If you’re a blonde or ginger guys you’ve probably got questions about the right products for you, as well as what products will protect your skin. Worry no more, our style and grooming expert Thomas Swallow is on hand to help.
What are the best brow products for gingers?
Being a blond guy, I can totally relate to this problem. Unless you have brown/black hair, most brown products tend to be on the golden or warm side of the colour spectrum. So it’s so much harder to colour match a product to your brows if your hair is of a lighter hue.
Ideally here you’re wanting to define your brows but not make them mismatched to the rest of your hair. For most gingers/redheads, I would recommend opting for an auburn shade. This isn’t going to be a perfect match every time but it will get you on the right track. So depending on your natural brows being either blondish, reddish or brown, you can see which product works best for you.
My Recommendation:
I would always opt for an eyebrow pencil or mascara/gel when filling in my brows. This will create the most natural effect possible, adding that bit of definition but not making it glaringly obvious, that they aren’t your natural brows.
Alternatively, I would recommend eyebrow tinting. I recently went to get my brows and eyelashes tinted at Blink Brow Bar in London. By getting them tinted, you can add the definition you want and have the shade matched perfectly to your hair colour. If you’re interested in learning more about this, check out my article here.
With Pride Month looming just around the corner, our grooming expert Thomas Swallow is on hand to help you look and feel your best. Whether you’re gonna be chilling on Hampstead Heath or living your very best life at pride. Here are our top grooming product picks for the month. Prepare for the compliments boys!
1) By Vilain: RUSH Shampoo and Conditioner Duo (£33.30)
First on our list this month, is Danish haircare brand By Vilain. Founded by twins (Rasmus and Emil), who have pretty great hair. Have to admit, I have a little bit of hair envy here! I’ve recently been trying out quite a lot of their products and so far I can’t find one, that I don’t like. In particular, their RUSH Shampoo and Conditioner combo have become a quintessential part of my morning routine. Keeping my hair fresh and conditioned, whilst the menthol effect energises me for the day. My hair game has been on point lately guys, so definitely check this duo out.
2) Recovery Room: Protein Body Moisturiser (£14.99)
Next on the list, is the Protein Body Moisturiser by Recovery Room. Now if any of you follow me on social media (@urbanmaleuk if you don’t), then you’ll know over the last few months I’ve been putting my body through it in the gym. Completing my own personal fitness challenges and putting training methods to the test. So basically, my body has been pushed to its limits quite literally.
One of the things I’ve noticed from this is my skin has been quite irritated from all the exercise and having eczema, I try to minimise any irritation to my skin. What this moisturiser did, is calm down my skin. Which if you’ve ever had a skin condition like eczema, is pretty phenomenal. More so, it is loaded with plant proteins and amino acids to aid recovery post-workout. So whilst my body was constantly being battered and my skin was quite literally telling me to do one, this moisturiser stepped up. Eczema or not, if you’re hitting the gym this summer definitely pack this into your gym bag. I promise you won’t regret it.
Third on the list this month, is the Oil Balance Pro Moisturiser from PROVERB Skincare. Although a more expensive moisturising option, this product definitely gives you bang for your buck. Having quite an oily T-Zone myself, especially after a journey on the Central Line or the Pits of Hell, as commuters will know it. My skin is often left on the wrong side of shiny and what I noticed when using this moisturiser, is that my skin didn’t get this shine. Don’t get me wrong it was all supple and dewy but it didn’t look oily. So if you suffer from a bit of an oily T-Zone or have oily skin in general, definitely give this one a go. Make the investment and I promise you, you’ll thank me for it.
4) Bulldog Skincare: Energising Sheet Masks (£12.00 for 8 masks)
So next on the list, is a brand I hold dear to my heart. Bulldog is just one of those brands, that gets it right. No fuss, affordable male skincare, that’s high quality and these sheet masks are no exception. Like all sheet masks, they are intended to give a short term effect but with instant results. Unlike most sheet masks we see in the UK though, they are made from unbleached bamboo and are dehydrated. Yep that’s right, we add the serum ourselves. Which I personally love. The idea of a sheet mask sitting soaked in serum over a period of days, months or even years before we use it, is not the most comforting of thoughts.
