub that can be mainly found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Jojoba oil helps promote healing of the skin in numerous ways. It has antimicrobial properties, which are helpful in the healing of sores and wounds. The oil contains vital nutrients, such as vitamin E, B complex vitamins, and the minerals silicon, chromium, copper, and zinc. The oil blends well with the natural sebum of the skin, which curbs natural overproduction. This overproduction is often what leads to oily skin which is more prone to acne.

7) APRICOT KERNEL OIL

Rich in essential fatty acids, Apricot Kernel Oil lightly moisturizes while delivering additional amounts of vitamins E, A and C. Apricot kernel oil is known for its ability to penetrate the skin without leaving an oily feel. Rich in essential fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid, apricot kernel oil is high in vitamin A. Since it easily penetrates the skin, it is good oil for prematurely aged, dry or irritated skin. The excellent softening and moisturizing properties is great for face, hands and hair. Vitamins A & C are good for mature dry or sensitive skin. The apricot kernel oil helps skin retain elasticity, clarity, and suppleness.

You can buy Taun here

Skincare for Men and Why It’s Manly

by on July 6, 2012 in Men's Grooming, Skin care

DanielCraigKyokuforMenResized

KyokuForMenFaceMoisturizer

Kyoku For Men Face Moisturizer (SPF 15), $29

Men think about a lot of different things throughout the day, and skincare is probably somewhere towards the bottom of the list if it’s even there at all. That doesn’t mean it’s not important and we’re here to tell you how it can be manly and why you should care. FYI Daniel Craig uses Kyoku for Menproducts

Kyoku for Men Daily Facial Cleanser

Kyoku for Men Daily Facial Cleanser, $29

Rubbing a scrub onto your face every day is something most men would find foreign, but you don’t have to start there as there is a full range of “Mens” skincare products out there to suit your needs. If you’re the outdoorsy type you’re probably going to get hit by the sun or the cold, both of which can damage your skin. Moisturizer can keep you from getting too dried out, and sun block can save you from looking like an alligator when you get older. Acne is another issue and nobody wants to deal with that. There are dozens of ways to combat that these days; face wash gets rid of some grime from a day out and about.

Kyoku for Men Sake Infused Shave Creme

Kyoku for Men Sake Infused Shave Creme, $34

Last but certainly not least we have the most important thing in our lives… our facial hair. Some of us can barely manage a dirt-stash while others can grow a 5 o’clock shadow before lunch. If you want to be truly manly you just don’t shave at all, but sometimes too much of a good thing is a bad thing. If you want to keep your facial hair tight there are thousands of options out there from electric beard trimmers to straight razors. Women have their nail polish and hair care products, but we get very cool electric toys for our face along with thousands of different kinds of manly shaving creams and aftershaves. No matter how you look at it, skin care is important and if you want to look good, you’ll listen to us…

Top 10 Under 30: The Most Stylish Young Men in Hollywood

by on June 15, 2012 in Fashion

Extracted from GQs top 30. 30 just seems too many to click through.

Andrew Garfield – Big Break: Playing Eduardo Saverin in The Social Network. He is a bit slim for a typical Hollywood leading actor, but his build did help him land the role of Peter Parker in the Amazing Spiderman. Based on what I have seen in the thriller, the movie is going to be killer and Andy will likely ride that wave to the great leading roles.

 

Armie Hammer – Big Break: Social Network as the Winklevoss twins. Other Major Movies: Mirror Mirror, J Edgar. A rmie is super handsome, tall, and has a great built – Perfect for a leading man. I expect we will see a lot more of him in movies

 

Chace Crawford – Big Break: Gossip Girl as Nate Archibald. He stood out instantly because of his looks.  People started going crazy for him, but as the series comes to a close.  What will Chace do?  In a way he is almost too pretty for a lot of leading roles. It’s going to be interesting what types of roles he is going to take after Gossip Girl Ends.

 

Darren Criss – Big Break: Glee. Other Notes: Leading Role in Broadway Production: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Great singer and has a great look, but like Chace, it’s not very clear what he will be doing after Glee.  Maybe return to Broadway or are films in the cards for Darren?

 

Jesse Eisenberg – Big Break: Social Network. Great portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg in the movie. Very talented and not bad looking either. He has a quirky style that seems to work for him.  I expect to see more of him.

 

Liam Hemsworth – Big Break: Hunger Games. Although Gale didn’t really have a large role in the first book, the movie executives worked him in as many PR events as possible. Totally understandable considering he is uber HOT, but it was fun for an avid Hunger Games fan like myself because Gale really wasn’t the focus in Book 1.  And like his brother his star meter is going up and plus the Hunger Games franchise is just beginning. I expect some Twilight like craziness for Gale… =)

 

Nicholas Hoult – Big Break: A Single Man. Played opposite Colin Firth. He is gorgeous and a great actor. Nic feels like a very indie type of actor.  He has a very distinctive looks and I can easily see him as a Prada model.  I hope to see more of Nic in either tv shows or movies.

