Category Archives: Grooming

All the Smoke – Replica by the Fireplace – A Smoldering, Signature Scent That Sizzles in the Spring

April 15, 2026 By in Grooming, Style & Substance, What I'm Wearing Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

As a gentleman of a certain age, I have discovered that my scent palate has slowly evolved to reflect more mature sensibilities. And those mature sensibilities dictate a measured, easy-going approach to living life. Now, life is undoubtedly, sometimes exceedingly complicated. Therefore, when the inevitable intrusion of stress introduces itself into my everyday affairs, I employ grounding techniques that bring me back to center. Grounding is a coping strategy utilized to calm one’s mental health and well-being when under duress.

Grounding refocuses and reconnects you to the present moment; its purpose is to reduce anxiety, fear, stress, and feelings of being overwhelmed. I ground myself by dutifully engaging my senses: touch, sight, hearing, taste, and for the purposes of this post, smell. I wholly enjoy the aromatic nuances of a great-smelling cologne. When perfectly executed, its notes carry me to a safe, soothing space within my mind. I smell great, I feel great. Today, I wanted to talk about one of my favorites – By the Fireplace.

  • Maison Margiela Replica-By the Fireplace is a 2015 release created by perfumer Marie Salamagne. The Replica line is a collection of fragrances designed to replicate intimate memories from specific moments, places, and feelings from a person’s life. The Replica line offers an array of fragrances that range from strolls on the beach to vibing in a jazz club to relaxing by a toasty fireplace.
  • Curiously marketed as a unisex scent, I would humbly disagree with that assessment regarding By the Fireplace. Definitely true to its moniker, the surprisingly realistic aroma of charred wood is both strong and masculine. The warm, sweetly smoky fragrance offers an elegant interpretation of a rustic vibe, evoking the cozy vibe of cuddling by a crackling fireplace. Yes, this is cuddle-buddy approved. It’s warm, deep, and slightly sweet.
  • Top notes: pink pepper essence, orange flower absolute, and clove oil. Middle notes: chestnut accord, guaiac wood oil, and cade oil. Base notes: vanilla accord, cashmeran, and Peru balsam.
  • Did You Know? Studies show that vanilla has been associated with to elevating a person’s mood, relaxation, and reducing negative emotions.
  • With this easily distinctive cologne, a gentleman can safely apply 3-4 sprays without tripping a nearby smoke detector. A gentleman should get a solid 6-7 hours of performance, and perhaps even longer, depending on individual body chemistry. It projects reasonably well, but it won’t choke out an entire room of people.
  • However, I would not consider this smoldering scent appropriate for the office, as the smoky notes of chestnuts and guaiac wood may not be pleasing to everyone. Surely, a considerate gentleman is mindful of other people’s sensibilities. Warning: The delicate line between smelling like a cozy, warm fire and a burning inferno can be turned on its head by over-spraying. To be sure, this fragrance is meant to be enjoyed within close quarters of that special someone. It’s intimate. It’s cozy. It’s inviting.
  • By the Fireplace is formulated for the slightly weathered, sophisticated gentleman who is self-assured and unapologetic in his masculinity. It is a casual fragrance best suited for evening wear. When I think of this cologne, my mind envisions silk/cashmere sweaters coupled with soft cotton trousers and slick loafers.
  • By the Fireplace is a cologne built for cooler temperatures, preferably fall and winter, but during this sneaky season of “false spring”, surprise drops in temperature could provide a prime opportunity for wearing. However, as soon as those temperatures hit 70 and higher, By the Fireplace can quickly become a little cloying to the nose.
  • Maison Margiela Replica-By the Fireplace retails for $170.00 3.4 oz. and $89.00 1.05 oz. By the Fireplace is available at Maison Margiela, Macy’s, Sephora, and other fine men’s department stores. If a gentleman is savvy enough to stay informed regarding sales, FragranceNet.com may also be a viable option to procure this scent at a steep discount.

