THEGAYUK

Author: Thomas Swallow

  • Tom Tries It: What it’s like to get an Intimate Waxing

    Tom Tries It: What it’s like to get an Intimate Waxing

    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.

    CREDIT: Depositphotos ( FILE PHOTO)

    Carry on reading below, to hear about Tom’s experience trying intimate waxing for the first time. Yes, you heard right, he even put his manhood on the line this week!

    So as the intro suggests, this week to kick off this new series I put my manhood on the line and leapt into the world of male intimate waxing. I really don’t do things by halves, could have started with a cheeky chest wax but no, not me. With the help of Jimmy Bodur Male Grooming inside the 193 Whitecross Street clinic in London, we went all out and did the full Hollywood wax experience. Yes, I am now quite literally as smooth as a baby’s butt!

    So if you’ve ever been curious about waxing your meat and two veg, then make sure to carry on reading. As myself and Jimmy take you through the whole procedure from preparation to after-care.

    So what is intimate waxing?

    (C) BIGSTOCK (FILE PHOTO)

    I suppose the best place to start for those of you who don’t know, is to explain just exactly what intimate waxing is.

    The basic premise of waxing is to use warm or hot wax, to physically remove hair from the body. In the case of warm wax, this is often done with the help of waxing strips that adhere to the wax and help the remove the product and hair from the skin. When dealing with hot wax, however, the use of a waxing strip is often not needed. The wax is left to cool on the skin and then removed directly.

    Intimate waxing as the name suggests is the same premise but centred around the removal of hair from the genital area. There are two main types of intimate waxing offered to men:

    1. The Hollywood Wax: The complete removal of all hair from the pubic triangle, balls, penis, scrotum, buttocks and crack.

    2. The Brazilian Wax:The complete removal of all hair from the balls, penis, scrotum, buttocks and crack. While only trimming down the pubic triangle.

    So, of course, we went for the Hollywood option! It was the week of my birthday, we had to go all out!

    How to prepare for intimate waxing?

    (C) BIGSTOCK (FILE PHOTO)

    Now, this is something that I definitely thought was more daunting than it actually was. Personally, I thought there would be a multitude of steps in getting your skin/hair ready for waxing. Whereas Jimmy outlined it all in 3 simple steps:
    1. Don’t moisturise the area on the day of waxing, otherwise, it will be harder for the wax to adhere to the hairs.

    1. Don’t do any sports or gym work for at least 3 hours prior to your appointment. We need to be clean and avoid sweat here guys!

    2. Finally, simply don’t shave or trim the area being waxed. I was personally conscious of this, may have let the bush grow out a bit to make sure it was long enough. Jimmy very simply said though, if it needs trimming I’ll do it. If the hair is too short or too long, the wax can’t adhere.

    Simple right?

    During the treatment:

    Now, this is the bit that I know you’re all the most curious about. We’ve all heard the stories of how much waxing hurts and I’m not going to lie to you and say it’s painless. When being waxed you are physically ripping the hair from your skin and so, of course, it is going to painful. Especially in sensitive areas. <

    What I will say though, is that it is in no way as painful as you think it is going to be. The best way I can describe it is a burning sensation that goes away just as quickly as it comes. Of course, there are certain areas that are more sensitive and naturally feel more painful than others but with a light bit of pressure from Jimmy’s hand on the skin afterwards, the burning sensation quickly disappeared.

    This is why it’s important to have an expert clinician like Jimmy doing a procedure like this though. The pain you experience is directly relational to how good your clinician is. If they can get the wax on and off in a quick and effective motion, the pain will be minimal. If they don’t know what they’re doing and are tugging at the wax, it’s gonna hurt like hell!

     

    So now the pain rumours have been dispelled, let’s get on to going through the procedure:

    1. Jimmy had me get on my elbows and knees to wax my buttocks and crack. This position although a little embarrassing is the best position you can be in for getting waxed in this area. The skin is made taught in the position and ensure the wax can be removed easily and effectively.

    2. He started proceedings by checking the temperature of the hot wax against my skin and then dripping some down my crack. By doing this step first, he was allowing the hot wax to cool and adhere to the hair between my cheeks as long as possible.

    3. While cooling he then went on to use warm wax along with waxing strips to remove the exterior hair on my buttocks and lower back. By doing warm waxing in these less sensitive areas, he was able to remove the hair in the most effective and speedy manner.

    4. It was time to wax my crack and honestly, I thought this part was going to be the most painful out of the entire treatment. You know, nerve endings and all that! Surprisingly though, it was the least painful and after expressing my shock to Jimmy, he explained why. Basically, using hot wax is a much more painless method of hair removal than using warm wax and therefore he only ever uses hot wax on sensitive areas.

