THEGAYUK

Author: Thomas Swallow

  • Tom Tries It: Five Element Acupuncture

    Carry on reading below, to hear about Tom’s experience having Five Element Acupuncture. Missed any of the other instalments in this series? Click here to find out about Tom’s previous adventures, where he decodes the enigma of male grooming.

    To get things started, I just wanted to thank the entire team at the Kite Clinic and my amazing acupuncturist Johnny Childs for making this feature possible. If Five Element Acupuncture is something that interests you after reading this article, I couldn’t recommend Johnny more. Apart from the fact that the knowledge held by the Kite Clinic team is unparalleled in their field. Johnny’s empathetic and caring approach to each of his clients helps deliver an effective and tailored treatment plan, that really does make a difference in his client’s lives.

    (C) PR SUPPLIED

    So what is Five Element Acupuncture?

    Five Element Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of acupuncture, that originated from China. However, due to its perceived elitist nature by Chinese officials, it is now banned within the country. A few practitioners of this ancient art thankfully escaped communist China into Taiwan and other eastern countries to continue the tradition. Gerad Kite (the founder of the Kite Clinic) learnt the art from his Master teacher, JR Worsley – a practitioner from the UK that travelled to the East in the early ’50s and learnt this ancient tradition from two Chinese Masters. Gerad established his own clinic in London in the ’90s. Johnny Childs is one of Gerad’s mentees and is now his right-hand man within the clinic. Safe to say we were in safe hands for this feature.

    What makes Five Element Acupuncture different from other forms of acupuncture is that it is not based on the alleviation of symptoms. Practitioners of Five Element Acupuncture do not adopt a symptomatic approach to treating their patients. Instead, these practitioners focus on restoring the balance of the five elements that produce and maintain every part of us. This includes our internal organs and all our physical and mental activities. This approach is rooted in the belief that all things are made of energies derived from the five elements: fire, water, earth, wood and metal. By understanding ourselves as human beings are no different and we are part of nature. We can then look into which of these energies is the cause of imbalances within our bodies and begin the process of restoring this balance. As this balance is restored, there is a knock-on effect for all other elements within this body and a general rebalancing and improvement in health is the outcome. 

    How can they tell which element is imbalanced?

    When determining which element is imbalanced within our bodies, Johnny explained to me that although clients may be experiencing symptoms of ill health. These symptoms are simply an alarm bell from the body, telling us something has gone wrong. Instead, Johnny focuses on the distress presented by our bodies. They do not tell us the cause! Instead, Johnny focuses on the distress call coming from the causal element which presents as a distinct colour in the face, a particular sound in the voice, an odour emitted from the body and an inappropriate emotion.

    Initial Treatment:

    On the day of my initial treatment, Johnny sat me down and discussed with me the physical, emotional and mental characteristics that I was wanting to change about myself. He explained to me that this initial discussion and getting to know his client’s wants and needs was essential in establishing an effective treatment plan. Apart from helping him get to know his client’s better, it gave him the chance to see the distress signals our bodies display subconsciously.

    Following this initial discussion, he then went on to check my pulse before asking me to sit in a slouched position on his treatment table. Whilst in this position, he went to mark out points on my back that corresponded to organs with an aspect of fulfilment (for example our lungs and the taking in of air/oxygen). Once these marks were outlined on my back, Johnny told me he was going to insert needles to just break my skin at these points. All of which was painless I assure you. He explained to me, that by doing this step he could see which of my organs were housing ‘stagnant’ energies. These negative energies embody themselves in a reaction around the impact site of the needle. At this stage, Johnny also placed needles at random points within my back to test for a skin reaction and in doing so, ruled out the chance of false positives. He then left the needles in for 5 minutes, which passed like a dream with Johnny’s charming company. Following this 5 minute window, he went to check if any reactions had taken place. If no reaction would have occurred, he would have simply removed the needles and we would have gone on to the next stage of treatment. However in cases where a reaction does occur, which for me was at the site of the point corresponding to my right lung. Johnny explained to me that we needed to leave the needles in for longer, in order to drain off the ‘stagnant’ energy attached to that organ. Although this took quite a while, Johnny kept showing me the progress through pictures he’d taken on his phone. It was really astonishing to see this reaction happen and then dissipate as the needles drained out the energy.

    Now, this energy was drained and a viable canvas created for treatment with no stagnant energies left to block it, we then went on to the next step. Johnny asked me to lay down on the table, where he checked my pulse once again and then marked out 4 acupuncture points on my body. Two on my hand, one on my arm and even one of my face, he then mirrored these points on the other side of my body. The sensation of the needles activating these points is hard to explain. There’s no pain whatsoever when the needle makes contact with the acupuncture point there is what I can only describe as a release of energy. You’ll definitely know when he hits it and at this point, he rotates the needle 180 degrees and pulls it out. Repeating if necessary to relieve all pressure at each point outlined. He explained to me following this, that he had made an initial assessment of the element he believed was imbalanced within my body and that was the start of treatment for said element. Johnny assured me that he would reveal all soon but for now, he wanted to see how my body reacted to the treatment. As our initial treatment day ended, he asked me to do a bit of homework and write a diary each day for the next week. Just noting down how I was feeling and any changes ‘good or bad’ I noticed in myself. 

    Acupuncture diary: Week 1:

    So my first week following treatment was a bit of a rollercoaster both emotionally and physically. A rash appeared on my hands and arms and then to top it off, I ended up having sinusitis from out of the blue. This ended up having to go to my GP for antibiotics. Mentally I was just unfocused and felt generally quite tired and down. By the end of the week though, I was pretty much back to full health physically and I was feeling a lot more focused and driven. There was also a greater sense of perspective I had on the true importance of things in my day to day life. Which at the time was a great relief, I definitely had a habit of overthinking things. The only symptom still persevering was the rash on my hands and arms.

    Treatment 2:

    One week later and I was back with the handsome Mr Childs for the second round of treatment. We started by checking my pulse once again and Johnny enlightened me to the knowledge, that the different pulse also represented different organs within our bodies. So by checking it on a regular basis, he could see if the treatment we were doing was having a positive impact. He then went on to check the point on my back corresponding to my right lung once again. After it had displayed such a large amount of stagnant energy last week, he wanted to make sure it had cleared and sure enough, this time there was no reaction.