 

Nick Jonas – Big Break: Jonas Brothers. Among the Jonas brothers, he is the one that stands out. The other ones are kind of forgettable.  He is also dabbled in Broadway, but the question is what does Nick really want to do?

 

Robert Pattinson – Big Break: Twilight. Girls are going crazy for him and the Twilight franchise is not over yet, so Edward craziness shall continue.  I still remember him as Cedric Diggory from Harry Potter.  Who knew that he will become so big!

 

Zac Efron – Big Break: High School Musicals. He has done a good job in positioning himself well for leading man roles by bulking up. He is trying to be more dreamy vs. pretty. Big difference and it seems to be working well for him

Father’s Day Gift – Shave Kit and A Box of Handsome

by on June 9, 2012 in Men's Grooming

It’s Time You Teach Dad a Little Something

As much as we may roll our eyes when our Dads give us yet another lecture, we appreciate all the great wisdom passed on from our Fathers.

Now’s your chance to say “Thank You” by finally sharing some of that sage advice you’ve acquired through your years of youth by sharing with him the best kept secret in men’s grooming. No matter how many times we tell them to take care of themselves (and exercise more), we know they’ll never do it unless we give them the option of no excuses.

And because we have yet to meet a Dad who doesn’t like a good value, we’re throwing in our “Old School Shave Kit”, pictured above, for free!

Total retail value of this package is $140+, but we’re offering it to our Urban Cargo faithful for $68 while our limited supply lasts.

Our Father’s Day Package includes:

  • 6 month subscription to Urban Cargo ($68)
  • 1 complimentary “Old School Shave Kit” with 4 oz New York Shaving Company Shave Cream ($18), 100% Pure Badger Brush ($35) and 1 oz Baxter of California Under Eye Complex ($20)

Click here to gift our Father’s Day Package

Body Wash vs Bar Soap – A Fight to the Freshest

by on May 25, 2012 in Men's Grooming

Cleanliness is next to Godliness or so we’ve heard from various sources over the years, and no matter your religion, most of us don’t like to stink. Remember the smelly kid in class when you were young? Nobody wants to be that kid, and nowadays you don’t have to be as there are plenty of soapy choices to choose from. One thing we didn’t have when I was growing up was the miracle known as Body Wash, but now it’s everywhere and the old Bar Soap is slowly going the way of the dinosaur. That brings us to this article and our reasons for going with Body Wash over Bar Soap. Are you a non-believer in the Power of Body Wash? Are you still stuck in the 80s with Soap on a Rope? If so you’ll want to keep reading and check out our Top 5 reasons why Body Soap is better than Bar Soap…

1.  Body wash lowers your Chances of Dying in the Shower

I’m sure at some point and time almost everyone has slipped and almost fallen in the shower. It’s a scary event that will jolt you out of your lovely shower concert in about 2 seconds flat. Sometimes you just zone out, maybe you’re thinking of the day ahead or that hot chick that works in the next cubicle. Other times something far more sinister is at work, and that something is Soap. It may seem innocent, but it’s really lurking on the shower shelf waiting for the right time to “slip” onto the shower floor and send you to your doom. Don’t say we didn’t warn you…

2.  No more Soap Scum

You know what really grinds my gears… Soap Scum! We’ve all seen it in the shower, and no where not talking about Soap that’s turned to a life of crime. We’re talking about the slippery colored substance that lives on shower shelves and in shower caddies all around the world. The point of actually getting into the shower is to get clean, and it sucks to look over and see a slimy substance right next to you. Well, we hope its soap scum as it looked like it had moved a few inches to the left last week.

 

3.  Sharing Soap is Nasty

We’ll turn away from evil soap conspiracy theories for a minute to discuss the nastiness of sharing soap. It’s something I had actually never thought much about until a friend of mine brought it up recently after noticing his soap vanishing week after week. Was it a soap ghost? Nope, it was just his lazy roommates that ran out of their soap and started using his. Why’s that nasty? Well, when you think about how nasty some of us guys can be and the fact that the soap you use might have just been on someone else’s… well you get the point. If you use Body Soap no worries there…

4.  RIP -  “Drop the Soap Jokes”

If you’re ever watched a prison movie or have been to the big house yourself you’ve more than likely heard the phrase “Don’t drop the Soap” once or a thousand times. It’s always good for a laugh when you’re in the locker room horsing around with your crew, unless you’re on the receiving end of the joke or someone actually drops the soap. Well thanks to Body Wash you’ll never hear that joke again, as “Don’t’ drop the Body Wash” just isn’t near as funny. Body Wash will save you from the joke, but it might not save you from getting popped with a towel for having a fruity type of body wash at the gym which brings us to….

5.  Variety is the Spice of Life

Sure, there are countless brands of Bar Soap out there, but have you ever seen how many types of Body Wash there is? Practically anyone who’s anyone in the Soap world has a brand of body wash or few hundred in some cases, but some that we like are Wash With Joe (coffee and mint), Kyoku for Men (ginger and tree root) and Baxter of California (orange and pear).