As the back-to-school season approaches, every parent knows the drill: new backpacks, sharpened pencils, and the inevitable germ-fest that comes with crowded classrooms. That’s why the Bath & Body Works PocketBac Hand Sanitizer Gel Ocean For Men 5pc Bundle is a must-have for any dad looking to keep his kids—and himself—healthy and ready for the school year.

This hand sanitizer is infused with the good stuff: essential oils, shea extract, vitamin E, and aloe, ensuring your hands stay clean and conditioned on the go. With a refreshing gel formula that’s 71% alcohol, it meets CDC guidelines and is effective against 99.9% of bacteria species commonly found on hands.
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Now, I’ll admit, when I first stumbled onto a hand sanitizer specifically for men, I half-expected it to come with a beard comb and a side of flannel. But here we are, and honestly, this stuff is as practical as it is cool.
With its fresh ocean scent, this hand sanitizer doesn’t just keep germs at bay—it makes staying clean feel like a breeze. The compact, pocket-friendly design of the 5 x 3 x 2-inch bottles is perfect for stashing in their backpack or your car, so you can always have one on hand. Plus, no holders are needed, so there’s no extra bulk to worry about.
This school year, don’t just send them off with clean hands—send them off with confidence. Because as every dad knows, a little prevention goes a long way. And hey, if you get to smell like you’ve been at the beach all day, that’s just a bonus.
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by ManPossible

Ladies and gents, gather ‘round! BBQ season is here, and we’re adding a delicious twist—pizza making with the Ooni oven. Move over, burgers and hot dogs; it’s time for pizza to steal the show. Fire up those Ooni ovens and turn your backyard into the hottest pizzeria in town!

The Great Pizza Adventure
Picture this: It’s a sunny Saturday, and I’ve invited friends over for a BBQ. The secret weapon? The Ooni pizza oven. The setting is perfect. The backyard buzzes with laughter, the temperature warms up, and the aroma of dough and fresh toppings fills the air. Everyone's expecting the usual BBQ fare, but little do they know, they’re in for a surprise!

Setting the Scene
The Ooni oven, sleek and high-tech, stands ready. It’s compact but powerful, reaching temperatures that rival the sun. The red-and-white checkered tablecloth displays bowls of mozzarella, pepperoni, basil, and various sauces. My buddy Dave (with a Bluetooth speaker) provides the classic rock tunes, setting the vibe. It’s like a culinary concert with me as the headliner.

The Pizza-Making Process
Making pizza in the Ooni is a blend of art, science, and fun chaos. Here’s the process:
1. Dough Time
Let the dough sit at room temperature so it’s nice and stretchy. Stretching it is an art—toss, spin, or gently stretch it on a floured surface. Pro tip: extra points for dramatic dough-tossing flair.
2. Sauce It Up
Spread the sauce with the back of a spoon—not too thick, not too thin. Aim for the Goldilocks zone: just right. Too much sauce, and you’ve got a soggy pizza; too little, and it’s a desert.
3. Top It Off
Add your favorite toppings. I go classic with mozzarella and pepperoni, but feel free to get wild. Pineapple? Go for it. Anchovies? Why not! It’s your pizza—live a little.
4. Into the Inferno
Slide the pizza into the Ooni oven, which cooks at a blistering 900°F. It only takes about 60-90 seconds, so keep an eye on it and rotate it halfway through. Watching the crust bubble and cheese melt is like watching culinary magic happen.

The Grand Unveiling
Pulling the pizza out of the Ooni reveals a crispy crust and gooey cheese, making you the BBQ hero. The first bite is heavenly, with an unbeatable wood-fired flavor. Your friends will rave about it for weeks, maybe even consider erecting a statue in your honor.

Why the Ooni Pizza Oven Rocks
I know what you’re thinking - a pizza oven takes too much space. Getting wood or coal to heat the oven is an additional burden. And it takes a long time to get the oven hot enough to use! 

I’m happy to inform you that Ooni has taken a lot of this into account. The Ooni pizza oven is not your average kitchen gadget. It turns backyard chefs into pizza pros, and the  Ooni flagship pizza oven - the Koda 16 - is a gas-powered outdoor pizza oven designed for ease and performance. 