    5. Jimmy then went on to moisturise the entire area and by the time he was done, I was pain-free and smooth as a baby!

    6. After I had my smooth baby butt, I was asked to lay on my back and think of England. It was time to wax little Tom! Now similarly to waxing my crack, Jimmy used hot wax to remove the hair from my frontal area. This was by no means as pain-free as having my crack waxed but it wasn’t unbearable. Surprisingly though, it was my pubic triangle that actually caused the most pain but as I said earlier, with a light bit of pressure from Jimmy the pain was gone in seconds.

    7. Finally, once all the hair had been removed, Jimmy went on to moisturise the area and once again by the time he was done, I was pain-free. Job’s a good’un, as my dad would say.

    After-care:

    Similarly to the preparation stage, I thought this would be a lot more complicated than it actually was. The basic premise for after-care, was as follows:

    1. Just don’t shower for the first 24 hrs and when you do, make it a cool shower. You need to let your skin recover after hair removal and the best way is to let it rest for the first 24 hrs, while the skin barrier repairs.

    2. Avoid any fragrance for the first 24 hrs and avoid any sporting activity for the next 48 hrs. As with the showering, this is to avoid any unnecessary irritation to the skin.

    3. Following this initial period, the after-care is straightforward. Exfoliate once a week to avoid ingrown hairs and apply moisturiser regularly to avoid irritation.

    How much does it cost?

    Well obviously we can’t speak for every single salon in the UK but in terms of Jimmy, who is by far our recommendation. The pricing is as follows:
    Male Brazilian Waxing: £50.00

    Male Hollywood Waxing: £60.00

    Personally, for the level of service you get, I think the pricing is completely justified. Obviously, this is all subjective but for a treatment that lasts for around 6 weeks, I think the results by far justify the pricing.

    Final thoughts:

    You know I can safely say, that I’m glad I tried the whole Hollywood waxing experience at least once in my life. It’s a strange sensation at first being completely hairless down there but I think aesthetically everything just looks well-groomed and sharper.

    So would I have it done again? You know, I probably would. I would definitely have my ass waxed again, as I don’t feel I could deal with a hairy crack again after this but I would possibly opt for a Brazilian wax next time. Basically, I’d go through it all again but maybe just trim the bush. You know to avoid the most painful part!

    Finally, I just wanted to say a massive thank you again to Jimmy Bodur Male Grooming and the entire 193 Whitecross Street team, for all their help in making this feature. He’s a great guy and they are a great team, so I definitely recommend giving them a visit the next time you are in London!

  • Top 5 Grooming Items for March 2019

    Top 5 Grooming Items for March 2019

    Damn this year is going by quick! We are already in March and yes, that does mean that Winter has finally gone and Spring is finally here. This month’s feature is all about being fresh and walking into spring with a smile on our faces. Here are our Top Grooming Items for March 2019.

    1. FIT Skincare: Moisturising Ultra Serum (£50.00)

    Now if you’ve never tried a serum in your skincare regime before, then I definitely recommend you start doing so ASAP. Serums are generally more concentrated moisturisers full of active ingredients, that do work miracles for the skin. This one in particular from FIT Skincare is no exception. The lightweight formula sinks into the skin and visibly hydrates more than a moisturiser ever could. Since using this product, I have stopped seeing blemishes in my beard line and I can only presume, that this has something to do with it.

    Available at: fitskincare.co.uk

    2. White Glo: Diamond Series Whitening System (£15.00)

    Remember when I mentioned walking into spring with a smile on our faces? Here’s the reason why. This 2 step kit from Aussie brand White Glo, has given me visible results in less than 2 weeks. I never had major discolouration on my teeth but like everybody, I am partial to the odd coffee and glass of Malbec. I said I was London’s answer to Carrie Bradshaw for a reason. What this kit does though, combines a whitening treatment with a daily dental regime. The whitening gel is used for 10 mins daily, to achieve a brighter smile without abrasion and then the White Glo® Professional Choice toothpaste locks this treatment in place while providing your daily dental care. You do have to use the product for at least a week, in my opinion, to start seeing visible results but when you do, it is definitely worth the wait. I have been shocking myself in the mirror with my new brighter smile!

    Available at: Superdrug

    3. Mr Vanguard: Vanguard Eau De Parfum (£64.99)

    Another important aspect of stepping into spring is that ever important spring fragrance. Our pick for this season is Vanguard Eau De Parfum by Mr Vanguard. If you’ve never heard of Mr Vanguard before, they are an award-winning perfume brand from the UK, that pride themselves on the uniqueness and longevity of their fragrances. Having put this to the compliment test, yes I did see how many people complimented me on my aftershave for a week. I can safely say this one seems an all-around winner.

    Available at: mrvanguard.com

    4. Rosalique: 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula (£29.99)

    Now, this is one for anybody who has ever suffered from red and or inflamed skin. Yes, it’s one for us sensitive souls out there and will make our skin that little bit less sensitive. Rosalique is quite an ingenious product. It instantly covers redness with the green pigmentation, whilst protecting from UVA and UVB damage with SPF25 and then in the long term, it gently reduces redness within the skin. My advice here though is to only use a little product. The green pigmentation is quite strong and so this is definitely one to use sparingly. Once I got the quantity right, I started to see the results immediately and my skin has gotten less inflamed over the last month using this product.