Simply add enough serum to coat the entire mask and then unfold, to reveal the mask. Leave it on for about 5-10 mins and you’re left with radiant looking skin. Great for those mornings when you’ve not had enough sleep or if you just have a special occasion to go to. The morning of pride for example… Another great addition for our bearded fellas is that the beard line is detachable. So no longer will that pesky face mask fall off your face.
Last on our list this month, I think is a pretty special find. MAN CAVE has recently brought out a Micellar Cleansing Water targeted at men and I think it’s gonna save my skin during summer. If you don’t know what Micellar Water is, it’s essentially a no-fuss way of refreshing skin. You simply rub the product onto the skin and it helps break down any dirt or residue. No water or harsh scrubbing needed.
Now although this isn’t a new concept, it is the first product of its kind that I’ve seen targeted to men. Imbued with the refreshing Woodsman scent from the brand, it’s by far the easiest way I’ve found of refreshing my skin on the go. Which during summer in London, will be a godsend. So for any city dwellers out there, pop this in your work bag and reap the benefits all summer long.
Ever had a style or grooming question, that you’ve always wondered about but never had someone to ask? Then worry no more, our style and grooming expert Thomas Swallow is on hand to help. This month, he’s tackling the topic of Male Makeup.
What’s the best way to apply foundation, if I have facial hair? If I add foundation to it, it looks a mess and if I don’t I just get a line there.
The best way to deal with facial hair when applying foundation or any other type of coverage product i.e. BB creams is to not avoid or apply the product directly to the area. What you want to do, is apply the product to the rest of your face/neck (please don’t forget the neck) and then just run the excess product through your facial hair. This way you avoid a harsh line but you don’t coat your hair in product and it just creates an overall even finish.
My Recommendation:
I personally would always opt for a BB/CC cream or a light to medium coverage foundation. If going for a more full coverage look though, try and opt for a powder foundation. Powder products will always look more natural than liquid products through facial hair.
Here at THEGAYUK, our styling team love nothing more than scouting the globe to 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 is all about Aussie fitness brand Pedal to the Kettle Activewear.
The name of the brand is inspired by the term “Pedal to the Metal”. They combined this term with their love of functional training and kettlebell training, to come up with the name “Pedal to the Kettle Activewear*. Their love of fitness is at the very forefront of this brand and its creation.
Vanina and Maria’s (the founders) own personal struggles with fitness brought the brand into existence, following their move from Melbourne to Sydney. Both feeling overweight and miserable, they took to fitness to reinvigorate themselves and create a more positive outlook on life. Their brand took to representing this hard working and productive mentality, with the creation of stylish activewear with an edge. Just like Vanina and Maria.
The result, functional and stylish activewear made to the highest attention to detail and quality. With the same quality control going into their products, as the nutrition and training regimen fuelling their bodies.
There’s also a flat shipping rate of 20 AUSD for worldwide shipping, so no matter where you are. You can be part of the Pedal to the Kettle Activewear family.
Follow Pedal to the Kettle Activewear on Instagram
History:
Fairly new to the fitness scene, Pedal to the Kettle Activewear was only a registered company since April 2018. Throughout the remainder of 2018, the duo behind the brand spent endless hours refining the logo, concept and sourcing the best quality fabrics for their new brand. Then in November last year, the day finally came for the brand to launch online and since then, they’ve been going from strength to strength.
They launched the store with their Black & White collection, aptly named because who doesn’t love a bit of minimalist black & white. This collection marked the brand as a unisex fitness from the very start. As the duo said, they wanted everyone to train and feel empowered. No exceptions.
Product Range:
Following its initial collection, the brand has gone from strength to strength. Their male range now includes a variety of products from tanks to shorts and is constantly growing. Jazzi’s collection is a personal favourite of mine, bringing a hot pink into the men’s range, to represent the brand’s affiliation with breast cancer research.
Hot off the press, they are currently working on a new collection. So make sure to keep an eye out on their socials. From what they’ve said, it’s very exciting! With possible collaborations between organisations, that use fitness to help LGBTQ and mental health causes.
Ethos:
Having been in an open discussion with the duo behind Pedal to the Kettle Activewear for a few months now, the phrase “Fitness saved us, fitness saves and changes lives.” has popped up a bit. What I took from this is how much of a driving force their personal passion for fitness, is behind their brand. Constantly being supportive of my fitness challenges (coming soon), Vanina and Maria really do believe in their brand as a way of empowering their customers through fitness. Having both faced emotional challenges growing up and accepting themselves, as being part of the LGBTQ community. The duo emphasises how much fitness has enabled them to feel accepted in a community and how it has helped act as a driving force behind their personal self-acceptance of themselves.