First of all, we (and many people) love the fact that Ooni’s ovens are extremely portable - weighing just 40 pounds with foldable legs, it’s easy to quickly set up in your backyard or store in your garage. At this weight, it’s extremely portable, if you want to bring it to your friend’s party or an event. 

Ooni ovens have a gas-Powered option. You can easily connect your oven to a propane tank for consistent, controllable heat without the fuss and mess of wood or charcoal.
Thanks to Ooni’s design, the oven provides a fantastic surface for making pizzas - as a chef, you’ll be blessed with a high, consistent heat - perfect for a crispy crust and melting cheese on top. It reaches 900°F in just 15 minutes, cooking a pizza in 60 seconds. That’s faster than you can say “pizza party!”

Other great features:

• Large Cooking Surface: The 16-inch area is ideal for family-sized pizzas or calzones.
• Easy to Use: One-click gas ignition makes it simple to start, even for the tech-challenged among us.

Wrap-Up
Transform your gatherings with pizza making using the Ooni oven. It’s fun, delicious, and sure to impress. Plus, it’s a great way to get everyone involved in cooking. Ready to become a backyard pizza legend? Fire up your Ooni, gather your favorite toppings, and make unforgettable pizzas.

For more tips and tricks, check out the YT video below from a famous chef / food scientist who makes the dough and pizza - using an Ooni.  Happy cooking, and stay cheesy!

by ManPossible

Ever felt like you're starring in your own personal Niagara Falls documentary every time the temperature hits above 70 degrees? Welcome to the club! ManPossible is here with the ultimate guide to staying cool and smelling fresh, no matter how much you sweat. Grab your towel, and let’s dive in!
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The Story of a Sweaty Day
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Picture this: It's a blazing Saturday afternoon, and I find myself at the annual Kiehl’s Earth Day celebration. The scene is set with a red carpet, a DJ spinning some sick beats, and product displays so fancy they look like they're straight out of a James Bond movie. I’m feeling good, looking sharp, but as the day heats up, so do my underarms. By midday, I'm pretty sure I could water a small garden with the amount of sweat I've produced. Not ideal.

So why are we obsessing over the MÜHLE TRADITIONAL R41 Double Edge Safety Razor? Because it's not just a razor—it's a nod to our dads and granddads' grooming rituals, when shaving was an art form and a rite of passage into manhood.

Imagine holding this bad boy in your hand—it's like wielding the sword of a modern-day knight, except this one's made in Germany, not Camelot. With handles in classic chrome, rose-gold metal, faux tortoiseshell, and black chrome, you're not just shaving, you're making a statement. Even our female colleagues can't resist its charm. "It's pretty," they say. Compliment accepted!

But wait, there's more! This razor isn't just a pretty face. Its classic open comb design isn't sharp but cleverly channels hair to the blade while keeping the lather party going strong. Talk about multitasking!

For the smoothest shave, follow MÜHLE's advice: pull that skin taut, let the razor do its thing (no pressure, please), and go with the grain. It's like dancing the tango with your beard—elegant and smooth.

And here's the kicker: MÜHLE isn't just about craftsmanship; they're eco-warriors too. Plastic-free and part of the Environmental Alliance of Saxony, they're as green as your neighbor's envy when they see your smooth, razor-kissed face.

From Saxony, Germany, where shaving dreams are made, MÜHLE has been crafting shaving tools for generations. They're not just making razors; they're crafting a legacy of smooth chins and satisfied customers worldwide.

So, whether you're new to the wet shaving game or a seasoned pro, embrace the nostalgia with the MÜHLE TRADITIONAL R41 Double Edge Safety Razor. It's a classic shave that'll make you feel more manly than a lumberjack in a flannel shirt. Yeehaw!

​by ManPossible

​Hey there, fellow sun dodgers! Are you tired of playing hide-and-seek with those UV rays every time you step out into the great outdoors? Last time, we recommended some great sunscreens and moisturizers for when you face the elements. This time, we’ve got a fashion-forward recommendation for you: outerwear. That's right - we’re thinking hats and UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) clothing. Not only do they make you look effortlessly cool, but they also shield you against the sun's fiery wrath, keeping your skin healthy and safe. 

