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The Metrosexual Man

Arnold Schwarznegger is a metrosexual-as is Brad Pitt, WWE wrestler The Rock, and soccer superstar David Beckham. And some social observers believe it's just a matter of time until "metrosexual" becomes part of the English vocabulary -- and perhaps one day a description of the average urban male's lifestyle.

But what exactly is a metrosexual?

Well, the most widely accepted definition is the following: an urban male with a strong aesthetic sense, who spends a great deal of time and money on his appearance and lifestyle.

Proponents might describe them as "heterosexual males, who are secure in their masculinity-and take personal responsibility for their appearance." While critics might call them "self-obsessed men who will go to any lengths in the name of vanity."

While this is a debate that will undoubtedly continue for many years to come, it brings to light an issue that clearly needs to be addressed in this age of changing views on masculinity.

For example, while no one blinks an eye when a woman watches her weight, buys designer clothes, or takes care of her skin-it can be perceived as a negative thing for a man; as if somehow less masculine.

Meanwhile, stylish, bronzed, Adonis-like men adorn the covers of our national magazines, and men like Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Johnny Depp continually top lists of the world's sexiest men.

If a man were to try and accommodate both sides of the fence, that is, emulate the idealized men in the media, while avoiding any time spent on his appearance (to prove his masculinity), he'd soon realize it was a no-win situation.

So, how does the average male discern what's acceptable amidst the mixed signals of our culture?

The answer lies within each man's comfort zone-and how willing he is to stretch beyond it.

The harsh reality is that looking healthy and attractive in this day and age is something that impacts the lives of each and every one of us. While this may not seem fair to some, the truth is that looking good affects how others perceive us, how we perceive ourselves, and can have a strong influence on every facet of our lives.

Of course, there is a big difference between having pride in our appearance and becoming obsessed with it. But just because a man wears fashionable clothes and uses skin care products doesn't mean he's obsessed. If that were the litmus test, then nearly every woman on the planet could be called obsessive.

What men must come to terms with is that it is impossible to maintain a healthy, attractive appearance without spending some time managing and maintaining it. Fortunately, times are changing and many men are embracing personal pride in their appearance-breaking free of the outdated traditions that claim men aren't supposed to care how they look.

The beauty industry is well aware of this-thus every year we see the continued growth of grooming products for specific male needs. No longer do men have to settle for the antiquated, generic soaps, shaving creams, shampoos, and other grooming products of their father's. For example, men now have a multitude of shaving cream choices, with many products containing skin conditioners, emollients, lubricants-even vitamins.

For instance, "Serious Shave Cream" by Glytone is a terrific shaving cream that softens and conditions the skin while delivering a close shave. And "Professional Shave" by Dermalogica is another excellent cream that helps reduce irritation. The cost difference between quality products like these and many low-grade drug store brands is negligible when you consider the long-term benefits.

While some men may still wash their hair and skin with a cheap bar of soap, they might regret that "manly" decision in later years when their more enlightened peers look ten or more years their junior. Using quality skin care products, like cleansers, exfoliators, and moisturizers isn't something solely for women or gay men anymore, as the hugely successful "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" TV series has proven. There are masses of straight males that would like to look and feel their best, and yet don't have the first idea where to start.

Well, a good place to begin is with a healthy skin care regimen. If you're new to the idea of skin care or if you're buying a gift for a man who wants a simple regimen, you might try the "Body Care Basics Kit" by MD Formulations, or the "Enhanced Vitalize Skin Care System" by Skin Medica.

Instead of relying on generic shampoos filled with harsh detergents and chemical foaming agents, why not try "Herbal Treatment Shampoo" by Burt's Bees or if you have problem hair or scalp conditions, try "Phacid Shampoo" by Baker Cummins. Both fall within the price range of standard drug store shampoos but might actually help you maintain the health of your hair.

While the average male may never fully embrace the term "metrosexual," more and more of them are embracing the ideal. Men are finally discovering what women have known for centuries; that taking care of yourself is not only essential to maintain an attractive appearance, but that a bit of pampering can be quite enjoyable too.

Article posted 1/13/2004.

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Serious Shave Cream by Glytone $28.00