As mentioned previously, the brand is also linked to breast cancer research through Jazzi’s collection. This collection was made in honour of the duo’s friend, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in Sep 2018. After a double mastectomy, their friend is well and truly beating cancer’s ass and from this inspirational battle, the brand now donates 2 AUD for every piece of the collection sold. So wear pink boys, it’s for a good cause!
The brand also supports LGBTQ causes, they are focusing on creating links within the LGBTQ community. To promote acceptance and raise awareness and highlight the struggles, that people face. All in all, the ethics behind this brand strike a cord with our styling team. THEGAYUK is definitely behind this!
Deciding what to put in your gym bag is not an easy task.
You want to look sexy in the gym but not too thirsty. You want to appear playful but not desperate. You want functionality but you don’t wanna be basic. Most importantly you wanna be ready for anything the gym and the locker room has in store for you. You never know, that dream about the hunky PT might come true one day. Rest assured though, THEGAYUK has you covered.
Here is Locker Room 101, your one and only guide for everything you need in your gym bag!
1. Pedal to the Kettle Activewear: Terry Cotton Shorts
Remember when we said you wanted to be functional but not basic? Pedal to the Kettle Activewear sets the bar on this. The Aussie newcomer is known throughout Oz for its high-quality fabrics and functional, yet stylish activewear. These shorts are no exception to the rule. Made out of a blend of French Terry Cotton and polyester, they are both breathable and comfortable in and out of the gym. The minimalist design is subtle enough to cross over into everyday casual wear and you can instantly feel the high quality of the fabrics, as soon as you pick them up.
They’re also the perfect length for showing off the leg day gains and the well-deserved bubble butt you’re now rocking. So they’re guaranteed to get you some attention too. Maybe even from your gym crush, if you’re lucky!
For those of you lucky enough to have a pool in your gym or maybe a cheeky hot tub, I present to you the perfect mixture of cute yet sexy swimwear. JJ Malibu has truly outdone themselves here on the cuteness factor. The panda emoji design is scattered across these slinky speedos and is guaranteed to make you the centre of attention. A sure fire way to make all men at the pool and even that cute lifeguard stand to attention. As the brand says, this lucky panda is intent on getting you lucky!
Wearing these speedos really does bring out your fun and cheeky side and they’re definitely a conversation starter. It may be the fact that the flattering cut emphasised my package and bubble butt. However, I’ll try to keep it down to the cute panda on my crotch. My ass was slapped a few times though. Either way, they’re definitely a winner in our eyes!
3. Bullseye Gear: Police Dept Navy Blue Swim Brief
Carrying on with the fun and sexy swimwear, next on our list is Bullseye Gear’s Police Dept Navy Swim Brief. The flattering cut of these swim briefs helps emphasise you in all the right places and like our panda speedos, are a definite conversation starter. With police printed across your booty, feel free to make some arrests. Just be careful of withdrawing your pistol from its holster around the pool. Maybe save that part for the locker room!
Definitely not your dad’s tighty whities, these classic briefs from BOX Menswear should be a definite staple in any man’s gym bag. With a flattering cut and premium quality fabrics, these briefs are perfect for gym workouts and everyday wear. We’ll be honest they look pretty great in locker room selfies too. Not that we’ve been paying close attention to their Instagram page or anything…
Whenever you hear the words, Andrew Christian, you know it’s gonna be something sexy. This tank is no different. From their VIBE range of sporty but sexy activewear, this tank is both breathable, functional and sexy AF when on. Showing just the right amount of skin, the breathable fabric allows you to workout to your heart’s content, without the dreaded sweat stains. Not a cute look boo!
Trust us on this, we tested it through a HIT workout and it held its own. Making it the perfect tank to wear for the token gym selfie. Let’s face it if it isn’t on Insta, did you even workout?
Have you got a style question you’d like to ask our expert Thomas? Send an email to style@thegayuk.com or reach out to him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/urbanmaleUK@UrbanMaleUK
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 trying out Eyebrow/Eyelash Tint and Eyebrow Threading. Missed the first two instalments of this series? Click here to find out about Tom’s previous adventures, where he tried intimate waxing and a dermalux facial.
