Magnitone Clean Sweep

Look at your face in the mirror. Go on… Be Honest! Gorgeous, isn't it?  So manly and rugged and robust and... well actually clogged with dirt and all that crap that has been in there for years. No matter how hard you scrub your handsome mug in the shower, your pores will still be clogged up with a whole load of rubbish (sebum, bacteria) and your old dead skin cells will cling to this crap, wreaking havoc on your skin texture and complexion. What you need is a manly bathroom tool to take your cleansing to the next level.  You need the Magnitone Clean Sweep facial brush.

A photo posted by T H O M 👽 (@itsth0m) 

Magnitone Clean Sweep is jam-packed with technology and cleverness. For a start the Magnitone Clean Sweep is vibro-sonic (which isn't as rude as it sounds ), meaning it features a soft brush head that vibrates at 15,000 rpm! Being charged up via USB, it is also completely waterproof meaning its super handy and you can take it into the shower to give your face the full works at pure ease.

The high-speed vibrations of the Magnitone head are designed to dislodge as much of the unwanted crap from you skin as possible. Pores are opened up to be cleaned, and beard hairs are encouraged to point straight outwards, reducing in-growing hairs and making them easier to shave. Dead skin cells are also brushed away, encouraging blood flow to the skin underneath, making you appear younger and sprightlier. Maybe!?

Coming with its own carry case (WOOP! ) the Magnitone Clean Sweep is the perfect shaving buddy. From using this, I found that even on a pretty thick stubble, it made the hairs stand up and the following shave was quicker with less irritation. I don’t think I have ever gotten as close a shave as when I use this.  But even if you're not shaving that glorious facial scruff, the brush can still be used each and every day in the shower (for just 30 seconds at a time) to exfoliate and revitalize your skin. It has a timer and it gives you a warning beep and then it turns off automatically so you don't over exfoliate. 

After just one use I noticed a significant reduction in those God-awful blackhead-clogged pores on my nose. And despite the intensity of the brush's revolutions, it certainly isn't uncomfortable. The bristles are super soft and my skin wasn’t the red in the slightest. But on the other hand, once you're used to the slight blush-inducing vibrations , it gives a pleasant facial massage.

I am massive fan of any manly bathroom gadgets that can be taken into the shower as, let's 'face' it (that was accidental I swear ), nobody likes adding another element to their morning routine just for the sake of a new gadget. I think the Magnitone is the new evolution of the traditional facial flannel or sponge.

But boy can you feel and see the results.

This would make an ideal Christmas gift for any man or even if you want to self gift a Magnitone to yourself! 

Magnitone Clean Sweep is available online here at Magnitone, Boots and LookFantastic.

*Some product(s)/content in this post may be sponsored or sent as a press sample, however all opinions and views are honest and my own, only select products that I like and want to recommend are featured on this blog. For more information, please click here.

You can find me on        

Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque

Since my late teens, I have always had troublesome skin, But the main reason it was so angst-y was ALWAYS stress!  So whenever I’m extra busy and frazzled and don’t have a lot of spare time to have a complicated skincare regime, I always look to a facemask for some help.

Enter right on que the new Charcoal Rescue Masque from Dermalogica. I mean, even the name gives me hope.  Haha! This is a masque which delivers an immediate ‘pick me up’ and suits all skin types and conditions.

According to Dermalogica it tackles skin aging, dullness, breakouts and sensitivity – all things that become very obvious in my skin as soon as I don’t get enough sleep/water or just during the days that I am working around the clock.

I have never tried any products from Dermalogica before the Charcoal Rescue Masque, but it is a brand which has built up such a fantastic reputation over the past few years, so although I’m often a bit wary to try new skincare brands (due to sensitive skin), I knew my skin  was in very safe hands.

Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque gently but thoroughly  detoxifies skin by using:

·         Binchotan Charcoal powerfully absorbs impurities

·         Sulphur promotes cell turnover for dramatically brighter skin.

·         Volcanic Ash, Sea Silt, Bamboo Extract and alpha hydroxy acids further  accelerate skin brightening with dual-action exfoliation.

·         Niasinamide helps ease and heal congestion and calm the skin

·         Chilean White Mint refines pores.

