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Bastien Gonzalez is the world’s preeminent empresario of feet, and one of the best experiences you can have in Monaco is a pedicure inside his studio at Hotel Metropole. Located inside of the hotel’s ESPA spa complex, you will find a small area dedicated to serious hand and foot care. Bastien Gonzalez and Hotel Metropole have partnered to bring both guests and visitors to Monaco an unrivaled experience in the maintenance of feet and hands – unlike anywhere else in the world. Mr. Gonzalez is truly an inspirational person. Having started his empire in Paris years ago with a small studio dedicated to foot care, he revolutionized the industry by taking a medical approach to the ritual of a pedicure. This is a serious endeavor – not something you can find in a typical nail spa. Instead, Mr. Gonzalez employs an army of trained podiatrists who know the anatomy of the feet inside and out. They approach you as a doctor, never underestimating the heath of your foot’s delicate skin, cuticles and nails. I had an appointment booked at the new studio where I was met by my podiatrist. He was the most delightful man from Paris who believes strongly in the power of the Bastien Gonzalez pedicure. He explained, in detail, why the pedicure was revolutionary and how it differs from others. Firstly, Mr. Gonzalez has developed a series of handmade tools which include a nail file constructed entirely from glass, a natural horn nail buffer and at-home maintenance products to help your pedicure last longer. Each one has a specific purpose and reason for development. My podiatrist used all of these on me. The pedicure is a “dry” experience as Mr. Gonzalez believes that water changes the skin and halts the ability of your podiatrist to really see what condition your skin and nails are in. Over an hour’s time, I received a clipping, filing, light grinding and buffing. It ended with a delightful 10-minute massage with my chair shifted into a flat bed for relaxation. The experience was truly an hour of heaven and helped me gain a new respect for my feet and those who work with them. My feet were left glowing and, the best part of all, is that the results lasted four weeks. If you’re in Monaco or in one of the many other locations around the world where Bastian Gonzalez pedicures are offered, do yourself a favor and indulge.

Braun, one of the leading manufacturers of shaving and grooming devices, has been a leader in the industry for decades. Over the years, they’ve invented and innovated products which have helped men (and women) trim, shape and maintain their body hair. As today’s men begin to thoroughly take notice of their own appearance and realize the necessity of maintaining their body hair, whether for a partner or themselves, they often wonder where to look, of course Braun has the answer. Aside from offering one of my favorite devices for a full-body trimming experience, the cruZer Beard and Head , they also recently surveyed 1,000 men living in New York regarding their preference and habits surrounding facial hair – and their findings were very interesting. Firstly, The cruZer Beard and Head is a powerful tool for styling your beard and hair on your head in a way that suits your liking. With a special click and lock functionality, the adjustable comb stays firmly in place and lets you trim your hair to the exact length you set. You can easily get a short stubble look or maintain a full beard, as the trimmer’s beard comb allows you to choose from six different length settings (1mm to 11mm). In addition, the hair comb also offers six longer settings (10mm to 20mm) for you to create customized hairstyles – but I use mine strictly for face and body hair. It’s easy to switch back and forth to trim your leg, arm, pubic and facial hair in a snap. As someone who travels frequently, this device offers an incredibly long battery life as well. Recently, on a ten day trip, I found that after one charge, it didn’t have to be charged again until after my return. This is a true miracle. I know many other men in the New York area feel the same about their Braun devices – especially those who pay attention to their body hair. In the recent survey done by Braun, they found the following about my counterparts, New York City men and their grooming habits. I think it’s quite interesting. – Of those surveyed the most popular careers for employed New York bearded men are: IT technician / internet or digital worker (7%), followed by engineers (4.2%). Construction workers and accountants are both equal third (4%), closing the gap on white collar vs. blue collar style – Across all boroughs, 76.7% of those who failed to grow a beard attributed it to the fact they were unable to properly grow one – Although 71.7% of those surveyed said their partner had never suggested they grow a beard, it turned out many (41.6% ) were told their partners in fact love their beards – In Manhattan, you’re more likely to find a beard on the Upper East Side. Of those surveyed, 64% of beard-wearing folk live uptown, with more than 60% living on the east side – Bronx men were also most likely to keep their beards for life when compared to other boroughs (36%), the survey also found Bronx bearded men regard their looks higher than in other boroughs, giving themselves an 8 out of 10 rating or higher. It’s possible their self-confidence came from their partners – of those surveyed, Bronx partners came in higher as beard lovers than in the other boroughs – 45% love their partner’s beards – Brooklyn men were most likely to lose the beard when it was no longer a fashion trend when compared to other boroughs (20%), Brooklyn men were also most likely to get the ultimatum from partners (13%), or their bosses (12%) – Queens men are the lowest maintenance New York bearded men – 53% trim their beards just once a week – Staten Island is the least successful beard growing borough – 1 in 3 of those surveyed have tried to grow a beard but failed – 53% said they feel they are now more attractive to the opposite sex than they were pre-beard – 10% claim that beards have made them more successful at work – 41% feel more confident with a beard – 48% feel more mature with a beard