    Available at: rosalique.co.uk

    5. Kiehl’s: Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment for Men SPF19 125ml (£33.00)

    Another solid product from Kiehl’s and one that has yet again been in my bathroom cabinet over and over. To put it bluntly, this moisturiser is hard to fault. It keeps your skin energised, hydrated and even controls oil production, keeping you shine free all day. Now, this was the original, they’ve now made it even better and added broad-spectrum sun protection to the moisturiser. Boasting a more than adequate SPF19, this moisturiser is ideal to see you through the Spring months. If you fall in love with it, as we’re sure you will and carry on using it into the Summer months, we definitely do recommend adding an extra SPF into your routine. It’s set to be another scorcher guys, say no to premature ageing and use an SPF daily!

    Available at: kiehls.co.uk

  • Witch-Influencers and New Wellness Trends

    Witch-Influencers and New Wellness Trends

    From the moment we wake up to the moment we fall asleep, we are increasingly becoming mentally and physically engaged to the outside world.

    CREDIT: Romina Introini

    We are in the midst of the social-media age and sometimes it really is hard to just switch off from it all, take a step back and really focus on our mental and physical wellbeing. Very clearly, this isn’t good.

    Now I could go the obvious route on saying just switch off your damn phone for an hour before bed and don’t look at it first thing in the morning but for some of us, that really isn’t an option. By all means, I recommend it if you can do it but when your job directly involves using your phone on an hourly basis, it’s not such an easy feat.

    Recently though, I was invited to attend an interesting talk on Witch-Influencers and New Wellness Trends by the lovely team at The GLAMOUR Beauty Festival 2019. Now I’m not usually someone who gets caught up in the allure of spells and charms to sort out all of life’s worries and problems but a lot of what was said really struck a chord with me, on the concept of self-preservation.

    CREDIT: Romina Introini

    The entire talk, that was hosted by Angela Scanlon and featured Emma Lucy Knowles and Giselle La Pompe-Moore as guests, was entirely focused on the notion of self-empowerment and giving yourself a positive mindset for achieving your goals and in doing so, taking time for yourself to reflect and recenter your thoughts and emotions daily.

    Now, this is something I can definitely get on-board with!

    The guest speakers went on to outline their own practices of using various charms and objects such as crystals, that they use on a daily basis to centre their thoughts and achieve their goals. For me personally, the totem aspect of their rituals is something that I find relatable. No, I don’t have crystals over my writing desk at home but I do have keepsakes. These are objects that hold meaning for myself and I associate them with certain memories or emotions. Albeit you could argue there is a difference, I personally don’t think there is.

    I’ll give you an example. When my uncle Dennis passed away, he left me a number of watches. One of them is a solid gold Swiss watch that honestly, I’m petrified of losing every time I wear it. Now long story short, my uncle is someone that was very inspirational to me. He travelled the world, went on great adventures and stressed the importance of education to me, in understanding the world and its myriad of cultures. This inspiration has made me an avid traveller and was one of the primary factors in me pursuing my degree and subsequent career, as a writer.

    So this watch now symbolises to me my uncle and all that he stood for. This association has made this watch a totem for me of self-preservation and self-belief. As now when I wear it, I genuinely feel that I can achieve anything and he is stood right there with me. It’s even in front of me now, as I’m writing this feature.

    So to me, my watch sounds very similar to a crystal with empowering properties. Wouldn’t you agree?

    I think we all have these keepsake items in our lives, no matter what they may be and these are our symbols of support, love, empowerment and everything in between. They are our crystals, spell jars and tarot cards and like our Witch-Influencer friends Emma and Giselle, I think it’s important we take time to appreciate these objects.

    Let them refocus us and remind us of who we are and what we want in life. This appreciation is how we can switch off from the social-media age, how we can survive it and most importantly, how we can thrive in it!

    Finally, I just wanted to say thank you again to The GLAMOUR Beauty Festival 2019 in association with Boots at the Saatchi Gallery in London, for inviting me along to this talk and helping me find my own way of switching off.

    If you’re interested in attending the festival. Look out for news on their next event in Manchester later this year, on their social media.

     

  • Top 3 Grooming Brands for Spring 19

    Top 3 Grooming Brands for Spring 19

    Here at THEGAYUK we like to highlight to you new products each month to keep you looking and feeling your best. Beauty expert Thomas Swallow takes us through the best products.

    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 and explore some new grooming brands, that are guaranteed to get you strolling into spring as fresh as a daisy.

