Grooming habits have varied greatly over time and we live in a time when it pays to look younger, whether it’s in the workplace or in the dating world and one of the keys to success is Good Grooming.
An increasing number of men are making grooming a priority because they want to maintain a youthful appearance and a winning edge.

The Grooming tips below are to enable you achieve that high-powered and suave look that makes you a winner in your career and with the ladies:

SKIN DEEP
Contrary to what you may think, your skin is your largest organ! It acts as both a barrier and as a filter. Therefore, men’s skin care is more important than just looking good (and looking good is not such a bad thing). Exposure to environmental elements such as the wind, sun, and pollution, in addition to daily shaving and the ageing process, can be damaging to a man's skin. In harmattan use petroleum jelly, or a lotion (i just hate it when i see guys that are all white from the dry weather?)

FACE MASK
First impressions are important and your face is where people make their initial assumptions about what kind of a person you are. Something as simple as how you wash your face can have a subtle impact on your overall appearance. If you have a break out of pimples, please don't be shy to ask you female friends for help with that, they would gladly help you with products that actually work.
Shaving is an art and having the best products and resources at your fingertips is essential. Shave regularly to look your best. If you sport a beard or a moustache or a French beard, then make sure it is trimmed neatly and has no stray hairs sticking out in multiple directions. Also make sure that you shave in the same direction as the growth of the hair, and that you soften your facial hair before shaving it
Chapped lips will never get you anywhere with that girl you like, so use lip balm regularly to keep them moisturized and smooth. Don’t put too much on or it might end up looking like you’re wearing lip gloss. If it embarrasses you to use it, only apply it when you’re in the washroom.

BODY LANGUAGE 
Is keeping your body clean, more than just soap? What's the best way to control body odor- deodorant or antiperspirant? Are you on the right scent with your cologne?
To ensure that your skin is glowing and that you look fresh, do what the doctor ordered: make sure you drink at least two liters of water a day. If possible drink at least a glass full of water in the morning. It takes getting used to but does wonders for your complexion.
Taking care of your body through diet and exercise is essential. You can also care for your body with good skin care. Smoke and drink only occasionally if at all, hard?... we know!!
Cultivating habits like this will go a long way in making you a person with a significant presence and who is sure to make a lasting first impression.
Keeping your body clean is as essential as diet and exercise. However, you no longer must rely only on a bar of soap. Body care products don't have to be expensive to be effective and enjoyed! There are many body washes on the market that will refresh, revitalize, rejuvenate, and exfoliate. These washes are formulated for men and attack dirt, grit, and sweat. A good body wash will moisturize, tone, and soften your skin. Some body washes can be used dually for the hair and the body while some have agents that cleanse, warm and soothe tired muscles. When you are clean, soft, and you smell good, you feel good. A body scrub will exfoliate your skin, sloughing off the dead cells, and smoothing and polishing your skin. Bath salts are available for soaking a tired, sore body and will soothe your muscles and soften your skin. After cleansing with a good body scrub or body wash or after a good soak in the bath salts, you might want to moisturize with a lotion, oil, or gel to soften and protect your freshly cleansed skin.
Some moisturizing products claim to have skin-tightening qualities. Moisturizers may or may not be scented or lightly scented so not to be terribly over-bearing and some have anti-oxidants to detoxify your skin. They also have sun-screen for protection against harmful rays that damage and age your skin.

Male Body Odor
We all know that sweating is a part of life. Some men sweat more than others. Sweating is what keeps our body temperature stable.
Apocrine glands make us sweat and some people have more than others. It is really not the sweat that smells so bad; rather, it is the bacteria that forms in the sweat that smells bad. The main idea is to be neutral, that is, your body odor should be neutral. Our society tends to frown upon strong body odor. It is a fact that some people smell worse than others but we all know that deodorant can take care of that.

Deodorant or Antiperspirant? 
A deodorant neutralizes the smell and has an antiseptic effect on the bacteria. Deodorants do not interfere with sweating and that is a good thing. On the other hand, Antiperspirants actually clog or block the pores so they won’t sweat. Aluminum is used in these products and can build up in the brain.

There are many commercial brands of deodorants and antiperspirants from which to choose as there are also many natural brands that do not contain parabens or aluminum if you are worried about potential health problems. Deodorant crystals are an effective and safe alternative to traditional, commercial antiperspirants and deodorants. Deodorant crystals contain mineral salts and ammonium alum.
Finally, always shave your underarm hair to reduce odor.

Cologne
Scent or suffocate? That is the question with cologne. The correct answer is Scent. You want to have a pleasant scent, perhaps one to be remembered by, not the one that choked someone.
Fragrance should be your signature. It can elevate your mood, enhance your confidence, increase alertness, or help you relax.
The true test though is how the fragrance works with your body chemistry. When you go to the store to try out various colognes, you really must spray them on your skin. You can begin your search by smelling the bottle to see if you like the scent. If you do, then spray it on your wrist. It is best to try only two per trial. Otherwise, your nose will get overwhelmed. You might bring a significant other to help you decide.
When applying cologne, the key is to be discreet. If you are using spray cologne, use no more than two sprays. If you are using a pour bottle be a “dabber” not a “splasher”, apply it with one finger in various locations such as your neck, elbows, ankles, wrists, behind your knees and ears. These are the points where heat is generated. Applying cologne at these points will make it last longer because these pulse points create a “pump” effect. Spraying your clothes will probably stain them and your scent will be fleeting. Also, do not mix scents, as so many products contain scents – shave creams and gels, aftershave, deodorants/antiperspirants, etc.
Some terms that you might want to know are:
EDC - Eau de Cologne is the least concentrated form of a fragrance (2 - 5% perfume oil dissolved in water and alcohol)
EDT - Eau de Toilette (4 - 10%)
EDP - Eau de Parfum (8 - 15%)
PARFUM or Perfume (15 - 25%) is the most concentrated.

TOUCH ME, DON'T TOUCH ME...
You may not pay much attention to your hands and nails, but the people who shake your hand do. Women notice nice hands and hands play a make-or-break role in business meetings because of the importance of a handshake.
Nailing (excuse the pun) a healthy look comes from grooming your entire body - from your hair to your toes. So, a good manicure is essential to achieving an overall healthy look. More men are frequently spas and salons to have their nails manicured. Unkempt hands are a turn-off to anyone; an employer, a significant other or a stranger.
1.    Hands and nails must be clean. Using a nail brush really gets the dirt. Lemon juice makes a good cleaner. Cut a lemon in half and twist each finger in it to clean each nail.
2.    Trim each nail to a practical length.
3.    Using an emery board, file any rough edges on your nails.
4.    Dry, ragged cuticles should be softened and removed or pushed back. There is a tool for this if you have a manicure set. Overbearing cuticles are a major turn-off.
5.    Buff or paint your nails.
Many men have rough hands and they need their callused hands softened. Using an exfoliating scrub will soften rough, dry hands. A green tea soaking solution acts as an antioxidant and removes toxins. Keeping your hands well moisturized is important too. Constant hand washing will dry out your hands.
And don't forget your feet! Pedicures are available for men and your toes are important too! Don't forget about them! Your feet have a big job in life and your toes need some TLC too!

GOOD HAIR DAY
You spend lots of time trying to get the hair on your head looking just right. Ever thought about the shampoo and conditioner you are putting on it?
If you keep an afro, be sure to keep it trim and neat. If you regularly get a dye job, be sure to make sure it is well done cos the ladies might like your dark hair but not the dark dye stains on ur forehead or ears!
If it's getting gray or you are looking for a change you may color your hair. And if you have male pattern baldness, you may be interested in ways to keep it.

To be continued........