    We then went on to discuss my acupuncture diary for the week and he didn’t seem surprised by my experiences. He went on to explain to me, that he had diagnosed me with an imbalance in my metal element. This element is linked to the lungs, our skin (the third lung) and our colon and is associated with the emotion of grief. All tying in to taking things in and letting them go. Johnny explained further that in contrast to the imbalance in my metal element, my strongest element was my earth element and the course of treatment today, was intended to give energy from the earth element to support my metal element.

    To do this Johnny marked 5 acupuncture points on the left side of my body, four in my arm and one in my collar bone. He explained energy starts in the left side of our bodies and ends at the right and so by focusing on the left side, he was hoping to promote the flow of energy in my body to my lungs and colon.

    After he had activated all 5 points, Johnny asked me to again keep a diary for the following week and focus on the rash on my hands and arms. He assured me this should dissipate by the end of the week and outlined how the rash only appeared along the metal energy line of my arm.

    Acupuncture diary: Week 2:

    The week following my second treatment was a complete contrast to the first week. There was no downside to this week. Physically I felt great and even ended up smashing a few personal bests in the gym. Also, my rash did as Johnny said and dissipated as the week went on. Mentally I felt focused and I just stopped overthinking. The usual work stresses didn’t bother me anymore and I just felt happier in myself. I did actually feel like a different person compared to the previous week.

    Final treatment:

    Again one week later and I was back in Johnny’s treatment room for my final treatment. We started as usual by checking my pulse, that he confirmed had gotten stronger for my lungs and colon. Due to this and my general sense of wellbeing in comparison to our initial consultation, Johnny explained that he believed his diagnosis was correct and we were now on the right path to ensuring balance within my body.

    Johnny then went on to explain that following these initial steps of treatment, it was all about maintaining what we had achieved and keeping strength in my metal element. For this, he advised that we activate 5 more points today, in order to promote the flow of energy once more and then to meet around 3 times a year, in order to maintain this balance.

    Final thoughts:

    It’s been about half a year now since myself and Johnny last had a session together and I’m still feeling the benefits of the time I spent with him. I have held onto a generally more positive attitude throughout the past months and have felt more focused and determined in my day to day life. Physically I have felt more energetic and thankfully the skin issues I experienced at the time of treatment haven’t come back.

    I really couldn’t make a single bad point from my experience trying Five Element Acupuncture with Johnny and I genuinely believe more people should explore this form of treatment. The benefits can be truly extraordinary and with minimal maintenance, I think the initial cost of treatment is more than worth it.

    If you would like to find out more about Five Element Acupuncture or arrange a consultation with Johnny, please find his Instagram linked below. He’s not too bad to look at either!

    Instagram @JOHNNYCHILDSACUPUNCTURIST

  • STYLE | What’s the best concealer brand for men?

    STYLE | What’s the best concealer brand for men?

    When it comes to concealers, I’ll be honest and say they’re not one of my favourite things. Mainly this is because I still like the natural look, even with makeup on and I tend to find most concealers, are way too full coverage for my liking. Not to say there’s anything wrong with that. If you’re a full coverage qween, then more power to you! It’s just not my personal preference.

    One brand though that has stood out to me recently, is ALTR for Men. I find that they have gotten the balance just right between male makeup and skincare.

    In fact, their concealer is one of my go-to products on a daily basis. The reason I like their Face Fix product so much is just how lightweight and natural it looks and feels on the skin. I particularly opt for their Face Fix Half & Half, which contains two shades of their product.

    One to brighten up under the eyes and the second to reduce any areas of redness on the face. Perfect for those mornings when you don’t want everyone to know you were out a little bit too late last night.

    Available At: altrformen.com

  • Maybe it’s time to meditate. Here’s what you need to know

    Maybe it’s time to meditate. Here’s what you need to know

    Breathe In… Breathe Out…

    If you read my previous piece on Witch Influencers and New Wellness Trends, then you know my thoughts on how essential it is to take time out for yourself and switch off from the social media age, in which we live.

    In this week’s feature, I’m aiming to build on this notion of self-preservation and reflection. So I sat down with Matt Boyles from Fitter Confident You, to discuss the importance and benefits of meditation. If you’ve ever been curious about whether meditation is or isn’t for you? Then read on and I’m pretty sure we can convince you to give it a go. We promise you won’t regret it!

    What is meditation?

    Meditation is one of those things, that although I kind of understood the basic concept of what it was. I never really understood it. Essentially every time someone mentioned meditation to me, I just imagined myself cross-legged with my eyes closed humming. So I wasn’t really inspired to do it. Mainly because I thought it was a waste of time.

    What Matt from Fitter Confident You explained to me though, is that meditation essentially is just the act of obtaining a moment of peace in your head. There’s no right or wrong way to do it and people achieve this moment of peace, in a way unique to them.

    Being in 2019, he stressed that our lives are getting more and more hectic with every passing year and by taking 5 to 10 minutes a day to meditate, everything just seemed to be on a more even keel. This sense of stability would aid a sense of calm and wellbeing. 

    He started meditating about 18 months ago and he hasn’t looked back. Opting to stay away from apps like Headspace, he started noticing an overall sense of calm after the first week.

    What are the benefits?

    Apart from the sense of calm and wellbeing in ourselves, meditation does seem to lead to a whole range of other physical and emotional benefits. Physically it helps to maintain testosterone levels, by keeping our cortisol (stress hormone) level at bay and aids us in achieving a more regular sleeping pattern.

    Apart from the physical manifestations/benefits of meditation, there is a whole range of emotional benefits to consider. As we said it helps regulate our cortisol levels and what this does is reduce the amount of stress and anxiety, that we experience on a day to day basis. It helps you concentrate and as such achieve what you want to, day by day, gaining perspective on situations where you would just normally react. All of which results in you being kinder not only to those around you but also yourself. Not beating yourself up over a deadline, that really could wait till tomorrow or worry about that email you sent rashly. You gain a sense of clarity in these situations and this results in an overall calmness in yourself.