First off, let's talk hats. Not just any hats, mind you, but sun and bucket hats that add a touch of flair to your ensemble. They provide much-needed shade for your face, neck, and even those precious peepers. Say goodbye to squinting like a confused mole and hello to effortless coolness. Plus, they come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find the perfect one to match your vibe, whether you're channeling beach bum chic or urban explorer vibes. Check out Solbari hats - perfect for beach days, picnics in the park, and everything in between. 

Now, onto UPF clothing. UPF clothing is specially designed to block out those harmful UV rays, so you can frolic in the sun without worrying about turning into a lobster. And let's be real, who wants to deal with the aftermath of a sunburn? Not me, that's for sure. With UPF clothing, you can strut your stuff with confidence, knowing that you're protected from the sun's sneaky ways. For example, a lightweight hoodie can give you protection, comfort, and versatility whether you’re at the beach or enjoying a walk in your neighborhood. 

So, there you have it, folks. Wearing hats and UPF clothing isn't just a fashion statement, it's a smart move for keeping your skin healthy and safe. Embrace your inner shady character and bask in the sun's glow without a care in the world.
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by ManPossible

Ah, June, the herald of summer! Longer days, warmer weather, and the promise of fun under the sun. But hold on a second, before you dash out the door with your flip-flops and shades, there's something crucial we need to discuss: skincare. Yes, folks, it's time to show your skin some serious TLC because, let's face it, a healthy glow never goes out of style.
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Now, I know what you're thinking. Skincare? Isn't that just for the ladies? No! Skin health knows no gender, and besides, who doesn't want to look and feel their best all year round?

First things first, let's talk sunscreen. This little miracle in a bottle is your best friend when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays. And trust me, those UV rays are no joke, especially during the summer months. So, slap on that SPF like your life depends on it—because, well, it kinda does.

Now, when it comes to sunscreen, you've got options. There's the classic lotion-type, perfect for slathering on before a day at the beach. But if you're anything like me and dread the thought of contorting yourself into a pretzel just to reach those tricky spots on your back, fear not! Spray sunscreens are here to save the day, making application a breeze even for the most awkward among us.

Oh, and a quick word to the wise: opt for coral-friendly sunscreens if you're planning a seaside rendezvous. After all, we're all about protecting our skin and the environment.
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Here are some of our favorite sunscreens:

• Anthelios UV Correct Face Sunscreen SPF 70 With Niacinamide - La Roche Posay​

But sunscreen alone isn't enough to keep your skin glowing and healthy. Enter stage left: moisturizers. These little pots of magic work overtime to replenish moisture, repair daily damage, and keep those pesky signs of aging at bay. Because let's be real, nobody wants to look like a wrinkly raisin before their time.

Here are some dual moisturizers with sunscreen that you may want to consider:

• Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 50 - Cetaphil​

Back in 2014, 18.21 Man Made burst onto the scene with one goal: to create premium, manly grooming products for gents with impeccable taste. Drawing inspiration from the Prohibition era, this brand mixes old-school cool with modern-day magic. Their star product? A shampoo, conditioner, and body wash trifecta that comes in a whiskey bottle and smells like sweet, smoky tobacco. Talk about breaking the mold! Born in a Texas garage, 18.21 Man Made quickly went global, becoming a favorite among salon and barber pros for its top-shelf quality and unique packaging. With Father’s Day around the corner, let’s dive into some potential ManPossible Father’s Day gift picks from 18.21 Man Made:
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​by ManPossible

Let us move to a more sensitive subject:  lips.  Ahhh yes!  Those soft and lush lips!  For those who haven’t read our early lip related article, you can satisfy your fetish here.  In case you haven’t guessed it, the topic of today’s conversation revolves one of the new items we received in the mailbox:  Ellovi Vanilla Lip Butter.

Ellovi is a brand that ManPossible recently learned of.  As a matter of fact, our introduction to the brand and products were somewhat of a coincidence.  Through a work related speaking engagement, our Chief Editor got to meet the co-founder of the brand at a conference.  After some male bonding (i.e. whisky drinks), he learned that the concept of Ellovi came from the notion of wanting to create a truly natural skincare product.  Wait a minute!  Haven’t we heard that line before somewhere?  It seems like everyone and their moms are jumping on this health-conscious all naturale bandwagon for all things pure and organic.  However, from our research and experience, this statement from Ellovi just might actually be true!
 