Gentlemen’s Review – Balls Trimmer V2

November 21, 2023 By in Grooming, Review Tags: , , 2 Comments

wp-17005455321073121085466371548828Okay, I have to be totally honest with the audience. I was a little hesitant to review this male grooming product. However, we should all be adults congregating here. And besides, male grooming is no longer a taboo subject that threatens a man’s masculinity. Right? The fact of the matter is this: No matter what part of the body we are discussing; a well-groomed area can be beneficial for both personal hygiene and appearance. In this particular case, we are discussing a gentleman’s private area. Trust me. Make any reference to harming anything in his groin region, and then watch that gentleman instantly clutch his thighs together in imaginary pain.

Therefore, I fully understand why blades vibrating at 6,200 RPMs near the nether region does not sound particularly desirable. Nevertheless, as I mentioned before, a well-groomed area (down there) has the potential to reduce odor and bacteria that cling to your overgrown manliness. And while I can’t promise a trimmer will transform you into an adult film star (Dirk Diggler anyone?), a trimmer can showcase you a little more and visually add some length – which could boost confidence and self-esteem. And if you happen to participate in relationships between consenting adults; your partner may be more inclined to travel downtown for some sightseeing and fun activities. So, here’s hoping I don’t get myself into a pickle and get the shaft from the company by nicking myself from a bad product. I’m doing this for you guys!

  • First, let me address the huge elephant in the room – the branding. Yes, the branding is unbelievably juvenile worth a snicker or two. And yes, being a gentleman with young children in the home, I should not need to hide this boxed grooming product like a sex toy. Seriously, even sex toys arrive with more discreet packaging – not that I would know anything about that. Look, I just wish the presentation and overall branding was a little more modest. It did serve up a few light-hearted chuckles though.
  • The trimmer is lightweight, sleek (5.9 inches), and easily fits inside the palm of your hand. If I did not know any better, I would surmise that the slightly contoured trimmer was phallic in design and presentation. I am certain that was no accident.
  • The trimmer has a matte finish and is waterproof. I did not use it in a running shower, nevertheless, it was easy to grip doing usage. It was easy to handle, and clean-up was a quick rinse under the faucet (the blades don’t rust).
  • Near the, um, head of the trimmer; it is equipped with a bright LED light that helps illuminate angles in hard to view areas. Combined with curved design, I found it very user-friendly while navigating and shaving. The ceramic blades have a removable guard that can be adjusted up to three lengths. The longest length really is not needed unless you have ZZ Top rocking at the bottom. You can take the guard off, but you better exhibit some patience along with a steady hand. This is not the type of routine one would want to rush through. With the guard on at the shortest possible length, the trimmer performed a serviceable job. You won’t be smooth like a dolphin, but you won’t have Bigfoot between your legs either.
  • If I were to nitpick, I wish the cradle that holds the trimmer was a little more solid. I would not describe it as flimsy, but the trimmer does not feel quite as secure when positioned inside and could easily topple over. And the USB charging cord does not have a charging brick. This is a grooming tool meant for the bathroom, so my preference would be to have it plug directly into a wall socket. So, you will need to find a charging brick to use in conjunction with the charging cord. I am sure you don’t want to be charging this bad boy up from your laptop with tiny bits of hair finding its way on your keyboard. 
  • The company claims that a single blade is good for shaving approximately one gorilla, but this gentleman is unwilling to test that theory. Just be comforted that a replacement blade can be purchased for $24.00 on their website.
  • The Balls Trimmer is competitively priced and is a competent grooming tool for men. It’s easy to use with the “sack-safe” guard providing reassurance that you won’t nick yourself. I managed to stay out of the emergency room during my test run. There are a few things I would change such as the trimmer cradle and USB charging cord, but it would depend on your own personal preference. That may not be a deal breaker for you. The company appears to be all in with the suggestive branding, but that may deter few from buying the product. 
  •  MSRP $69.00 – Black Friday 25% off sitewide
  • Included with trimmer: charging cable, cleaning brush, and trimmer cradle.
  • Website link HERE
  • Amazon link HERE

