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  • Top 5 Grooming Items for April 2019

    Top 5 Grooming Items for April 2019

    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!

    Available At: www.mankind.co.uk

    2. MAN CAVE: Anti-Pollution Face Serum (£10.00)

    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.

    Available At: www.mancaveinc.com

    3. Monu Skin: Vital Eye Gel For Men (£23.94)

    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.

    Available At: www.monushop.co.uk

    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.

    Available At: www.beautybelle.ie

    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.

    Available At: www.cultbeauty.co.uk

  • The Rules of Rough Sex

    The Rules of Rough Sex

    This week, columnist Scott Sammons gives us a rundown of rule for rough sex.

    This article is NSFW, please click here to confirm you are over 18.

  • Frankie Grande has a new man and he’s showing him off in the best way

    Frankie Grande has a new man and he’s showing him off in the best way

    Frankie Grande is back on the relationship wagon after splitting with his husband duo.

    Frankie Grande is dating a hot man and is showing him off to all his 2 million fans on Instagram. The social media star took to Instagram to show off his new beau, who goes by the name of Hale Leon, by kissing him and introducing him as his boyfriend.

    The new boyfriend comes after Frankie split with his husband couple, Mike and Daniel at the beginning of the year.

    The pair locked lips at Coachella, after Frankie’s sister’s (Ariana Grande) “triumphant set”. The pair kissed under a gigantic rainbow flag and Frankie described the moment as something he would “cherish forever”.

    His new boyfriend, Hale is an app developer and according to his profile never touched alchol or drugs, which will fit right in with Frankie’s sober lifestyle.

    Congrats guys!

     

  • REVIEW| The Three Best Gins: It’s Gin O’Clock!

    REVIEW| The Three Best Gins: It’s Gin O’Clock!

    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.

    Instagram @harahorngin

    2. Blue Bottle Dry Gin

    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.

    Instagram @bluebottlegin

    3. Conker Spirit RNLI Navy Strength Gin

    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.

     Instagram @conkerspirit

    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!

    Photography: Georgia Faid @georgiafaid

    Edited by: Daniel Dvir @danieldvirhere

  • Is Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parsons married?

    Is Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parsons married?

    Jim Parsons is one of the highest paid gay men on TV, but what about his personal life? Is he married and who is his husband?

    Is Jim PArsons Married
    CREDIT: DFree-bigstock

    Big Bang Theory‘s main star, Jim Parsons is probably one of the most famous out gay men on TV, he also happens to be one of the highest paid actors too. In 2014 it was reported that Jim nets $1 million per episode of the comedy, Big Bang Theory.

    So is Jim married?

    Embed from Getty Images

    Yes, Jim Parsons is married, he’s married to a man called Todd Spiewak, who is an art director. Todd apparently graduated from Boston University in 1999. He reportedly has a degree in graphic design.

    Todd is just a couple of years younger than Jim at 42 years-old. He was born in January 1977. Jim, on the other hand, was born in March 1973.

    The couple has been together, according to IMDB, for over 14 years, although they actually wed in 2017. The couple apparently met when Todd’s boss and Jim’s friend set the two up on a blind date in 2002.

     

     

     

  • TV show Blind Date to introduce Bisexual daters

    TV show Blind Date to introduce Bisexual daters

    For the first time, Blind Date is introducing an all bisexual dating panel.

    The brand new series of Blind Date will feature a first for the classic TV dating show – a mixed line-up of male and females, as they introduce bisexual daters to the format.

    In an upcoming episode of the show presenter Paul O’Grady will introduce beauty consultant Jordan as he chooses between support worker Lily, model Jesse or French master’s student Zoe.

    This new format element follows the introduction of all-male and all-female line-ups when the series returned in 2017.

    Blind Date presenter Paul O’Grady said, “I’m delighted that Blind Date is continuing to be inclusive by giving a platform to those who identify as bisexual. It was a joy to film and I’m sure Cilla would have been proud”

    In January 2018, Blind Date made history when it hosted an all male, all gay episode of the show.

    Blind Date airs Sunday’s at 8pm on Channel 5, Catch the episode when it airs in May on Channel 5.

  • The government’s porn database to come online in July

    The government’s porn database to come online in July

    New rules mean that you will have to prove you are over the age of 18 – and be on a database, in order to view porn from mid-July.

    CREDIT: ©-lofilolo-Depositphotos

    Anyone who is watching porn via a British IP address will have to prove they’re of legal age to watch the content from mid-July. The new legislation has many critics concerned about privacy protection. The House of Commons passed the issue quietly on Monday, 17th December 2018.

    Users will need to, from 15th July 2019, register on porn sites with official documents such as a driver’s license, passport or an age verification card. One of the systems in place is called the AgeID system another is called AVSecure.

    The law means that you have to prove you are over the age of 18 before you can access porn sites in the UK and is part of the Digital Economy Act. The rules will apply to any website or platform which offers porn on a “commercial basis”.

    Sites that do not keep a database of its users and their ages maybe blocked to users in the UK.