So this week you lucky folks get three for the price of one. Yes as the intro would suggest I tried out not one, not two but three male grooming treatments. All focused on taming the two bushy caterpillars on my face that I call my eyebrows and as we didn’t want my lashes getting jealous, we threw them into the mix too. I just wanted to take this chance to thank the team at Blink Brow Bar in Fenwick’s, London for helping with this feature. As you’ll find out as you read on, I couldn’t have been in better hands for this. I did indeed feel very pampered.
So let’s get started with the first two treatments that I had done this week. Eyelash and Eyebrow Tinting is the process of chemically dying your brows and lashes to achieve a darker/more defined colour. Basically just imagine the more professional version of shoving Just for Men on your eyebrows, when you had a bit left over from your beard. Please don’t put that stuff near your eyes though, I beg you! Being a blind panda ain’t a cute look.
The Treatment:
Tinting your eyebrows and eyelashes is one of those things, that I personally found super relaxing and satisfying. Essentially you get to just lay back and close your eyes for 10-15 mins and when you open them again, you have not only great looking brows and lashes but a more defined face. Brows really do shape your face gents, so make sure to never overlook them.
So the treatment will essentially start two days prior to your first appointment. This is when you will do a patch test for the tint, to make sure you aren’t allergic. Following this on the day of your appointment, your treatment will start by your clinician asking you about your desired shade results. Whether you want a more subtle or more dramatic look, they can tailor the results to suit you. This stage is great, as it really does personalise the treatment to yourself and guarantees you get what you want from the treatment.
Following this, your clinician will mix up your tint and then ask you to lay back so they can apply it to your eyebrows. They do the eyebrows first, as they usually, they take a lot less time to tint than your eyelashes. After the tint has been on a few minutes, they will remove the tint with a moist cotton pad and ask you your opinion on the colour. If you’re happy great, if not they will re-apply the tint to achieve the colour result you want.
After your eyebrows are the desired colour, your clinician will then move their attention to your eyelashes. Honestly, this sounds a lot scarier than it actually is. Essentially your clinician will line underneath your eyes and your eyelid with a barrier cream (usually petroleum jelly) and then place halved cotton pads under your eyes, to avoid any excess colour running onto your skin. They will then ask you to keep your eyes closed and they will begin to apply the tint. This is a weird sensation I must admit and sometimes there can be a slight tingling sensation but the important thing here is to keep those eye closed. I promise the sensation if any will die down quickly. Your only job now for the next 10 mins or so is to relax and you may even have a little nap if you’re like me. It has been a tiring few weeks, don’t judge.
My clinician was also super lovely and gave me a shoulder and arm massage while the tint was developing. This was definitely a super sweet thing for her to do and definitely made the whole experience more memorable.
After the tint has developed for roughly 10 mins, your clinician will begin to remove the tint from your eyelashes. Again it’s super important you don’t open your eyes till your clinician tells you to. It may be tempting but trust me it will sting if you do. They will start the removal process by using damp cotton pads similarly to the eyebrow tint but then due to the sensitive nature of the eye, they will then go on to use water directly on the area to remove any residual tint. Following this process, they will give you two more damp cotton pads for you to use yourself. This is so that you can be sure that all the tint has been removed from the eye. You can now open your eyes and see your newly defined lashes. If you have blue eyes like myself, by the way, I couldn’t recommend this more. It really does make your eyes pop and look so much more intense, in a good way.
After-Care:
As always we like to advise you on any necessary after-care for the treatments I try out and to be honest for this treatment, it’s very minimal. Essentially just avoid washing your face till the morning after to increase the longevity of the tint. Simple, right?
Moving on to my third and final treatment I tried this week, I tried the treatment made legend by my female friends. Yes, I indeed tried Eyebrow Threading. Now if you don’t know what eyebrow threading is, it’s essentially the process of using a piece of tightly wound thread to remove hair from the skin. If you’re like me and have female friends that have told you about threading you’d also know it has a reputation for being very painful.
After trying it myself this, I’ve got to say I don’t really understand how it’s painful. It’s a little uncomfortable but it isn’t painful. You essentially feel a light pull and then nothing. Of course like waxing the amount of pain is definitely down to a lot of factors but if you have a good clinician, I don’t see why you should be in pain.
