THEGAYUK

Author: Stephen Crowe

  • GROOMING: Epic Nourishing Oil – It’s A Miracle!

    GROOMING: Epic Nourishing Oil – It’s A Miracle!

    Are you fed up of your unruly beard? Maybe you want to soften dry, flaky skin? Or take the frizz out of your man locks? I am pleased to tell you I have found the answer to all of your predicaments in one simple, essential product!

    Jack Black Epic Moisture MP

    Jack Black Epic Moisture MP 10 Nourishing Oil is a hair frizz tamer, shaving oil, dry skin soother and beard conditioner in one. “A true multi-tasking hydration hero” they say, and I agree! I have yet to test the rest of the Jack Black range but it is deffo on my list!

    Jack Black Epic Moisture Oil has a lightweight texture and a concentrated blend of natural oils like Argan Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil and Rice Brain Oil. No parabens, sulphates or phthalates ensures you know your leaving your hair and skin in good hands. If I had to fault the product the only thing I would say is that I wish the scent were a little zestier. I know first world problems, right?

    I use this every day as part of my beauty regime! I’d rub a couple pumps of this miracle oil into the palms of my hands and massage into my beard down to the skin. Any excess I’m left with in my hands I gently run through my hair for a finished glossy look. I do love to look Hollywood glam, even if I’m just getting ready for a night in with cookies, a cuppa and Big Brother.

    A Final Note

    Jack Black Epic Moisture MP 10 Nourishing Oil is priced at £27.50 for 60ml and is available from www.amazon.co.uk

  • Where should I get my style inspiration from?

    I recently received a question from a reader; “Hi, you always look so great day-to-day, where do you get your inspiration from?”

    I look to the stars for help. No, I don’t just stare at the sky and wait for inspiration I mean ‘stars’ as in ‘Celebrities’ of course. Guys lets admit it sometimes we all need a little help when it comes to choosing our outfits and picking out on trend styles that are going to turn heads for the right reasons and not because we’ve left the house looking like a crazy birthday cake.

    Celebs have stylists and fashion experts on hand to that are paid to do this job for them every day. It’s only fair that we also benefit from this, right?

    But be careful, not all celebrities get it right… Ok, ok you’ve twisted my arm, here my list of on-trend celebs that I take inspiration from when delving into my wardrobe. You’re very welcome.

    DAVID BECKHAM

    CREDIT: © s_bukley Depositphotos

    Fan favourite David Beckham has grown to be one the best dress and most looked up to men when it comes to fashion and style. People sometimes forget what it is he’s actually famous for. No, not marrying Victoria I mean that other thing… Oh, what was it? Oh yes, football. Blah. David’s classic, English gentleman style is relaxed and perfect for everyday wear in or out of the house.

    JARED LETO

    Embed from Getty Images
    Slowly becoming one of my favourite men in the spotlight is Jared Leto. This American actor, singer-songwriter, musician, director, producer, activist, philanthropist and businessman (the man gets around) has his own unique style. It’s a mix of punk rock, hipster and couldn’t give a crap I just pulled this t-shirt from a pile on my bedroom floor. It’s modern, sexy and perfect for days when you want to rough up your look.

    ZAC EFRON

    CREDIT: ©-Jean_Nelson-Depositphotos

    Who doesn’t love a bit of this man? He’s come a long way since wildcats but let’s face it, we loved him back then as well. His laid back style is effortlessly sexy and masculine. He pairs simple pieces with a natural pallet and classic lines to make this fashion style a comforting choice for any man to wear at any time.

    TOM FORD

    Actor Matt Bomer and his publicist husband have three children together. They’ve been together for 13 years.
    ©-S-Buckley-Depositphotos

    The god of male designers Tom Ford knows what style is and how to werk it! Before launching the iconic Tom Ford brand he lent his powers as creative director of both Gucci and YSL doing great things with them. His style is glamorous, chic, classic and timeless. Perfect for a gent looking to impress.

    A FINAL NOTE
    Fashion is unique to each individual. Use this guide as a template and play around with trends, patterns and colours to find your own unique look. Most importantly of all have fun with it!

    If you have any questions regarding fashion and trends that let me know and I will do my best to answer

    Follow Stephen on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/StephenCroweFit

  • The easy way to find out what skin type you are

    The easy way to find out what skin type you are

    I was recently asked a question by one of my readers that I am hearing a lot recently. “How do I determine my skin type?” Many people will go through life having no clue about their skin but because we are all unique knowing your own skin type is crucial to knowing what your skin requires to look its best! Identify your skin type may seem difficult at first but is actually pretty easy. Just follow my guide.