    1. ALTR for Men:

    ALTR for Men is not a stranger to THEGAYUK. Having featured in our New Year’s grooming feature with their iconic Face Fix, this brand has been going from strength to strength since then. With new products launching on a regular basis, this brand is surely one to look out for as we head into Spring 19. Driven by the notion of simple, no-fuss grooming, that yields exceptional results. This brand is ideal for the city boy who needs to looks his best but not spend hours in the bathroom every morning.

    Check out the brand on altrformen.com

    Our Top Picks:

    ALTR for Men: Face Fix: Half & Half (£13.99)

    ALTR for Men: Blemish Balm (£11.99)

    ALTR for Men: Whiskey Infused Moisturiser (£9.99)

     

    2. WAR PAINT. for Men

    Created as a means of combatting the founder’s body dysmorphia, WAR PAINT. for Men has become more than just a grooming brand. It has become a hub of information for men who are curious about makeup but who don’t feel comfortable going to their local Boots. The brand is all about empowering men to look their best and to do so with products specifically tailored to their skin. With all products being vegan, cruelty-free and made in the UK, we think it’s definitely worth giving their products a try.

    Check out the brand on warpaintmensmakeup.com

    Our Top Picks:

    Foundation (£24.00)

    Bronzer (£19.00)

    Powder Brush (£7.99)

    3. skyn ICELAND

    Having lived in a Nordic country myself, I really feel akin to the ethos behind this brand. Founded by Sarah after her time spent in Iceland, following a battle with critical-illness induced by high-stress levels. She noticed the longevity of the Icelandic people and their vibrant healthy skin, realising the pristine and unpolluted nature of the land was a primary factor in this.

    Having lived in Sweden myself, I can completely relate to this. Last summer my skin went crazy in the London summer heat. I had a multitude of factors adding stress to my life and my skin was having none of it. During the gap between my tenancies in London, I went back to the south of Sweden with my family and my skin cleared up within a few days. By the end of my week there, it was glowing and I do genuinely think, that this is due to the lack of pollution in these countries.

    The brand itself centres around skin care, that is designed to treat the daily damages caused by stress and uses the remarkable natural resources of Iceland to do so. It is definitely worth grabbing a few products and checking them out on their website skyniceland.com.

    Our Top Picks:

    skyn ICELAND: Pure Cloud Cream ($55.00)

    skyn ICELAND: Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels ($30.00 for 8 pairs)

    skyn ICELAND: Hydro Cool Firming Face Gels ($35.00 for 8 patches)

  • INTERVIEW | Jockfighters: Born to let his primal instinct run free

    INTERVIEW | Jockfighters: Born to let his primal instinct run free

    The Modern Man: well-groomed, charming, sophisticated, athletic… and just yearning for his chance to let his primal instinct run free.

    Born out of the open-culture two friends experienced through travelling the world, Italian circuit brand Jockfighters aims to embody this concept of “The Modern Man”. With gear that not only looks masculine and athletic but will aid its wearer in transitioning from the daytime gentleman, to the primal beast that lays within.

    We at THEGAYUK sat down with one of the co-founders, the DILF that is Mr Ivan Bubu, to find out a little more about the brand and just how bad he gets, in order to do good. Don’t worry his Instagram is just below so you can check out this hot daddy…

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsps01elS_J/

    The Brand

    Where did the name Jockfighters come from?

    We just wanted to find a strong and unusual name out of the scene. It wasn’t easy but then it came to us ‘JOCKFIGHTERS’. JOCK because of jockstraps, something that holds a man’s most important assets and following the 60s has been synonymous to masculinity and sport. FIGHTERS because the urban man wears our gear in the daily fight of their lives. Together the name brings about a masculine modern meaning, meaning the wearers of our gear are ready for whatever life throws at them.

    And what makes Jockfighters stand out from other brands?

    Unlike other conventional gay brands, the style and quality of the materials really do stand out. We made these products to endure everything from the gym to the darkroom in one of Berlin’s clubs and not only that, do so in style!

    So you talk about the style standing out, how do you bridge the divide between conventional sportswear and fetish/circuit-wear?

    We basically make sure every aspect of our designs is related to the desired fetish. The colour palette we use is always black with either red, yellow and blue. Representing the 3 major know fetish colours (fisting, water sports and anal). Sometimes we also incorporate materials such as lycra, that give our gear that sexy fetish feel to them. Oh and let’s not forget out logo… look at it long enough and I’m sure you’ll see that dick!

    Ok, so final question Mr DILF. Then we wanna get to know about the sexy daddy behind the brand. What is the one piece from your brand that you think every man reading this should own?

    I think this is a bit of a trick question. Not one piece from my brand will fit every member of the fetish community. The nature of the community dictates that we all have different tastes and fetishes. So my answer to this is simply the one piece that makes you feel comfortable and that you feel your best self in. As long as my customers feel sexy and happy in their gear from us, I’m happy!

    That’s a fair point handsome. Very good answer!… Ok now let’s get to know a little more about you!

    The DILF

    Your brand references the concept “BE BAD… DO GOOD!!!”… but what does the concept of being bad mean to you?