    Meditation techniques

    As we said before, there really isn’t a right or wrong way to meditate. It is just the experience of achieving a moment of peace within your day and it’s entirely up to you how you do this. Matt did outline a few of the methods he uses though and so we’ll run through these now.

    Breathing exercises

    One of the ways in which Matt meditates, it by doing breathing exercises. This is basically the act of focusing on your breath and how the intake and exhaling of oxygen make your body feel. 

    A good way of doing this is counting the inhalation and exhalation of your breath. Roughly counting 5 seconds on the inhalation and 7 seconds on the exhalation. Focusing just on how your body feels and moves with the pressure of each breathe. Noticing any tension or aches/pains but not focusing on them, just letting them be and letting your body relax.

    Eyes open, eyes closed it really doesn’t matter here. Tailor these exercises to yourself, in how you find it easiest to focus. If you’re a visual person, then close your eyes to aid the focus but by no means is it a requirement. These exercises are all about just noticing how your body feels and are an excellent starting point for meditation. 

    Guided meditation

    Another technique Matt incorporates into his daily life is guided meditation. Essentially this form of meditation, involves a soothing voice guiding you through various breathing and thought exercises. Kind of like a gym class for meditation.

    So again similar to the breathing exercises we discussed before, there is a heavy focus on how your body is feeling but most guided meditation also employs some kind of thought exercise. A common example is letting your mind wander. To let it do what it wants and move your body how it wants but then to bring your focus back to your breathing. This type of exercise helps emphasise the importance of focus and being able to let go of outside thoughts. To just bring our attention back to our bodies and what they are telling us.

    How long should I be meditating?

    Similarly to the technique, there is no right or wrong answer here. It’s all about finding the right balance for yourself, in order to gain this moment of peace and clarity. As a starting point, Matt would recommend spending 5 to 10 minutes in the morning each day. Just taking some time out and seeing what works best for you. I recommend setting a timer too, as during my first couple sessions I did start to nod off. It definitely relaxed me for sure!

    Final thoughts

    So what to take away from this? The general message is just to try and make time in your day for yourself. To just step back from the world and focus on your body, how it’s feeling and just gain some clarity for the coming day. Remember there’s no right or wrong way to do this but it’s important that we do. 

    If you’d be interested in seeing more of Matt and the amazing work he does with Fitter Confident You, then make sure to check out his socials linked below. We’ve also done a short audio clip to give you a little introduction into a guided meditation. Let us know how you find it and it would be great to hear, what works for you in finding that moment of peace in your day. Matt assures me, that my previous method of eating cake is probably not the best way of doing this.

    https://soundcloud.com/thegayuk/meditation-with-matt

    Instagram @fitteryouglobal

    Twitter @fitteryouglobal

    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1857669824451809/

  • TOM TRIES IT | Allergy Testing

    TOM TRIES IT | Allergy Testing

    In this edition of Tom Tries It, our grooming expert Thomas Swallow goes beyond the realms of male grooming and delves into the world of at-home allergy testing. Read on to find out if they are worth all the social media hype…

    Carry on reading below, to hear about Tom’s experience doing an at home allergy test. Missed the other instalments of this series? Click here to find out about Tom’s previous adventures, where he decodes the enigma of male grooming.

    Firstly, I just wanted to thank the team at Lifelab Testing for making this article possible and sending over the allergy testing kit for me try. If you do decide that you wanna give one of these kits a go after reading this article, I definitely would recommend them. The kit we used for the purposes of this article was the Complete Body Test and it is by far the most comprehensive kit I’ve seen on the market, testing for 40 food & inhalant allergies and 80 common food intolerances.

    So what is at home allergy testing?

    Now I know what you must all be thinking, that you can only do allergy testing through your GP or in a private clinic. The fact of the matter is though, that this is a widely held misconception. Most allergy testing simply consists of a blood test and as we all know through services such as Sexual Health London, it is quite safe and easy to do a finger-prick blood test from the comfort of your own home. At home allergy testing is done under the same premise. A testing kit is mailed to your door, with easy to follow blood test instructions and within a few minutes, you’re off to the post box to send of your sample.

    Why do it at home though? Surely getting our GP to do the testing for us is better?

    To be honest on this one, I’d say it is probably much simpler to do this sort of testing yourself at home. Not only will the process be a lot smoother and you’ll get your results much quicker but in many cases, these tests aren’t commonly offered out by your GP. You see the NHS really only tests for allergies, when there is evidence of adverse allergic reactions but not with an identifiable cause. Often meaning that minor allergies and intolerances aren’t tested for. Not only that, the range of testing offered is much more limited on the NHS. Due to the service being publicly funded it’s simply a fact of its existence. By all means, though a private clinic would be able to arrange the same testing for you but often for a much steeper price tag. So to put it simply, do it at home and make your life that little bit easier, whilst saving some cash in the process.

    How do they test for allergies/intolerances with a blood test?

    This is the science bit. When our bodies come into contact with substances that we are either allergic or intolerant to, our bodies release IgG antibodies. By testing for these antibodies within our blood, we are able to identify these allergies/intolerances. The main IgG antibody tested for by Lifelab Testing is IgG4. This is the subclass of IgG antibodies, that remains in our blood when we are in constant contact with an allergen/intolerance. By testing for this antibody in particular, they are able to limit the amount of false-positives in testing and as such, make their results more reliable for their consumers. Reducing the need to cut out certain foods/food groups unnecessarily.

    The results:

    Within about a week or so after sending off my testing kit, my results were in and I could access them via the dashboard on the Lifelab Testing site. They came in two forms a printable/ downloadable PDF and an interactive web based page. From these results, it was identified that I had 9 allergies and 0 food intolerances. None of the allergies mentioned, had I been aware of before and to be honest, they made up a huge portion of my diet. The allergies found for myself can be seen listed below.

    • Crab
    • Gluten
    • Rice
    • Soya
    • Almonds
    • Hazelnuts
    • Rye
    • Bermuda grass Pollen • Horse Hair

    Just to note here, all allergies identified are graded on a scale of 1 to 5 by Lifelab Testing. All of my allergies identified were minor allergies, with Soya being the highest allergen at a level of 3.

