2011 Holiday Gift Ideas - Volume 5 - Gifts for Him

Although I know GuineaHubby would normally prefer unwrapping a power tool than something in the "beauty" category, there are still some really cool grooming-related gift ideas that he and the guys in our lives would love to receive!


Cigar Box Grooming Gift Set, $50 CAD
This unique, limited edition gift set features several useful products for men packaged in a reclaimed cigar box. The contents of each box vary to include a custom mix of FIVE products from the following list (all in 2 oz. sizes):
- Shave Cream
- Shave Soap
- Shave Jelly
- After-Shave Splash
- After-Shave Balm
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body Wash
- Face Cleanser
Each box will also include a 2 ml sample of cologne.
- where to buy: select large format Indigo and Chapters stores


Old Spice Travel Gift Set – The Traveller, $13.99 CAD
This travel case will help your man smell and feel his best wherever he is in the world. This gift set includes:
- Old Spice Body Spray
- Old Spice Deodorant
- Old Spice After Hours Shower Gel
- where to buy food, drug and mass merchandise stores across Canada

Father's Day Gift Ideas from Every Man Jack

Brand: Every Man Jack

One of my husband's favourite brands, Every Man Jack, has a great new kit for Father's Day this year - The Double Play Kit.

Essentially two kits in one, the Double Play is packed with items from both the shave and body collections, and remains true to Every Man Jack’s commitment to eco-friendly ingredients. At a $40 value but retailing for a wallet-friendly $25, it’s a great deal.


Shave Items (Fragrance Free)

Face Scrub – Pre-Shave
Formulated using plant-derived surfactants that deep clean; jojoba beads that gently remove dry and dead skin; chamomile, organic aloe and vitamin E to soothe; and glycerin to provide hydration.

Shave Cream Hydrating Formula
This rich, low-foam Shave Cream softens and preps the beard hair for a more comfortable shave that won’t dry out skin or clog pores. Squalane, derived from wheat germ, lubricates and softens while olive oil extract hydrates, chamomile soothes and aloe heals.

Face Lotion – Post-Shave
The post-shave Face Lotion deeply hydrates and heals dry and razor-irritated skin. Unlike other lotions, this one will not block pores, which can lead to breakouts, and dries matte. A combination of marine extracts and Shea butter hydrate while aloe and vitamin E protect.

Body Items - Available in Citrus (pictured above) or Cedarwood (pictured below)

Deodorant
An aluminum-free, naturally-derived deodorant that will help neutralize odors. Witch hazel extract plus cotton absorb sweat and moisture while essential fragrance oils refresh.

Body Wash
Coconut derived surfactants cleanse, essential oils stimulate the senses, marine extracts soothe and glycerin locks-in moisture. All scents derived from natural oils.

Body Bars (4-pack)
The vitamin-enriched Body Bars are made using a 100% vegetable base, which contains no tallow, an ingredient commonly found in other bar soaps. Marine extracts soothe while glycerin retains the skin’s moisture. All scents derived from natural oils.

Other

Lip Balm – SPF 15
This lip balm will not only help protect you from sunburn, but also prevent and relieve chapped lips with its smooth texture.

As always, Every Man Jack’s products are free of dyes, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate and parabens, making them perfect for just about anyone, including the eco-conscious guy.

Retail price: $25


image: press release

Product News: Father's Day Gift Ideas from L'Occitane

Brand: L'Occitane


Verdon Adventurer Set, $55 USD
Inspired by the refreshing waters and rocky gorges of the Verdon Valley in Haute Provence. This set includes:
- Verdon Pure Face Wash
- Outdoor Moisturizer SPF 30
- Energy Roll-On
- Fresh Shower Water


Cade Outdoorsman Set, $45 USD
Created specifically for men's skincare and shaving needs, the Cade range offers antiseptic and strengthening properties. Set includes:
- Cade Shaving Cream
- After Shave Balm


L'Occitan Gentleman of Provence Set, $45 USD
Set includes:
- L'Occitan Shaving Gel
- After Shave Balm
- Shea Milk Soap


Baux Chivalrous Set, $55 USD
This sensuous blend of cypress and incense pays homage to the courageous knights from the village of Les Baux. Set includes:
- Baux Shower Gel
- Baux Eau de Toilette

image: press release

Gift Idea Guide: Making Scents of the Holidays for Men

During the holidays, lots of brands offer their scents in beautiful packaging, extra goodies with purchase, limited edition versions, etc. There have been so many in the past couple of weeks that my head has been spinning with all the new releases.

