mens health mens life today movember

It’s officially ‘Movember 2012 !

For those of you who aren’t aware; Movember is a month-long moustache growing charity held every year in November that raises funds and awareness for men’s health – specifically prostrate cancer and male depression.

Since its Australian inception in 1999, the world has seen an increasing number of ‘Mo Bros’ every November.  Movember has since been adopted around the world, including the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, New Zealand, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Spain.

I think it’s a fab way for men and women to discuss men's’ health issues.  Women tend to be more open about discussing things like breast & cervical cancer; whilst men aren’t really that open about it and tend to leave doctor appointments till the last minute ! 

Guys, will you be growing a moustache this Movember? And what style will you choose – the gringo, the porn star or the after eight? If you aren’t gonna grow a moustache – I hope you are going to be supporting and sponsoring those who do in your country.  I’m sponsoring a bunch of my mates in the UK for the cause.

So folks, if you see more moustaches on the streets – don’t worry – it’s all for a good cause !!

You can find out more about how to participate and learn the rules by visiting the official website of Movember.com

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By Ravina Rawal For Men's Life Today 

The weather's getting all hot and smoggy, and you're wondering how your skin deals with the pollution our cities seem to be breathing under. Common sense tips certainly include the basics – like drinking lots of water, getting some exercise, a healthy diet and enough sleep. But you definitely need a few extra tools to win the battle against clogged pores, increasing acne and photo-aging! Here are five of the best:

1. Cleanse!
Use a mild cleanser on your face at least twice daily. “If your skin is excessively oily, try a cleanser with salicylic acid, and use a toner to temporarily battle large open pores,” recommends Dr. Narmada Matang, Head Medical Operations for Kaya Skin Clinic India. “Also, what you may not know is that the contact time of the cleanser makes a difference. Use your fingertips and keep the cleanser on for just 30 seconds before rinsing it off again. The product may be mild, but you can dry out your skin if you leave it on too long.” Oh, and if you've got baby-soft sensitive skin, you may want to try a non-foaming face cleanser. Dr. Matang also recommends a using a scrub on your face once a week. And if you have the time for facials, they’re great every six weeks or so to tackle clogged pores, blackheads and dead skin, allowing shiny younger skin to come through, resulting in a great glow.

2. Get a Great Shave
There’s nothing like a smooth shave to make your skin feel good and look even better. But instead of hurrying through it every morning, take the time to prepare your facial skin first. Start by opening up your pores, to make the shave smoother. If you shave in the shower, your pores are already prepped. If not, soak a towel in warm water and apply it to your skin for at least a minute. Next up: shaving cream. Remember to leave this on your stubble for a good two minutes so it has time to work, and you don’t end up with razor burn. When you’re done, wash up with cold water to close your pores, and pat dry.

3. And Then, Moisturise
You must moisturise after shaving. The beard area is especially prone to folliculitis and dryness, so moisturising needs to become an essential part of your daily routine if you want your girlfriend to go gaga over your soft skin. Can’t bear the grease? Try a water-based moisturiser.

4. Seal + Protect: Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen
This is our TOP tip. One of those slightly painful, but absolutely essentially additions to your morning routine. Shave, shower… sunscreen. “The most important thing you have to remember about protecting photo aging of the skin, is that the earlier you start the better, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors” says New Delhi-based consultant dermatologist Dr. Sanjiv Kandhari. He believes you should be using sunscreen irrespective of your age or season (it is just as important to protect yourself in the winter as it is in the summer). Get a good sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15, with both UVA and UVB protection. Slather it on every morning, and if you’re going to be outdoors a lot, reapply it every two-three hours. “There is a new finding that indicates that not only are UVA and UVB rays harmful, but also visible light,” says Kandhari. “They’re not available in India yet, but top skincare brands have started introducing sunscreens that covers the whole spectrum, including visible light.”

5. Look Hot, Stay Cool
An often-neglected area on the face is the skin around the eyes. If you don’t want to end up with those fine crinkly lines that we call ‘crow’s feet’, invest in a pair of large and funky sunglasses, and you’re good to go!