As soon as I put this on my skin, I just knew it was going to make a difference. It’s dark green in colour () and has these tiny little white flecks in it. After just 2 seconds on your skin, it begins to harden – which made me feel like it was REALLY working! I left it on for about 8 minutes and then lightly massaged it off with wet hands to boost its exfoliation properties. After taking it all off, I just slapped on a bit of moisturizer and I already felt a million times better. My skin was healthy, fresh and kinda glowing – and I loved it.  This would be great if you were heading out for a night or an event and you wanted that extra oomph!

My skin is always in need of a little detox & refresh especially during the Summer months, So I’m looking forward to using this masque more regularly to get my skin in tip-top shape. 

Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque is available online here at Dermalogica and John Lewis.

*Some product(s)/content in this post may be sponsored or sent as a press sample, however all opinions and views are honest and my own, only select products that I like and want to recommend are featured on this blog. For more information, please click here.

You can find me on        

FOREO LUNA Play

No this isn’t a naughty toy!!! Get your mind out of the gutter! This is the exact opposite – it’s actually for cleaning. Despite its diminutive appearance (or raunchy looks ) the FOREO LUNA Play packs a fair punch when it comes to cleansing.

 The FOREO LUNA Play is the smallest and first disposable facial brush from FOREO - don't worry the battery will last for at least 100 uses. The LUNA Play has been designed for those who have a hectic lifestyle and to give anyone who has  yet to commit to a facial cleansing tool, an affordable way to see if a sonic cleanser is for them.  This is actually my first foray into cleansing tools. Here’s the low down!

Yes the FOREO LUNA Play is absolutely tiny; it’s around the size of a cotton pad. But it features all the original features of the original FOREO sonic cleansing brush. This is the first disposable brush in the FOREO line up. But alas after around 100 full uses the FOREO LUNA Play battery will eventually run out. When it does you simply recycle the brush and either replace your LUNA Play or commit to a full size FOREO brush.

At just €38 for a FOREO LUNA Play it doesn't sell for much more than your average  facial brush head; the difference is that you don't need a charger, simply pack the FOREO LUNA Play, use and go. And if you break down its cost per use – it roughly €0.04 a use – not bad I hear you say. But I would actually love it if could be charged up or even if there was a battery indicator or something I would be 100% in love with it – say you’re on holidays and after a long day in the sun and copious layers of SPF … you switch on your FOREO LUNA Play and … guess what the battery is dead. 

FOREO LUNA Play Features

• Powerful, portable, pocket sized tool
• Up to 100 uses
• T-Sonic pulsation technology will remove 99.5% of dirt and oil (based on clinical trials) plus makeup residue
• Powerful motor delivers 8,000 T-Sonic pulsations per minute dislodging impurities
• Clears away dead skin cells
• Diminishes the appearance of pores to refine skin texture
• Enhances the absorption of skincare products
• Gentle on the skin
• Ultra-hygienic silicone design is quick drying and nonporous to prevent bacteria buildup
• 35X more hygienic than nylon-bristled brushes

 As with all FOREO devices the FOREO LUNA Play is constructed from super soft silicone; the gentle texture of the silicone ensures that the skin is never at any risk of damage as the bristles are so gentle. By utilising silicone, the FOREO tools are also up to 35 times more hygienic than a regular face brush, making them ideal for all skin types including acne prone skin - it doesn’t aggravate blemishes nor further spread bacteria.

The FOREO LUNA Play relies upon T-Sonic pulsation technology meaning the whole unit physically pulses at a rate of 8,000 pulsations per minute. The gentle movements help to deeply cleanse the skin (it removes up to 99.5% of daily dirt and oil) without stripping  my skin of its natural oils, but it also exfoliates.

From the first use I have experienced noticeably softer skin and with continued use, my complexion is more even-toned and has a natural glow. It absorbs skincare such as moisturiser with a little more efficiently. It is really lovely to use and is great with all cleansing products including balms, oils, creams and gel. It gives whatever you choose an extra deep cleansing boost. 

I absolutely love my FOREO LUNA Play in black (Midnight), however, there’s also huge selection of colours to choose from. I think these are the perfect introduction to sonic cleansing.

The FOREO LUNA Play is available online at Mankind and FOREO.

