Off Hand Remarks

As the weather starts to get colder, we're looking at dry, cracked skin on hands.  And while women know enough to slather on moisturizer and wear gloves to help the dryness, men don't often think of these things (and there is, of course, that manly, "I can take the cold!" thing about not wearing gloves).  Well, guys, if no one has ever told you this before, let me be the first -- dry, rough hands are NOT sexy.  And keeping them soft and smooth is NOT girly -- it's good grooming.  And it's really a no-brainer.  To keep hands in great shape, moisturize with a nutrient-rich lotion or cream.  Avoplex Moisture Replenishing Lotion by OPI replenishes essential moisture and is packed with all kinds of good stuff (probably more detail than you're interested in).  Suffice it to say that it works great -- and is even available in a fragrance-free formula.  If your hands are so damaged that it's time to call in the heavy artillery, try Avoplex High-Intensity Hand & Nail Cream.  This warrior takes on the rough stuff, and transforms hands that are severely in need of care.  Use either of these products at least a couple of times a day, especially after handwashing when possible.  And as far as the gloves go, a handsome pair of cashmere-lined leather gloves is sexy; down mittens, not so much.

Daddy-o's Little Girl

Looking for a Father's Day gift for your favorte father figure? How about a gift certificate for a mani/pedi?  These days, salon treatments for men are targeted at their specific grooming needs and wants.  Manicures include hand massages, cuticle clean-up, and nail care, often with products developed especially for men (OPI's Matte Nail Envy strengthens nails and leaves a non-glossy, matte finish).  And pedicures are designed to take those rough, tough, not-so-pretty guy feet and transform them into soft, smooth, you-won't-mind-them-up-on-your-coffee-table soles. Even the most dubious males are sold on the mani/pedi experience once they've seen the results -- and gotten the compliments.  You've always had him wrapped around your finger -- why not pamper him a little?

P.S. Dads can continue the foot care at home with Feet by OPI, a line of daily-care products designed especially for active feet, and including Double Coverage, to moisturize, protect, and combat odor, and Callus Therapy, to tame even the toughest calluses.  Add a ribbon -- and Father's Day is in the bag.

Toe Be or Not Toe Be

Rockers do it.  Athletes do it.  Even the guy in the next cubicle might do it.  We're talking men wearing nail color on their toes -- and you'd be surprised at how popular the trend is.  Think if it as "ink" for your toes, guys -- choose from super-bright shades (including blue, green, yellow) and dark tones, especially black (OPI Black Onyx Nail Lacquer is a favorite among the male-nail set). Plus, if your toenails could use a little improvement, Feet by OPI offers Nail Strengthener in Black -- not only does it look hot, it's formulated with liquid nylon to strengthen nails and help them look their best.  Maybe it's just one toe, maybe all ten - but isn't it time you strutted your stuff?

What the Heel?

Getting a guy to bare his soul?  Not so easy.  Getting a guy to bare his soles?  Sometimes, too easy -- and not so pretty.  Whether it's athlete's foot fungus; gnarly toe nails; rough, cracked, dingy heels; or feet that just don't look or feel their best, there are solutions out there -- and men shouldn't be afraid to try them.  Because no matter how great your six-pack, how ripped your arms, or how tight your abs, ugly, uncared-for feet are a real turn-off.  And even though regular professional pedicures will help get your feet in shape, a daily regimen of care will keep them that way.  Feet by OPI is a line of products formulated with an exclusive natural botanical and vitamin complex to protect and care for feet.  Callus Therapy smoothes calluses and soothes dry, cracked skin; Double Coverage moisturizes and protects feet; Powder Protection protects against foot moisture and odor, and Nail Recovery helps whiten and improve the look of toenials. 

Real Men Get Manicures

We've come a long way from the days when men's grooming meant a barber shave, a slap of cologne, and "a little off the top."  Today's men spend more time and care on their appearance -- even those "real men" who wouldn't be caught dead in a nail salon.  But here's a news flash for every man out there -- getting a manicure is good for you, good for business, and good for your social life.  Well-groomed nails and hands make a powerful first impression (think of that business hand shake) and speak volumes for your image.  And there's nothing to feel squeamish about -- a full-service manicure usually includes soaking your hands briefly, cuticles gently pushed back, nails filed smooth, and a hand massage with a soothing cream or lotion.  A man doesn't need to worry that he'll be leaving with high-gloss nails (unless that's what he wants!).  Today's products for men, like OPI Nail Envy Natural Nail Strengthener Matte Formula, are designed to leave hands and nails looking and feeling good, but not the center of attention.  Not pretty.  Not girly.  Just clean, smooth, and great-looking.