Ravina Rawal is the editor-in-chief of youth magazine MTV Noise Factory, and has contributed to many of India's best-known lifestyle publications, from Cosmopolitan to India Today Travel Plus. She lives mostly in New Delhi, and sometimes in Mumbai.  Follow her on Twitter @RavinaRawal

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By Thomas Farley For Men's Life Today

In the Will Ferrell comedy Anchorman, Paul Rudd’s character proudly proclaims that his cologne -- Sex Panther -- is “illegal in nine countries.” He goes on to brag about its lady-killing qualities: “They’ve done studies, you know. Sixty percent of the time, it works … every time.”

If your cologne has similar powers, you’re a lucky man. But seducing the ladies is probably not uppermost in your mind when you splash your scent on in the morning -- and it shouldn’t be. You’ve got to get through the workday first. The ideal, of course, would be a one-stop cologne solution for day and night. Something that, as Mehdi Lisi -- senior fragrance development manager for International Flavours and Fragrances -- says, would make you “feel fresh and clean in morning, go through the day feeling energized, and then become a machine of seduction at night.”

Unfortunately, chemistry -- both that of our bodies and that of cologne itself -- makes the one-application goal somewhat elusive. Made up largely of alcohol, cologne begins evaporating immediately upon touching your skin. As your body temperature warms, it dissipates even faster. By the end of the workday, chances are it will be long gone. So what’s the man in search of an all-day, all-purpose cologne to do? The experts have a few suggestions.

Most importantly, do not douse yourself with vast quantities of cologne to make it last. “Your office colleagues will kill you,” says A.J. Jones, from the Nickel Spa for Men in New York. It’s far better to reapply later in the day than to go too heavy in the morning. And this should go without saying, but if you’ve hit the gym on your lunch break or after work, you’ve got to shower before reapplying cologne. Otherwise, you’re only going to exude a nasty mash-up of sweat and scent. Jones also suggests using multiple products -- such as body wash, deodorant and aftershave or cologne -- from the same label. This will deliver the same scent to different parts of the body and in different intensities.

And there are ways to give your cologne a fighting chance at making it past the 5 p.m. whistle, says Sarah Horowitz, owner and chief perfumer of custom fragrance company Sarah Horowitz Parfums. For one, if you pour a bit into your hands and clap, it will help burn off the alcohol and reduce the cologne to its signature (and longest-lasting) elements. Another stratagem Horowitz offers is to layer the scent by applying it to places that will retain it longer: “Your skin radiates heat, but hair does not. Put some cologne on your hands and then smooth it into the back of your hair or onto your beard.” You can also dab a little on a jacket or shirt -- providing you’ve rubbed it into your hands first. Whatever you do, don’t spray cologne directly onto your clothing. You might smell good, but that big stain on your shirt will likely mitigate any positive effects.

And what of the holy grail? Is there a cologne that will allow you to strike the right notes at varying times of day? Indeed, there is. Colognes that contain two contrasting scents, such as citrus and wood, can help you create different impressions, says Lisi. Citrus, which has volatile molecules, will express itself early; as your workday wears on, however, the citrus notes will wear out and allow the sexier, more masculine woodsy notes to make their presence known. Consider it a two-tier approach. There are many types of cologne out there that will give you this one-two punch. Lisi recommends Diesel’s Only the Brave, Fierce by Abercrombie & Fitch, I Am King by Sean John and The One by Dolce & Gabbana.

Regardless of the one you choose, know that a signature scent is something by which people will remember you long after you’ve left the room. Choose and apply your cologne wisely: It will serve you well throughout the day and beyond. Overdo it, however, and you might start reminding people of a out-of-date TV reporter -- one with a zero-percent chance of impressing anyone.

