Pogi Practices
You may not be Brad Pitt, George Clooney, or Adam Levine, but you can still exude that “laglag-panty” appeal. The secret is in the grooming! These days, there’s no shame in caring for your appearance—in fact, women love it when a man cleans up nicely.
Here, women spill the men’s grooming habits they go gaga over. Plus, professional stylists share helpful grooming tips!
Hair, facial and otherwise
Isa Amarra, a marketing executive at Warner Music Philippines, is drawn to “a short and clean haircut.” She adds, “Not really a fan of facial hair.” Girls seem to be split down the middle about this; some girls like their guys clean-shaven; others can’t resist a devil-may-care stubble. Host, model, and new bride Patty Laurel-Filart says, “I love it when my husband gets a clean shave! As much as I love his scruffy beard, it’s nice to have him smooth and fuzz-free from time to time.” Ruby Gan, co-owner of Shop Manila Inc., shares, “My weakness is a five o’clock shadow.”
Styling
Whatever your style preference is, make sure that your clothes have a flattering fit, and are not too baggy or skintight. Women tend to love a look that is crisp yet effortless. As Esquire Magazine’s sexy senior account exec, Andi Trinidad is surrounded by spiffy men professionally. It seems to have rubbed off on her personally too, as her top men’s grooming weakness is: “Well-pressed clothes!”
Squeaky-clean styling is a total turn on for Vicki Abary, Brand Marketing Consultant of Vogue Concepts, Inc. “I like a freshly-showered man with a hint of fragrance in a crisp white long-sleeved polo shirt tucked into jeans who is ready to go out at night. I like a man best like this because it is his squeakiest clean before he gets himself rumpled, sweaty and reeking of all sorts of vices!”
Meanwhile, Meg Sta. Ines, Marketing Manager of Park Inn by Radisson Davao, shares: “It might be a little weird, but I dig guys who can sport a rocker look even in a suit. It's like a perfect balance between being playful and romantic.”
Ruby, who works in fashion, but is also a marathoner and powerlifter, is less concerned about the clothes, and more about the guy’s bod. What would catch her eye: “Great arms, developed calves and legs—no chicken legs, please!”
It’s in the Details
There are all these little things that get girls kilig about their guys, like, for example, the casual, confident way he drives. While girls are sneaking glances at you from their side of the car, make sure there are details that won’t ruin their view, like wayward hair sticking out of your nostrils, or dirt under your fingernails. Isa is adamant: “Nails have to be clean!”
Scent of a Man
Perhaps the one thing that leaves a lingering impression on women is fragrance. It can make or break a date, so be sure to use just the right scent that suits the occasion and captures your personality. More importantly, spray sparingly on pulse points so she gets a tantalizing whiff when you come close—and not from a mile away! What makes a guy hot? “He always has to smell good!” says Isa. Andi loves musky, woody scents (“like the old-school Polo fragrance”). Ruby loves guys who are “clean-smelling, pati sa panamit.” Meg seconds the motion: “I don't really mind what scent he wears, I just like him smelling fresh and clean.”
Grooming tips:
TRESemmé hair care expert Lourd Ramos of Creations by Lourd Ramos Salon, shares these helpful tips from his creative artist Ericson:
*Shampoo and condition your hair everyday. Men sometimes avoid conditioner because they think it’s for girls! The scalp may be an issue, so Clear for Men (which guards against dandruff) is the best shampoo. For conditioner, try Cream Silk Hair Fall Defense.
*Hottest hair cut of the season: the David Beckham look and the Iron Man/Tony Stark look! It is shaven and clean on the sides, with long layers on top.
*Skincare: Try the new Pond’s “Clear Solutions” Anti Bacterial Facial Scrub (with herbal clay) and the Pond’s “Smooth Pores” Pore Tightening Foam (in the black tube). Don’t forget to use moisturizer to protect skin from free radicals.
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