    Elimination diet:

    After I received my results, I then went on to put their findings to the test by trying an elimination diet. What an elimination diet entails, is to eliminate certain foods out of your diet for a period of 30 days and see if they were indeed the cause of an issue. Having not been symptomatic of an allergic reaction prior to testing, apart from the odd skin issue. I went into this diet with the aim of seeing what/if any changes, occurred to my body over the period of 30 days. This process was supported by Lifelab Testing sending me daily email updates, with advice on cutting the allergens from my diet and making it sustainable long term.

    Following the month of being allergen-free, I have to admit I did notice some small but noticeable changes. Firstly, I did not feel bloated in the slightest no matter how much I had eaten within a given day. Secondly, I was a lot more energetic in the mornings. Now, this could have been due to a number of factors but I did find I was sleeping much better on this diet. Thirdly, I stopped feeling so lethargic after doing cardio. Which had become more apparent in recent years since moving to London. Finally, I had no skin issues by the end of that month and this way by far the most prominent change, that I noticed. Having suffered with eczema on and off for about the last year, I think the allergens identified definitely played a part in my skin issues. Since cutting them out, all seems to have settled down in that area.

    Final thoughts:

    Overall I had a very positive experience doing an at-home allergy testing kit and I cannot thank Lifelab Testing enough for giving me the opportunity to do so. The testing kits themselves aren’t the cheapest things in the world but they are far cheaper than going to a private clinic for the same tests. So if you are in doubt about an allergy/intolerance or just feel like knowing a bit more about your body, I would definitely recommend giving these tests a go. For more information on the testing kit I did or about Lifelab Testing, please check out their website https://lifelabtesting.com/

  • Spot Free Skin: the three skincare products we’re living for right now

    Spot Free Skin: the three skincare products we’re living for right now

    New Year, New Skin: This year I’ll have spot-free skin…

    So we’re well and truly into the midst of January and the start of a new decade. With many amongst you making new year’s resolutions and trying to better yourselves. We at The Gay UK have decided to help you along the way. If your skin has ever caused you insecurities, carry on reading. Our grooming expert Thomas Swallow will have you skin-confident in no time!

    This year I’ll have spot-free skin…

    Like everyone, we’re all prone to the occasional spot and there are lots of factors that cause the appearance of our little red friends. Some of these are out of our control unfortunately and I’m sorry to tell our younger readers, that hormonal acne is something we can’t get rid of. There are steps we can take however, to keep our skin spot-free and manage hormonal breakouts. The main two are nutrition and our skincare regime. It goes without saying really if we eat a healthy and balanced diet our skin will reflect this. This means cutting down on processed food and instead basing our diets around nutritious whole foods. Don’t be alarmed if your skin seems to get worse when changing your diet. Things like this always seem to get worse before they get better and your skin is no exception. Persevere and reap the rewards.

    When it comes to skincare however, it is a little more complicated. The main focus here is controlling your skin’s oil production and there are many ways to go about this. My top 3 tips though would be…

    To cleanse your skin twice daily with a lightly exfoliating cleanser

    Probably the most important factor in keeping our skin spot-free is to keep it clean. The easiest way we can do this is to wash our face twice daily. Now there’s a myriad of cleansing products out there, all with ‘miraculous’ benefits and selling points. The best way I’ve found of ensuring the product I’m using is doing the job I need it to however, is to make sure it is a lightly exfoliating cleanser. Now when I say this, I don’t mean it’s physically exfoliating my skin twice a day but that there is a chemical exfoliant present within the product, that helps break down all the dirt and oil. Which when living in London, is a godsend!

    My current go-to cleanser is Fresh Wash by Monuskin, that uses papaya enzymes to lightly exfoliate the face. Leaving my skin clean and fresh but not stripped.

    Available at: www.monushop.co.uk

    Use a mattifying moisturiser during the daytime

    One of the biggest misconceptions people have when dealing with oily/spot-prone skin, is that they shouldn’t moisturise. This is such a big mistake to make. No matter what your skin type, your skin needs moisture and by all means, I’m not telling you to slap a thick cream all over your face each morning. You do however need to apply something to your skin or it will just became dry and irritated. In the case of oily/spot-prone skin instead of leaving this step out, opt for a gel/mattifying moisturiser. Not only will this keep your skin moisturised and healthy, it will help control shine/oil production throughout the day.

    My personal favourite is Recipe for Men’s Anti-Shine Moisturiser. This beauty has seen me through the hottest of London heatwaves and tube rides. Always keeping me shine-free and looking fresh. If you’re familiar with the Central Line, you know this is no easy feat.

    Available at: www.mankind.co.uk

    Incorporate a clay mask into your weekly skincare regime

    Finally masking to many people is a luxurious and unnecessary step in a skincare regime. If you have oily/spot-prone skin however, I think this step is a definite must and by no means does it have to be expensive. By incorporating a clay mask into your skincare regime once a week, you can drastically improve control over your skin’s oil production. The clay mask absorbs excess oil and impurities, leaving skin purified and shine-free.

    A great option for this is Bulldog’s Oil Control Face Mask. This inexpensive and effective mask will leave your skin clear and control oil production, when used on a regular basis. Plus it won’t break the bank balance, always a selling-point!

    Available at: www.bulldogskincare.com

    Want more tips from our grooming expert? Make sure to follow him on Instagram and Twitter (@urbanmaleuk) and look out for his next article, where he’ll tackle the age-old question of how to eliminate dark circles.

  • STYLE | How to look great, even when its boiling up outside: Take The Heat

    STYLE | How to look great, even when its boiling up outside: Take The Heat

    It’s no secret that over the last few years London has had some pretty amazing summers.

    However, I’m also sure it hasn’t gone unnoticed, that Londoners don’t handle the heat well. Especially in the underground. The Central Line has become public enemy number one, and the once hated District Line is becoming a safe haven of air-conditioning bliss. With commuters turning into puddles on their morning commutes and meetings becoming awash with sweat-stained shirts. Our grooming expert Thomas Swallow is here to guide you on how to take the heat, keep cool on your morning commute and breeze through that client meeting. You can thank him later!

    23:00 pm

    If you want to wake up feeling fresh as a daisy and ready to take on the day. The first thing we need to do is do a little prep the night before. I promise it isn’t complicated boys, just simply apply roll-on antiperspirant before bed to your pits and lower back.

