PREEN & CHIC: Grooming confessions

Well, if not a saint, I suppose I'm a sinner ... a groomed one at that. Today I confess my slight addiction to grooming rituals and come clean as a top-notch product junkie. I am not a Gillette kind of guy. It is true that I partake in many conversations in which usually girls---who am I kidding?---ALWAYS girls and I rave about our favorite new product, our deserted island top 10 essentials or the products or experts that have changed our lives. A bit dramatic, you may think, but it is all about keepin' it PREEN & CHIC.If I must confess, then I am not going down alone. I have partners-in-crime, you see, and they all can be found at The Met Day Spa & Salon. The space itself is supreme luxury, your appointment comes with a complimentary glass of champerz and it has been my go-to-relax-spot for years. I have been a repeat offender since the tender age of 16, being the only kid getting monthly manicures and facials. My coif has gone through many shears, multiple stylists, hundreds of styling products and when it comes to 'poo and conditioners I have been around the block. But for the past year I have stopped my salon-whore ways and have become faithful to master hairstylist and dear friend Jim Brooks at The Met. The man sporting clear frames and Gucci loafers, who is always dressed as if he's in a "Welcome to Connecticut" poster, is the kindest and most knowledgeable stylist in the city.  At my last appointment Jim he said, “A stylist with shears is like being a sculptor with a chisel."  Many other stylists rave over his work, saying, “It's like seeing butter melting,” and his client list is a VIP dinner with Sarasota's art scene, donors and power players.

Good genes and Sexycan roots have blessed me with decent skin, but I do suffer from breakouts now and again, and from dehydration Mondays every week. In order to maintain a healthy complexion and enjoy a little pampering I go to Justyna Musial at The Met. The Polish beauty treats you like royalty and makes sure you leave with supple, hydrated and detoxified skin. Apart from facials and treatments, she also offers waxing services.

With The Met's Isabella Rubi I don't have to speak about my nails so we can go straight to “the goss." After many years of sitting at her chair, my fairy godmother knows how I like my nails done: very, very short, square and buffed to death. Her manis and pedis are the best in the city! You can bring your own colors or she will create a custom blend for you.At home-rituals consist of everyday grooming. I keep my locks healthy by using Frederic Fekkai's shampoo and conditioner. For styling, whether I am embracing my curls or looking to achieve a slicked-back look, I use Frederic Fekkai's Essential Shea Pot de Crème.  It assures soft-to-the-touch styled hair all day long! For skin upkeep, I will always recommend Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant (you can find it at The Met). It is up there in the holy “changed-my-life” product list.  The gentle rice powder mixes with a few drops of water to become an enzyme-based exfoliating paste that can be used everyday or 2-3 times a week.  It gets rid of dead skin cells, brightening the skin and leaving it smooth. For everyday cleansing I love Kate Somerville's Gentle Daily Wash (Simply Spoiled Boutique) and I also like Cetaphil's Gentle Cleansing Bar (any old drugstore will do) as a great alternative when the budget gets tighter. Even though it looks like a soap bar, Cetaphil is soap-free, will not irritate your skin and it won't clog your pores.Right after the shower first thing is moisture. There's nothing worse than applying moisturizer on dry skin. It should be pat dry, but slightly damp. I hit two birds with one stone when using Coola's Face SPF 30 Cucumber Organic Moisturizer. During the summer I also like light-weight, such as  Philosophy's Take a Deep Breath oil-free energizing oxygen gel cream moisturizer; and for the winter, if you have dry skin or are worried about signs of aging, you must try the “Mac Daddy” of them all: Kate Somerville's Deep Tissue Repair is everything you need in a jar, but it will cost ya! All three can be found at Simply Spoiled Boutique.When it comes to lathering up, I'm not a body bar person; I usually go for a goodquality with a great aroma. Currently I am using the Pré de Provence Shower Butter in Brazil Nut, which converts from a heavy butter to a creamy lather. Scrubbing the sins away is a must in order to have smooth skin, remove old skin cells and bring a zen moment to your week. Giovanni Organic's Hot Chocolate Sugar Scrub (Whole Foods) or Lalicious' Peppermint Sugar Soufflé Scrub (Simply Spoiled Boutique) are my favorites. My preference for sugar scrubs over salt scrubs is because the latter tends to be more oily. Check out the scrub bar at Simply Spoiled Boutique to pick the perfect match for you!I do grow one or three hairs on my face, so shaving is not an every day thing for me. But I do whip out the razor at least every other day in order to maintain a sharp look. I like The Art of Shaving shaving cream in the soothing lavender scent, and in order to give back I like to use a heavier moisturizing cream or The Art of Shaving After Shave Balm containing vitamin C. The whole line of different products available in four scents can be found at Simply Spoiled Boutique. Another one of my sins is designer deodorant. I can't help myself---go ahead and crucify me if needed. Currently I am using Chanel's Allure Homme Sport, which can be purchased at our local Saks Fifth Avenue. Plus Blanca, with a smiling face, always hooks me up with the latest samples of perfume so I can have a pocket-size fragrance handy in my bag.

After laying my sins out on the table I do not feel liberated, but reminded of the products I need to stock up on and the future appointments I have on my calendar. You know my grooming rituals ... but now it is time for you to confess. Junkies, come clean with me: Proclaim your best products yet and out your team of experts. Remember that most stores tend to have samples handy, so if you're not completely sold on the idea, always grab a sample to try the product. Let your freak flag fly, one scoop at a time!

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