this is fyf

Pride? The Scott McMahan Response

For Pride 2010, we asked an eclectic group for their take on Gay Pride.   From living to loathing, the responses cover a wide spectrum - a rainbow of opinion, perhaps?

Makeup and grooming artist Scott McMahan has been seen around these parts before and will hopefully be seen again soon.  Here's his take: 

A few weeks ago my partner, Jorge, told me that he had never seen the '70's sitcom, Soap. For Christ's sake, Jodie Dallas was the first openly gay character on a weekly TV series! I added Soap to our Netflix instant viewing queue lickety split, and we got to watching. 

As much as I enjoyed revisiting the Campbells and Tates, I was kind of shocked by the kind of gay bashing in the name of comedy they got away with. It made me think.

You're So Vain - Springtime Fancy, Part Two

  
Bono???

I think I remember reading someplace that in the spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of a fancy young man (Or something like that.). For many of us, though, the start of spring is just a signal to start paying attention to those bits that have been hidden all winter under sweaters and in boots. Too often, what we don't see, we neglect, so it's nice to have that time in those first few weeks of spring to prep those parts we're sure to be showing when temperatures rise. 

As the thermometer hit 90 degrees this week, it seemed we might be heading straight into summer with very little time to, well, get fancy. Not to worry, I've got you. Here are some very quick and easy ways to get your skin primed without a fancy price tag. Sexy, summer-sweet skin is as close as many of your own kitchens!

You're So Vain - Springtime Fancy, part one

 It wasn't a very lamb-like exit to say the least, but the very rainy March is finally gone. Granted, all this rain holds the promise of flowers and sunshine right around the corner, but your dull, tired complexion is still telling the frightening tale of a harsh New York City winter. Not Pretty. 

The long, cold winter with differing temperature extremes from cold wind to indoor heating can wreak havoc on your skin, leaving it looking dull, dry, rough; even wrinkled and older. Turn your attention away from that cluttered closet (who's going to look in there anyway?), and get ready to put your best face forward. 

Here's a few great places in the city to get your pamper on. After this bitch of a winter, we deserve it!

• Cowshed Spa New York:- Located on the 3rd Floor of Soho House New York Hotel, Cowshed is a private treatment spa where u can relax in utter luxury and style. Try the Cowshed Facial (60 min/$140) "A facial cleanse, exfoliation, steam, extractions, facial and decollete massage. This treatment focuses on naturally improving the condition of the skin and enhancing its appearance." Keep in mind, you'll need have to cough up an additional $1800 for the annual membership. Just remember - you're worth it. 
• Okeanos: At Okeanos, "relax and de-stress just as Gods, Tsars and Politicians have for centuries". And, I don't mind if I do! The Okeanos Optimum Facial (60 min/$150) promises your "mind and body relax as aging slows. Skin is nourished and protected while collagen regenerates. Juniper, a botanical native to Russia, firms and tones." It's a deal considering any spa treatment valued at $120 or more will get you complimentary use of the banya, a traditional Russian sauna with steam. 
• Nickel Spa for Men:  The Super Moisturizing Facial (60 min/$105) is the perfect way to prime your face for Spring. "Designed for skin experiencing a premature aged look from sun exposure, city pollution, poor diet or even from a little too much partying. It has all of the same benefits as a Complete Facial and in addition, it includes a light facial massage with Nickel’s unique hydrating serum and is finished with a specific super-moisturizing treatment mask." What a deal! 

In case you're looking for a little more bang for your buck, check back next week for some great DIY tips to help whip your face into shape for spring.

With over twenty years in the world of beauty and fashion, Mister Scott McMahan is consistently sought as one of the premier makeup artists and men’s groomers.  His talents have been applied to Mariah Carey, Amy Sedaris, Elizabeth Moss, Justin Timberlake,  Tom Ford, Zachary Quinto and many more.  Scott lives in Brooklyn with his partner, Jorge, and 2 dogs, Blue and Boner.  Got a Grooming Question?  Send it to Scott!

Image by Terry Wong.

You're So Vain: A primer for the mustachioed man, part three.

There are two basic steps to grooming a mustache - trim and shape. A wide variety of products and tools are available to aid in the care of mustaches, including mustache wax, mustache nets (snoods), mustache brushes and combs and mustache scissors. Some men prefer to use a comb and sharp mustache scissors to trim their mustache. Others prefer the commercial trimmers made by companies like Conair, Remington, and Braun. Choose your tool and follow these steps:

• Check your mug in a mirror to determine the parts of your mustache that need to be trimmed and/or shaped.
• Comb your mustache so that all the hairs are laying in the same direction.
• Trim the length first. Keep in mind, you have to trim both with and against the growth to catch the hair that is “bent over”. Remember to take your time and work carefully. No matter how great you are at decoupage, you can't glue it back on once it’s cut.
• Work from side to side until you have trimmed the mustache hairs to the desired length.
• Be sure to check the length of the mustache for evenness at both corners of the mouth.
• Once you are completely happy (tall order, I know) with the length of the mustache, shape with your scissors and comb or your trimmer.