    In the gay community being, ‘bad’ isn’t about actually being bad. It’s about your attitude and the way you act. This means it can be very fun if you’re good at being ‘bad’!

    And just how “BAD” have you been in your time travelling? Anything in particular jump out?

    Well travelling around gives you the chance to do things, that you are not expected to do. You feel free when travelling, all alone with yourself. Meeting people, exploring boundaries and crossing them… sometimes. I’ve never been bad in the real meaning but in the ‘gay’ meaning, definitely yes! I was a punk and had very alternative experiences across Europe. I was always more of a punk on the outside though not so much a rebel on the inside but a lot of things change as you get older…

    Finally handsome, do you still actively go to events on the circuit? And what are your all-time favourite events to go to?

    Yes, I do still go to circuit events but unfortunately, I am quite often disappointed with the music. I have been to circuit events all around the world and they are all fun and great to experience in different ways. In fact, I just started a party in Milan with some friends called DOM party. An all fetish inclusive dance party with international DJs and the music is strictly underground, tech house and techno. You guys should definitely come along soon!

    Find out more visit: www.jockfighters.com

  • This is what Barbie would like today, if she was actually allowed to age

    This is what Barbie would like today, if she was actually allowed to age

    It’s Barbie Bi**h!: With Barbie’s 60th birthday approaching on the 9th of March. London based artist and illustrator Phaedra Peer has captured what Barbie would like today if she was a real woman.

    (C) Phaedra Peer

    Phaedra has created this painting as a way of dispelling the myths of celebrity and model perfection. She highlights with this piece the fake and unrealistic representation of perfection within our society. A representation that has become more prevalent with the rise of social media platforms such as Instagram. Let’s face it who hasn’t used Face Tune to iron out last night’s mistakes in Heaven…

    We all now seem obsessed with the concept of being “perfect” but this concept isn’t realistic. “Perfection” is unattainable and that isn’t a bad thing. Phaedra emphasises that we should celebrate natural beauty and diversity, not just the blonde, tanned and blue-eyed doll.

    Now you may be thinking what has Barbie got to do with the predominantly male readership of THEGAYUK?

    “…increasingly men are being put under the same pressure of being “perfect”, as our female counterparts. Whether you’re gay, straight, bi or anything in between, this pressure applies.

    Well to put it bluntly for every Barbie, there is a Ken and increasingly men are being put under the same pressure of being “perfect”, as our female counterparts. Whether you’re gay, straight, bi or anything in between, this pressure applies. If I scroll down my Instagram feed now, I will be swamped with pictures of fitness models and influencers with Adonis-like bodies and flawless skin.

    Now the fact is, these people don’t look like this in real life. By no means am I bashing fitness models or influences and I’m not saying they are not attractive people. What I am saying though, is that the perception of these people given through social media is highly edited. Working in this industry, I know that these photos are edited and the images are composed in a specific way, with specific lighting. This is all done to create the desired effect for the shot and portray a specific and often unrealistic representation of reality.

    So, what should we take away from this representation of Barbie?

    We should remember that beauty comes in all shapes and forms. That there is no such thing as “perfection” and we should all really aspire to be people not because of their looks but for their actions.

    If you would like to see more of Phaedra’s work, check out her Instagram.

  • Best 5 Grooming Items of the Month

    Best 5 Grooming Items of the Month

    So it’s safe to say winter didn’t say goodbye in January. With snow and icy winds hitting the UK, our skin is definitely taking a battering. That’s why this month’s list, is all about protecting our skin and ensuring we go into spring looking fresh!

    1. STARSKIN: The Leading Man Mask

    Sheet masks have been popping up all over the place lately and there’s a very good reason, that brands are jumping on this K-Beauty trend. On average a sheet mask has a full bottle of serum/essence infused into it and what this means is that our skin gets a hit of moisture, that our daily moisturiser couldn’t even dream of giving. Now although there are many options on the market, our personal favourite right now is The Leading Man Mask by STARSKIN beauty. This mask is not only aimed specifically at men but also uses bio-cellulose technology to hydrate, smooth, energise, firm and refine the skin. Basically, it leaves you feeling red carpet ready!

    Available at www.debenhams.com (£8.50)

    2. Recipe for Men: Anti-Shine Moisturiser

    This isn’t the first time, that Recipe for Men have appeared in one of our top grooming lists and there’s a good reason why! The Scandinavian skincare company don’t throw any punches when it comes to their products. Creating innovative formulas that not only get the job done but do so with effortless style. Their Anti-Shine Moisturiser is no different! This powerful cream will not only hydrate your skin, protecting it from the last of the winter weather but it will hold the not so dewy tube glow at bay. Keeping you looking fresh and hydrated all day long.