What I’m Wearing Right Now – Jean Paul Gaultier – Le Male Le Parfum Intense

November 1, 2023 By in Grooming, Recommendations Tags: , , Leave a comment

I have lurked around enough online fragrance communities to realize a great misconception amongst that particular audience. It is the thought that every gentleman should harbor a deep affinity for complex, unique fragrances born from the creative noses of master perfumers. However, if you are an ordinary guy that fancies a designer, mass-appealing fragrance such as Dior Sauvage, well, that designated selection is somewhat frowned upon. And in some cases that choice of cologne is mocked and belittled. Some of the reasoning behind the intense dislike for Sauvage: Everyone allegedly owns it. It is too mainstream. It lacks creativity. And…Johnny Depp reps it in Dior commercials. I suppose no one wants to smell like Captain Jack Sparrow.

Now, there is nothing wrong with an honest, true appreciation of a beautiful, well-crafted scent. However, when that attitude leans heavily elitist, the views and opinions can be downright obnoxious. Generally, for the everyday gentleman, it roughly comes down to 4 As for cologne: aroma, affordability, audience, and affection. Is the scent profile pleasing? How much does it cost? Are you wearing it to elicit compliments or just personal enjoyment? Perhaps both? How does it make you feel when you wear it?

It all comes down to this: Wear what you love. You can walk outside right now in the real world, and no one is going to grade your cologne against another fragrance – if you’re even wearing cologne at all. So, that brings me to what I am wearing this season. Yes, a mass produced, designer fragrance that does not push any boundaries. However, as I stated before, wear what pleases you the most. And besides, Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Parfum Intense (that’s a mouthful) smells fantastic during cooler months. Here are just a few of my thoughts on the fragrance.

  • Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Parfum Intense is a 2020 release; created by perfumers Quentin Bisch and Natalie Gracia-Cetto. I was not even in the market for a new cologne, but a chance visit to my favorite spot – Von Maur – presented the opportunity to sample the new offering as it was just hitting the market. It was love at first whiff. With Le Male Le Parfum Intense, the note breakdown is as follows: cardamom (top), lavender + iris (heart), and vanilla +oriental + woodsy (base).
  • Within the muscular, signature sailor inspired bottle you’ll find a warm, slightly spicy scent that is gracefully sensual without being aggressively carnal. You’ll smell like a sexy beast with more emphasis on sexy and less on beast. So yes, upon applying a few sprays from the golden atomizer, I instantly feel like a smooth operator (think Big Daddy Kane circa 88-89′).
  • As the cologne evolves, the middle and base notes produce a soft powdery sweet licorice vibe. I know that may appear as if this scent leans feminine, but assuredly it does not. Despite the aromatic, fresh feel during the dry down; the smell is sufficiently dark with enough weight to be comforting and intimate. And actually, this is one of my favorite bedroom scents, as it conveys an inviting amount of coziness. This is not a loud scent. The last thing you want is an aggressive smell that chases your boo from under the covers and out the bedroom door.
  • With this scent, one can go an easy 6-8 sprays without overdoing it. Nevertheless, be mindful that everyone has a different body chemistry, so experiment with what works best for you. Depending on the number of applications, a gentleman should get a solid 6-7 hours of performance. And even after, you would still be able to detect it, albeit lying intimately closer to the skin.
  • JPG Le Male Le Parfum is formulated for the measured gentleman that aims to project quiet authority and confidence. This is definitely a cologne designed for cooler temperatures, so fall and winter is a perfect time to deploy this beautiful scent. Depending on the environment and occasion, I believe this scent is business casual appropriate. You can definitely wear this to the office, and it would be great for a classy date night with that special someone. It is a serious scent without being too rigid.
  • Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Parfum Intense retails for $106.00 2.5 oz. and $135.00 4.2 oz. True, that price tag may be a little steep for a lot of guys. However, being three years removed from its launch, you can probably purchase it from and online discounter. And Macy’s runs a sale seemingly every other week, so there’s that option as well. If not there, it is available at Jean Paul Gaultier, Ulta Beauty, Nordstrom, Von Maur, and other fine men’s department stores.