The Treatment:
Anyway now we’ve dispelled that myth and threading clinicians across the country are thanking me for an increase in clientele. Let’s talk about what actually happens when you get your eyebrows threaded. Similarly to the tinting process, your clinician will first do a consultation on how you want to shape your brows. Being myself and liking the natural look, I opted to just get them tidied up but keeping to my natural brow shape. You will then lay back and your clinician will tighten the thread and start the threading process. I was asked to hold my eye area taught with my fingers for the first half of the process for each eye. This was to reduce any pain and make the removal process that much smoother.
The whole process for each eye took only a couple of minutes and as I said previously, really wasn’t that painful. Following the initial removal, my clinician they asked my opinion on the results and then suggested some further alterations to my brows they could do. This was a great step to include as you could tailor your results to your tastes and the added suggestion was most welcome. Essentially she just asked if she could cut a small section at the front of my brow to make it more even, which of course I said yes to.
Following this final snip, my brows were then perfectly shaped and the clinician added some soothing aloe gel to the area, to reduce any irritation caused by the hair removal.
After-Care:
Similarly to the threading, after-care for threading is very simple. Just don’t wash the area till the morning after and avoid any irritants such as perfumes. Again super simple, right?
Pricing:
As with all the features in this series, we can’t give you a definitive price for the treatment. As it really does depend on your clinician and where in the country you live but we can give you the pricing for Blink Brow Bar, to give you a bit of a guideline.
Eyelash & Eyebrow Tinting: £30.00
Eyebrow Threading: £21.00
Final Thoughts:
So it’s safe to say I was pretty impressed with the immediate results these treatments offered. As I said previously my eyes looked more striking, my brows looked more defined and my face as a whole just looked more chiselled. Personally, I think that going forward this will be an essential step in my grooming regime and I’ll definitely be going to the team at Blink Brow Bar in Fenwick’s, London to keep it up.
I really couldn’t have asked for a better team to do this feature with. They really did tailor the treatment to my specific needs as a client and the results spoke for themselves. I would definitely recommend giving these three brow/lash essentials a go ASAP and if you’re near a Blink Brow Bar branch hit them up. You can thank me later.
Want to see previews of what’s coming up or just what Tom gets up to in his day to day life? Drop him a follow on his Instagram below, where you can make suggestions for any grooming treatments you’d like to see him try in the near future.
So it’s April and we are now firmly into the Spring season.
That means the days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. Time to step up the grooming routine boys, it’s hotting up! Here are our Top 5 Grooming Items for April 2019.
1. Recipe for Men: Alcohol-Free Antiperspirant Deodorant (£15.00)
Now I know this seems a little pricey for something you put under your armpits but trust me here boys, this deodorant is worth every penny. This deodorant is not only alcohol-free and as such less damaging/drying to your skin but it’s the only thing that has ever stopped me sweating on the London Underground. In my opinion, anything that can keep you feeling fresh on the tube is worth the money. This product even stood up to our heatwave last year, so invest and trust me you won’t regret it. Also never left deodorant marks on my clothes, so a bonus!
Now I have to admit I wasn’t really buying into the whole anti-pollution skincare bandwagon at first. It all seemed a bit gimmicky to me. Living in London though, the epicentre of UK pollution. I decided to give this anti-pollution serum by MAN CAVE a try. One because it’s affordable and two because I have always heard great things about this brand but never tried any of their products.
My impressions at first weren’t that great I’ll be honest. It nourished my skin but it didn’t really seem to do anything drastic. Then about 3 weeks into using this serum, I noticed that I wasn’t getting as many breakouts. Now, this was the only product I had added to my skincare regime at the time and so I can only presume, that this was the reason behind this. It has anti-irritation ingredients and is supposed to reduce the amount of stress your skin undergoes from environmental factors on a daily basis.
Seeing these effects happen on my skin over the course of using this product, I am now sold on the anti-pollution skincare bandwagon. This serum genuinely changed the way my skin was reacting to my environment and the result was much clearer skin. So I would definitely recommend this to any city dwellers out there, especially in London.
I’ll be honest, I had never heard of Monu Skin before I received this product in a subscription box I was reviewing for you guys (the review will be up soon, so look out!). This product really stood out to me though and so I had to share it with you.