    Available at www.mankind.co.uk (£30.00)

    3. Kiehl’s: Buttermask for Lips

    Now lip balms are a thing of mystery for many men. We put them on our lips and they somehow still end up looking like the surface of Mars by the end of the day. So many would think they are basically, useless. The reasoning behind this though, is that many lip balms require you to re-apply on regular intervals throughout the day. Think about it our lips come in contact with food and drink all day long and of course our lip balm is going to wear off. This is where Kiehl’s Buttermask for Lips comes in though, instead of being a balm it is a thicker creamy consistency. Now what this means is that the product will stay longer on the lips, providing that necessary hydration and protection our lips need in the winter months. We recommend applying once in the morning, after lunch and before bed for maximum effect. It’s time to keep those crusty lips at bay boys!

    Available at www.debenhams.com (£22.00)

    4. Björn Axén: Short Hair Wax

    Another Scandinavian brand here and Sweden’s strongest hair care brand to boot. We might as well learn from the Vikings how to survive the winter months, right? Björn Axén’s Short Hair Wax has been a firm favourite of mine since my year abroad in Sweden. This product kept my hair in place through the harsh conditions of a Swedish winter and I’ve sworn by it since, getting some every time I head back to the country. Now a short disclaimer here, this product is only intended for short hair. So if you’re more follicly endowed than me, than this product is probably not for you. The brand does cater to lots of different hair lengths and types though, so check them out and I’m sure you’ll find something to suit you and keep your hair picture perfect.

    Available at www.shopping4net.co.uk (£13.00)

    5. LAB SERIES: BB Tinted Moisturiser SPF 35

    Again another old favourite here. LAB SERIES’ BB Tinted Moisturiser is something initially I didn’t get on with. It was my first step into the world of male make-up when I was at university and well honestly, I made a pig’s ear of it the first time I tried to use it. After looking a bit more into it and admittedly asking a few female friends, I learned how to use it properly and I was pretty damn impressed with the results. My skin tone was evened out and due to the universal shade, there was no visible indication that I had anything on my face. it left me with a naturally glowing complexion and it’s been in my bathroom cabinet ever since. Now I know you’ll all now be curious about how to avoid my initial mishap and make this product work for you. Male make-up can be daunting to the newcomer and my first piece of advice is to remember this is not just a moisturiser! If you apply this product as liberally as your daily moisturiser, you ain’t gonna be pretty and it’s gonna be pretty obvious this ain’t your natural skin. The key with this product is to use a pea size amount and buff it into your skin. If you want to go the extra step, buy a blending brush and it will leave your skin looking flawless! Not to mention it has SPF, so it even helps protect you from the sun and yes there is still sun damage in winter, even though it isn’t scorching outside…

    Available at www.mankind.co.uk (£38.00)

  • Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue, I Know What To Get You Boo!

    Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue, I Know What To Get You Boo!

    Valentine’s day is fast approaching (yes it is on Thursday!) and unless you’re the person who does their Christmas shopping in July, then you probably still haven’t bought that special someone a gift… This is where we come in!

    Nietjuh / Pixabay

    Our Style and Grooming team at THEGAYUK, have curated a list of our top 5 valentine’s day gifts for that special man in your life (or men… we ain’t judging!).

    1. For the City Boy: Tailored Athlete’s Essential Dress Shirt in White (£60)

    Perfect for those midweek meetings and more importantly for taking you out for dinner! The Essential Dress Shirt from Tailored Athlete is a sure fire away to put a smile on his face while making him look like a 007 doppelganger. Made from microfibre, cotton and elastane, the shirt is wrinkle resistant, breathable, quick drying and even a little stain resistant! Just in case he’s prone to spilling coffee on himself or red wine, should your dinner date get a little out of hand.

    https://tailoredathlete.co.uk/collections/essential-dress-shirts/products/essential-dress-shirt-white

    2. For the Underwear Lover: Cocksox’s Sheer Trunk ($36)/Sports Brief ($34)

    So we’ve had him all suited and booted, now it’s time to get him kitted out below the belt too! The brand Cocksox is renowned worldwide for creating high quality and sexy AF underwear and they never fail to disappoint! Their new sheer collection for valentine’s day is aimed at those who like to tease and please! Our personal favourites are the Sheer Trunk and Sports Brief. Both leave just enough to the imagination, that is unless cupid pokes you with his arrow!

    https://www.cocksox.com/collections/underwear-shop-all/products/cx68sh-sheer-trunk

    https://www.cocksox.com/collections/underwear-shop-all/products/cx76sh-sheer-sports-brief

