It’s November, er, my mustache got in the way. Make that, Movember.

The month of harvest, fall decorations, Thanksgiving, and yes, hairier faces. Sure, beards are hot these days. But in Movember they are actually doing more good than just looking good.

As part of the Movember campaign, Mo Bros let their mustaches grow for a cause by setting aside their razors to raise money for men’s health issues. (No Shave November is a different campaign that encourages men and women to forgo their facial and body hair maintenance for the month, and donate what they would have spent on razors and waxing to the American Cancer Society.)

Great causes, but all of this extra hair needs some tending to. Unless you plan to get your Grizzly Adams look on, you are going to need some good grooming products. And thanks to the facial hair fad, natural men’s grooming products abound.

Movember Natural Beard and Skin Care Essentials for the Hairy Man

Beard Oils: As with facial oils, beard oils are hot on the organic personal care scene. These healthy oil combos keep skin and hair soft and moisturized, and help to maintain a well-groomed look. They also smell terrific. Some to try are Brooklyn Grooming Beard Oil – Red Hook, Honest Amish Classic Beard Oil, and Valor Beard Balm – Firewood.

Beard Balms: If you like a bit more structure to your ‘stache or beard, or have a longer beard you need to wrangle, a balm may be more up your alley. Emollient like an oil and not quite a wax, a decent balm will help with hair maintenance while giving a smoothed effect. Try Beard Balm’s selection of waxes, or Badass Beard Balms in an even wider selection.

Mustache Wax: So you’ve decide to go full on handlebar for this whole no shave deal, huh? Okay, you are going to want to invest in a ‘stache wax. Get some firm hold going with Badger Mustache Wax. It also gives a glossy shine.

Beard Soap: Keep your scruff sparkly clean with the help of Brooklyn Grooming Beard Soap. The perfect way to start your day. Or suds up with a slab of Honest Amish Beard and Body Soap.

As for you ladies…if you do decide to take on the no shave challenge, at least it is pants and long sleeve season. To help keep your spirits up while enduring the fuzziness, have a scroll at these hairy beauties.

Related on EcoSalon

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Image of man with beard and mustache via Shutterstock

The post Movember Essentials: Natural Beard and Skin Care for All That Hair appeared first on EcoSalon.

Snazzy his and hers products to keep your skin healthy this fine Movember.

It’s Movember, ladies! Time for our hubbies and boyfriends and friends-with-benefits to morph into Ron Burgundy clones for prostate cancer awareness – and we couldn’t be prouder. While you’re prepared to make out with the cactus that will be his face, at the same time you don’t want yours to look like it’s about to fall off come December.

Here are his and hers products you can use to create your very own Movember survival kit:

Movember Products for Him

1. Mustache inspiration

One Thousand Mustaches by Allan Peterkin is a lighthearted cultural history and style manual, highlighting the ‘stache’s place in politics, movies, music, and art. Not only is it a fascinating and fun read, but it’ll help you ensure you guy looks a little more like Tom Selleck and a little less like Pornstache.

2. Stubble softener

Let’s face it: Stubble is hot, beard burn is not. And no matter how studly he looks, there’s a part of you that wants to hide the second he comes toward you with that adorable-yet-painfully-bristly face. Soft Goat Stubble Softener to the rescue! This hypoallergenic pad dulls those sharp edges that trimming and shaving leave behind. (Whew.)

3. Mustache comb and scissors

He’s going to need as much time in front of the mirror as you this month, and he’s going to need the right tools for the job. Enter Tweezerman’s Mustache Comb and Scissors, which will help keep his new accessory from looking unruly and caveman-esque.

4. Mustache wax

Hey, mustaches get flyaways too! Beardbrand’s Mustache Wax contains beeswax and lanolin, which conspire to keep your sig-o’s facial hair in place and give it a touch of shine. Bonus: The essential oils like jojoba keep his whiskers soft and smooth. (Double whew.)

5. Conditioning shave gel

If he keeps his face nicely moisturized this Movember, not only will it make it easier for him to maintain his ‘stache, but it’ll help make his facial hair less prickly. Jack Black’s award-winning (and vegan) Beard Lube Conditioning Shave is a pre-shave oil, shave cream, and facial skin treatment in one easy-to-use product that binds moisture to the skin and supports the natural skin barrier.

6. Beard oil

When his skin’s dry, his facial hair will become scratchier than ever. That’s where Brooklyn Grooming’s Beard Oil will come in handy: Not only will it protect his whiskers against the elements, but moisturize the skin underneath, preventing his ‘stache from turning into velcro.

Movember Products for Her

1. Super duper moisturizer

Your best line of defense against ‘stache rash: Moisturizer. In this case, the Boots Botanics Organic Super Balm‘s rich hydration is the cheese to your macaroni: Its blend is meant for areas of your bod that need an intense shot of moisture. The argan oil deeply moisturizes and protects, while the shea butter nourishes and conditions.

2. Aloe vera gel

If you’ve already got a case of beard burn, Dr. Jennifer Wu, board-certified dermatologist recommends applying cold aloe vera gel (like Mill Creek Botanicals Aloe Vera Gel) to calm redness and soothe irritation.

3. Secret-keeping CC cream

After a steamy Movember makeout sesh, you’re going to have to hide the evidence: Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin CC Cream by Physicians Formula glides on effortlessly, evening out skin tone and texture for a radiant glow.

