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Attention dudes: it's February and the dreadful Valentine's Day gift guides and restaurant deals are taking over your inbox and Twitter feed like the plague. We know how it feels to be bombarded by websites telling you what to do for your girl. But we know you. You're not a sucker.
However, we want you to impress the ladies on the big day (or everyday), whether you're single or wifed up. A good starting point is by improving your hygeine and grooming skills, which is why we came up with the 10 Easy Grooming Habits Girls Will Notice. These tips aren't crazy innovative. In fact, it's stuff men should already know, but it's amazing how many guys forget one or two steps in their daily routine. No fake-and-baking, waxing, or that pretty shit necessary—this is a low-maintenance guide to upping your property value. Lazy man approved.
Dry Brushing
Dry Brushing Your Teeth
Here's something you already know: girls are turned off by bad breath and yellow teeth. Here's something you didn't know: dry brushing your teeth before you brush with toothpaste reduces plaque and tartar buildup by 67 percent. Which means it's 67 percent more likely that you'll get a bar make-out this weekend! (P.S. Don't forget that a little swish of mouthwash goes a long way.)
Nails
Hand and Nail Care
With just one quick glance, girls look at your face, your shoes, and your hands. Think she wants you touching her with those long nails and ashy knuckles? Might as well give her a massage with a broom. Always clip the white part off as soon as your nails grow and keep them all the same length. Again, it's not like you don't know this shit, but the one time you forget to do it is when she'll call you out for those talons. Manicures aren't necessary, but using non-greasy hand lotion will keep dry cuticles under control.
Deodorant
Deodorant and Signature Scent
Girls remember you by your scent, so make sure to leave a good and clean impression on her nasal. The key is to avoid smelling like B.J. Raji's ass after a touchdown, while avoiding a cologne bath. Rock with a subtle deodorant that works just enough to keep your stink away, and a cologne that lasts with just one spritz. She should be able to smell your signature scent when you lean in for a hug, not when you walk into the room.
Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant, $18
Le Labo SANTAL 33, $145
Haircare
Dandruff Shampoo
If you're a Complex type of guy, you wear a lot of hats. Snapbacks, beanies, fitteds, and newsboys create a nice environment for dandruff. Don't let yourself be the guy with white flakes on your black cardigan. Whether your hair is oily or dry, dandruff shampoo like Head and Shoulders or anything with tea tree oil should take care of that scalp.
Lipcare
Lip Balm
We're not talking about lip gloss here. We're talking about a shine-free balm that will keep your lips moisturized. You don't want to kiss chapped lips, and she doesn't want to either. Avoid licking your lips a la LL Cool J. It doesn't actually come off sexy and it will dry out your lips even more.
Manscaping
Facial Hair and Manscaping
Some girls prefer clean shaven men, some prefer that manly beard. Either way, girls don't want to end up with scars after a make-out session. Use an electric shaver to maintain the perfect amount of stubble while avoiding nicks and cuts. One word of advice: drop a good amount of cash on a quality electric shaver, and make sure it's suitable for "problem areas," aka your homies down below. Taking care of your adult area will impress women.
Braun Series 5 Shaver, $150
Eyebrows
Eyebrow Grooming
It's unfortunate that you have a universally unattractive unibrow. Luckily, this can be fixed. Just pluck a few hairs from the middle to clean that bush up. Tweezers aren't just for girls!
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Low Maintenance Hair
If your hair needs some control, run a dab of matte wax after towel-drying your mane. It won't leave that gel-like "wet look" nor will it make it hard and sticky. The point is to avoid looking like you just woke up. If she prefers your hair messy, she'll gladly tangle it up for you.
ear and nose
Trimming Nose and Ear Hair
Girls don't find Keebler elves sexy. The hair growing out of your nose and ears are pretty gnarly to look at, so get like your gramps and take care of it ASAP. Specialty trimmers won't hurt those delicate areas, so cop one now you sasquatch.
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Skin Care
The days of women swooning over Clint Eastwood's Marlboro scented leather face are gone. Girls work hard to look young and beautiful, so fuck outta here if you think you can get away with not taking care of your face, too. The ladies aren't asking you to rub yourself in cocoa butter, but they do expect you to keep your face clean and presentable. Use a light cleanser and moisturize afterwards to keep dry patches off that mug.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $8
Cetaphil Mosturizing Lotion, $9
