Inspired Style: Chris Pratt

Chris Pratt for GQ Photoshoot

As we close out the year, we find it fitting to make Chris Pratt the last Inspired Style feature of 2014. No celebrity has made such a formidable style transformation as Pratt this year, going from schlubby Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation to dashing lead in summer’s megahit, Guardians of the Galaxy. GQ has noticed as well, naming Pratt one of its Men of the Year. These photos from Pratt’s GQ photoshoot are testament to the power of a little men’s grooming.

His style trajectory has closely followed that of his career, with his basic t-shirts and fuzzy mop of hair being replaced by designer suits a la SAND Copenhagen, a cropped quiff hairstyle, and just the right amount of stubble (though he sports a clean-shaven face in these photos).

Chris Pratt for GQ

To get Chris Pratt’s hair:

According to Primermagazine.com, to get Chris Pratt’s hair ask your barber for a textured, laid-back cut that’s short on the sides and slightly longer at the top. To style, just use a little bit of wax to push the top over and to keep it there (we like Blind Barber Hair Wax 60 Proof). Unlike pomade, wax adds hold without shine, which is what you want for this low-maintenance look.

To get Chris Pratt’s leading man facial stubble:

Shave with your desired straight razor (we like Dovo 5/8 Half Hollow Carbon Steel Straight Razor) or safety razor (we like Edwin Jagger DE89811 Chrome Plated Octagonal Safety Razor). Remember to use a moisturizing shaving cream like Proraso Menthol and Eucalyptus Shaving Cream to keep your skin smooth.

Let your facial hair grow out until you achieve a bit of scruff.

See more great men’s grooming products for Chris Pratt’s look at RoyalShave.com.

Chris Pratt Photoshoot

Chris Pratt PhotoshootImages via GQ

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What is Beard Oil and How Do I Use It?

Beards are certainly a marker of style and sophistication nowadays, showing a man’s attention to grooming and good looks. The rise of the popularity of beards has spurred a number of boutique items to pop up, including beard oil.

Even if you’re a bearded lad who’s already armed with a tortoiseshell comb and stainless steel moustache trimming scissors, beard oil will round out your routine with vital moisture and shine.

Read on as we demystify the elusive beard oil.

What is beard oil?

Beard oil is a blend of extracts and essential oils that moisturizes your beard and the skin underneath. Typically you’ll find all-natural ingredients like jojoba oil and argan oil, both of which have been used for centuries for their excellent emollient properties. Top that emollience with fragrant essential oils like cedar and lavender and you’ve got a conditioner that doubles as a cologne or an aftershave.

Skin Benefits:

When you sport a beard, the skin underneath often gets red, dry, and flaky. That’s because beards wick moisture away from the skin. Beard oil hydrates skin to prevent beardruff (beard dandruff), which most gents would like to avoid.

Beard Benefits:

Beard oil penetrates the hair follicle with moisture, keeping hair healthy as it grows. It also acts as a styling product, taming flyaways and keeping your beard soft, tangle-free, and smooth.

How do I use beard oil?

Put a few drops into your palm and massage into skin and beard. It’s best to apply beard oil right after you wash your face since your pores are open and can more readily absorb the oil.

Using beard oil is especially important in the winter, when it’s cold and dry.

Not just for beards?

That’s right – you can use beard oil even if you don’t have a beard. Gents who prefer sporting a few days’ stubble benefit just as much from a beard oil’s moisture and shine.

A few of our beard oil picks:

Prospect Co. Burroughs Beard Oil Flask, TheStache.com

Prospect Co. Burroughs Beard Oil Flask, TheStache.com

Zeus Verbena Lime Beard Oil

Zeus Verbena Lime Beard Oil, TheStache.com

Brooklyn Grooming Company Commando Classic Beard Oil

Brooklyn Grooming Company Commando Classic Beard Oil, TheStache.com

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Gift Guide: Staff Gift Picks + Holiday Shipping Deadline!

RoyalShave 2014 Holiday Gift Picks

With Christmas only 10 days away, the pressure is on to find the perfect gift. So today the team at RoyalShave will be sharing our favorite things to give the dapper man…enjoy!

Important Reminder: The RoyalShave holiday shipping deadline is December 19th at 12 PM! Please place your order by this date for guaranteed Christmas delivery.

1. Burt’s Bees Foot Lotion, Peppermint

Mindi, Product Development

Who doesn’t like a foot massage?  This is a great stocking stuffer that keeps giving year-round.  As with all Burt’s Bees products, the ingredients are 100% natural (peppermint and coconut oils to name a few), and the lotion is so soothing to tired holiday feet.  When you soothe your feet, you soothe your soul!

 

2. Baxter of California Travel Kit with Dopp Bag

Vivian, E-Commerce

This is a great starter kit for those on the go or who just want to try out the Baxter of California brand. It’s TSA approved, has all the essentials you would need for a trip, and is very well made.

 

3. Proraso Shaving Cream, Menthol and Eucalyptus

Bianca, Social Media

Proraso is a favorite among the men that shop at Royalshave.com. The scent is refreshing and I’ve heard from our customers that it leaves your skin smooth and soft after shaving. This shaving cream foams and frothes very well so you are getting a close shave. The packaging is great, too, and it’s travel ready.

 

4. Spiffy Stuff Original Beard Balm, Black Label

Bryce, E-Commerce

This beard balm conditions the beard almost instantly and works for a few days. I like this one in particular because it will also tames some whiskers without feeling heavy like some beard waxes. I like it a notch better that beard oil because you can apply it carefully without leaving much on the skin itself. Damn good!

 

5. John Allan’s Ocean Shampoo

Linda, Copywriting

One of my favorite places to be is right by the ocean, so this ocean-scented shampoo is perfection. It’s also gentle enough for all hair types and even contains marine plant extracts like spirulina and sea kelp to moisturize while cleansing. I may just steal some from my boyfriend after I give this to him!

 

6. Above The Tie 7-Piece Solid Bar Stainless Steel Safety Razor Set

Chris, Marketing

Above The Tie is one of the few US-based safety razor makers. This set is my personal favorite for the quality stainless steel construction and the ability to change out the level of aggression on the head to suit my current shaving needs. Above The Tie razors offer the best value for the dollar when it comes to stainless steel razors.

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