* I actually won this FOREO LUNA Play from a competition from Mankind.co.uk. They are always throwing competitions and special offers over on Twitter and Instagram ... so check them out. *

You can find me on        

The Body Shop ~ Modern Gent’s Post Party Rescue Kit

The Modern Gents Rescue Kit is a kit that includes an eye cream to aid those puffy eyes when you've hit the snooze button on your iPhone one to many times, And a really good moisturiser for everyday; either morning or night, this moisturiser is really good, you don't need a lot to cover your entire face neck and leaves your face feeling cool and fresh.

Firstly I have to describe this kit without mentioning the packaging, it’s definitely one of the coolest and best presented I’ve ever received. Long after these products are finished I’m certain that I’ll still hold onto this box, to store various nick nacks - iPhones cases and what not!

Now moving onto the important stuff; the CONTENTS! In the Modern Gent’s Post Party Rescue Kit* you will receive:

• For Men Maca Root Eye Serum
• For Men Maca Root Balancing Face Protector

Being of an inquisitive disposition, I had to find out more about what the Maca Root was. Lepidium meyenii (maca) is an herbaceous biennial plant of the crucifer family native to the Peruvian Andes.

For Men Maca Root Eye Serum 

I have been using eye serums for a bit, checkout my review of the Clarins one. I was looking forward to giving  this one a shot. Eye serums can be seen as superfluous product in a skincare regime as you generally don’t notice immediate results. This is a fast, soothing and noticeable tightening around the eye area after application. Dark circles are definitely improved.

Only one small pump is all that you need and gently dab this light white serum around the eye with the fingertip of your ring finger. The serum is absorbed quickly and doesn’t leave any scent or an oily residue after use.

For Men Maca Root Balancing Face Protector

The second product in the kit is the Balancing Face Protector is enriched with Peruvian Maca root. It hydrates the skin while oil control technology helps reduce shine in the T-Zone.

I have to admit I wasn’t a fan of the feel of the lotion the first few times, personally I found it to be a tad too runny in consistency. But saying that it did an excellent job in hydrating and balancing my skin. It has a very light texture and consistency. After a few days, I was much happier with the feel and my skin felt moisturised as you’d expect but so soft too. After continued use I was really impressed it’s a powerful cream and has a nice aroma, the best way I can describe it is that it smells clean. Again it absorbs immediately and leaves no shine.

Overall the Modern Gent’s Post Party Rescue Kit is an excellent kit as a gift; it has the foundation of a solid skincare routine that any man can build on.

You can find The Body Shop Modern Gent’s Post Party Rescue Kit in your local The Body Shop store or online here.

*Some product(s)/content in this post may be sponsored or sent as a press sample, however all opinions and views are honest and my own, only select products that I like and want to recommend are featured on this blog. For more information, please click here.

*Giveaway!*

I’m super-excited to be able to give away  The Body Shop Modern Gent’s Post Party Rescue Kit.

The giveaway will run until Sunday 10th April and is open internationally. 

How do you enter I hear you say - Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 And I wish you all the best of luck! 

You can find me on        

A Litter of Bulldogs | Bulldog Skincare For Men

Boring I know but I thought I’d start off with some background info on Bulldog Skincare; I don’t know about you but I like to know what I’m putting on my face…

So it’s a British cruelty free skincare company, Bulldog Natural Skincare, is a men’s skincare line that boasts getting the job done, being hassle free, and not taking themselves so seriously. They’re one of the few men’s skincare lines that flaunts their ingredients and takes pride in their formulas. They insist on using products that contain essential oils and other natural active ingredients. Bulldog Natural Skincare also takes inordinate pride in being cruelty free, vegetarian-friendly, and environmentally aware. In fact, they are approved by BUAV, the Vegetarian Society and the RSPCA. Now that's a product I already love and I haven't even opened the package they sent me.

The first thing I noticed about the products was the presentation. They arrived in a lovely box all wrapped up. I also was drawn to the branding – it just looked so clean and fresh. It was the first time I’d really looked at the products and to tell the truth I hadn't been drawn to the brand before as most of the products looked similar to one another. As a guy, the products I use, I just pick up without even noticing/thinking.  Once I start using a product and liking it, I then tend to stick with it. 

After trying out the products daily for a few weeks, I have to admit that I’m a full-fledged dog person!  There is little doubt that this is one of the best men’s skincare ranges currently available on the high street.