    CREDIT: ©-nd3000-Depositphotos

    Pay attention to your eye area, cheeks and T-zone. Look at the texture and tone of the skin around those areas. How does it look and feel?

    Normal Skin
    A balanced oil and water content will leave your skin feeling evenly textured, smooth and toned all over. If you have this then your skin will be referred to as ‘Normal.’ All the other skin types will hate you, as it is the easiest skin type to look after.

    Combination Skin
    This skin type is probably the most expensive type, as you will require different products to treat different areas of your face. Usually your cheeks are dry while your T-zone is oily and your temper is aggravated. Good luck.

    Normal To Oily Skin
    Say hello to my skin type. Most days I can see my own reflection in my forehead. That’s right is you have normal to oily skin then you may like shiny and greasy and pores and blemishes may be (will be) more visible.

    Normal To Dry Skin
    That feeling you get when you leave a face mask on for too long, if you feel like that without the aid of a lazy face mask you have normal to dry skin. You may also notice fine lines and rough, flaky patches.

    A FINAL NOTE
    No matter your skin type do not panic, there’s a lotion or potion to suit everybody! If you have any questions regarding your own personal skin type or what products you should be leaving leave a comment below or tweet me @StephenCroweFit and I will do my best to get you a hasty reply. You’re very welcome.

  • Is being shaved “down there” the new look?

    Is being shaved “down there” the new look?

    Manscaping is a necessary chore that all us men have to go through to keep our junk in an aesthetically pleasing state.

    We can no longer be all 70’s about our down below areas… getting to grips with your man bush is a must!

    How ever necessary this process is it does not make it any less tiresome. Here are my top 5 tips to achieve the perfect haircut for your downstairs.

    STUBBLE

    1. Nobody wants to feel like they’re going down on a 9 year old so when your hacking around your tool with the trimmers make sure you leave yourself some stubble.The only people to get away with the bald look are porn stars and even then I prefer to see something down there.

    NO SPOTS

     

    2. One place baldness is generally preferred is around the ass so if you’re using hair removal cream to achieve a silky smooth tushi make sure you go with a sensitive cream. Don’t and you’ll regret it when your ass is red raw and itching like a b*tch.

    MOISTURISE

    3. After care is a must. When your hair starts to re-grow it is going to itch and without the aid of a moisturiser you’ll probably end up with a rash. I recommend the same thing that was recommended to me be a stripper friend of mine and that’s Sudecrem. Sudecrem is officially your best friend.

    TECHNIQUE

    4. Pull it tight. Remember that feeling when you accidentally cut your face with the razor when you shave? Imagine that on your crown jewels, OMG cringe! Remember the skin on your boys is thinner and looser than the skin on your face so avoid any unfortunate slip ups by pulling the skin taut.

    THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE RIGHT JOB

    ©-artofphoto-Depositphotos
    ©-artofphoto-Depositphotos

    5. Last but not least, use a fresh razor to avoid bacteria infections and keep your electric trimmers clean and free from old hair.

  • Top 5 Tips To Keep Your Man Bush In Check

    We all know manscaping is a necessary chore that all us men have to go through to keep our junk in an aesthetically pleasing state.

    How ever necessary this process is it does not make it any less tiresome. Here are my top 5 tips to achieve the perfect haircut for your downstairs.

    1. Nobody wants to feel like they’re going down on a 9-year-old so when your hacking around your tool with the trimmers make sure you leave yourself some stubble.The only people to get away with the bald look are porn stars and even then I prefer to see something down there.

    2. One place baldness is generally preferred is around the ass so if you’re using hair removal cream to achieve a silky smooth tushi make sure you go with a sensitive cream. Don’t and you’ll regret it when your ass is red raw and itching like a b*tch.

    3. After care is a must. When your hair starts to re-grow it is going to itch and without the aid of a moisturiser you’ll probably end up with a rash. I recommend the same thing that was recommended to me be a stripper friend of mine and that’s Sudecrem. Sudecrem is officially your best friend.

    4. Pull it tight. Remember that feeling when you accidentally cut your face with the razor when you shave? Imagine that on your crown jewels, omg cringe! Remember the skin on your boys is thinner and looser than the skin on your face so avoid any unfortunate slip ups by pulling the skin taut.