    3. For the Gym Bunny: Garcon Model’s KINETIC Swim Brief (£30)

    If your man has kept up his new year, new gym bunny resolution, then this next item is definitely for you! Garcon Model’s KINETIC Swim Brief, will not only keep your man fit but it will help him show off all those gym gains while doing so. Exquisitely cut to show off that bubble butt and draw all attention to his package, this is a gift you both can enjoy! After all, he doesn’t have to just wear it when he works out…

    https://uk.garconmodel.com/swimwear/kinetic-swim-brief.html

    4. For the Coffee Lover: Conker Spirit’s Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur 70cl (£31)

    Now buying your beau a cup of coffee on valentine’s day sounds a bit lame, let’s be honest. Even if he is the king of the Nespresso machine, a flat white from your local independent coffee roastery won’t cut it! Rest assured though we know just the thing to make him smile this valentine’s day. Conker Spirit’s Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur is more than your average coffee liqueur, your man is worth more than that Starbuck’s grade bulls**t! He deserves a coffee liqueur that doesn’t just imitate the taste of coffee but actually is coffee. Admittedly with a bit of demerara sugar and Conker’s trademark distilled British wheat spirit. It is basically an espresso shot, that carries that extra punch! We guarantee it will put a smile on his face, just make sure he doesn’t chug the entire bottle like his morning americano!

    https://www.conkerspirit.co.uk/shop/cold-brew-coffee-liqueur/

    5. For the Craft Beer Junkie: Gosnells’ Mead x12 (£80.00)

    Dating a craft beer junkie? Then this one is for you! Gosnells’ Mead is a unique modern-day take on a medieval classic. Crafted from orange blossom honey, this lightly sparkling and refreshing drink will take you on a journey to an orange grove in full bloom. Perfect to put a smile on your man’s face and add another notch on his craft beer belt. We recommend the 12 pack because let’s face it, he’s going to want more than one!

    https://www.gosnells.co.uk/collections/our-mead

  • What’s it like to run your own OnlyFans porn account?

    The Grassroots Porn Revolution

    The last few years has seen the rise of grassroots porn in the adult film industry, with newcomers and porn stars alike taking matters into their own hands and producing/distributing their own content onto the market.

    OnlyFans has been one of the services at the forefront of this grassroots porn revolution and we at THEGAYUK wanted to find out more, so we sat down with grassroots porn creator Troy Turner to find out about his OnlyFans journey.

    Firstly, what made you get into OnlyFans?

    I had always wanted to get into porn but I never had the guts to do it. Plus I had no idea of who to get in touch with to start doing it. Then one day back in 2017 I got approached by a photographer to do a shoot with him, I took up the offer and it all started from that. So I got involved with OnlyFans as a way of having a closer connection to my emerging fan base. It makes it so much easier for them to access my material and get in touch with me for custom content.

    And how did you start to build a fan base?

    It was a difficult but fun process. Porn bloggers are a massive help and so a lot of the time, it’s a matter of networking with them to get your content out there on social media.

    Do you find that it’s easy to maintain your fan base?

    I don’t find it easy but I find it a fun process. In order to maintain an audience, I have to keep producing new material or they would lose interest and it’s safe to say I enjoy making the material!

    Have you branched out into mainstream porn as well?

    I have done in the past and I will be making more in the future, so just keep an eye out but for now, I’ll keep producing my own content as often as I can.

    So obviously having done mainstream porn will help gain you a fan base but do you think it would be possible to make decent money from it without this background?

    I’d say that it’s absolutely possible. When people think of OnlyFans, they only think of the porn side of it but it’s full of a variety of content from singers to artists and so the money you make, really just depends on the quality of your content. Some people are making a fortune from it!

    Why do you think there has been an increase in the number of porn stars heading to OnlyFans?

    A lot of porn stars use sites like OnlyFans to engage with their fan base and keep them entertained. Plus like I said before, some people are making a lot of money from these sites and so it is definitely a viable source of income for the more famous stars.

    Speaking of entertaining your fans, what’s the most outrageous thing you’ve done so far for your OnlyFans page?

    Well, I’m a firm believer in getting enough protein in my diet. So I decided to unload on a tablespoon and get my protein fix for the day! Well, it is important to get those gains in!

    Finally, what tips would you give to our readers thinking of taking the leap in creating their own Only Fans page?

    As I said earlier, OnlyFans is not just for porn and you can use it for whatever you want. If you are wanting to make some grassroots porn though, my best tip is to keep your fans entertained at all times.

    Follow Troy on Twitter here and see his OnlyFans channel here

     

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  • The Best Undies to Banish the January Blues

    The Best Undies to Banish the January Blues

    It’s a New Year and supposedly a “New You” or as our friendly neighbourhood hunk Wesley Woods would say a “New Hoe”. But despite all our best efforts and resolutions to be a better version of ourselves, January just kinda sucks…

    Let’s face it, it’s still winter and now we don’t have Christmas to get us through the cold days and long nights. It’s depressing! So how can we combat this? How can we keep on smiling through January? Well, I’m sure there is a scientific way of fighting through this bleak month of the year but I’ll be honest, science was never my strong suit. So instead I give you 5 pairs of underwear, that will not only make you smile but help show off all the hard work you’re putting into your resolutions. Let’s face it, if you feel sexy you feel good and this underwear fits the bill nicely!