And if all else fails: When he comes at you with his porcupine quills, run as far as your legs will take you. (Kidding, sort of.)

Is your guy participating in Movember this year?

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Image: Joe Van

The post The Ultimate Movember Survival Guide: ‘Stache Rash, Beard Burn, and Dating Ron Burgundy appeared first on EcoSalon.

It’s Movember, the month when men grow out their facial hair to raise awareness for testicular and prostate cancer, or as my friend calls it “Natural Birth Control Month.” 

Whether you’re suffering from facial-hair-overload, or basking in the scruffiness, we’ve rounded up 13 things women love and hate about Movember.

We Love

The rugged manliness of facial hair (scientifically proven, especially after ten days of growth).

We Don’t Love

Your cheek cactus raking our skin as we cuddle up against you.

We Love

The raw biological signals your beard subconsciously sends us: Full facial hair is an indication of maturity, health and fertility.

We Don’t Love

When you wonder out loud about styling your facial hair like Ron Jeremy, Dali, or the hipster banjo player that is often mistaken for a bench-sleeper.

We Love

Your unwavering dedication to Movember and your fellow man.

We Don’t Love

When you run your fingers through the scruff upwards, and momentarily morph into Zach Galifianakis.

We Love

When you stroke your beard in deep thought like ye olde college professor.

We Don’t Love

The Instagram selfies of your beard’s progression.

We Love

A month of not having to clean up your fallen warriors out of the bathroom sink.

We Don’t Love

When you ask if you might as well keep going until December, and get a part time job as Santa Claus.

We Love

That yes, your facial hair is sexy.

We Don’t Love

When you think we are just jealous because we can’t grow facial hair. Trust me, we have plenty of stuff to shave already.

We Love

When the month is over, and your clean shave reminds us of a dashing James Bond or one of the 98% of men working in a fortune 500 company.

Keep in touch with Juliette on twitter @spadesandsiLK

Related on EcoSalon: 

Mustaches Through The Ages: Naming Dali, Hogan and Depp’s Whiskers

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Waxing vs. Shaving: Which One Is Better For Pubic Hair Removal?

Image: rowenawaack

The post 13 Things Women Love (And Hate) About Movember appeared first on EcoSalon.

Have you noticed a trend among men lately? No, I’m not talking about orange tans or a disturbing move towards overly-gelled coiffing. Rather, some of our brethren are strutting the streets sporting moustaches not seen since Magnum PI was sporting daring thigh-grazing shorts. November is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month – and to bring attention to this deadly disease, dudes are growing moustaches. November has combined with “the Mo” to make “Movember.”

Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer for men. (Number one? Lung cancer. Drop the cigarettes, gentlemen.) About one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in a lifetime, and it accounts for 11 percent of all cancer deaths in men. As the American Cancer Foundation reports, around 217,730 new cases will be diagnosed in 2010. And around 32,050 men will die of prostate cancer this year.

This leaves many thinking – how best to prevent prostate cancer? First, eat healthy. As any nutritionist will tell you, food is key to fighting off cancer. I spoke with Laura Klein, publisher of Organic Authority, for her best advice to prevent cancer through nutrition. Laura recommends reading the tome, Eat to Beat Cancer by Dr. J. Robert Hatherill. In it, Dr. Hatherill promotes eating large quantities of broccoli and tomatoes – together and raw.

As Laura told me, “Bottom line, if you are struggling with your health, up your intake of raw veggies and fruits and eat them at least five times per day. We’ve all heard those stories of people who have miraculously healed themselves from serious diseases like cancer, diabetes, obesity and more simply by cleaning up their diet and eating a diet rich in whole foods, and low in animal fat. Anyone can do this.”

But nutrition is just one way to help prevent prostate cancer. Early detection is extremely important to fighting the disease. As the American Cancer Society reports, “Modern methods of detection and treatment mean that many prostate cancers are now found earlier and can be treated more effectively. If you are diagnosed this year, your outlook is likely to be better.” So get yourself checked out and checked out often.

And how to remind everyone to do so? Get aware and stay there. As we mentioned, Movember is the movement to bring much needed awareness to prostate and testicular cancer. Throughout the month of November, men across the globe are growing moustaches for the entire month.

According to the organization, “the moustache becomes the ribbon for men’s health, the means by which awareness and funds are raised for cancers that affect men. Much like the commitment to run or walk for charity, the men of Movember commit to growing a moustache for 30 days.”

The group started in Australia in 2003 – and just last year, global participation was 255,755, with $42 million raised. Mo Bros grow, while Mo Sistas recruit Mo Bros and cancer awareness. In the end, funds go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LiveStrong.

And for some, it’s very personal. Ari Sturm, pictured above, is a writer/producer in Los Angeles who decided to live the mustachioed life after a recent health scare.

As Ari told me, “Movember means something a little extra special to me this year, and the fact that it’s a little wacky and fun, well, the entire better. It’s ridiculous, but it’s a conversation starter, which is the point, to raise awareness and money for means health. I’m growing a moustache in solidarity with my brother, and raising money through his official Movember site.” You can help Ari and his brother reach their goal here.

Image: makelessnoise

The post Fight Prostate Cancer with Nutrition and an Awesome Moustache appeared first on EcoSalon.