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/avisordesigns

Thomas Farley is a regular contributor to Men’s Life Today and writes frequently about careers and workplace behaviour.  A noted manners expert, he has been interviewed by all of the major television networks as well as The New York Times, USA Today, the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune and others on the subject of contemporary etiquette. He is also creator of the blog WhatMannersMost.com and the host of “New York Insider TV.” Follow him @mistermanners and @newyorkinsider.

charity mens health mens life today moustaches for a cause movember

I can’t believe we are already in November of 2011 ! Oh wait – it’s not November – its officially ‘Movember’

For those of you who aren’t aware; Movember is a month-long moustache growing charity held every year in November that raises funds and awareness for men’s health – specifically prostrate cancer and male depression.

The concept started back in 1999 by a couple of Aussie guys who did it for fun.  The idea caught on and before they knew it, they raised $55,000 (Australian) and decided to put that towards a charitable cause.

Movember has since been adopted around the world, including the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, New Zealand, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Spain.  You can find out more about how to participate by visiting the official website of Movember.com

India doesn’t have an official site – but there’s a FaceBook page for India – and I’m hoping my guy mates in Bombay and fellow male bloggers take the plunge and sport a cool tash !  You will be henceforth referred to as ‘Mo Bros’ and all the ladies supporting your tash are ‘Mo Sistas’

I think it’s a fab way for men and women to discuss men's’ health issues.  Women tend to be more open about discussing things like breast & cervical cancer; whilst men aren’t really that open about it and tend to leave doctor appointments till the last minute !

Guys, will you be growing a moustache this Movember? And what style will you choose – the gringo, the porn star or the after eight? If you aren’t gonna grow a moustache – I hope you are going to be supporting and sponsoring those who do in your country.  I’m sponsoring a bunch of my mates in the UK for the cause. 

So folks, if you see more moustaches on the streets – don’t worry – it’s all for a good cause !!

Further Reading :

1. Official Website : Movember
2. Movember : Do Men With Moustaches deserve a Tax Break ?
3. Will You Put the Mo in Movember ?
4. Movember Gets Hairy for a Cause
5. UK Movember Registration
6. US Movember Registration

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By Rachel Khona For Men's Life Today

So you asked her out. What do you do now to totally impress her? Or it isn't your first date, but you want to try something different to keep the flames burning? With all the options out there, stand out from the masses. The best part? She'll feel special, and think you're cool and creative.

1. Take her out for a 'progressive dinner'
Instead of a regular old dinner, do a “progressive dinner.” New restaurants are popping up left and right. So why settle for one? Munch on starters at the bar of the first restaurant. Then move to a second establishment for the main course. Finish off with dessert at a café or another restaurant. If you’re on a budget, try what Grammy-recognized artist Anand Bhatt loves to do to woo the ladies; a dhaba crawl. “I map out some fun and non-upscale restaurants, ending with a nice place like the Oberoi or a walk on Juhu beach if I’m in Mumbai, and we go to each one and try something from their menu.”

Just be sure to save the fanciest place (anywhere you can sit down) for the main course since it's the most important!

2. Show her you're cultured -- check out a gallery
Checking out the different pieces on display is a great way to bond and will give you something to chat about. When choosing a gallery or museum, keep in mind your date’s interests. Is she into modern art? New art galleries are opening in all the major cities. The husband and wife team of Mortimer Chatterjee and Tara Lal have created a space in Mumbai, dedicated to the exhibition of cutting-edge Indian art. Delhi's Habitat Centre always has new art on display, with great restaurants nearby to boot.

What if she's a history buff? Delhi's National Museum has some great artefacts you probably haven't seen since your grade school visit. This time, both of you are sure to be blown away by the totally sexy Gupta period costumes. When you’re done perusing the displays, hit the museum restaurant or nearby café.

3. Take a ballroom dancing class
There’s nothing sexier (and more fun) than learning to shake it. Even if you're not the most co-ordinated person, just take it in stride and have a good time. Says Kamal Khatri of Dance Classes in Mumbai, “we see many couples coming in on dates, and they learn to dance together.”

In addition to Dance Classes, Swingers Dance in Bangalore and Ballroom Dreams in Mumbai offer a variety of courses in everything from the waltz to the jitterbug. But if you really want to move to something sultry, try one of the Latin styles like salsa, tango, or Brazil's "forbidden" dance, the Lambada. “Dancing brings couples close and as they spend quality time together, they can get to know each other better,” says Khatri. Just don't get too frisky too soon!

