Endorsement: Baxter of California

A few weeks back, I sang the praises of Baxter of California's Shave Formula.  This product is so good, it's inspired me to rethink my whole shave routine.  I've started using a Badger brush (an old J.Peterman purchase that's been sitting in my medicine cabinet for at least 10 years).  The combination of the brush and the shave formula provides a super close shave with little-to-no irritation.  I'm getting into the shaving ritual so much that I'm thinking about trading in my Gillette cartridge blade for the classic Double-Edge Safety Razor.  Also picked up Baxter's After Shave Balm and Oil Free Moisturizer.  Found them to be great, no-nonsense products.  Baxter's stuff is reasonably priced (compared to say, Kiehl's) and I dig the old-school, barber shop packaging.  Next time I'm in L.A., I plan on checking out the recently opened and very cool looking Baxter Finley, Barber and Shop.
Baxter of California is available at UNIONMADE.

Asset Management: Shaving

Face it: Shaving sucks.  It's time-consuming and rough on the mug.  Some guys are lucky enough to be able to grow respectable facial hair.  After 3 or 4 days, my stubble just looks silly. I've tried just about every shaving gel, lotion, foam, etc..., and they've all left something to be desired.  Until now. Tagging along with ms pix to Perch in Glen Park the other day, I noticed the Baxter of California skincare and shaving products.  Zoel, the owner, pronounced it the best shaving cream he had tried.  I have to agree.  Close and COMFORTABLE shave.  Something to do with the formula providing a barrier between face and razor.  At $16 (10 OZ) it's not cheap, but by no means outrageous. Plus it takes very little of the stuff to do the job.  Also iked the samples of face scrub, face wash, after-shave balm and skin lotion Zoel tossed in for good measure.  So while shaving still sucks, it's gotten measurably better. And hey, at least I don't have to wax...

Asset Management: Wash Your Face

Most guys seem to rail against the idea of skin care. Too metrosexual or something. But come on, you got one face for this life -take care of it. Wash and moisturize. Here's a couple good options for keeping your mug clean...

Aveeno Active Naturals Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser $5.46

Kieh's Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash $18.00