With the holidays just around the corner, I figured now is a good time to show off some of the season's newer scents and some holiday editions, in case you're still looking for a last minute gift idea or something new to wear to all those holiday parties you've been invited to!

Like I said, there's quite a bit out there, so this is going to be quite a long post (a post focusing on Women's will follow). To get to what you need to know, I'm taking away all the fluff and filler, leaving you with the important things: an image of the bottle, name, size, price and the fragrance breakdown.

Enjoy and happy shopping!

NOTES:
- all prices are approximate, retailers may sell for a different price
- images are based on press releases and may be slightly different in market and dependent on product you are buying


Marc Jacobs BANG
Bang is Marc Jacob's first masculine scent in almost a decade.
- scent: peppery, woody and spicy; elemi resinoid, aromatic benzoin, vetyver, white moss and patchouli
- Eau de Toilette spray: 50 ml for $69 CAD, 100 ml for $95 CAD
- After Shave Balm: 150 ml for $67 CAD
- Deodorant Stick: 75 g for $32 CAD


Pure Nautica
- scent: top notes: sea spray accord, mandarin, bergamot; middle notes: ambergris, saffron, lotus flower; dry down: driftwood, suede, patchouli
- Eau de Toilette: 50 ml for $57 CAD, 100 ml for $75 CAD


Davidoff Champion
- scent: top notes: bergamot, lemon; middle notes: galbanum essence, clary sage; dry down: cedarwood, oak moss
- Eau de Toilette: 50 ml for $65 CAD, 90 ml for 82 CAD


Dolce & Gabbana The One Gentleman
- scent: top notes: pepper, grapefruit, middle notes: lavender, patchouli; dry down: cedarwood, fennel, cardamom
- Eau de Toilette Spray: 1 oz for $42 USD, 1.6 oz for $57 USD, 3.3 oz for $73 USD


Ralph Lauren Polo Black Deluxe
A special deluxe-size of Polo Black.
- scent: iced mango, silver armoise, patchouli noir
- Eau de Toilette Spray: 6.7 oz for $82 USD


Burberry Brit Limited Edition For Men
- scent: bergamot, green mandarin, ginger accord, cardamom, cedarwood, wild rose, nutmeg, tonka beans, oriental woods accords, greay musk
- Eau de Toilette Spray: 3.3 oz for $72 USD

Gift Idea: Schick Hydro gift pack

Brand: Schick
Name: Hydro gift pack
Price: approx. $15.00 CAD

The Schick Hydro gift pack includes:
- a Schick Hydro 5 razor equipped with 5 Ultra Glide Blades that provide a close comfortable shave. Breakthrough Skin Guards on each blade double the points of contact that act to smooth out your skin as you shave and reduce irritation
- a 4-pack of Hydro refills
- a multi-compartment shave bag

image: press release

Gift Idea: Gillette ProGlide/ProSeries Gift Set

Brand: Gillette
Name: ProGlide/ProSeries Gift Set
Price: $12.99 CAD


The Gillette ProGlide/ProSeries gift set is right for the man who shaves often. When these 3 products are used together, they help to reduce the ‘tug and pull’ feeling that’s associated with shaving and minimizes skin irritation.

The gift set will become available in October and includes:
- Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor
- Gillette Fusion ProSeries Thermal Scrub
- Gillette Fusion ProSeries Intense Cooling Lotion

image: press release

NEW Product: Jack Black It's the Balm Trio

Brand: Jack Black
Name: It's the Balm
Price: $19.50 USD


Exclusively for Holiday 2010, Jack Black has released a limited edition set of 3 full-size tubes of their popular lip balm with SPF 25. This trio comes in a clear, portable bag and includes:
- Natural Mint & Shea Butter - a Jack Black best-seller
- Grapefruit & Ginger - new & limited edition
- Black Tea & Blackberry - new & limited edition

image: sephora.com

NEW Product Collection: Old Spice Fresh Collection

Brand: Old Spice
Name: Fresh Collection (anti-perspirant/deodorant)
Size: 73 g
Price: approximately $4.99 CAD

On the heels of its insanely popular Old Spice campaign (Ladies, you know what I'm talking about!), Old Spice is introducing its Fresh Collection of Anti-Perspirant/Deodorants.

The Old Spice Fresh Collection is a new line of anti-perspirant/deodorants that combine great wetness protection with a blend of light fragrances that are subtle and not overpowering.