Gentlemen’s Review – Dior – Sauvage Eau de Toilette

May 6, 2021 By in Grooming, Review Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have embarked upon an exploration of fragrance that has unearthed some exciting and newfound discoveries. Sure, I have amassed a decent stock of cologne, but I really wanted to experiment and expand my olfactory options. That being stated, I am a gentleman with humble pockets, so my findings have been modest in nature. Now, before I learned of the love-hate relationship that many gentlemen have with the featured cologne above, I spied a bottle of Dior Sauvage a few years ago but never pulled the trigger on the purchase. I sampled the scent and it was pleasant, but again, I did not commit to the purchase. I was not in the market for a new fragrance, so I kept my funds in my wallet. 

Fast-forward to the initial lockdown of 2020, and the casual perusal of cologne at the nearby shopping mall was no longer an option. And like many people across the globe, online shopping became the preferred method for procuring goods. Drawing upon my memory of the scent, I finally decided to commit the dollars. So, back to the aforementioned love-hate relationship that Sauvage invokes; it’s an attention-getting cologne that is ubiquitous amongst the male population due to mass marketing. Surely you’ve seen the Johnny Depp advertisements. Celebrity and popular criticism aside, I lean into what works for me. If you care for an honest assessment of this high-selling, 2015 release – continue on my friend.

Observations

Top Notes: Bergamot, Pepper

Middle Notes: Patchouli, Pink Pepper, Lavender, Sichuan Pepper, Vetiver 

Base Notes: Cedar, Ambroxan, Labdanum

  • I really, really like the presentation of Dior Sauvage. I’m a simple guy. The cylindrical flask boats a minimalistic design punctuated with subtle touches of elegance. The magnetic cap (which snaps right into place over the atomizer) is marked by three circular indentations that wrap all the way around. The Christian Dior logo is discreetly engraved on the top. The atomizer is stiff to the touch; exhibiting a slow, controlled mist when deployed. The bottle sports a dark, metallic blue hue that gradually fades following the length of the bottle. The effect is visually cool. The words Sauvage Dior mark the body of the bottle with slightly raised lettering. Simple, but still classy.
  • Warning: Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette can be an aggressive scent. It was quite harmless when I sampled it at the shopping mall. However, after performing approximately 3-4 pumps on the atomizer, I instantly recognized that was perhaps 3 pumps too many. Seriously, a gentleman must practice some restraint when it involves this fragrance. I would recommend approximately 1-2 sprays. Proceed with caution if you are feeling adventurous because too much will certainly induce a slight migraine. Dior Sauvage will definitely provide a strong 6-8 hours of performance with pretty good projection the first few hours.
  • The fragrance opens with a fresh, slightly citrusy introduction. Transitioning into the middle notes, Sauvage has a strong peppery vibe and earthy touch that can be overwhelming if the application is too heavy. Applied correctly, the result should be a warm, slightly spicy scent that settles into a woody, synthetic aroma. 
  • Dior Sauvage is best suited for the modern gentleman that gravitates toward sharp, bold fragrances that demand attention without being overly obnoxious. In my humble opinion, this fragrance performs best during evening hours; preferably in sophisticated settings that welcome a touch of class. This is a year-round fragrance that performs best in an wide open setting. This cologne needs to expand. And trust, it’s potent enough to cut through any competing aromas in the surrounding area. Given that fact, I would not recommend this cologne for the office. The close quarters with fellow colleagues may be too much.
  • Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette can be procured in the following sizes: 1.0 ounce priced at $56.00, 2.0 ounces priced at $80.00, 3.4 ounces priced at $97.00, and 6.7 ounces priced at $150.00 – Available in-store and online: Dior, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta, and other fine men’s department stores.