The Four Seasons Hotel at the Bosphorus is one of the most luxurious hotels in Istanbul. But, aside from the legendary service and opulent surroundings, one of the most important reasons to visit is their incredible spa. The spa, which lies deep within the hotel, is a beacon of elegance and beauty. Complete with marble-clad traditional Turkish hammams, treatment rooms, a mosaic pool and very well-trained therapists – you could spend days exploring the huge space. The spa menu offers facials, massages and, my favorite, the hammam ritual. The hammams at the Four Seasons are sacred. The marble is heated and your therapist invites you in dressed in a modest bathing suit. After slipping into a pair of disposable underwear, you lie on the warm marble. Over the next 30 minutes, the therapist performs a series of tasks including scrubbing, buffing, cleansing and sudsing your entire body until your skin is baby soft. What a treat. After, your therapist moves you into a dimply lit relaxation room where you’re able to lounge with a cup of ginger tea and snack on dried fruit and nuts. The experience, in its entirety, is pure heaven. You can’t miss the opportunity to treat yourself while in Turkey. And, there’s no better place to do it than the spa at the Four Seasons at the Bosphorus.

On a recent jaunt to Athens, Greece for a media trip, the discerning guests were privileged to stay at the beautiful Hotel Grande Bretagne . And, in the moment of their arrival, they were welcomed in-room with a gift bag packed with assorted items from Greece’s top brands in food and beauty, as well as a gift from the Peninsula Hotel in New York City. The wonderful modern Greek skincare “apothecary”, Korres , provided items from their Greek Yogurt collection. Cleansing wipes, body butter and nourishing moisturizer were all a part of the assortment. Korres uses natural ingredients, many originating in Greece, to compose their unique product line – a favorite of skin care experts and celebrities. The Mastiha Shop , a Greek brand which utilizes the famous mastiha tree resin from Chios island in their products, provided sweet matiha mousse, cinnamon gum with Chios lemon, shortbread cookies with chamomile and marmalade with Chios tangerine. This shop is truly special as mastiha has been touted by healthcare professionals as a means to help with digestion, ease stomach aches and more. The Peninsula Hotel in New York City provided a gift certificate for guests to experience one of their signature facials and massages after the trip.

When searching for a combination of products to aid in the relief from facial jet lag, look no further then luxury skincare brand, SKII . The coveted serums, masks and creams housed in their iconic red boxes, offer relief from a variety of skin concerns – but a few make the perfect “kit” for helping your skin to cope while traveling this season. Below are our top three picks for seeing a true difference in your complexion. The SKII Facial Treatment Mask: This mask is a magician in a little silver packet. A gauzy material soaked in vitamins, minerals and SKII’s patented Pitera complex, this mask is a lifesaver while traveling. Applying one to your face before, during and/or after a flight will aid in lifting and moisturizing your skin enough to see a dramatic difference. During the 20-minute application, the facial treatment mask smooths, hydrates and tightens the facial skin as well as delicate skin under your eyes. The result is a taught complexion that looks both rested and radiant. The SKII Facial Treatment Repair C: This moisturizing serum in a little white bottle helps to plump and tone your skin through hyaluronic acid and, of course, Pitera. Smoothing a few pumps of this over your face during and after flight will help you in diminishing fine lines and retaining a healthy glow. The SKII Cellumination Aura Essence: This light essence, or serum, can be applied after the SKII Repair C and under a moisturizer. Infused with the brand’s signature Pitera and “pixelwhite”, this item is perfect for adding a light glow to your skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy – allowing your skin to shine through. Use it both in the morning and in the evening before bed while traveling.

In New York, where dermatologists are plentiful and anti-aging procedures are done every second of every day in an effort to stop the clock and preserve ourselves at our very best, it’s only advisable to trust the “top” in the business. And, the very best in New York City reside at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York on East 34th Street. Here, a well respected team of doctors presided over by Dr. Roy Geronemus, review, invent, innovate, guide and revolutionize the field of dermatological medicine. In fact, they work often with the FDA to approve new skin-related technologies introduced to the United States. One of the well-known doctors, Jeremy Brauer , a graduate of both the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell, works with patients in both a traditional medically-focused practice as well as cosmetic dermatology. We visited his office recently to discuss his favorite developments in dermal fillers, substances which have revolutionized the industry and all but halted the need for traditional facelifts. He took us on a tour of available products on the market today and picked his favorites to address specific problems associated with aging.

