Sunglasses

The sky is blue, the sun is bright and the weather is getting hotter by the minute.
It is time, if you have not already done so, to pull out your sunglasses and put them to good use.
Although I utilize my sunglasses all year long (and not because the papparazzi are after me, or at least not yet....), I wear them to protect my eyes and prevent me from squinting too much and developing unwanted early crows' feet.

The truth is that it is not easy to find sunglasses that suit your face. Over the years, I for one have been persuaded by many salespeople to make a quick purchase. After putting on dark lens frames (the darker the lens the better the protection from the sun) and looking in the mirror, I always think I look good. And then, just as I begin to second-guess myelf, I hear the salesperson (as if they know what I am thinking… ) say to me: “you look gorgeous” or “ no, they are not too big, that is the style now” or “trust me, they’re great”. After hearing so many compliments and truly beginning to feel like a rock star, I pull out my wallet and charge away. Unfortunately, it is not until I meet up with a real friend later on and she looks at me and begins to laugh that I know I have been once again taken for a ride, and that the only thing I truly gained from my purchase are a few more frequent flyer miles!

With sunglass trends changing so rapidly, and our habitual absent-mindedness often resulting in lost pairs, we frequently find ourselves at the counter facing the “do they suit me?” dilemma over and over again.

So here are a few helpful tips when you are buying sunglasses:

1. Be a smart shopper: Know what style frames work best for the shape of your face. Learn more at: http://www.ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Choose-the-Best-Sunglasses-Or-Glasses-to-Fit-the-Shape-of-Your-Face&id=2160090
2. Make sure that the frames sit well on your face. They should not be too tight, too heavy or slip down your nose
3. Choose the color that works with your hair and skin tones, not your clothes
4. Bring a friend, one that you know will be honest. Or, you can bring a camera and take a picture of yourself and then look at it - there is nothing more honest than that
5. If following the trend is important to you, and if even the modified versions are not looking right, THEN DON'T BUY IT!
6. When you find a pair of sunglasses that enhance your look, buy more than one. That way, if you misplace them, or they break, you will have a spare

Ultimately remember sunglasses were designed to protect our eyes from sun damage so whatever choices you make be sure not to compromise on UV protection.

Men, It Is All About the Details

I am going on the assumption that all of you men out there reading this blog already shower daily and wear deodorant that contains antiperspirant (after all, it is the antiperspirant that helps you not to sweat, and if you do not sweat then you will not smell - FYI: deodorant without it is useless).
But while we are on the subject, here are some basic hygiene rules that can really help you in many aspects of your life.

1. Your hair should always be neat, whether you wear your hair long or short it should be cut well and cleaned up around the nape of your neck and around your ears
2. Going bald? Face up to it, either cut your hair short or get it buzzed, but never, ever (and I cannot stress this enough) have a comb-over (known affectionately as a wave)
3. Nails on your fingers and toes should be cut short, clean and filed if necessary (it is really not fun to have a hang nail rubbing against your leg)
4. Shoes should be polished and shined
5. Fresh breath is a must: brush often, clean your tongue and carry a breath mint
6. Smelling good is always nice, dab on a little aftershave or cologne daily. You do not need to save it for a special occasion
7. If your skin is rough and dry please use a little moisturizer. Yes, even on your elbows
8. Although the trimmer on your electric shaver can do the job, a nose hair clipper is a worthwhile investment- it can also be used on those very unwanted hairs on your ears too.

WARNING: Do not become overly obsessed with yourself, as that can backfire.

But paying attention to the details will give the impression that you are a man who will do a job well, and that is something that everyone in your life will no doubt appreciate.