Essentially this is a lightweight eye gel, that is intended to wake up your eye area and reduce fatigue. What I loved about it, was that it was a product I could use in my morning and night routines but achieve different results. In the morning, the product would instantly reduce any puffiness around my eye area and make it look like I actually had 8 hours. Unlike the more realistic 6 on a good day. Then in the evening after a long day, it instantly soothed my eye area and took any fatigue from the day from my eyes. Over the course of using the product, I had people visibly notice that I looked more awake and that my eye area looked more youthful in general. So I would definitely give this one a go if you seem to be burning the candle at both ends lately like myself.
4. Timeless Truth: Hydra-Intense Black Charcoal Mask (£5.25)
Who doesn’t love a good sheet mask? Quick, simple and instantly visible results. This Hydra-Intense Black Charcoal Mask from Timeless Truth is no exception to the rule. Leave the mask on for 15-20 mins and what you’re left with is a more plump and radiant complexion. The charcoal in the mask also helps to draw out impurities. So I don’t personally think we can go wrong with this one.
Pro-tip: get the excess serum from the mask and sachet after application and apply to the face and neck. You don’t want to be wasteful after all.
5. PETER THOMAS ROTH: 10% Glycolic Solutions Moisturizer (£35.50)
Last on the list for this month, is an entry from skincare giant PETER THOMAS ROTH. There is no doubt that this brand is known for its high-quality products and these products having a high percentage of active ingredients. This moisturiser is no exception. With 10% Glycolic Acid, this product gently exfoliates away those dead skin cells that lead to a dull complexion. Following using this product for a good 4/5 weeks, what I noticed was that my skin looked more radiant and my complexion was much more even.
I personally used this moisturiser as part of my nighttime skincare routine, as I didn’t want the acid reacting to any UV exposure but always find what works best for you with skincare. If using this during the daytime though, I would definitely recommend using an SPF. Just to be on the safe side with any sensitivity.
Also when using this product at first, you may experience a slight tingling sensation. What I learnt, was that my skin was just getting used to the active ingredient (Glycolic Acid) being present on my skin and this tingling went away by the end of week one. If your skin does react badly to this product though or you are prone to sensitive skin, then it may be best skipping this one.
It’s official April is here, spring is here and yes that’s right so is British Summer Time!
So now we get an extra hour of daylight each day, to indulge in all our spring debauchery. Now as much as we could be referring to what goes down on Hampstead Heath… We at THEGAYUK will try and keep our debauchery PG for now. Indeed we are talking about all the debauchery that goes down in beer gardens and parks across the nation. It’s time to swap the winter whiskey for a refreshing G&T and don’t worry if you don’t know your Hendrick’s from your Gordons, we’ve got your back. Here’s our Top 3 Gin Guide for Spring 2019, with tasting notes and all. You’ll be a gin pro in no time.
1. Harahorn Norwegian Gin
Yes, you did indeed read right, Scandinavians make gin! The first gin to be featured on the top list is our Norwegian entrant Harahorn gin. Named after the Harahorn mountain in Norway and depicting the ever daunting image of a hare with horns, this gin is definitely an all-around favourite. By far the smoothest gin in our list, Harahorn is definitely the one to go for if you’re new to the gin scene. It’s a simple but delightfully smooth gin, with a neutral palette. Pair with blueberries for a subtle berry infusion and a flower or two, you know for the aesthetic. After all, if it’s not on Insta did it even happen?
Recommended For: Anyone new to gin, who want a safe first dip into the gin pool.
Second, on our list, is our Guernsey entrant Blue Bottle Dry Gin. Now, this gin is indeed something special and can safely be considered an artisanal masterpiece. The gin which is brewed in copper stills at the Three Fingers Distillery in Guernsey combines a mirage of botanicals to create a truly unique taste. This gin is definitely one for the seasoned gin lover. With their tagline “Look for beauty everywhere.”, it’s definitely a gin that you will keep you yearning for more. With new tastes and experiences awaiting you, at every sip.
We recommend serving with a slice of grapefruit, to truly explore the subtle taste notes of this gin. Floral in nature, the juniper is enhanced by the bitterness of the grapefruit and the subtle undertone of vanilla comes through. The result, a truly unique tasting experience that will definitely have gin lovers hooked.
Recommended For: The seasoned gin lover, who wants to experience something truly unique on the gin scene.