To start, this $5 stick comes in 4 flavors.  What you get is a black oval-cylinder shaped tube that measures at about 3 inches tall.  Depending on the specific flavors, the packaging will have a corresponding colored label:  Original (Pink), Vanilla (Yellow), Tinted (Red), and Mint Chocolate (Green).  Another unique aspect about this product is the way it’s named.  Instead of calling it lip balm, the product cleverly refers to itself as a “Lip Butter”.  That’s not even the best part!  What really got us intrigued were the listed ingredients on the packaging label.  Remember how we mentioned that this product was truly natural?  Well, it really is.  The founder wasn’t kidding when they said they were out to “disrupt” the beauty industry.  The ingredients listed on the label are extremely simple and straightforward.  In our case, we received the Vanilla Lip Butter.  The ingredients of this flavor are:  sunflower, macadamia, Hawaiian coconut, shea, vanilla bourbon, and African marula.  It sounds more like ice cream flavors from Ben and Jerry’s. 

To use the product, simply pop the cap and twist the small dial at the bottom-center to apply.  After a good week and a half of consistent usage, we found the product to be quite pleasing to the lips.  The product was small and easy to carry and fits seamlessly into one’s pant pocket.  As for the product experience, the vanilla flavor was definitely there.  What you get when you bring the stick to your lips is a rich and creamy scent of fresh vanilla.  The aroma reminded me of slicing open an actual vanilla pod and scrapping out the delicious beans from within.  Because the product used all natural ingredients, the texture itself was very pleasing to the touch.  Similar to cooking butter, right when the Lip Butter comes in contact with the surface of your lips, the stick begins to melt allowing for a smooth and easy glide across the lips.  Once you finish the application process (once across the top and bottom), what you are left with is a smooth and “buttery” layer around your lips.

For those interested in making a purchase, we do have a little feedback.  1) We did find the vanilla flavor a bit overpowering at times, giving off the vibe that you have a piece of vanilla cake stuck to the side of your mouth.  2) Because the ingredients are all natural, you will need to be careful as to where you place it.  Just like regular butter, the contents within melts easily under warm temperatures.

Given the increasing temperature of May-weather, it’s always best to stay hydrated both from the inside and outside.  For those looking for a healthier and unique way of keeping your lips moist while talking non-stop, we recommend checking out Ellovi’s Lip Butter collection at Ellovi.com.

by ManPossible

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the smoothest of them all?" Gentlemen, if you're on a quest to reclaim your youthful charm, look no further than Liomen’s Anti-Aging Night Cream. Today, we're diving into the realm of age-defying skincare with confidence and finesse.
 
Imagine stepping into a room and commanding attention effortlessly. Heads turn, whispers follow. You're not just a man; you're a force of nature. But even the mightiest of men need a little help from time to time. Enter Liomen, your trusty sidekick in the battle against Father Time.
 
Our journey begins with a touch of humor, a nod to nostalgia. Liomen beckoned us with promises of smoother, healthier, stronger skin. But could it deliver on its bold claims? We embarked on our mission with skepticism and curiosity in equal measure.
 
Our adventure led us to a clandestine gathering. The scene was set: a dimly lit room, the air thick with anticipation. As we approached the display, our senses were greeted by the subtle scent of possibility. Liomen stood before us, a beacon of hope in a sea of uncertainty. Its packaging exuded hope. But it was what lay within that truly captured our attention.
 
With a touch of trepidation, we delved into the heart of Liomen. The cream itself was a promise of indulgence in every application. But would it live up to the hype? The promise of Liomen's power with each application… wrinkles unfold, fine lines blur, eye bags vanish like shadows in the night, while dark spots fade into obscurity. Liomen isn't just a cream, it's a revelation.
 
In conclusion, if you seek to defy the ravages of time, look no further than Liomen Anti-Aging Night Cream. With its potent blend of science and nature, it's more than just a skincare product; it's a symbol of empowerment. So go forth, my fellow groomers, and reclaim your youthful charm. The future awaits, and with Liomen by your side, anything is possible.
 