    Advocates for the new rules hope that the measures will protect children from online porn.

    However, despite its intentions to protect children from accessing porn, the new law will not stop minors from being able to view unlawful content on social media.

    Porn Passes from the Newsagents

    igorovsyannykov / Pixabay

    Plans are being made to make “porn passes” available at local newsagents, which will allow people in the UK who want to watch porn to bypass inputting personal data which proves their age to various porn sites, according to The Independent. It is a way in which people can access porn anonymously once the new law comes into force.

    Buying a “porn pass” means that you will have to hand over personal information to your local newsagent, who will be able to issue you with an anonymous pass, which will allow you access to adult sites in the UK.

    Some of the activities banned by the Conservative government could overtly affect the porn consumption of gay men in the UK – including those who watch BDSM, rimming (facesitting) and fisting.

  • Are you guilty of glistening?

    Are you guilty of glistening?

    Glistening is short for “gay listening” which Alan Downs PhD discusses in his book, The Velvet Rage and apparently we’re all a little guilty of it from time to time.

    Glistening is when you’re sort of (but not really) listening to the guy right in front of you, but scoping out other men in the room – and being relatively obvious about it, so that the man you’re actually conversing with notices that you’re not 100 per cent focusing on him.

    Missing Out On Opportunities

    Recounting a story from one of his patients, Alan says that one guy he knows missed out on a huge job opportunity from a guy who was trying to get his attention at a dinner party. The would-be employee barely even noticed the potential employer right in front of him, because another, more fanciable man entered the room, stealing his attention.

    The job opening would have been of huge benefit, but because of his behaviour, the employer was ultimately put off, because the would-be employee wasn’t present in the moment and actually hugely disrespecting him.

    Give People The Respect They Deserve

    So the moral of the story is to make sure you’re giving people the respect they deserve and listen, fully listen to those who are speaking to you.

  • Victim of sexual assault left devastated by his attack

    Victim of sexual assault left devastated by his attack

    The vulnerable victim of a violent sexual assault says he has been left  ‘devastated’ by the attack.

    The victim was on a night out in Newcastle City Centre when he was subjected to the horrifying ordeal.

    He told police: “I have never been the most confident of people and this incident has really devastated me.

    “My self-confidence is really low and I am very anxious about being in public places with people I don’t know.

    “Even to this day I feel violated, traumatised and angry that this has happened to me.”

    His attacker Zain Osman, 25, of Gerald Street, Newcastle, admitted sexual assault after he approached the victim on a night out and put his hand down the man’s trousers.

    He then pushed the victim’s head towards his genitals.

    Last month Osman was jailed for 15 months at Newcastle Crown Court.

    “Extremely traumatised”

    During the 20 minute attack, Osman bit the victim on the back which resulted in him falling into a ditch where some road works were being carried out. The victim was left with multiple injuries and was extremely traumatised.

    The 26-year-old victim, who has lifelong anonymity, has been described by his family as ‘a trusting young lad who is unable to defend himself’. They have praised the police for getting justice for their ‘gentle giant’.

    They said: “He is so trusting of others, even when he doesn’t know people. It’s not in his nature to be nasty to anybody. He can’t really stick up for himself so how someone could take advantage of him is just incomprehensible.

    “The police have been so supportive from day one and when Osman was jailed, it was a huge relief for us all.”

    Detective Constable Ross Atkinson who led the case explains why protecting vulnerable people and seeking justice for this victim is exactly what police are here to do.

    Det Con Atkinson said, “The morality of Osman who tried to blame the culture of Newcastle to justify his actions is totally inexcusable. He targeted a vulnerable victim and sexually assaulted him. There is no one else to blame for that but himself.

    “The victim is such a lovely young man and this has utterly traumatised him. When he first came forward he was understandably extremely upset and shaken by what had happened.

    “I think there was an apprehension to report it at first thinking we may not believe what he was telling us, which of course was absolutely not the case – we will treat anyone who reports such offences with compassion and our specialist officers will carry out a thorough investigation.

    “My priority throughout this investigation was to really focus on the victim and support him in any way we could to ultimately get the justice he deserves.

    “Osman pleaded guilty to the offence due to the irrefutable evidence put before him. It gave the victim a sense of relief that he wouldn’t have to go through a trial and that he was believed.

    “I think the important message is that no one should be subject to such an assault in any circumstances.
    “It is our priority to protect victims like this brave young man and make sure we do all we can to raise awareness that help and support is available.”

    If you have been a victim of rape, sexual assault or exploitation, whether this is recent or historic, please come forward and contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

    To contact the 24/7 Crisis Helpline contact 03333448283 or find out more about our Sexual Assault Referral Centre by searching REACH SARC online.

     

    Victims can also contact Victims First Northumbria on 0800 011 3116 who will give independent advice and support.

  • Dear The Real Me: You need to let go of the past

    Dear The Real Me: You need to let go of the past

    Dear The Real Me… You need to let go of past baggage.