    5. Last but not least, use a fresh razor to avoid bacteria infections and keep your electric trimmers clean and free from old hair.

  • 4 Summer Essentials For A Gay Boy About Town

    Dive into summer (yes it’s finally here) with these four sun embracing must-haves chosen by me just for you!

    1. Oh the shade of it all!! Protect your peepers from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses. Usually, I’m a Raybans boy but I did find these awesome Aviators from American Eagle for only £12. Stylish yet affordable.

    2. Dig out your budgie smugglers! Summer is all about that bass so make sure that your tushi is covered only in the best that swimwear has to offer. This year I’m sunning it in bright, bold printed trunks by Aussie Bum and The Swim Shop. I like a tight fit with enough room to cup my junk and these definitely deliver.

    Cheetah Animal Print, Aussie Bum – £23.19

    Twilight Lagoon Print, Aussie Bum – £22.48

    Speedo Men’s Endurance, The Swim Shop – from £13

    1. Step into the light! Flip flops are so passé, not to mention bloody uncomfortable. I much prefer to slip my feet into a pair of Toms. So much so I just bought two pairs! All in the name of charity off course because for every pair of Toms you purchase the company will give a pair to a needy child somewhere. Winning!

    2. Burn baby burn! No, don’t burn, only douche bags don’t wear sun screen. A good sun screen will protect you against dark spots and skin cancer while allowing you tan like a god. There are so many great brands to chose from including Kiehl’s, Clinique, Nivea and Malibu to name but a few. I’d recommend having a selection with varying SPF levels. I like to wear a stronger SPF on my face because my mug tends to burn quickly.

    It may only last a day it may last all summer but we don’t care, this is Britain! Go out there, get yourself a Mr Whippy and enjoy Summer!!

    @StephenCroweFit

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Fashion Victim, The Musical

    ★★★ | Fashion Victim, The Musical

    Fashion Victim, The Musical originally premiered in 2007 by Toby Rose and stared Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus. Now directed by Robert McWhir, setting up shop in the beautiful Cinema Museum in London and boasting a cast of performing fashionistas, the show promises to be the number one spot for all front row fashion wannabes.

    The strong cast led by the amazingly talented and side splittingly funny Carl Mullaney also consists of the leading lady Rosie Glossop, sexy James Wilkinson, beautifully articulate Aimee Barrett and fashion model Aaron Blake. Model and actress Camilla Rutherford also stared in the show as a first in a series of celebrities to make a small cameo appearance. I have to say beautiful as she is, Camilla’s performance was as awkward as she seemed standing there and I felt perhaps another great cast member would be more prudent than a lacklustre celebrity presence.

    Through a cleverly written, modern and stylish script and a set of catchy pop tunes we are told a classic story of “style-crossed” lovers. Average girl meets hunky model boy with impressively chiselled cheekbones, girl shags boy for fame, girl leaves boy for more fame, girls gets busted for being a press hungry whore, boy regains fame and somehow everyone ends up happy. Not the most original story (though perhaps not the most classic story either) but it’s fun, fashionable, bitchy and sexy. We can’t want for much more than that, can we?

    Speaking of sexy, if your anything like me you’ll enjoy seeing the scrummy male dancers wearing well, not a lot. Celebrity choreographer Ryan Jenkins knows how to get them moving I’ll tell you that!

  • FASHION: Men’s Underwear – Andrew Christian

    Over the past few years men’s underwear brands have branched out and delivered us some amazing styles, colours, cuts and hot models to gawk at. One in particular stands out from the crowd. Andrew Christian, just take a look at any of his promo videos and you’ll understand what I mean. I guess he finally found out what Victoria’s secret actually is. (more…)

  • Fashion Faux Pas – Footwear

    There was a time man walked the earth barefoot, of course at that time man didn’t bathe, wore a loincloth and carried a club around with them.

    In today’s society man can do almost anything and can walk the earth in as many different styles of footwear as his heart so desires; Brogues, Loafers, Boots, Trainers, the list goes on. What’s the saying? ‘Give a guy the right pair of Penny Loafers and he can conquer the world?’ I’m sure it goes something like that. Why then, do I see so many guys wondering this planet wearing the most god-awful things on their feet? It’s almost like they woke up and strapped my version of hell to their ankles and thought ‘sod it! That will do,’ no boys, no!

    To help you avoid this tragic mess here’s a few mistakes to avoid!