Remember, you don't need superpowers to make a difference. Sometimes, all it takes is a little cream and a whole lot of confidence. Until next time, stay smooth, stay suave, and stay ManPossible.

by ManPossible

Let's break this down.  Based on our highly regarded officially (un)scientific method of going around the office and surveying process, an overwhelming percentage of the respondents said.... yes, absolutely shave or "clean up" in some shape or form.  Specifically two-thirds of the office (men and women - thank goodness) said, they shave.  And close to half of the office said, they trim their pits.  Reasons varied, however.  A small percentage of the office said, they shave for athletic reasons - some of these guys are hardcore tri-athletes, swimmers (some shave beyond their armpits and regularly shave their legs and who knows what else).  Most of the dudes who shave or trim their pits, also said their primary reason was related to aesthetics.  When you break this down further, the core reasons varied even more.  Some shaved because their significant other preferred it "clean" (we're talking about wives and girlfriends liking clean pits).  Some said, it was more "comfortable" with trimmed or shaven pits.  And some said, they've tried shaving because they were curious.... okay!

So whatever you decide to do, we won't judge.  As a matter of fact all above reasons are good and hygienic reasons to shave or trim your pits.  But if you do decide to shave or trim, how should you do it?  

1.  Similar to shaving, trim it wet (if possible).  Use a waterproof beard trimmer.  Water, especially warm water (in the shower) will soften and prevent pulled hair.  Your pits will thank you.  And if you're going to shave, apply shaving cream jus as you would on your face then shave once with, then against grain of your hair for a smooth armpit.  You can always ask your girlfriend / wife about how to do it... they (should) be the experts.  

2.  For those trimming - keep it (relatively) short, but not too short.  The idea is to keep it short and well groomed, but not too short where it can irritate your skin.  This of course will depend on the hair type:  straight, curly, soft, rough, etc.  Experiment with it!

3.  Soothe thy pits.  After trimming and especially post shave, do remember to clean thoroughly and apply aftershave balm and/or lotion.  Your pits are vey sensitive and this will help soothe your skin.  Be careful (unless you're a brave soul) not to apply the alcohol based shave balm.... or remember that kid from Home Alone?  

Let us know how it turned out and what your best practices are for your pits via email, FB, Twitter, etc.  We'd love to know.

by ManPossible

'Tis the season to be grooming, Fa la la la la la la la!

Oh, the messy beard is frightful,
But ManPossible is so delightful.
And since we've got no place to go,
Lets go shave! Lets go shave! Lets go shave!

We had a lot of reasons to celebrate this year.  Thank you for being a part of our journey!  We are so looking forward to even better 2016.  From all of us here at ManPossible and from our family to yours, We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

from ManPossible

The Balvenie Commission will be made up of three sections: 

1.  Features with renowned guest writers who are commissioned each month to bring different perspectives on craftsmanship.  The site includes a thought-piece on the authenticity of craft claims by Hole & Corner’s editor -Mark Hooper, and Cool Hunting’s report on hitting the streets of New York City to meet local makers.

2.  The Commissions section features articles on craftspeople who have been commissioned by The Balvenie.  The site features articles on Scottish wood craftsman, Sam Chinnery; James Rogan, a renowned documentary film-maker; and iconic London bespoke shoe-maker and leather goods specialist, G.J. Cleverley & Co.

3.  Finally, The Craft News section of the website collates news from blogs and magazines around the world to ensure readers are kept up to date with all the latest stories from the world of craftsmanship.
So why not consider adding another weekly routine to your ManPossible ritual and enjoy a fine glass of liquid art from Balvenie.  
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by ManPossible ​

The book was embodied in a navy blue hardcover with the words written in a clean white Helvetica-like font (as one would expect from a grooming book).  It's available now for $30 and would make an interesting gift [for your husband, boyfriend, dad, male friend, heck a female friend] just in time for the holidays.  As loyal followers of ManPossible, you all know the importance of maintaining and grooming yourself and taking pride in not only how you appear, but in the way you feel.  Chris does a good job of dispensing and tailoring grooming guidance to fit a man's daily grooming needs.  

Part 2, the meat of the book, details out the grooming needs for five different types of men:

- The Modern Gentleman: What it takes to be a polished and on point today
- The Hands-On man: How-To's and hacks for the guy who gets things done
- The Extreme Dude: Practical advice for the man who pushes limits
- The Rebel Artist: A few rules for thriving against the grain
- The Renaissance Man: A thoughtful approach to maintaining body and soul

In short, it's filled with relatively honest and straight to the point tips all men can benefit from.  It also features interviews with real men - that makes it interesting from a practical perspective.  One surprising aspect of the book is that aside from Kiehl's visual mention and logo print on the cover of the book, the book does a great job of staying product agnostic (to my surprise, it really did not push for Kiehl's products).  Great job!  