4. Play a board game
Ask her out for a coffee, then snag your favourite game and bring it along to your cafe. Board games are fun and can encourage a little friendly and flirty competition. Is she a witty wordsmith? Try Scrabble. Is she a financial maven? Monopoly should get her juices flowing. Plus board games give you an insight into her that you may not otherwise see. Is she a cheater? Does she get angry easily? Or does she take it all in stride? There’s only one way to find out.

5. Attend a cooking class
Show your lady you're manly enough to cook! Even better, you'll learn how to make all those fancy meals you enjoy while eating out. Nothing says romance more than French food, or sweet cupcakes and chocolate. Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Pooja Dhingra owns Le 15 Patisserie in Mumbai, where she conducts a variety of classes in the art of decadent desserts. Dhingra says a cooking class "takes the edge off and makes you comfortable while you're on a date."

Can't cook? Don't worry. "Most of the people who come for the basic classes can't even break an egg, so knowing how to cook is not compulsory,” she adds. “The idea of these classes is to come learn and have some fun at the same time."

There's something for every palate. Over in Bangalore, 85-year-old Hajra Mohammed teaches classes in Kutchi Memon cooking. Your date and you can master regional Indian cuisine, if you prefer the spice!

6. Take her on a two-for-one with a cinema restaurant
Still want to take her to dinner and a movie? Don't get stuck munching stale popcorn when you can dine on a gourmet meal. A trend started in New York and London has now moved to India as well. Cinemas with built-in restaurants offer the best of both worlds and are pretty upscale. At Cine Diner in Big Cinemas' 9-screen Megaplex in Mumbai, you get full meals with table service as the latest flicks play.

 

Rachel Khona is a writer and performer who has written for Cosmopolitan, Ask Men, Creem, and is a contributing editor at Vaga. She can also be seen performing for Inner Monologues and Speakeasy Stories.

In her spare time, she likes sliding down rainbows and chasing imaginary squirrels.

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By Elizabeth Narins For Men's Life Today

You’re sitting across the table from a girl who’s so hot even you can’t believe she agreed to go out with you. Things are going well... that is, until you slip your hand beneath the table to graze her leg and find your fingers tangled in the forest of her straggly, overgrown leg hair.

Horrified? Fair enough. But have you ever considered how she might respond to your unkempt underbrush? In the interest of fairness, we asked our no-holds-barred Men’s Life Today Girl Panel™ to share their real feelings about your head-to-toe topiary. We think you’ll find the results enlightening.

Samantha, 21	Danielle, 23	Veronica, 24	Stacey, 24	Aditi, 30	Natalia, 25

Chest Fur
“Unless you’re a professional swimmer and must rid yourself of all body hair, there is no excuse for taking it off. I like a hairy chest. Nothing too insane, though. I'm trying to date within my species.” -- Veronica
“Hair on men is sexy, but only if the guy keeps it clean. That said, I've also gone for men without hairy chests.” -- Aditi
“Very curly chest hair is not attractive.” -- Samantha
“Trimming to make it less ‘mountain man’ is OK -- but straight razor shaving is not.” – Stacey

Untamed Tummy
“No garden, please. I like to find the bellybutton. Keep hair the same length as the chest so it looks uniform.” -- Stacey
“If hair consumes the stomach to the point that we don’t know what he’s hiding under there, I say it’s time to trim, boys! Put the clippers to work. Show me what you’re working with. Let me see those abs!” – Danielle
“Tummy hair can look sexy, but it depends on size - of the hair and tummy! “ -- Aditi

Plush Pits
“I hate armpit hair in both men and women” -- Aditi
“You Tarzan, me Jane. All men should have armpit hair, but I can’t imagine it ever being a deal breaker [if someone doesn’t].” -- Danielle
“Just shower.” -- Stacey