    1, Crocs – I don’t care how comfy you say they are if you aren’t 5 years old or under it’s not cute! Originally created in 2002 they unfortunately and for reasons unknown to me took the world by storm however, they look cheap, frumpy and scream cheap tourist. When I thought it couldn’t get any worse in 2006 they invented Crocs Jewellery, otherwise known as ‘Jibbitz.’ So if you have no life or self-respect you can stick hello kitty charms to your toes. Jewellery for your goddamn Crocs, vom!

    2, Uggs (Muggs?) – A guy wearing Ugg Boots could quite possibly put me off a guy all together. Picture this, your first encounter in your dates bedroom and things are getting hot and steamy. You look over his shoulder and spot a pair of Ugg Boots amongst his footwear collection. Automatically this guy goes from hot to flaccid and the mood is dead! Ugg Boots on women, yes, Ugg Boots on men, no. You’re very welcome.

    3, Socks with Sandals – This one honestly just makes me laugh. Old Romans wore socks with sandals over 2000 years ago, where the trend should have died, but unfortunately it has become a popular faux pas among middle-aged men who’ve seemingly given up on style altogether.

    The sock and sandal combo is when a guy will for reasons better known to himself wear a pair of (usually beige) socks underneath the ugliest pair for sandals known to the 99p store. Perhaps he is super cold but loves his sandals too much? Perhaps he dressed in the dark? We will never know, only grimace.

    A FINAL NOTE
    If your footwear reflects any of the 3 examples above do not panic, this can be easily rectified with a trip to Westfield for a day of shopping. If you want advice regarding footwear you should have in your collection then let me know in the comment section and I will do my best to help you out!

  • Groom the perfect beard

    Growing a beard is probably the one of the most masculine journeys a man can take on his way to grooming glory.

    While there is an attractive disheveled quality about a bearded fellow this could be uncharted territory for some and to avoid looking like a reject from Shipwrecked I’d recommend giving my Grooming article your undivided attention.

    Before you start growing your beard you should be aware of how one shouldn’t look. Ill give you a clue (shudders at the thought) Brad Pitt for Chanel N5. Avoid this look like the plague; it won’t do you any favours. Thankfully brands like Martin Margiela and Missoni and hotties like Justin Timberlake and Hugh Jackman have provided us with true facial hair inspiration serving up manly bearded realness. God bless them!

    Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a lazy man’s easy way out of shaving because grooming and prep work still come into play. Here are my tips to grow, groom and maintain the perfect beard.

    
1. To get started you’ll need some tools of the trade. I recommend getting a good quality beard trimmer.
    These are widely available and can usually be found at bargain prices in most Boots stores. You’re very welcome. You’ve probably already got a razor, don’t throw it away you’ll need it to shape your beard and remove unwanted hair from areas you want to keep smooth. Also have a small pair of scissors handy to cut away any stray hairs your trimmers may have missed.

    2. Just because you now have hair covering the skin on your face it does not mean you can forgot to a, moisturise (massage moisturiser into your beard using your fingertips to reach the skin and prevent flaking) and b, exfoliate (Your skin is still producing dead skin cells and these are currently building up in your beard, gross) I am currently using Facial Fuel Energising Scrub and Facial Fuel Moisturiser for men from Kiehl’s. For the areas I’m still shaving I’m using Ultimate Men’s After Shave Balm & Moisturiser, also by Kiehl’s.
    3. As always preparation is the way forward and just as you condition your hair you should also be conditioning your beard. Simply massage a little bit of your everyday conditioner into your beard whilst in the shower. You’ll thank me for the big difference in softness and who ever is on the other end of your kissing session is going to thank me, even more, when the chin rash they got used too is a thing of the past. Again, You’re very welcome.

    4. Beard Oils are very popular and I can see why not only do they smell great the oils help moisturise surface skin and protect and condition the follicles. Massage into your beard as part of your grooming regime. I’d keep the scent quite fresh and masculine aiming for notes like bergamot, sandalwood, mandarin, grapefruit and vetiver.

    5. Finally, a little trick that’s helped me out more times than I can bless Madonna for. Comb your beard. Taking a fine tooth comb to your beard will help style it and if done so throughout the growing period will keep it looking sleek and smart instead of shaggy and unruly

    A Final Note 

A beard is not for everyone. I honestly think id pee my pants a little bit if I saw Justin Bieber sporting a beard. However, how are you going to know unless you give it a go? The best part about a beard is if you decide it’s not for you, you can just easily shave it off. I might have to treat you all to a grooming article for the perfect shave next. Watch this space…