    A little known fact is that antiperspirants are intended to be used in the evening, and this is when they are most effective. It’ll stop you waking up in a puddle and ensure you have a better night’s sleep. Getting you in the right frame of mind to start the day.

    07:00 am

    So we’ve had a dry and restful night’s sleep, and now it’s time to start the day. Grab your caffeinated beverage of choice, I recommend a double shot of espresso and head to the bathroom to get this show on the road. While our coffee is cooling, it’s time to jump in the shower. Get some lukewarm water running and scrub a dub dub. In the summer, I always use an acidic shower gel such as Bulldog’s Lemon & Bergamot, that helps to unclog my pores and keep my skin clear and fresh. Essential when applying the SPF boys, we don’t want spots!

    Once my body is squeaky clean, I then turn my attention to my face. Turning down the temperature slightly, I apply my facial cleanser (currently loving the Recipe for Men Facial Cleanser) and then follow this up with my facial scrub. It’s important to note here guys that you shouldn’t over-exfoliate your skin. Keep the facial scrubbing down to twice a week and your skin will be glowing.

    07:15 am

    Now we’ve jumped out of the shower, it’s time to drink our coffee and brush our teeth. We definitely don’t want morning coffee breath! On days when I need to look my best, this is the time I’ll pop on a clay mask to smooth out my skin and soak up any excess oils, the Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask is a personal favourite. Essential if you want to remain shine-free on the tube.

    While the mask drys, pop on some body moisturiser and apply some more antiperspirant. Better to be safe than sorry after all. About 10 mins later, it’s time to wash the mask off and move on to the next step.

    07:25 am

    Yet another mask you’ll be glad to know. Know this seems a bit excessive but like Yet another mask you’ll be glad to know. Know this seems a bit excessive, but like the clay mask, this is only on days I need to look my best. Pop on an Energising Sheet Mask from Bulldog and style your hair while it does its’ magic.

    A winning hair combo at the moment for me is the Sidekick Zero Pre-styler and Night Fiber Paste by Danish brand By Vilain. One of the only combos to keep my hair in place, all day long. Definitely an investment worth making.

    07:35 am

    It’s been about 10 minutes now, and the sheet mask has done its’ work. So pop that sucker off and drop your towel. It’s time to get dressed. Even though it’s summer, it’s still important to look ‘presentable’ at work. So down a crisp white linen shirt and pair it with some well-fitted trousers and black leather shoes. You’re dressed for success.

    07:45 am

    Now we’re all suited and booted, and the excess from our face mask has soaked in. It’s time to finish prepping our face. It’s time to moisturise, and I can’t recommend one more than the Recipe for Men Anti-Shine Moisturiser. This bad boy has kept my skin matte even through the hottest of summer days and is a definite essential for any city-dweller during summer.

    Mix a bit of their bronzing cream in for a subtle sun-kissed glow and follow up with their eye gel to reduce the appearance of any dark circles.

    07:50 am

    Now we’ve waited for 5 minutes to let all that goodness to soak in. It’s time for the final two steps of our morning skincare. Firstly, slap on the SPF! Sun damage is the number one cause of ageing to our skin, and so apart from the obvious health benefits, it’ll hold off the wrinkles. I’d personally recommend an oil-free option such as Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defence. It’ll keep you protected with an SPF of 50 but also won’t undo all the hard work we’ve just done and make you a shiny mess.

    Secondly, grab a powder bronzer and lightly dust your forehead, cheekbones and jawline. Not only will this give you a subtle glow and carve out your features, but it’ll also help keep you matte throughout the day. Powder absorbs oil after all.

     

    08:00 am

    The final step before we head out the door now boys. We are dressed for success, and our skin is summer-ready and sweat-proof. It’s time to accessorise. My go-to accessories at the moment are these sunnies by Banton Frameworks and this navy briefcase from Maverick & Co.

    A good pair of sunnies is definitely worth the investment. Not only are they a quintessential summer style staple, but unlike their cheaper counterparts, they actually protect our eyes from sun damage. This pair from Banton Frameworks fits the perfectly. High-quality, stylish and unique enough to make you stand out amongst the sea of Ray-Bans.

    Similarly to the sunnies, a good quality briefcase is always worth the investment. You’re not aiming for something to use for a season here guys but something that will stand the test of time. Aim of a stylish staple and not a ‘trendy’ throwaway. Maverick & Co. fit the bill here perfectly. Creating a range of contemporary briefcases, that are high-quality and will last you well into your next promotion. I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve had on mine so far guys. They’re definitely worth checking out. See their entire range here.

    So there we have it guys, you are now ready to take on the day and beat that summer heat. Close that door behind you and show the Central Line who’s boss!

    Photo Credit: Matt Spike
    Instagram: @original_matt_spike
  • Tom Tries It: Pedicure

    Tom Tries It: Pedicure

    The world of male grooming can be a daunting place. With a myriad of product types and treatments available, it’s hard to know what products you need to be using and what treatments are right for you. This is why at THEGAYUK, we have sent our beauty expert Thomas Swallow to try them out and decode the enigma of male grooming.

    Carry on reading below, to hear about Tom’s experience getting a pedicure. Missed the other instalments of this series? Click here to find out about Tom’s previous adventures, where he tried intimate waxing, a dermalux facial and tinting/threading.

    With summer well and truly here, along with a few comments from the girls in my office. This week I decided to jump into the world of pedicures and get my feet ‘summer ready’. To be fair, it really needed to happen, they weren’t looking cute! Now if you’re like me one of the reasons I don’t usually get pedicures, is because of the way they are typically marketed as a women’s beauty treatment. Well, newsflash to the world, men have feet too and let’s face it, fellas, all our feet could probably use a bit more TLC. This is where Aldwyn & Sons come in. A men’s pedicure and manicure parlour based in London, that not only will leave you feeling fabulous but give you vibes of Victorian gentleman’s club decadence on the journey.

    So what is a pedicure?

    A pedicure is simply the maintenance and general upkeep of your feet. It’s not to be confused as a treatment for foot conditions but as a preventive measure of them. For the treatment of any foot conditions, please consult your chiropodist. Your pedicurist will not be able to help in these situations. Generally, a pedicure will involve the removal of hard skin, the clipping/shaping of nails and maintenance of the nail bed/cuticle. Nothing inherently ‘girly’ about it, eh?

