Manscaping: The Difference Between Sexy and WTF

Although I am recently widowed and not quite ready to venture into the world of dating again, I do appreciate a well groomed man, always have. My husband was a very well groomed man, one of the things that attracted me to him was not just the fact that he always smelled good, he looked good. Most men are as vain as us females of the species, but recently certain trends in male personal hygiene have taken vanity, or in this instance, "manity" to a whole other level. One I personally find a little ...well.. just kinda like... "eewww, did you forget you were a dude?"

First off, I like well kept facial hair on men. Well kept being the key phrase here. A nicely groomed, trimmed beard and/or mustache on the right man is sexy. Not every guy can pull that look off, but those who can, should, and those who do... call me. Further more, men are supposed to be hairy. That's right, hairy. Sure, you guys need to keep the ear, and nose hairs in check, and there are some poor fellows who have an abundance of body hair, front, back, up and down, who resemble walking talking mohair rugs. While the very hirsute of the gender should consider some waxing, shaving, or even laser hair removal,  for the average sexually mature male, slick and boyish is NOT sexy. No woman wants to share her bikini wax, or other depliatory products with her man. Any man with smooth legs, waxed brows, and defuzzed nether regions is way more high maitenance than I am, which means I have to up my defoliation game to keep up, and baby there are just some things not worth shaving my legs for, much less any other areas of "significance".

Everyone deserves pampering, and should treat themselves to a massage, or facial, from time to time. If financially feasable, make it part of your beauty routine, LADIES. But, seeing a man at the salon/spa getting a mani-pedi, facial, perm or highlights is not just off-putting, it is freakishly abnormal, especially if he seems to really be comfortable and enjoying it. If you want to cover your grays, or have hobbit feet with ninja star toenails, take care of that in the privacy of your own bathroom. A little Grecian Formula, and some farrier's tools, and not only will you look good, but you've managed to retain your masculinity!

Beauty/grooming products vary among the genders of our species, and the females have traditionally excelled at stockpiling an abundance of the latest and greatest in anti-aging, and youth maintaining concoctions. But, over the past couple of years, cosmetic companies have discovered a new demographic, and begun to create product lines geared towards the more progressive males, aka..metrosexuals. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it is only human to appreciate true beauty in both the opposite, and same sex. I'll be the first to admit I assess and critique other women, and will openly admire the results of hours spent at the gym, salon, and plastic surgeon's office. All women compare and take notes, and I know men do the same, but there is just something wrong with any man who strives to be prettier than his woman.

Perhaps it's just my personal preference, but shaggy haired, smooth chested, androgynous looking waifs, with clear polished nails, reeking of uni-sex cologne are not in the least bit attractive. No grown man with an ounce of testosterone is going to intentionally sport a Justin Bieber hair do, much less lip gloss, or nail polish. There are only two men in the world who can pull off wearing eye liner, nail polish, brightly colored scarves, hair feathers and beads, and still be sexy. One is Steven Tyler and the other is Captain Jack Sparrow.