Fuzzy Forearms
“You should always have hair here... unless people are mistaking you for Teen Wolf, in which case I would recommend you make some changes.” -- Danielle
“Do not shave your arms. Ever. In the words of [30 Rock’s] Liz Lemon, ‘That's a deal breaker, ladies.’ As long as I can still see some actual arm it's not a problem.” -- Veronica

Back Blanket
“Ew. Do whatever it takes to make it all disappear!” -- Danielle
“Back hair is gross and unattractive.” -- Samantha
“Back hair is never -- I repeat, never -- sexy. If it looks like a bear rug is peeking out from behind your collar, please take it off. All of it.” -- Aditi
“A hairy back beats bacne, I guess.” -- Natalia

Below-the-belt Brush
“If you expect me to maintain, don't think you can slack off. Clean it up a little, but be wary of stubble if your lady friend keeps it bare below the belt. It could cause some uncomfortable stubble burn.” -- Veronica
“If you cut an inch, you can ‘grow’ an inch... if you know what I mean.” -- Stacey
“If it’s a jungle down there, let’s just be friends.” -- Danielle
“As long as it doesn't tickle too much and smells good!” -- Aditi

Long-haired Legs
“Hair? Yes, please. Let it be.” -- Stacey
“If you’re a woolly mammoth everywhere else, the legs are the last thing you have to worry about.” -- Natalia
“I’m the only one that’s supposed to be smooth!” -- Danielle
“They better be hairy or I'll wake up and think I'm spooning my best friend.” -- Veronica

Bottom Line:
“Be comfortable in your own hairy/hairless skin. Some ladies like a hairy man, some like it less so. But trust me, we aren't climbing in bed with you because your armpit hair is perfectly groomed or we can see our reflection in your waxed chest. If you ever end up dating a girl that makes specific body grooming requests, she isn't worth your time.” --Veronica
“Hair on a guy represents his manly side (in my opinion) but too much hair makes the guy look like a Neanderthal.” -- Samantha
“Just keep a clean face and you’re golden.” -- Natalia

Photo Credit: @iStockphoto.com/ntmw

Elizabeth Narins is group editor of Men’s Life Today and Style and Tech for Men at Studio One Networks. The former YourTango.com Love Buzz blogger upholds a strict no-tolerance policy towards male back hair.

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For a guy striving to look his best, it is important to select complementing accessories along with nice articles of clothing. The addition of stylish hats, belts, or even something as simple as wallets can make a big difference in the total look. By taking the time to look over the different styles and pieces that are available, a man can finish off an outfit where he looks his best. 

1: Adding a Belt as a Staple Piece
Many people consider the belt to the finishing on an outfit when it comes to putting together a stylish outfit. The piece can be anything from a simple black leather belt to something flashier with diamonds. The style of the belt really depends on the clothing worn with it and the occasion. If worn for a business meeting, brown and black leather belts are the obvious choice. Casual events can call for a variety of different styles, including canvas material, studs, and more.

2: Incorporating a Stylish Wallet
Guys that don’t like wearing a ton of accessories can still put together a fashion forward outfit by purchasing a high quality wallet. While wallets are typically tucked into a pocket, they are similar to a purse in that they should reflect the wearer’s style and personality. When paying for a drink at a bar or a meal, the wallet is taken out and seen by others so it’s nice to have a nice wallet in good condition and complements the outfit. Looking through the different designer wallets on the market will help a man understand the variety and unique designs available. 

3: Choosing a Fitting Hat
A lot of people consider hats to be the most essential accessory for a man due to the variety available and the difference they can make to outfits. Whether an outfit calls for a casual baseball cap or something more formal is required, a stylish hat can completely pull together a look. While many people recommended matching hats to shoes for men, anything goes now and a lot of experimenting is actually appreciated. 

4. Checking out Different Watches Available
The one piece of jewellery men adorn themselves with in watches due to the impact it can make on an outfit and the variety available. Whether a man is dressing casual and looking for a watch that can play the part or they need something more formal and expensive, there are watches which fit these needs. Looking over the different options and the typical colours using in outfits can help a man find the perfect watch. 