    1. Modus Vivendi: Festive Lux Brief (Black)

    When Modus Vivendi call something luxury, you know it fits the bill! The satin fabric is perfectly tailored to mould to your booty and show off what your momma gave ya. While the dazzling waistband brings back memories of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, it’s like popping a bottle of Dom everytime you slip them on.

    £30.50 from https://e-modusvivendi.com

    2. J.J. Malibu: Jersey Mesh Jockstrap (Fire)

    J.J. Malibu is known for being fun, quirky and most importantly sexy AF and there new Jersey Mesh Jockstrap collection is no exception! Self-proclaimed as being good for hoe time and working out, this cheeky little number will help you feel good hitting the gym and showing off your gains afterwards. We recommend wearing for leg day, for optimum results!

    $16.95 USD from https://jjmalibu.com

    3. Modus Vivendi: Greek Lux Brief (Blue)

    Taking us back to ancient Greece, this brief not only looks great but feels great too. Perfectly caressing that booty and holding your crown jewels on prominent display. It truly does make you feel like a gladiator, ready for the arena of the modern world. Just make sure to keep your weapon sheathed, London isn’t as liberal as ancient Greece!

    £31.83 from https://e-modusvivendi.com

    4. Garcon Model: Miramar Brief

    Black and gold is a timeless classic, reminiscent of luxury past and present. This brief although simple is anything but basic! Garcon Model are experts in making the ordinary not so ordinary. Their luxury fabrics and expert tailoring, guarantee a perfect fit and luxury feel throughout their entire range. Perfect for slipping on underneath your suit, this brief is guaranteed to give you the confidence you need to conquer the working day!

    £23.00 from https://uk.garconmodel.com

    5. Sukrew: Roxwell Jock

    Sukrew aka Sexual Unity Krew is known for being innovative in their approach to sexy menswear and their new Roxwell Jock is no exception. By bringing the elastic jock straps forward the focus is drawn to your package, which has been dramatically enhanced by the lifting and supportive pouch. Ideal for showing off in the locker room, you never know they may even help you find Mr Right or Mr Right Now!

    £13.99 from https://www.sukrew.com

  • Top 5 Grooming Items to Kick-Start the New Year

    Top 5 Grooming Items to Kick-Start the New Year

    The holiday season is one of joy, fun, love and a little too much indulgence. Yes, we are talking about those five empty bottles of prosecco on the side new year’s day. So it’s safe to say, your body and in-particular your skin could probably use some TLC right now. Not to worry though, here at THEGAYUK we’ve got you covered. Here are our top 5 picks for starting the year fresh.

    1. Kiehl’s Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque

    This has been a firm favourite since my time at Newcastle University, keeping my skin looking fresh and glowing even after the wildest night out in the toon. So you can tell it does the job! The turmeric and cranberry in this masque evening skin tone and the crushed cranberry seeds lightly exfoliate. Resulting in a fresh and glowing complexion, making you look more like you’ve had a week away than a night out on the lash.

    £34.00 for 100ml at www.kiehls.co.uk

    2. Clinique For Men Moisturising Lotion

    Definitely not a new product but an absolute staple to any man’s grooming regime. This moisturiser is a no-fuss and lightweight miracle, restoring balance and moisture to the skin. Apply before bed and in the morning after cleansing, to maintain a healthy glow to the skin and banish those dark circles for good!

    £26.00 for 100ml at www.clinique.co.uk

    3. ALTR Face Fix – Half and Half

    So it’s 2019 and the notion of make-up being only for women is well and truly dead! Gentlemen I give to you Face Fix, a concealer designed and formulated for male skin. Now if the moisturiser isn’t keeping those dark circles at bay, this product is a must. It’s lightweight, easy to apply with just your ring finger and more importantly, it’s conveniently packaged in a small tin to take with you on the go. We recommend the Half and Half version, in order to brighten your under-eyes and cover any pesky Christmas chocolate spots.

    £13.99 for 15g at www.altrformen.com

    4. Recipe For Men – Ultra Sensitive Facial Cleanser

    When it comes to cleansing your face, you have to find the right balance. We need to clean off the dirt but not damage our skin in the process. This is where Recipe For Men’s Ultra Sensitive Facial Cleanser comes in. Arctic juniper berries help reduce inflammation and redness, while cucumber and aloe vera removes impurities. The result is fresh and clean skin, that doesn’t look like you’ve just taken a sanding block to it. Use twice daily for maximum results.

    £18.00 for 100ml at www.mankind.co.uk

    5. American Crew Daily Conditioner

    Here’s one for your hair! The mornings are still dark and the weather is well… miserable. So what better way to start the day than with a refreshing splash of American Crew’s Daily Conditioner. This lightweight formula nourishes your hair, reversing the effects of the harsh winter weather and its menthol properties awaken your senses, making you feel fresh and ready to start the day.

    £14.20 for 450ml at www.mankind.co.uk