If you use a commercial mustache trimmer you can experiment with the settings to get a closer or fuller shape. Using the appropriate trimmer attachment, follow the lip lines and taper until a gentle shape is created on the bottom and top portions of your mustache. Carefully cut the outline until you have the desired shape and definition. If you prefer a more distinctive shape, make a definitive line at the bottom of your mustache to create a stronger line.

Blend the mustache hairs by using the blender attachment and, starting again at the middle of the mustache, lightly trim at direct angles away from the middle. For a shorter length, use the short-cut attachment.

Control an unruly mustache, or just maintain an awesome shape, by using wax on the ends or the overall mustache. I like Canadian Plus Mustache Wax. Or, for the classicists, the tried and true Clubman Mustache Wax works like a charm and even comes in colors. Some men also use color pencils to darken the area. Eyebrow pencils work best and I suggest using a light hand. Try a classic. Maybelline Expert Eyes has been the #1 eye pencil in the U.S. since 1920 and u can find it practically anywhere.

With over twenty years in the world of beauty and fashion, Mister Scott McMahan is consistently sought as one of the premier makeup artists and men’s groomers.  His talents have been applied to Mariah Carey, Amy Sedaris, Elizabeth Moss, Justin Timberlake,  Tom Ford, Zachary Quinto and many more.  Scott lives in Brooklyn with his partner, Jorge, and 2 dogs, Blue and Boner.  Got a Grooming Question?  Send it to Scott!

Image via

You're So Vain - A primer for the mustachioed man, part two.

 

So last week's history lesson convinced you and you now must mustachicize?  Here are some tips to help you choose the right style to rock that ‘stache like you were born with it: 

• Large facial features in general – a heavy mustache will work with a larger face.
• Prominent nose – a medium to larger mustache will balance a prominent or hooked nose.
• Long, narrow face – a medium to narrow mustache works best.
• Extra-large mouth or prominent teeth – a triangular or pyramid shaped mustache.
• Extra-small mouth – a medium, short mustache.
• Small facial features – a small triangular mustache.
• Wide mouth with very prominent upper lip – a heavy mustache or large handlebar mustache or a large, divided mustache.
• Round face with regular features – a semi-square mustache.
• Square face with prominent features – a heavy, linear mustache with ends curving slightly downward.

Words not enough for you or just not filling in the blanks?  Send me your face pic and I'll see what I can recommend!

Image via.  

NEXT WEEK:  Okay, I have a mustache now.  How do I take care of it?

With over twenty years in the world of beauty and fashion, Mister Scott McMahan is consistently sought as one of the premier makeup artists and men’s groomers.  His talents have been applied to Mariah Carey, Amy Sedaris, Elizabeth Moss, Justin Timberlake,  Tom Ford, Zachary Quinto and many more.  Scott lives in Brooklyn with his partner, Jorge, and 2 dogs, Blue and Boner.  Got a Grooming Question?  Send it to Scott!

You're So Vain - A primer for the mustachioed man, part one.

 
 

The men of my world can pretty much be divided into two groups:

1. Guys
2. Dreamy guys who can grow fucking awesome mustaches! (Honestly?  I may or may not have chosen my partner based on his uncanny ability to style a rockin’ handlebar that arguably rivals that of Diego Velazquez himself.)

So many of us gay boys grew up to be gay men with a soft spot (read: hard-on) for the mustache.  Look who wore them:  cowboys, bikers, and gangsters, oh my!

The mustache, with its crazy history, has always elicited strong reactions.  Kings banned them in the Middle Ages.  They've been used by protestors as signs of solidarity.  Employers have banned them.   

Still, many men have donned the mustache throughout the ages. (If ALL these men should have, is a different question).  I mean, look at all of these fantastic famous mustaches.

Even I will admit the look can instantly conjure images of ‘70s porn stars, cheesy action heroes or that creepy uncle, but they’re popping up all over the place. A quick perusal of my Facebook friend list, or a short ride on the L train, would surely prove that irony has given way to sincerity. The mustache, in all its styles and forms, is as “back” as it gets; I’m guessing due in part to its proven magical powers that make you feel smarter and better looking than you actually are.

NEXT WEEK:  Selecting a mustache for that handsome mug of yours!

With over twenty years in the world of beauty and fashion, Mister Scott McMahan is consistently sought as one of the premier makeup artists and men’s groomers.  His talents have been applied to Mariah Carey, Amy Sedaris, Elizabeth Moss, Justin Timberlake,  Tom Ford, Zachary Quinto and many more.  Scott lives in Brooklyn with his partner, Jorge, and 2 dogs, Blue and Boner.  Got a Grooming Question?  Send it to Scott!

Illustration by Marc Johns