This book is sure to make a great coffee table book... I mean a bathroom countertop read... and is a book that you can actually use, daily... just don't forget to entertain your guests in your bathroom.  

by ManPossible

MP Rating:

(Ass)thetics
 
If we were allowed only one word to describe the outward appearance of the Squatty Potty Original, then that word would have to be, Simplicity.  A single look at the product is enough for anyone to scratch their heads and ask himself, “Now, why didn’t I think of that?”  Made entirely of plastic, this single-piece “U” shaped stool sports a pure white coat to give a simple look of elegance to compliment your throne.
 
Functionality
 
The Original comes in two versions differentiated by height: 7” and 9”.  Depending on the type of setup you have at home, the two sizes should fit just about most standard toilets.  In addition to the height, Squatty Potty is known for their patented “U” shape design, which allows the item to slide seamlessly underneath the toilet when not in use.  As clever as the design is, some of us did find the overall size of the Original to be a bit large and inconvenient for regular bathroom usage.  Of course, this is more subjective as each individual’s preference and toilet layout is different.
 
Experience
 
Of course, ManPossible likes to keep it real with our readers.  As much as we enjoyed the easy come easy go experience, there were some “issues” (some good and some bad).  First off, because of the clean white exterior, the Original is prone to getting dirty.  It doesn’t matter if you go bare feet or wear shoes, you will find smudges of dirt or shoe marks across the top of the stool.  Sure you can simply rinse or wipe it off, but be prepared to clean the thing just about as often as you take a >>>>>.
 
Our second and more important (personal) issue is the overall design of the item.  The setup of the Original Squatty Potty is not meant for users who like to dwell a significant amount of time on the throne.  Because the product is designed to expedite your “business”, in our experiment, we found the prolonged elevation of the knee in a squatting position often resulted in numbing of the lower body.  So if you ever find yourself on a Squatty Potty, be sure to leave your laptops, notebooks, and TV behind… just get to “business”.
 
The (Bottom)line
 
Let us be completely candid and cut out the bull(shit).  This product WORKS!  Don’t let the rainbows and unicorn overwhelm you.  The idea is simple; humans were meant to perform this beautiful act via an equally beautiful method: squatting.  What Squatty Potty has done is take people’s traditional practices and apply it in our modern era.
 
More often than not, we found ourselves relying on this amazing product for those much rougher days.  All you need to do is unzip, elevate, and let gravity do its thang!
 
For those dealing with chronicle constipation, look no further…  With Squatty Potty, you’ll be sure to turn that RBF (Resting Bitch Face) into a beautiful smile.  As a matter of fact, we at ManPossible believe one of the Squatty Potty products could be a pretty awesome gift for your loved ones; the Original model can be yours for only $24.99.
 
Visit the link for more (shits) and giggles. 

by ManPossible

What is a Man Bun?

​This week, Groupon's promo [re]stirred the "man bun" craze.  So for those who aren't exactly sure what a man bun is, let's start with a definition.  A bun is is a type of hairstyle wherein the hair is pulled back from the face, twisted or plaited, and wrapped in a circular coil around itself, typically on the back of the head or neck... according to Wikipedia.  A man bun, therefore, is a man who sports such hair do.  

Here are some historical and celebrity figures who have sported man buns:
1. Terracotta Worriors
2. Samuri Worriors
3. Buddah
4. Chris Hemsworth (pic)
5. Leonardo DiCaprio
6. Brand Pitt
7. Wannabe Hipsters (aka interns) at ManPossible 
etc. etc.
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We try to bring you interesting grooming (and lifestyle) stories from around the world.  So when we ran across this article, originally appeared on NPR, we had to share it with you.... especially since MP loves our 4 legged K9 friends.  

The original article can be found here at For Taiwanese Dogs, Being Square is Stylish.

In Taiwan, it's not enough just to get your dog groomed regularly. These days, owners are asking for their four-legged friends to become geometric shapes, like spheres and squares. I first saw the trend this spring, when adorable creatures with heads styled into perfect squares started showing up across my social feeds.