My first port of call with the Bulldog products was with the Original Face Wash*, which I used every morning. Unlike many face washes, this doesn’t that leave your face dry and in immediate need of a moisturiser (possibly owing to the mix of eight essential oils). It seemed to lock the moisture in and under a film of natural oils. I will definitely use this when my skin is behaving itself and it’s great to keep my skin clear. Like most Bulldog products, the Original Face Wash contained a high concentration of bergamot oil extracted from the bergamot orange, a Mediterranean citrus fruit.

Once or twice a week, and to give my face a thorough exfoliation and eliminate dirt and impurities, I use the Original Face Scrub*. From experience, face scrub products for men are either too soft or too abrasive. However, Bulldog’s Original Face Scrub does the trick splendidly. This was actually the star of the range for me; it felt remarkably similar to Liz Earle’s Cleanse and Polish but with gentle exfoliating particles.  In addition to essential oils, the face scrub contained natural exfoliating ingredients such as pumice, coconut shell, rosehip oil and shea butter. My skin really loved the Bulldog’s Original Face Scrub and I have to say I love it right back.

The morning shower was routinely followed by shaving. Unlike most shaving creams and gels currently available in the market, the Original Shave Gel*  is a light, see-through gel that spreads nicely on the skin without the need to apply a large quantity. Essential oils are combined with aloe vera, jojoba, and konjac mannan (a natural thickener and gelling agent with moisturising properties) to provide a smooth shaving experience.

And finally, the daily morning ritual finished with an application of the Original Moisturiser*(with green tea, green algae, and vitamin E to hydrate the skin). When applied, the cream provided a nice matt finish to the skin instead of the shiny look that most men prefer to avoid. Another good thing that I noticed about this moisturiser, was that a small amount went a super long way. I will admit that I’ve come across better moisturisers over the years, but this is a very affordable option that works well on the skin.

At night, I tried the new Original Eye Roll-On in the areas under and around the eyes. The roll-on applicator is practical and the metal ball inside the container is always cool, which makes the application feel very refreshing. The Eye Roll-On contains avocado oil, cucumber oil and Brazilian ginseng extract to reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness and fine lines. Like most eye creams, I think that it will probably take quite a few weeks of using the product to notice any benefits. But I have noticed a slight reduction in my tiny dark circles. However, the cooling and moisturising effects are extremely pleasant.

After trying the grooming products for a few weeks, I have no hesitation to recommend the Bulldog Natural Skincare range as part of the daily skincare routine for men.

You can find all the Bulldog Skincare For Men range at Boots, ASOS and Mandkind.

Mankind actually have a code for 15% off when you spend £50! - MK1550 ... Just saying  

*Some of these items may have been sent to me for review. Please see my disclaimer for more information*

You can find me on         

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate

This was actually the first Kiehl’s product I bought (over a year ago!) and the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate is an excellent all-rounder serum, for all skin types and skin concerns.

But what exactly is the Midnight Recovery Concentrate, well it’s an oil based serum formulated with 99.8% natural Derived ingredients including Squalane, Evening Primrose Oil, Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Essential Oils including Lavender. And is paraben-free and the glass bottle and dropper is made from recycled glass, and all housed in a 100% recycled board carton.

Don’t panic that this is an oil. I must admit that I was a bit apprehensive to try it out, being an oily combination skin type. But after summoning the courage, I was so glad that I did. The Midnight Recovery Concentrate was an absolute dream to use. This easily absorbed elixir helps the skin to recover radiance by morning, with skin feeling smoother and softer and the formula provides a boost of intensive moisture to dehydrated skin. The light-weight oil formula instantly penetrates the skin surface to help replenish it with moisture. I find that the effective combination of essential oils and the accompanying ingredients calm, soften, rehydrated, and brighten the skin by the morning by kick starting your skin’s natural, overnight recovery processes. I find that it also works wonders on active breakouts, I even used it on a cystic spot and it greatly help relieve it – both in size and redness.

I place 3-4 drops directly onto my face and massage it into my cleansed face. It sinks in straightaway and didn’t leave me greasy or shiny in the slightest. I don’t apply a moisturiser over the Midnight Recovery Concentrate. But if you feel you need to just place your regular moisturiser over it to seal in the hydration. After using the Midnight Recovery Concentrate for nearly a year (mostly every second night), my skin looks incredible, fresher and more supple with a natural radiant glow.