    Treatment:

    So first of all, I would just like to say thank you to Aldwyn & Sons for helping with this feature. I genuinely couldn’t recommend them enough if you are in London definitely give them a visit. By the end of this feature, it’ll be clear why you should. They truly go above and beyond.

    When entering Aldwyn & Sons, you are greeted by the aroma of fresh coffee (one of my favourite things) and a very helpful barista, that will guide you to the treatment room. Now I know this sounds a bit bizarre, but this is because the parlour is located at a hub of male grooming. You have Sharps the barbers on-site and their artisan coffee shop, in case you need that extra pick me up. All in all, I could be quite content spending my entire day here.

    Once you get to the treatment room though, you’ll be greeted by the very dapper Aldwyn, and he will get you settled in for the pedicure. Offering you your choice of hot drink from the coffee shop, as he prepares the foot bath to soak your feet and take all your cares away. Especially great after the morning run, I’d just done!

    As you sit there, letting your feet soak and enjoying your caffeinated beverage of choice. One thing you instantly notice is the relaxing aesthetic of the treatment room. It truly does remind me of a Victorian gentleman’s club, and I’m more than ok with that. It’s masculine and refined but without the toxic stereotypes of masculinity today. A place men can go, feel relaxed and enjoy the experience of taking care of themselves.

    After your feet have been thoroughly soaked, Aldwyn will go on to start clipping your nails and shaping them. The advantage of this is the control this gives over the direction of nail growth. Especially useful in the avoidance of ingrown toenails, which trust me, are best to be avoided!

    Following this, he will go on to add cuticle remover to soften your cuticles and then proceed to push them back, clip them and tidy up your nail bed. By doing this, we avoid any build up of bacteria and ensure healthy nail regrowth. To finish this step of the manicure, Aldwyn went on to apply cuticle oil to my nail beds before letting my feet soak some more. This process conditions the cuticles and nail bed. Leaving a perfect canvas for nail regrowth in the future.

    Once my nails had been suitably pampered, it was then time to focus on removing the hard skin on my feet. Which were now in a prime position to have the hard skin removed, following the foot bath. To do this, Aldwyn used a foot file and gently removed the top layers of hard skin, following up with a foot scrub and moisturiser combo to condition and soften the feet. He explained to me during this step that it is never a good idea to entirely remove all hard skin from our feet. As it acts as a protective barrier, during our day to day lives. Instead, it’s best to manage the hard skin, removing only the top layers and in doing so, maintaining the overall appearance of our feet.

    The next and final step of the pedicure was probably the most relaxing thing I’d done this year. It was time for the foot massage, and honestly, this man is magic with his hands! Based upon the reflexology points in your feet, you will honestly just melt into your chair at this point. Definitely take the extra time and go for ‘The Modern Footman’ treatment, you won’t be disappointed.

    With this final step done, my feet were now ‘summer ready’, and I have to be honest, they felt pretty damn amazing. So it’s definitely a part of my grooming routine, that I’m going to upkeep in the future.

    After-care:

    As usual, I think it’s essential to advise you of any of after-care for the treatments I try out, and in this case, there really isn’t any. Just make sure to keep on top of the moisturiser and nail care in between appointments, to keep your feet looking fresh all summer long!

    Pricing:

    As always we can’t speak for every clinician in the country, but for Aldwyn and his team, the pricing is as follows:

    The Modern Footman: £50.00

    A pedicure consisting of nail and cuticle work, foot filing, exfoliation and moisturising, followed by a foot massage.

    The Quick March: £40.00

    A pedicure consisting of nail and cuticle work, foot filing, exfoliation and moisturising.

     

    Follow on Aldwyn & Sons  Instagram

  • Brand Highlight: By Vilain

    Brand Highlight: By Vilain

    Here at THEGAYUK, our styling team love nothing more than scouting the globe to find you the latest and best products. Whether that be grooming products, clothing or tech, we’ve got you covered.

    As part of our endeavour, we’ve decided to highlight one brand a month. To give you the low down and highlight some of our personal favourite products. This month it’s all about Danish haircare brand By Vilain. It’s time to let these Danish twins teach us a thing or two about hair care. You got to #WorkHard to #StyleHard after all!

    Vilain on Instagram

    Background:

    By Vilain was founded by Danish twins Rasmus and Emil in 2013, in the heart of Aarhus, Denmark. Created through the twin’s passion for hair and fashion. The brand has a central focus on quality products, that leave long-lasting impressions and give high-quality results. Like all things Scandinavian, the products are minimalist gems. Adding a sense of Scandi-style to your morning grooming routine. Their first product ‘Gold Digger’ (a personal favourite of mine) embodies this perfectly. A minimalist styling masterpiece, that elevates your hair and leaves you with a sensational style every time!

    After spending countless hours trying out hair products in front of the mirror and creating over 500 hairstyling videos on YouTube. Rasmus and Emil, clearly have the knowledge to back up their product range. Their successful hair salon franchise in Denmark is a testament to this knowledge. Having been successfully operating for over 7 years, it’s clear that the twins understand what the customer needs and desires. Definitely make sure you pop along and say “hi” if you’re ever in Aarhus. I think I’ll definitely be planning a trip ASAP.

    The brand is now sold internationally around the world, to over 120 countries. They do have some physical stockists though and you can check the link, to see if there are any in your area.

    Also if you fancy seeing the twins in action, check out their YouTube channel linked below. Their videos are an absolute holy grail of hair styling and product information for men’s hair. Definitely worth a watch!

     https://www.youtube.com/user/mhrrasmus/

    Product Range:

    Following on from their sensational Gold Digger wax, which is still a best-seller to this day, the brand has just gone from strength to strength. Developing a myriad of high-quality styling, pre-styling and hair care products, that are so effortless to work with. Now having a product range that performs to such a high-quality across the board is no easy feat but they manage to do so with ease. Every product I’ve tried from this brand really has been truly exceptional. All have been easy to work with and I’ve enjoyed being able to change up the finish of my hair so easily, by just chasing the product combinations I use.