Gentlemen’s Review – Harry’s – Harry’s Bar Soap

April 19, 2020 By in Grooming, Review Tags: , , , , 2 Comments

Life has been so surreal. At the start of the new year, I decided to slow my pace of writing. Previously, last autumn, I had decided to ramp up my blogging after months of intermittent activity. So I started fast and furious, but I needed to find some balance. There was absolutely no way, given the array of daily responsibilities, that I could maintain a writing pace that echoed my initial years of blogging. So I pumped the brakes. And then all hell broke loose in the form of a novel coronavirus and subsequent disease COVID-19. Everything was turned upon its head. I stopped blogging briefly. Life has been an adjustment. My employment is essential, and thankfully, I am able to work at home. My wife is in a similar position. School is canceled. So, we’re all sheltering in place at home. And of course, Michigan weather, as per normal, decided to dip into the high 30s with the occasional snow flurry in April. It has been hectic and challenging. Nevertheless, we are making it work the best that we can at the moment. And so, I am trying to incorporate a little normalcy back into my life by writing again.

So, gentlemen, let us talk about body bar soap. Weird timing right? Nonetheless, I’ve had this soap for weeks now, so now appeared to be a good time for a review. Now, many of you might be familiar with the brand Harry’s because of their shaving products. Well, for a few years now, you might have noticed that their line of gentleman’s grooming products has expanded beyond razors and shave cream. Bar soap and body washes are now a component of their grooming & hygiene catalog. During one of my supply runs to Target, I purchased a few bars out of curiosity. Given the price, it seems to be targeted toward the average gentleman that can appreciate finer grooming products but does not want to spend an exorbitant amount of money on said finer product. How does Harry’s bar soap perform? Please continue reading below.

Observations

  • The offering from Harry’s in the bar soap market is very impressive. It is just as thick and robust as its luxury counterparts – clocking in at 5.0 ounces – at only a fraction of the cost of more expensive options. At a local retailer, a gentleman can expect to pay approximately $3.99 per bar soap. Sure, standard multi-box options (Dove, Lever 2000, Zest, etc.) will present more affordability. However, Harry’s bar soap strikes a sweet spot between budget and luxury.
  • In regards to my experience with expensive bar soaps, I have noticed that the lather is noticeably thicker than budget options. With Harry’s, despite the lower cost compared to high-end brands, the integrity of its lather is not sacrificed. The production of the lather is swift and considerably rich. A few rotations in your washcloth with some water will produce the desired results. One good lather will last the entirety of a shower. The bar soap itself has a soft, milky texture when exposed to water. The overall washing experience is pleasant.
  • Granted everyday usage, a single bar should endure for the length of an entire month. After a week of use, I could still discern “Harry’s” etched across the soap. There is a slight drying effect, so a gentleman should employ a good body lotion after showering.
  • Harry’s bar soap is truly formulated to use on your body. Trust me, the scent is fantastic. However, as it is refreshing and energetic, it is definitely too strong to use on your face. And as strong as the scent presents itself; it washes away cleanly as a gentleman rinses and exits the shower. So you need not worry about any strong lingering scents that might clash with your favorite cologne.
  • Harry’s bar soap is aimed at the average gentleman that doesn’t visit high-end retail locations regularly but desires an above-average showering experience. Harry’s bar soap delivers that experience at a fraction of the cost of more expensive options. A gentleman can expect to extract service for nearly a month before reloading with a new bar. Minimal water is required to generate a thick, generous lather. It removes dirt well with minimal dryness that can be resolved with a good body moisturizer.
  •  Harry’s bar soap retails for approximately $3.99 for a 5.0-ounce body bar. Harry’s website does offer a value, variety pack of 4 bars; thus slightly reducing the price to $3.75 per bar. Available scents: Stone, Fig, Shiso, and Redwood.
    Gentlemen’s Standard Approved
    Disclosure: TGS was not financially compensated for this post. Item was purchased for personal use. The opinions expressed are completely my own based on my experience.