Oh! and the Midnight Recovery Concentrate smells insanely good and the aroma of lavender will definitely send you off to a well-earned beauty sleep.

I have the Midnight Recovery Concentrate for over a year and it looks like I have barely made a dent in it, definitely worth the initial investment.

If you are on the hunt for an excellent all-rounder serum then the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate is definitely worth a try. I actually find this to be my forget-me product - in the best way; you keep reaching for it without even thinking and when you need something to repair and sooth, it tops the list.

The Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate is available online at Kiehl's and Arnotts or by phoning their store in Wicklow St, Dublin (01 670 6667)

*I would actually again recommend phoning the Kiehl’s store, as they give out free samples! with free shipping*

You can find me on        

Gillette Fusion ProShield FlexBall Razor

I have been a massive devotee (aka fan boy ) of Gillette razors since I started shaving – I’ve actually never used any other! I remember when the new FlexBall razor came out in the US, I was so excited that I order it on Amazon.com and got it shipped to Ireland and I had it a good 6 months before it came out in Ireland and the UK. Now that’s devotion! 

I was totally in love with the FlexBall razor; I have quite a square jawline and I found it really hard to shave this area but this was an utter God send!  I thought I would never need to buy another razor again …

BUT what the experts at Gillette do??? Go and make an f**king better razor!!! The Gillette Fusion ProShield razor. 

After watching thousands of men shave each year, researchers at Gillette have found that guys are on autopilot during shaving and subsequently are risking the quality of their skin - signs of aging, and ingrown hairs with a poor quality razor (not good).  This is because the shave gel has wiped away, which means for the remaining strokes their face is at the mercy of sharp, steel blades – oftentimes resulting in irritation…

Through in-depth research, Gillette found that guys on average, take up to 170 razor strokes while shaving, with as many as 120 strokes happening after the shave gel has been wiped away – leaving the skin unprotected for the rest of the shave, causing irritation from these re-strokes.  That’s why Gillette launched the ProShield, providing added lubrication to protect guys from re-stroke, so you don’t have to change the way they shave.

Now Gillette claim that the ProShield:

“shields while you shave. ProShield Lubrication before and after the blades lays down a protective layer to shield from irritation. Plus, FlexBall Technology makes maximum contact* over contours and gets virtually every hair (*among Fusion razors). Gillette Fusion ProShield is Gillette's most advanced razor.”

And that it features:

• The thinnest, finest edge blades with less tug and pull
• Gillette’s most advanced blade coating
• Blade Stability Bar maintains optimal blade spacing for exceptional comfort
• MicroComb to help guide stubble to the blades
•  Precision Trimmer for accurate edging

I was dying to try the new Gillette Fusion ProShield razor when it was released to see if the claims were true and I’m thrilled to report that they are.  With five blades, Fusion ProShield lubricating strip, and FlexBall Technology, this is one hard hitting razor.  It is housed within a comb guard so that you can trim down longer hairs, something previously unseen this razor market.  Now you can shave with a week old beard and not whip out an expensive electric beard trimmer first; ideal when you’re running late in the morning. The real winner is the enhanced Lubrastrip infused with mineral oils and lubricating polymers, which not only soothe your skin but allow for a smoother glide and fewer passes.

My Verdict

Overall totally 

Firstly, the packaging is fantastic.  I mean, who wouldn't look at this on the shelf at a store and think, "This must slice through my stubble."  And secondly it actually slices through said stubble.  I've tried it 3 times so far and OMFG it glides on my face to give the closest, smoothest shaver … EVER 

Gillette totally re-invented shaving in 2014 with the introduction of the Fusion ProGlide with FlexBall Technology, and has now revolutionised the face of cartridge technology with the Fusion ProShield. More than 25 million men have made the switch to FlexBall, and together with Fusion ProShield, the whole daily debacle of shaving has gotten even better and easier. 

The new Gillette Fusion ProShield razor with FlexBall technology delivers a smooth close shave with no dragging or tugging.  The handle is supremely comfortable.  The Fusion ProShield is noticeable throughout the shave, and the results are even more evident afterwards; there really is no irritation! Whoop Whoop!!  Just a truly close shave in a faster time to boot.   

The Gillette Fusion ProShield FlexBall Razor is available online here at Boots and Superdrug.

You can find me on