It used to be that getting ready for a date meant putting on the itchy suit you had to wear to church every Sunday, slicking back your hair with Dippity Doo and praying she didn't notice the giant zit on your forehead.
Well, now you're an adult, and times have changed. In this era, appearance-improving techniques commonly being used by women are now being used by men as well - and the women aren't batting an eyelash.
In fact, some women expect a man to take extra care with his appearance. And why shouldn't they? Women are taught this stuff from day one, and even those who don't use make-up or read beauty magazines can recognize the importance of skin moisturizer.
Unfortunately, most men don't - and it can be a pretty big hindrance in the dating circuit, as well as on a professional level. Cleaning up your appearance doesn't just mean wearing a suit that fits - it also means taking care of your body.
By now you're probably shaking your head and checking out the peeling skin on your nose in the bathroom mirror. Never fear - we're about to share with you ten easy ways to improve your appearance and boost your sex appeal. Best of all? Most of them will cost next to nothing.
1) Whiten your teeth - a pearly smile is a sexy smile, and it's easier to achieve than you might think. How you whiten your teeth really depends on why they're discoloured in the first place. If you're a heavy coffee or wine drinker, or if you smoke, your teeth may be more discoloured or stained that those of the average guy. In cases like this, whitening your teeth could be as simple as buying a toothpaste that contains baking soda, or advertises itself as a "whitening toothpaste." However, if the discolouration is natural, you've got a number of options. These range from visiting a dentist and having them professionally bleached to using products like gel or white-strips, available at the local drug-store. The prices range from around $25 bucks to a few hundred dollars. All have a guaranteed whitening effect, but remember, how much you pay can determine how visible and how long-lasting your results are.
2) Get a manicure - Yeah, we know, manicures are traditionally women-only territory. But more and more salons are offering manicures specifically for men. What these can do is clean up your hands - take care of any hangnails and ragged cuticles (the white edge around your fingernails) and smooth and buff your fingernails. Often these manicures have titles like "Executive" or "Professional," and with good reason. A manicured hand can help you perfect an image of looking clean and competent. Don't worry, you won't look girly: no nailpolish is included in male manicures (unless that's what you want). A nicer alternative is having your nails buffed, which will give them a soft, healthy, natural looking glow. But when you leave the salon, prepare yourself for a hand compliment or two. Remember, all you have to say is "thanks" - no manicure confessions are required.
3) Get a haircut - You've been going to the same barber since you were ten years old, and by now he knows everything from your favourite ice cream to your sister's favourite musician. It's time to move on. The fact that he's familiar doesn't make him talented. As you get older, your haircut should evolve with your personality. If you're still wearing your hair the same way you did when you were 19, it might be time for a change. Try a slightly more upscale salon, and tell them you're looking for a new cut. Nothing drastic, just something a little different. If you don't like the results, you can always head to dependable Ed the Barber for damage control - but make sure you get a second opinion before you go back to the same old do. You'll be surprised at the reaction of coworkers - and women.
4) Wax your eyebrows - Eyebrow waxing may seem like the epitome of feminine, but believe me, the unibrow isn't doing anything for you, or for her. Waxing your eyebrows won't turn them into the pencil-thin lines your mother has, or golden arches like your high school girlfriend's. What it will do is add some shape, and give your face a cleaner appearance. If the thought is too terrifying, give the tweezer a try, and at least pluck out the dark hair between your eyebrows. Yes, it hurts for a second or two, but a little pain could have a big gain. If you don't know how those suckers are supposed to look, go on the net and check out the eybrows of women-approved sexy celebrities - Brad Pitt, Jude Law, or Tom Cruise for starters. These guys have strong eyebrows, but they're not messy, and here's the key: there's two of them.
5) Use moisturizer - Since you've come this far, it's safe to assume that you're not going to be scared off by the fact that these aren't the most masculine of suggestions. So hear us out on the issue of moisturizer. If you're wondering why we're giving a fancy name to the bottle of generic lotion you have in the medicine cabinet, take note. Moisturizer is lotion specially designed for your face. You could use that generic, oily stuff, but it might do more harm than good: think adult acne. You could also go without, but that can be just as unappealing, especially in winter, when skin tends to flake and peel. Using moisturizer can ensure that your skin looks healthy year round, rather than looking like a teenage version of yourself. If you're leering about buying a bottle of moisturizer, a number of stores, including "the Body Shop", have a line of products specially made for men. And if you're too embarrassed to go into the store and buy the stuff...well, that's a problem far bigger than a zit on your forehead. You're on your own!