    One thing I respect about this brand is just how confident they are in their consumers’ love of their products. When I initially chatted to the brand, they offered to send me over a range of their products from their pre-styling, styling and hair care ranges. The way they did this though, was not in the usual PR type of way. They simply said that we would love me to try out their products. If I liked them as much as they thought I would, then we could discuss doing something together. I respect that confidence and it wasn’t unfounded. They are now my go-to haircare brand and I’m looking forward to doing some projects with them in the future.

    They have also recently just launched their Revolution wax, which is a collaboration between Silkhaar (their retail outlet/YouTube channel) and By Vilain. The wax is limited edition and essentially combines everything you need in a good hair wax. Look out for it appearing in this month’s top grooming list (#SpoilerAlert). I’m loving it so far! As of this week, they’ve also brought back an old classic the Night Fiber. Look out for my thoughts on that soon, my initial impression was pretty great though! 

    Ethos:

    I always think it’s important to know what a company stands for and By Vilain stands by their motto of #WorkHard and #StyleHard. The twins stress, that their brand embodies the magic of innovation and the simplicity of Scandinavian design. They want to inspire men around the world, to set trends and be themselves without limitation. With their products enabling acting as a medium of self-expression and freedom for the consumers. Enabling them to be the very best version of themselves.

    Our Picks:

    Here are our top picks from the brand below.

    Gold Digger Wax £18.50

     

    2. Powermade £18.50

    3. Sidekick Zero £18.50

    All Available at: www.slikhaarshop.co.uk

  • The top 5 grooming products you need for the Pride Months

    The top 5 grooming products you need for the Pride Months

    Pride Month is a pretty spectacular thing. Across the globe this month, members of the LGBTQ+ community have been out in force. To make themselves recognised, share their love and most importantly, remember those that thought for our present-day rights.

    For some of us though, Pride Month is just the start of summer long Pride celebrations. London Pride is next weekend and we’ve got to keep ourselves looking and feeling our best. So we can be confident in ourselves and our community. Our grooming expert Thomas Swallow has got just the products to help you maintain your pride all summer long.

    1. The Soap Brewery: Bar Soaps (£6.50)

    Now I know we all started steering away from bar soap but I promise you, it is not the devil. Long gone are the days of your Dad’s Imperial Leather skin stripper. The Soap Brewery’s Bar Soaps are ideal for summer pride trips or just travelling in general. Easy to pop in your carry-on (they don’t count as liquids), you’re instantly set to stay fresh all way through the summer months. With ingredients kind to your skin, you will be left feeling nourished and squeaky clean. My personal recommendations are the Activated Charcoal & Tea Tree options. Both great to keep the body looking clear and avoid any post workout bacteria from the gym.

    AVAILABLE AT: www.soapbrewery.co.uk

    2. By Vilain: Revolution Wax (£25.00)

    If you’ve seen my Brand Highlight of By Vilain, you’d know by now that I think they’re a pretty amazing brand. With their new limited edition Revolution Wax, they hit the mark yet again. The wax that is created in collaboration with their retail site Silkhaar and is everything you need in a hair wax. Strong-hold, lots of playtime to get it just right and a fragrance, that is to die for. Make sure to grab some while you can, as when this stock is gone. It won’t be coming back. Use code ‘THEGAYUK’ at checkout, to grab an extra 10% off site-wide.

    AVAILABLE AT: www.slikhaarshop.co.uk

    3. Lock Stock & Barrel: Recharge Moisture Shampoo  100ml (£17.74)

    British owned brand Lock Stock & Barrel, really hit the mark on their Recharge shampoo. It’s a rare feat for a shampoo not to leave your hair feeling stripped but actually nourished and this shampoo does exactly that. This product has quickly become a staple in my morning routine and creates the perfect canvas to style your hair. Allowing me to go longer between conditioning, I find my hair much easier to style and manage. I’d definitely give this one a go, especially in the summer months. To give our scalps a more gentle treatment, whilst coping with the summer heat.

    AVAILABLE AT: www.mankind.co.uk

    4. Radox: Bath Therapy Muscle Relax Bath Salts 900g (£4.99)

    I’ll have to be honest, I never thought I’d be mentioning Radox in one of these lists but I have kind of been loving their Bath Salts lately. With Pride and summer looming, I’ve been hitting the gym more and generally just taking better care of myself and my body. One thing that I’ve found essential throughout this process, is the need to relax and unwind after a long day. My muscles are aching and my body/mind just need a break. Here’s where the Radox Bath Salts come in. A few handfuls in a lukewarm bath and unwind for 20 minutes. I say lukewarm here, as nobody needs a boiling bath in the summer heat and just in general, hot water is terrible for your skin. I would say to avoid these if you have a fragrance allergy but if you tolerate fragrance well, definitely give them a go. I find them super relaxing and are a very good price point, for the amount you get.

    AVAILABLE AT: www.boots.com

    5. PROVERB Skincare: Strengthening Skin Serum (£65.00)

    Albeit more on the higher end of the pricing scale, PROVERB Skincare is definitely an investment worth making. Their Strengthening Skin Serum is an anti-ageing miracle. Fortifying the skin barrier, leaving skin looking plump, supple and full of life. Ideal to use morning and evening during the summer months under moisturiser, to help renew and fortify the skin barrier pre and post-sun exposure. It’s definitely something you need in your travel bag for your summer holidays. Because let’s face it, boys, we can age gracefully or like a leather handbag. Apply the SPF and look after your skin!

    AVAILABLE AT: www.proverbskin.com

  • 6 cool ideas for Father’s Day

    6 cool ideas for Father’s Day

    Whether he’s a Clean Shaven Chap, Dapper Dad, Craft Beer Aficionado (we tried to make his trips to the local sound classy) or a Fair Weathered Fella. Here at The Gay UK, we’ve got you covered with everything you need for Father’s Day.

    image4you / Pixabay

    With just under a week to go, you better get shopping fellas!

    For the Clean Shaven Chap

    If your old man prefers to be all clean shaven and squeaky clean, then you can’t really go wrong with Bulldog’s Original Bamboo Razor (£8.00). Like their skincare products, this razor is a no-fuss and high-quality product. Ensuring your old man has that clean-shaven feeling, that he knows and loves all year round.