Not only will guys experience the scent when they first apply the product, they’ll also get a second whiff of fragrance when they begin to sweat. This is Old Spice’s first-ever line of destination-inspired scents, providing a world of freshness coming from four of the freshest places on earth:

Fiji: Smells like palm trees, sunshine and freedom
Matterhorn: Smells like ice, wind and freedom
Cyprus: Smells like limes, an ocean breeze and freedom
Denali: Smells like wilderness, open air and freedom

Hmmm...honestly, I don't know if I know what any of those smell like (what does "ice, wind and freedom" smell like?

To be more specific:

Fiji:
Top Notes: Bergamot, Blood Orange, Kalamanzi
Middle Notes: Refreshing Juniper, Cardamom, Lavender, Watery Herbal Blend, Lotus
Base Notes: Warm Woods, Amber, Coconut, Sweet Musk

Matterhorn:
Top Notes: Lavender, Pear, Pineapple, Sparkling Citrus, Leafy Greens
Middle Notes: Icy Mint, Lily of the Valley, Orangeflower Blossom, Jasmine, Rose
Base Notes: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Musk, Amber

Cyprus:
Top Notes: Zesty Lime, Lavender, Crisp Pear, Pineapple, Dewy Botanicals
Middle Notes: Lily of the Valley, Orangeflower Blossom, Jasmine, Rose
Base Notes: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Musk, Amber

Denali:
Top Notes: Fresh Air, Mandarin Splash, Crisp Fruits, Spearmint, Fresh-cut Cilantro
Middle Notes: Fresh Spices, Rosemary, Armoise, Lavender, Licorice, Freesia
Base Notes: Creamy Vanilla, Rich Amber, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Sweet Musk

Product Review: Lucky Tiger Head-to-Tail Shampoo & Body Wash

Reviewer: Guinea Hubby

Brand: Lucky Tiger
Name: Head-to-Tail Shampoo & Body Wash
Size: 240 ml / 8 fl oz
Price: $19.50 USD

From the web site: "a rich, non-drying peppermint body wash and shampoo that’s good for both you and the environment. Still made the old-fashioned way, this concentrated, vegetable-based men’s body wash and shampoo is gentle and long lasting, offering an invigorating cleanser scented with pure Peppermint oil. Preserved naturally, Lucky Tiger Peppermint Shampoo & Body Wash is made from a select combination of natural botanicals, including:
- Pure Peppermint Oil: nourishes dull skin, improves oily skin and gives a cooling effect to the skin and head.
- Olive Oil: packed with antioxidants such as vitamin E, olive oil moisturizes the skin and improves hair texture
- Coconut Oil: relieves dry, rough and wrinkled skin while promoting healthy hair growth and a healthy complexion.
- Rosemary Extract: offers antioxidant protection."

To Purr About:
- a little goes a long way - 4 squirts took care of hair and upper body
- cool tingling feeling
- great minty scent
- skin doesn't feel dry as usual

Claws Out:
- bottle fell in shower and even though the plastic bottle stayed intact, the nozzle (which comes out further than the bottle is wide) broke off

Final Comments:
Another great Lucky Tiger product, the scent of this product is minty and cool. A small amount of the product went a long way and left my skin feeling pretty good - definitely not as dry as usual.

Rating (out of 5):

Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Cinnamon Kitten

image: getluckytiger.com

Product Review: Lucky Tiger Liquid Cream Shave

Reviewer: Guinea Hubby

Brand: Lucky Tiger
Name: : Liquid Cream Shave
Size: 150 ml / 5 fl oz
Price: $18.50 USD

(From the web site): "Lucky Tiger Liquid Cream Shave is a modern take on classic shaving cream. It goes on smooth like lotion, but turns into a rich creamy lather designed to soften even the manliest of beards. Made from a select combination of natural botanicals, including:
- Certified Organic Chamomile: calms and soothes the skin while replenishing and enriching dry or sensitive areas.
- Certified Organic Olive Fruit Oil: lubricates and protects the skin to promote a close, comfortable shave.
- Certified Organic Calendula: cools, heals and soothes the skin while rejuvenating, softening and brightening the surface of the skin.
- Borage Oil: clinically proven to help the skin retain moisture, borage oil penetrates the surface to promote truly hydrated and healthy skin.

To Purr About:
- provides a really smooth shave
- don't need to use much - a little goes a long way
- smells great - not too over-powering
- skin isn't dried out after use
- has organic ingredients

Claws Out:
- none

Final Comments:
This product is really easy to shave with - the blade just glides without tugging the skin at all. I was surprised how little you need to use - the cream goes quickly from a lotion to a thick lather. The packaging is really cool too - with a very old barbership feel and look. I'm definitely impressed with this product and the brand.