5. Purchasing a Nice iPhone Case
With the iPhone becoming an essential accessory for many on-the-go men, it’s easy to see why cases for them are considering an important investment. Instead of just having an iPhone vulnerable to damage, a man should purchase a case that reflects his style and keeps it protected. Looking over different materials and designs will help somebody choose the right iPhone case.

Noelle Towler is the co-creator of Wallet Shop Online and Accessory Heaven. She's an active advocate for good men's fashion and she loves helping men find stylish and practical men's accessories. Through her work with Wallet Shop, she's able to support her passion for unique, creative and ethical design.

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By Mike Hammer for Men's Life Today

Hey, Romeo! If your killer material gets nothing more than crickets over coffee with a girl you’ve been chasing … or if you can’t even get her to go out for coffee … it’s probably time for a reality check. That’s right: There are women out there who are impervious to your limitless charm.

Too many guys are caught up in the notion that a girl’s just playing hard-to-get if she’s not showing you love. That might sometimes be the case … or, more likely, you’re delusional. In the interests of Bro Code, we at Men’s Life Today consulted someone who’d know (a woman, and in this case, a woman who’s also a relationship expert) to identify six sure-fire signs that you’re wasting your time.

1.  You have a better relationship with her ringtone than with her.  If the only time you can ever get this girl on the phone is when you call her -- and if she seems surprised that it’s you when she finally answers -- you’ve got a bad connection! Face it: If she doesn’t call you back -- or ever call you at all -- she’s ducking you. “If you think she’s avoiding you, tell her that the next call has to come from her,” says Dr. JoAnn Magdoff, a psychologist and relationship expert. “If she doesn’t make it, you’ll have your answer.” In other words, it’s time to lose her phone number.

2.  She cuts you down with a crappy cliche.  When a woman utters the universal escape clause -- “I’m just not ready to be in a relationship” -- the most literal translation is: She’s not ready to be in a relationship with you. It could be that she’s got a lot on her plate, but in most cases, if she’s not buying what you’re selling now, she won’t be shopping in your store any time soon. “If you can hang on long enough, she might turn around,” says Magdoff. “But don't hold your breath.”

3. You can't find your way onto her calendar.

It’s easier to predict the monsoon than the next time this girl will be available to go out with you. She’s either “working late,” “gotta get up early,” “gonna be out of town,” or “giving blood.” And she always asks if she can get back to you in case she works things out at the last minute. Meaning: You’re twelfth man, and you’ll only get the call if her intended opening bowler gets injured. “These are the classic signs of being a fallback option,” explains Magdoff. “The only way to capture her imagination is to show less interest in her.”

"If a girl really wants to see you, she will not only make the time for it, but also be waiting impatiently for you to set a date," says Ravina Rawal, a Cosmopolitan contributor and editor of youth magazine Noise Factory. “If she seems unavailable, it's because she's just not interested.”

No. 4: She talks dirty... but not about you.

When she describes her fantasy man, it doesn’t sound like anybody who might ever be remotely mistaken for you. Or even speak to you. “If she’s describing her fantasies to you, and you’re not in them,” warns Magdoff, “you need to be talking to someone else.”

No. 5: The next time she laughs at one of your jokes will be the first time.

If you think you’re the king of comedy but can’t command even a couple of laughs from your intended queen, it’s time to take your Charlie Chaplin act on the road. “If she’s not finding your humour or personality interesting, you need to ask yourself what you find alluring about her,” says Magdoff. “Don’t get into this because you like a challenge.” Face it, funny boy: You’re chasing after somebody who’s laughing at you, not with you! (Sorry, we always wanted to use that one.)

Red Flag No. 6: She keeps telling you that you are so perfect for her sister!

Sadly, this is only a good thing if she’s siblings with Vidya Balan. On the other hand, says Magdoff, “Maybe it’s not such a bad idea to meet her sister. Let’s face it, you’re not getting anywhere with this girl!”

Mike Hammer is a former editor of Maxim, editor in chief of Stuff, and head guy of Shock.