    Skitterphoto / Pixabay

    Dear The Real Me,

    A lot has been said to you by a selection of men over the years. There have been a lot of hellos, and even more goodbyes. There have been hours upon end of conversation before days, weeks, or even months of torturous silence. You have been compared to songs with backhanded compliments. You have had your strengths praised – your altruism admired – only for these strengths to seemingly become your relationship kryptonite in the long run. There have been promises of forever. There have been I Love You’s galore. Yet, somehow what always seems to stick the most are the things that are said about you and to you. Why is this, you ask? Because you still – even after twenty-eight years – care far too much about what other people might think about you.

    Look at you now, for example – you’re happy, with a man who loves you, in a job you enjoy, in a flat that is … Spacious? However, you still hold on to all of these words from others as if they are scars upon your skin. The tough love of this situation is that you have to grow up, move on, and let go – and the sooner the better. The thing is, the longer you’re holding on to all of this past life baggage, the more it is affecting your current life in the meantime. There’s a reason you’re only allowed one item of hand luggage on the plane – too much baggage and it can take the whole thing down. Worse still you’ve had this happen before, and god knows you don’t want it to be the situation this time.

    Now, I don’t suggest you stop taking on these words just because others have weighed you down in the past. You just need to shred the old to make room for the new; there are a lot of words being said right now that will mean a lot more to you in the years to come than these old words mean to you right now. Listen to him and look at how far you’ve come – look at it all, the big picture, in widescreen, and HD (4K and all).

    You should have grown past those old words by now, and there’s no one but yourself holding you back from doing that. Listen to those new words and remember the journey you’ve been on; remember those bullies, remember coming out, remember each start and each end, and remember that you are a part of something real right now. These are the things you should be holding on to, not the old words that once felt like they were branded into your flesh. To quote (and possibly paraphrase) The Help, “You is smart. You is beautiful. You is special.” Learn to obsess over this. Or at least try, okay?

    It’s a moment of tough love but listen to me, or at least Latrice Royale with the 5Gs … and Good God Girl, Get a Grip. Realise what you’ve accomplished. Realise what you are. Realise what you have, and live for that.

    Love from,

    You (Hoping to soon be just as real as you.)

  • The Good, The Bad and the Ugly. Seat Ibiza 2002 – 2008

    The Good, The Bad and the Ugly. Seat Ibiza 2002 – 2008

    The Good, The Bad and the Ugly : The Seat Ibiza Mk3. Type 6L. 2002-2008

    An irrelevant look at a certain car.

    This Ibiza was a bit of a revelation from Seat. Finally, they had a car on the British shores that you actually wanted.

    This was VW’s second attempt with the Ibiza. Compared to the rest of the family from VAG, It had a design flair all of its own. Ibiza 1 was sharp. That was designed by Ital. Ibiza 2 looked like a ripe butternut squash. And due to its shape, meant you couldn’t, sadly, lose it up your rectum!

    Ibiza 3 looked as aggressive as a Spanish taxi driver drove. I would have said a Matador but have you seen the embroidery work in their costumes? Quite exquisite and so delicate. Anyway, gone were those fat dumpy looks, the Polo dashboard and the general dead feel of the car. Look at it from underneath and you’d think this was a VW Polo. Or a Skoda Fabia. From the top, it was all Spanish, all Seat and all very Mediterranean.

    And that Mediterranean feel could also be felt through the ventilation system. Any car without a sunroof was incredibly hopeless in its ability to draw in fresh air. Aircon helped but what you really wanted was something that allowed the rush of air to pass through the cabin.

    Opening a window wasn’t always an option. Closed windows give better miles per gallon and the thing could fly. You see, if you were wise and a bit ‘tight’ with the pennies, you’d have opted for the 1.4 3 cylinder diesel engine.

    That’s right, a 3 cylinder diesel. Now VAG doesn’t have a good record with ageing 3 cylinders. The 3 pot petrol engines are crap. Remember the Polo? RUN! In diesel, it was great. 79 bhp felt like 179 and but that 195Ib ft of torque was most useful. These were diesels that didn’t sound too diesely and sipped the fuel like an introvert drinking a Babycham at a swingers party.

    It was that magic 195Ib ft of torque that made the Ibiza 3 fun. They came with big alloys and low profile tyres so handling was always fun. It was all slick and it all worked in the way VW, sorry, Seat made them work. The 5-speed gearbox snicked in and out of the ratios with reassurance. And come night time, the dashboard was ALL red and ALL sporty and ALL racy and, well not blue like a VW.

    Parked the right way, Ibiza 3 is a good car to look at with its big S as a nose. Park it so you can see those rear lights and your eyes are insulted by these ugly 4 pots in a baguette style slither of plastic like those from the dodgems of a 70’s Torremolinos funfair ride.

    Thankfully, in 1.4 diesel form, it’s pretty quick so those behind you don’t have to endure that visual fright and for that one thing alone, I am saying the Ibiza 3 is a good car.

    BUT ONLY IN DIESEL! with a sunroof. And aircon.

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