Rating (out of 5):

Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Cinnamon Kitten

image: getluckytiger.com

NEW Product: Every Man Jack kits

Brand: Every Man Jack

Every Man Jack is one of my favourite brands that cater to men. They have these great scents and very "manly" looking packaging and products (soaps that look like wood? Awesome!)

So, if you're looking for a great gift for your favourite man, then check out these great new kits that Every Man Jack has just launched.

Every Man Jack’s products are free of dyes, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate and parabens, making them perfect for just about anyone, including the eco-conscience guy.

Modern Dad Kit, $15 USD
Perfect for a Father’s Day gift or simple token of your appreciation, Every Man Jack has made it easy to give dad a complete collection of grooming products that will keep him looking sharp. The kit includes:
- deep-cleaning Face Wash
- soothing Shave Cream or Gel (depending on your dad’s preference)
- healing Face Lotion
- protective Twin Pack Lip Balm
- toiletry bag

Fresh Grad Kit, $15 USD
For graduates, the next stage in life is just around the corner, and Every Man Jack has the perfect kit to get your budding professional off to a fresh start. All the products in this kit feature the brand's Signature Mint fragrance, which is derived from natural oils. The kit includes:
- Body Wash
- cleansing Face Wash
- hydrating Shave Gel
- moisturizing Face Lotion
- toiletry bag

Six Pack Kit, $25 USD
The Six Pack Kit includes six great gifts including:
- Daily Shampoo
- Body Wash
- Body Bar
- Face Wash
- Shave Cream
- Face Lotion
- toiletry bag

image: press release

Biotherm Homme Bonus Time at Sears and Sears.ca

Canadians - It's Biotherm Bonus Time, but this time, it's a gift for the guys!

Retailer: Sears
Minimum amount you need to spend: $40 CAD (before taxes) on Biotherm Homme products
Duration: June 6 - 12, 2009


What You Get:
- Aquapower, 30 ml
- Cleansing Gel, 40 ml
- Shaving Foam, 50 ml
- Aquafitness Shower Gel, 30 ml

If you want to get this gift online at Sears.ca, click here

image: e-flyer

NEW Product: John Varvatos Artisan

Brand:John Varvatos
Name: Artisan
Size & Price:
- Eau de Toilette: 125 ml / 4.2 fl oz, approx. $75 USD
- Eau de Toilette: 75 ml / 2.5 fl oz, approx. $55 USD
- Deodorant Stick: 75 g / 2.6 oz, approx. $22 USD

John Varvatos Artisan will be launched in March 2009 as the latest addition to the designer's fragrance collection.

The ARTISAN bottle was inspired by the clean lines and casual elegance of a traditional flask. Hand-woven rattan in a caramel color encases the flask, giving each bottle its own eclectic character. The metal cap with an antique blackened finish features a debossed logo. This is definitely a bottle that men wouldn't mind having around!

"A masculine, contemporary and very personal take on the citrus theme, John Varvatos Artisan represents a merging of the classical citrus and herbal tonalities used in a traditional Eau de Cologne."

Top Notes: Sicilian clementines, juicy tangelo fruit, mandarin oranges, wild thyme, marjoram from Spain and Greek lavandin
Heart Notes: North African orange tree blossoms, Indian murraya, essence of orange jasmine tree and ginger extracts
Background: Kephalis and Georgywood, ambery belambre and musky serenolide

image: press kit

Daily Gift Guide: Schick Quattro for Men Gift Pack

Gift Idea: Schick Quattro for Men Gift Pack
Price: approx. $14.99 CAD

A great and practical idea for those men in your life that are constantly battling the scruffies. The Schick Quattro Titanium Trimmer, the only razor that can shave, edge and trim in one cool tool.

Gift set includes:
- Schick Quattro Titanium Trimmer
- 4-pack of Titanium NG Refills
- MP3 speaker
- 4 "AAA" Energizer MAX batteries

image: press kit

Daily Gift Guide: Jack Black It's the Balm Lip Balm Trio

Gift Idea: Jack Black It's the Balm Lip Balm Trio
Price: approx. $25 CAD
Available: Sephora

Jack Black's award-winning lip balm formula in three delicious flavors. The Lip Balm delivers intensive, long-lasting lip moisture in unique, natural flavours.

Trio includes these flavours:
- Natural Mint & Shea Butter: delivers a fresh and tingly feeling
- Lemon & Chamomile: soothes with sweetness
- Acai Berry & Vanilla: rejuvenates with powerful, restorative antioxidants; only available in this limited-edition set

image: Sephora

Daily Gift Guide: Gillette Fusion Phenom Holiday Gift Set

Gift Idea: Gillette Fusion Phenom Holiday Gift Set
Price: approx. $23.99 CAD
Available: various locations across Canada

The Fusion Power Phenom razor features a five-blade shaving surface where blades are spaced closer to reduce irritation and a Precision Trimmer blade for sculpting facial hair and getting to the hard-to-reach spots. Prepare the skin with Fusion HydraGel before shaving and with HydraSoothe after, giving it a cool finishing touch.