As the weather cools down, our senses seem to be yearning for something warm and sweet, especially in our daily beauty and grooming routine. After a hot shower, there’s nothing better than to moisturize your skin with an incredible body oil. The Italian skincare brand, Bottega Organica , which houses their only American location on Christopher Street in New York City, is a proponent of natural ingredients. They grow, harvest and produce the oils and extracts found in their incredible formulas on a farm in Italy. One of my favorite products for the season is their Nourishing Body Oil scented with vanilla. A combination of olive oil, apricot and carrot extracts, along with French lilac and vanilla bean, the oil creates an amazingly heathy concoction to slather all over your skin. Rich in Omega acids and antioxidants, this oil is a simple but necessary addition to any grooming routine. Plus, it smells so good, you’ll have to stop yourself from eating it.

When a change of season hits, it’s always appropriate try a new fragrance. And, from the incredibly large selection on the market, sometimes it’s difficult to wade-through the options. Looking for the very best requires knowledge of the current fragrance landscape, the quality of ingredients used by different fragrance houses and the level of thought put  into a particular scent’s creation. In the spirit of all mentioned above, we look to the iconic brand, Annick Goutal, and their new offering, L’Ile au Thé. L’ile au Thé is an olfactory journey to the unique South Korean island of Jeju. Long hailed as a paradise by both Koreans and the international jet-set, Jeju is a unique place as it blends a multitude of climates and topographies together to create a world that is truly special in Northern Asia. The fragrance captures the magic of blending inspirations from fields of green tea, salty ocean breezes, blooming osmanthus and orchards filled with mandarin trees. Marine and earthy notes sit well with the bright and crisp citrus. Appropriate for both men and women as a fantastic gender-neutral fragrance option, L’ile au Thé is our pick for the best new fragrance on the market this year. It’s perfect for spring days and summer nights and can carry you from a rooftop party in New York to a boat ride through the Mediterranean. This is a true moment for Annick Goutal and is surely to be a beloved edition to their already broad range of offerings.

British-born beauty and wellness brand, The Organic Pharmacy , has opened its doors in a long-awaited launch on the East Coast of the United States. A small storefront lures you in from the sidewalks on Bleecker Street in the West Village of Manhattan. Inside, a dreamworld filled with scientifically-rooted skincare products, vitamins, supplements and skin tips. Basically, it’s heaven on Bleecker. Step inside off the sidewalk and instantly you’re in another world. the Organic Pharmacy prides itself on their pure, environmentally friendly products which address skin conditions ranging from acne to aging. But, don’t think because this brand uses “natural” ingredients that it equates to ineffective. No. The makers behind The Organic Pharmacy, including its original founder Margo Marrone , insist on using homeopathic principles and pharmaceutical grade organic herbal extracts that have been proven effective. One of my favorite products include the Rose Plus Marine Collagen Complex , which aids in smoothing skin and rebuilding collagen and elasticity. Also, the Travel Discovery Kit which includes travel-size samples of the brand’s best-selling products is perfect for those on the run. Don’t miss this opening and be sure to go home with at least one purchase, there’s something that will revolutionize your autumn beauty and grooming routine. I promise.

Who knew almond oil and glycerin were all you needed for an incredible shave without irritation? I surely didn’t. But, Geo. F. Trumper did. The British brand has whipped-up the best recipe for shaving soap packaged beautifully in a wooden bowl. The soap allows you to use a shaving brush, like my favorite from Truefitt and Hill, to lather and lift your facial hairs until they’re primed to be wiped-clean from your ever-so-important cheekbones. This combination of men’s shaving power will only put you on track for silky-smooth skin and no razor burn or bumps in sight.

Jetting from one fashion week to the next, at a time when menswear shows are stacked back-to-back, can be exhausting. Whether you’re hopping from the London Men’s Collections to Pitti Uomo in Florence, Italy, or running through the streets of Milan to catch your flight to Paris – your skin can take a beating. Any gentleman on the go needs something that will keep him looking his very best during these tiring times, both on the road and at home. That “something” is the Clarisonic Smart Profile . Clarisonic is known for their dermatologist-endorsed, cult-favorite facial skin cleansing devices. But, what if I told you they also offer something that works on both your face and your body. The Smart Profile is one of their best products due to its ability to apply its smart technology to utilize the two brush heads, adjusting between gentle and deep cleaning. The speed of the brush auto-adjusts to your face and body, knowing exactly when and where to kick-in the extra elbow grease. But it does all the work for you – no effort from you. The device features amplified turbo speed which maximizes pressure and effectiveness of the brush head to remove dirt and grime like never before. And, the replacement indicator illuminates when your brush head is ready to be replaced. This device is worth the $265 investment, and is perfect to travel with. One good charge can allow the device to last one week without re-charging. After your face, the Smart Profile will easily slough-off every millimeter of dry and dead skin from your body. You might find yourself in the shower longer than usual, but, there’s always a price to pay for vanity. In this case, it’s worth it. The Clarisonic Smart Profile is, simply put, the best.