Finally, the third and final entrant to our list is our English entry. Conker Spirit RNLI Navy Strength Gin hails from Dorset, England and is a gin that supports the life-saving work of the RNLI. The gin was created in partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and for every bottle sold, £5.00 is donated to the charity, to support their lifesaving work. So you can enjoy a cheeky G&T while doing good, definitely a brand we can get behind! The gin itself is smooth and by far the sweetest gin in our list.
Similarly to the Blue Bottle Dry Gin, we’d recommend serving this one with grapefruit. The sharpness of the grapefruit will ground the sweetness of the drink. Creating a truly indulgent citrus palette for you to enjoy. Perfect on a sunny spring day in the park! If you also enjoy a neat whiskey in winter, try this beauty with a squeeze of grapefruit juice on the rocks. Rare we like neat gin but this one is an exception to the norm.
Recommended For: Those with a sweet tooth, who enjoy a sweet citrus kick.
So there we have it. You are now indeed prepared to enjoy that extra hour of spring sunshine and hit the bar/park to enjoy a freshly made G&T. Let us know your thoughts below if you get the chance to try one of our favourites above or if you think we missed any from the list. Enjoy the sun and experimenting with your new favourite gins!
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.
Now I have to admit until I first went into 193 Whitecross Street for my previous adventure in intimate waxing, I hadn’t really heard of a Dermalux facial before either but once Elizabeth from London Professional Aesthetics explained the procedure to me, I knew I had to give it a try.
Essentially the Dermalux Facial is an LED light facial, where the different wavelengths of light penetrate the skin and cause different positive reactions. The treatment can be targeted to specific skin concerns and tailored to fit every client’s needs. All resulting in less-inflamed and more rejuvenated skin. A quick summary of what each of the 3 wavelengths of light do, can be seen below.
Infrared Light:
Supercharges cells in the Dermis, enhancing rejuvenating properties within the skin, increasing hydration levels and boosting collagen levels. All resulting in a more youthful and radiant complexion.
Near-Infrared Light:
Causes regeneration in the skin’s deepest layers, increasing blood circulation allowing an increased flow of nutrients and oxygen to the skin. Accelerating repair, reducing inflammation and reducing sensitivity for those suffering from skin conditions, such as rosacea.
Blue Light:
Targets bacteria in the Epidermis and causes a chemical reaction, whereby spots are reduced and the skin is left blemish free.
During the Treatment:
Each Dermalux Facial treatment at London Professional Aesthetics starts with a sit-down consultation with Elizabeth to build a profile of your skin and to record any relevant medical information. Having been a Nurse Practitioner in the NHS for many years, it’s safe to say you’re in good hands here.
Following the initial consultation, Elizabeth will then go on to cleanse your face with a mild chemical exfoliant. This is to remove any dirt from the skin and leave your skin in the best state, to absorb the LED light.
She will then take you down to the Dermalux Facial studio where all the magic happens. Once down there Elizabeth will set up the machine for your desired treatment and then ask you to lay down, while she positions the machine and puts goggles over your eyes. The next 20 mins or so of the appointment is quite simple, you lay back and relax. It’s ok to fall asleep here, the light is very soothing and I have to admit, I did have a cat nap.
After your 20 minutes of bliss, Elizabeth will then finish the treatment by prepping your skin with a vitamin C serum and some SPF. Always important to use following any vitamin C treatment! Basically, you end up leaving with a visibly brighter and clearer complexion.
Elizabeth would recommend repeating the treatment once every one or two weeks, in order to achieve the long term benefits.
Pricing:
Like the waxing, of course, we cannot comment for every aesthetician in the country who does this procedure. In terms of Elizabeth from London Professional Aesthetics though, who by far we would recommend over the rest. The pricing is as follows:
Single Session: £50.00
A course of Six: £260.00
A Course of Twelve: £500.00
Final Thoughts:
I have to say from start to finish, I couldn’t fault any aspect of this treatment or the service I received by Elizabeth and the London Professional Aesthetic team at 193 Whitecross Street. In terms of the treatment, I visibly saw a difference in my skin after one treatment and continuously saw this difference in my skin for at least the next two weeks. As a regular aspect of my grooming regime, I would definitely invest in this treatment if my skin concerns were more prevalent. Due to me having very few breakouts and my face being the one area of my skin, that isn’t very sensitive. I personally wouldn’t go every other week to get the treatment but in terms of an instant pick me up for my skin when getting ready for an event, I would definitely do so! To sum up, it’s a pretty amazing treatment and I will be making another appointment very soon.