The gift set includes:
- Gillette Fusion Power Phenom razor with cartridge and Duracell battery
- HydraGel shave gel, 198 g
- HydraSoothe after-shave balm, 100 ml

image: press kit

GUEST Product Review: Every Man Jack Citrus Body Wash & Shower Scrub

Guest Reviewer: DC

Brand: Every Many Jack
Name: Citrus Body Wash & Shower Scrub
Size: 355 mL / 12 fl oz
Approx. Price: $5 CAD

To Purr About:
- great citrus smell
- not harsh on my skin like other scrubs were
- lathers up really well
- seemed to help exfoliate my skin

Claws Out:
- skin was not super moisturized afterwards

Final Comments:
I would definitely buy this body wash again.

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Rating (out of 5):




If you have a product that you've tried and would like to write a review, send me an email! Details on how to submit a review can be found in the left-hand sidebar.

image: everymanjack.com

Last Minute Father's Day Gifts

For all of you last-minute shopper (like me), here are some great gift ideas for the men in your life (guys need a little pampering too, you know?)


Neutrogena Men Triple Protect Face Lotion SPF 20
An all-in-one product that moisturizes while protecting from the sun with SPF 20.

Neutrogena Men Invigorating Hair and Body Wash
An everyday body wash that offers a revitalizing 2-in-1 cleansing experience.


IZOD for men
Infused with notes like cucumber, mint, lavender, juniper and tobacco, this clean, crisp, masculine scent is more than just a fragrance, it's a lifestyle.


Real Shaving Company
Give the gift of a great shave. Equipped with travel sizes of the Heating Face Mask, Daily Face Scrub, Moisturizing Shaving Cream, and the Post-Shave Daily Skin Soothing Balm, this luxury set ensures Dad will receive the perfect shave from start to finish.


Tommy Bahama ail South Seas for Him and Soap-on-a-rope
Channeling the South Seas, this fragrance captures the essence and beauty of this luxurious and romantic destination. This refreshing scent scent lends a crisp sensation to your body. Infused with hints of rum and soft woods, this clean blend makes the art of seduction a breeze. Available in a Cologne Spray and Soap-on-a Rope

images: Neutrogena.com, PR contacts

NEW Product: HydraMen Shave Gel and After Shave Balm

Brand: HydraMen

Name: Shave Gel
Size: 4 oz
Price: $16.95 USD

Brand: HydraMen
Name: After Shave Balm
Size: 4 oz
Price: $16.95 USD

The Shave Gel is a clear, plant foaming shave gel allows you to "see" where you are shaving. Eliminates razor pinches and razor nicks. Facial contours around chin and nose area are accurately groomed. HydraMen Shave Gel, comprised of 12 botanical ingredients imparts a smooth shave for long lasting smooth Skin.

The After Shave Balm is a unique, fragrance-free, paraben-free, hydrating and moisturizing aftershave balm formulated with organic botanicals. The botanicals work in formula to hydrate the skin, keep pores tight and promote post-shave recovery.

To purchase either of these products, check out the web site at http://www.hydrame.com/

image: hydrame.com

Gift Idea: Every Man Jack Citrus Line

Brand: Every Man Jack

Name: Body Wash Citrus Scrub, 12 oz

Price: $5 USD

Name: Body Bar Citrus Scrub, 3 bars x 4.5 oz
Price: $5 USD

Ladies - I have to say - Get this product for your man - NOW! I cannot stop smelling the body bars in this product line. The citrus scent is severely intoxicating and smells heavenly on a guy's skin.

And the guys will think this is pretty cool - the packaging is definitely masculine. And the body bars look totally cool - like bars of wood (check out the photo)! These definitely belong in a man's bathroom.

Oh right...the product...

Product Notes:
- exfoliating body bar and body wash will gently scrub skin while cleansing
- the fresh citrus scent will invigorate the scences
- the body bar incorporates wheat bran, which will scrub away dead skin cells

I haven't been able to find out if this product is available in Canada (they do have online ordering, but there's no shipping info so you'd have to go through checkout to figure out if they ship internationally). If you live in the US, however, you can find this product at Target (and check out the price!)

If you want to check out other scents/products by Every Man Jack or would like to order online, click here or go to www.everymanjack.com.

image: everymanjack.com