    Best of all, it’s great for the environment! With recycled packaging, un-chromed blades and a bamboo handle. It’s a gift you can feel great about giving. Pair it with their Original Shave Oil and an extra pack of their Original Steel Blades, if he’s been extra good this year. Nice and easy way to make Dad more eco-conscious!

    Available at: bulldogskincare.com

    For the Dapper Dad

    He may be getting older but he’s still a bit of a style icon, well at least to his mates down the pub. If your dad is more dapper than naff in the style department, we recommend getting him a staple with a difference. In come Happy Socks, the sock and underwear brand, that you’ve just got to love. We personally recommend one of the Father’s Day Gift boxes. Our personal favourite though is definitely the one below. At £29.95, we think it sums up our childhoods perfectly. Dad trying to teach us to play sports (he didn’t realise we were watching football for the boys), telling us off for doing what we personally thought was totally acceptable and showing him love. Make sure to grab these quick though, they’re selling out fast!

    Available at: happysocks.com

    For the Craft Beer Aficionado

    This is definitely one for the majority of our dads. The man who frequents his local and figures himself, a bit of a craft beer aficionado. Well, luckily Gosnells are on hand once again, to help push him in the right direction. Forget your IPA pops, it’s time to try the mead! Now all of their meads, are pretty much incredible but for this Father’s Day, we recommend getting him the Hopped Mead (£12.50) to try. Citrus, honey and hops, help create a new dimension to this London favourite and will surely make him a Mead Maestro in no time. Plus it’ll be easier for him to explain to his friends down the local after!

    Available at: gosnells.co.uk

    For the Fair Weathered Fella

    Now it’s safe to say dad has been through a lot in his life and he is becoming a bit of a fair weathered fella. So what better gift to give, than his youth back? Well at least in terms of his skin. Skincare for the older gentleman is a bit different, as our skincare needs change with age but the principles are the same. A good cleansing, treatment and moisturising routine, will undoubtedly knock years off his appearance in a matter of months. Now we’re not promising to work miracles here but if your dad is anything like mine, his skincare routine before involved bar soap and water. So we can’t do anything but improve it here.

    To make everything as simple as possible, we recommend The Ordinary for this one. Start with their Squalene Cleanser (£5.50) to gently cleanse the face, hit his skin up in the evening with their Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane (£11.90) to reduce signs of ageing without irritation and then lock all that goodness in with their Natural Moisturising Factors + HA (£4.90). Simple and he will be thanking you for years to come!

    Available at: theordinary.com

  • Locker Room 101: Pride Month Edition

    Locker Room 101: Pride Month Edition

    So it’s June, we’re halfway through the year and it is indeed the most sacred month across the globe, for the LGBTQ community. Yes, it is indeed Pride Month! No matter how you’re choosing to celebrate this month, we at TheGayUK want you looking and feeling your best.

    So whether you’re hitting a circuit party, relaxing by the pool or marching in a parade. We’re at hand with our pick of the hottest underwear, swimwear, and activewear around. To get you in the mood and celebrate with pride!

    1. JJ. Malibu: JJ Pocket Tank Top – BLUE ($18.95 USD)\

    First on our special Pride Month list, is the JJ Pocket Tank Top from JJ. Malibu. Experts in cute and sexy activewear, this brand bring their A-Game when it comes to Pride. The tank is made out of a premium cotton and polyester blend, that’s intended to keep you dry and fresh all day long. Featuring a contrasting navy pocket and pineapple embellishment. It’s also a cheeky conversation starter, pineapples are important in a man’s diet after all…

    Available at: https://jjmalibu.com/

    2. AQUA Swimwear: Southern Cross (£26.73)

    Second on our list, is one for the Aussies. Let’s face it, who doesn’t love a cute Aussie guy in a speedo? For all the Aussie ex-pats or just lovers of sexy swimwear. The Southern Cross trunks from AQUA Swimwear, lets you show your national pride and booty at the same time. Made from high-quality Italian fabrics, these sexy swimmers are guaranteed to hold their shape for years to come. Oh, and did we mention they’re stain resistant! You know in case of any accidental spillages…

    Available at: https://aquaswimwear.com.au/

    Use Code: “GayUK” for 20% off sitewide.

    3. Modus Vivendi: Mix & Match Zipper Short (£55.63)

    Staying strong on the swimwear front for number 3, we have the Mix & Match Zipper Shorts by Modus Vivendi. Definitely a must have, to add a pop of colour to your pride outfit, these shorts are quick-drying and breathable. Allowing you to celebrate into the early hours, whilst staying fresh. If you’re feeling a bit more cheeky as the day goes on, pull the zips up on either leg. Just be careful though, you might end up showing a little too much pride!

    Available at: https://e-modusvivendi.com/

    4. Andrew Christian: Pride Mesh Brief

    (£19.56)

    Would it even be a Pride Month list without mentioning Andrew Christian? The global phenomenon has brought their pride game once again. Never one to disappoint, this year’s Pride Mesh Brief is no exception. Cute, sexy and breathable with a mesh fabric and elasticated pride waistband. You can’t really go wrong with this one. Keep them as a surprise for that special man in your life or strip down and shake your booty at a circuit party. Either way, they will show your um… pride off well!

    Available at: https://www.andrewchristian.com/

    5. Modus Vivendi: Vegan Low Cut Brief (£26.49)

    Now I know this may seem an odd one to include but being Pride Month, I really thought this deserved a shoutout. Personally, I’m not one that has ever understood the whole leather fetish. Despite being partial to a leather jacket. After having my friend Emil visit last year though, I did start wondering about how Vegans could fit into the fetish scene. It’s kind of a moral minefield for them. On the one hand, they are vegan but on the other, they have a fetish that implies they contradict their vegan beliefs. So how do they get around that?

    Well, Modus Vivendi has given an answer. Their new vegan range, simulates the look and feel of leather gear but without harming any animals. I think it’s pretty great they thought about this and gave our vegan brothers an option. Allowing them to fulfill their fetish, whilst staying true to their moral beliefs. Plus did we mention, that they look pretty damn hot!

    Available at: https://e-modusvivendi.com/