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 Greek underwear giant Modus Vivendi.
History:
Founded in 1989 by Greek designer Christos Bibitsos, Modus Vivendi has been synonymous with high-quality menswear and particularly underwear ever since. With the launch of their online shop in 2005, the brand expanded into the international market and the world went crazy for Modus Vivendi.
Now a staple in every gay man’s closet. The brand’s provocative designs coupled with models such as Logan Moore, stand out from the crowd and are sure to be popular for years to come.
Product Range:
I know we’ve mentioned Modus Vivendi as an underwear giant but the brand does a lot more than making some of the world’s sexiest undies. With product ranges comprising of underwear, swimwear, gym wear and accessories, the brand is an all-rounder. With all designs being provocative, eye-catching and unique, they will definitely get you noticed for all the right reasons.
With the entire manufacturing process taking place in Thessaloniki, Greece in the company’s own factories and with locally sourced materials, the high standard of quality from this brand is ensured.
Ethos:
Translated from Latin, Modus Vivendi means a way of life and this is what the brand tries to embody. They want their designs to represent a lifestyle and that lifestyle is very simple, you do something because you love it. If you’ve ever owned a piece of Modus Vivendi, you’ll completely be able to relate here. You feel sexy, confident and empowered. You’re standing out but because you are being yourself and expressing yourself through their designs.
This brand ethos definitely creates a friendly environment within the brand itself. Pornstar/model Logan Moore (Instagram) has worked quite often with the brand and we were lucky enough to ask him about his time modelling with them.
“Working with Modus Vivendi was so amazing, it felt like a welcome into the family and next to that the brand is awesome. The staff and owners are even more amazing. I was their first gay model and pornstar that they booked and I felt honoured.”
Here at THEGAYUK, we like to highlight to you new products each month to keep you looking and feeling your best.
With spring just around the corner though, we thought we’d take this one step further. It’s time to clear out the old, bring in the new. We’ve already shown you the best grooming brands for Spring 19 and now it’s the time to get your wardrobe to match up to your fresh-face. Here are our Top 3 Menswear Brands for Spring 19.
1. Plain Bear:
Peckham based indie brand Plain Bear has been a personal favourite of mine, since the first time I saw their stall at Greenwich Market back in 2017. Established in 2013, the brand which is iconic across London for its bold minimalistic prints has gone from strength to strength. From humble market roots in Greenwich and Spitalfields to a defined brand with a state of the art design studio in Peckham, this brand is definitely one to invest some money in. The designs are timeless and will go from season to season. For Spring 19, I would invest in some of their printed T’s and maybe a cheeky jumper. After all, the UK isn’t known for its great weather!
Check out the brand’s social media below and their website: plainbear.co.uk
Founded in London and supporting CALM, with 5% of all sales going to the charity. Centre Front Menswear is definitely a brand, that The Gay UK can get behind. By combining the latest trends with classic design, the brand is able to stand out amongst the crowd of season based designers. The brand’s goal is to create wardrobe staples, that although reflecting current trends aren’t going to go out of style in a few months time. This staple mentality, not only leads to the high quality of the fabrics and production methods but also gives the consumer everything they would expect from a top-end designer, for a fraction of the price. It creates a true midpoint in menswear, bridging the gap between the high-street and designer brands. Perfect for those staple pieces, that should be in every man’s wardrobe.
Check out the brand’s social media below and their website: centre-front.com
Unisex brand Pandora Apparel is pretty remarkable. Created out of a lack of high-quality and sustainably sourced unisex clothing available on the market, Pandora Apparel intended to fill that void and they did so in style. Founded in 2017, the brand does not “believe in gender separation or fast fashion” and wanted to impact the fashion world, without impacting the planet. All designs from Pandora Apparel are taken from digital images, that are pulled apart and re-worked into unisex clothing designs and what this does is create a unique and minimalistic look, that won’t go out of trend. Did we mention, that all their designs are limited edition? So make sure to grab them now, while you can.
Check out the brand’s social media below and their website: pandoraapparel.co.uk