So to really see the square cut done right, I had to see it for myself. With the help of local producer Fanny Liu, we went to the man who made it a viral sensation. He's Mo Ming Fung, or Xiao Mo. And he runs a grooming shop that's become ground zero for special-request cuts.

On this day, we have a front-row seat as he styles an 8-year-old Bichon Frise named Tang Xiong Xiong. If done right, her head will go from a white puff of fur into a precisely shaped square.
"I've just given her a blowout and am about to design the head shape," he says.

Xiao Mo takes his work seriously. He uses eight different kinds of shears and scissors to make the square shape. One of his special grooming scissors costs about $3,000. So getting your dog groomed by Mo will cost you, too — about $75 a cut.
He didn't become a master groomer overnight. Mo has spent the past 13 years perfecting his skills, grooming dogs' heads into squares, spheres, triangles, flowers and, lately, pushing for even more possibilities.
"I want to improve my skills," he says. "These days, I'm working on cut in the shape of an [old model] Apple computer monitor, which looks round from the back. I want to perfect it, so I won't start teaching others until I think the style is ready."
Why did canine topiary become such a thing in Taiwan? Mo suggests it has to do with the country's low human birth rate — Taiwan joins Japan and South Korea as having some of the world's lowest birth rates — and the power of social sharing.
"Groomers have tried geometric shape styles before. But it started to attract people's attention this year, mostly because people posted photos on social media paired with interesting headlines," he says.
After a nearly 45-minute cut, our Bichon Frise's new 'do is done. Her owner, Paul Chiang, is here to pick her up. Xiao Mo carries her out with a giant pink bow on her collar.
"To be honest, I was a little afraid at the square design, that it might make her look odd," Chiang says. "But this is great, actually. I'm very impressed by the artistry of the groomer."
But what does the dog think?
"She's getting used to it, I think," Chiang says.
Her human friends certainly approve. Photos of Tang Xiong Xiong's new 'do end up fetching hundreds of likes on social media.

[Let us know your thoughts via comments below.]

by ManPossible
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Photos used under CC from Paul Stevenson

Friday Grooming Hack...  Thanks For The Experiment @Ellko!

Very interesting.  If Shiseido can transform these high school boys into "girls", imagine what amazing possibilities it holds for you?... minus the 50 entourage of world's best makeup artists... Lol.  

So, what the heck is it?  Loofah or luffa is that dry mesh like sponge substance you may have seen in your girlfriend’s bathroom and/or at a spa lounge.  We’ll come back to it’s use (mostly scrubbing) in a second, but let’s tackle why it’s called a loofah / luffa?  According to Wikipedia, it’s a genus of tropical and subtropical vines in the cucumber family.  When the fruit is fully ripened it is very fibrous.  The fully developed, then dried fruit / vegetable is the source of loofah / luffa.  It usually requires around 150 to 200 days to dry the fruit / vegetable.  You then, simply peel the skin.  Then abracadabra – you now have this magical scrubbing sponge for your grooming needs…  Essentially the scrubber is meant to exfoliate and lather suds around your body making it ever so soft. ​

A few tips – This all natural scrubber is biodegradable and is such a wonderful grooming product.  BUT, it is also a perfect home for the bacteria…. If not taken care of properly after each grooming use.  Here’s why.  Your loofah / luffa scrubs dead skin cells off of your body.  Likely, when you’re done scrubbing, most of you would leave it sitting in your bathtub or shower until next time.  Unfortunately, this is also the opportune moment for bacteria to party on your “love sofa”. 

So here’s what you should do in order to minimize your luffa from becoming the “love sofa” for the bacteria:

1. Let it dry – after each use (scrubbing), make sure you thoroughly rinse with warm soapy water.  Next, try to shake or squeeze out as much water as possible.  Then try to place it on a dry place (perhaps by the bathroom window) to completely dry until next use. 
2. Microwave it – did you know that you can microwave your naturally harvested loofah / luffa (but not the plastic mesh kind – which is usually coated with anti-microbial layer).  You can basically zap any bacteria, thereby eliminating it from ever cultivating it on the “love sofa”.
3. Replace it often – hey, if you ever decide to grow and harvest your own luffa, be sure to save a few to last you a whole year.  Then simply replace it regularly, while properly maintaining it between each use. 

There you have it ladies and gents.  You now know what loofah / luffa is, how to make one, and maintain its healthy use. 
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by ManPossible