Gentlemen’s Review – Jack Black – Charcoal Body Bar Massaging Soap

December 5, 2019 By in Grooming, Review Leave a comment

In the spirit of offering full transparency to the audience, the appearance of the Jack Black Charcoal Body Bar Massaging Soap gave me quite the full-stop pause. So, I can totally understand why a regular gentleman would take a hard pass on purchasing this odd-looking piece of bar soap. During shopping excursions for grooming and hygiene products, I never embraced the risk and purchased the Jack Black charcoal body bar offering. Sure, I was thoroughly impressed with the Jack Black Turbo Body Bar Scrubbing Soap, but this particular charcoal grey soap was a whole other animal. It was just recently that I discovered that charcoal could be used as an ingredient in soap. My mind pondered why I would rub my body with a dirty, grimy briquette that was better served on my Weber Grill. I plead ignorance. Nevertheless, more than a year after my initial encounter, I decided to take a chance and purchase a value set that included the charcoal body bar. And wow, I was completely astonished by its performance and results. Check out my findings below.

Observations

  • First things first: Why is there charcoal in my soap and won’t my shower be a filthy mess? Simply answer: The type of charcoal used in soap is actually “activated charcoal”. It is still derived from charcoal, but it has been subjected to very high temperatures, transforming it into a powdery, non-toxic substance. Being highly absorbent, activated charcoal swallows up toxins, oil, and dirt.
  • This isn’t prettiest body bar on the market, but in this particular case, appearances are deceiving. Oval, dark charcoal grey, complete with circular nubs on the underside; this bar soap would not be the first item you drop in your shopping cart. Nevertheless, the bar soap performs its duties quite well. The lather is moderate to heavy depending upon how vigorously you rub on your body or washcloth. And speaking of rubbing vigorously…
  • Infused with charcoal and jojoba beads, this bar soap is very grainy. It serves as a fantastic exfoliating agent, however, I would caution against using this product if you have sensitive skin. You will certainly feel the gritty surface of the bar when applying it to your skin. I advise that you address rough skin patches with a light, gentle touch. This is definitely a body bar. I definitely recommend that a gentleman not use this product on his face.
  • Jack Black Charcoal Body Bar has a pronounced, sharp, and lightly aromatic fragrance. It rinses clean and the scent will fade after an hour or slightly less. Despite its dark hue, this body bar rinses clear in the shower without a mess – aside from the dirt and grime it strips from your skin.
  • It doesn’t boast the mass like Jack Black Turbo Body Bar Scrubbing Soap, so I would estimate 3 weeks or so of grooming service.
  • Jack Black Charcoal Body Bar Massaging Soap retails for approximately $15.00 for a 4.75-ounce body bar. An auto-replenishment program is available (1-6 month subscription) that offers free shipping and deluxe samples.
Gentlemen’s Standard Approved
Disclosure: TGS was not financially compensated for this post. Item was purchased for personal use. The opinions expressed are completely my own based on my experience.

Style & Substance – Cremo – Premium Boar Bristle Beard Brush

November 25, 2019 By in Grooming, Style & Substance Tags: , , , , , , ,

As I am currently growing my beard long for the winter – Sons of Anarchy style – it was a prime time to search the market for a proper beard brush. My facial hair has the tendency to get wild and woolly, so the need for an appropriate grooming tool to keep my growth in check is a top priority. Aside from the desire for a neat appearance, I also have a bad habit of tugging the hairs on my beard the thicker it grows. My wife absolutely hates it. I already own a few beard combs to deter this compulsion, but unfortunately, they leave a graveyard of tiny hairs in the surrounding area. Therefore, I resolved myself to hunt for a beard brush, and I was elated to discover one at my preferred retail location for home goods – Target (pronounced Tar-jay). Available for a shade under $10.00, the Cremo Premium Boar Bristle Beard Brush is the perfect grooming companion for the discerning, bearded gentleman. Compact with a sturdy wooden handle, the stiff boar hair bristles are rugged enough to smooth and detangle my beard without leaving hair everywhere. However, it is not so stiff that it is abrasive to one’s skin. I also like the small size because it travels well without being a chore to carry on your person. It keeps wayward strands of hair in check for a tidy appearance, and it satisfies my urge to tug at it and leave unsightly patches. Definitely worth the $10.00 price-tag.