Pugilist Brand Gentlemen's Gazette
Daily Telegraph: Mustache & Beard championships photos November 11, 2014 12:24
Some really crystal clear photos that get you up close and personal with facial hair competitors. Link to The Daily Telegraph article below;
How to grow a Handlebar Mustache November 6, 2014 12:01
First and Foremost - Use Pugilist Brand Mustache Wax.....it's magnificently malleable!
Do not trim your Mustache! - No matter how tempted you are. Even if you feel it is growing unevenly. It probably is, but you'll be your mustaches worst critic, you will probably become obsessed with it's growth and eveness. Most people will not notice. In short, DO NOT bring a razor or scissors close to your mustache for 4 - 6 months....minimum!
Train your mustache - Essentially you need to train the mustache hairs to grow out from the middle, right beneath your nose, so to speak. If you're lucky, you'll have a nice even and prominent philtrum ( the groove under your nose)
http://www.boreme.com/posting.php?id=29543#.VFvGyPnF_nQ
Some philtrums are wider or hairier than others. It's a matter of genetics. So thank (or blame) your parents. You need to start training your mustache to have a center parting. For me it was an obsession and I kept a small mustache comb on me for daily ( hourly) mustache training sessions. Start training your mustache as soon as possible, combing and sweeping the hairs to the left and right of the philtrum center parting. For me the daily training started after 3 - 4 weeks of growth, however that will vary, again depending on genetics and age.
Pugilist Brand recommends the Kent Handmade Mustache Comb, which we also happen to sell, by sheer coincidence http://www.pugilistbrand.com/collections/combs/products/kent-handmade-mustache-comb
FANGS!! - After a few weeks or months of growth you'll find you may have developed the dreaded 'fangs', these are the center hairs of the mustache that hang down, get wet, get in your mouth and can be an annoying nuisance.
DO NOT TRIM THESE FANGS! The center hairs of the mustache add to the body, girth and thickness of your glorious handlebar mustache. Keep training these hairs and combing them to the side. You may also develop an affected 'handlebar sweep', theatrically sweeping the hairs to the side between the thumb and index finger in a dramatic gesture, rather than pulling your mustache comb out every 5 minutes.
Wax it - Mustache Wax will help keep the hairs in place and also help to style your mustache when it reaches a length that can be waxed and styled. Pugilist Brand offers two options for styling your mustache.
Beard Balm - http://www.pugilistbrand.com/collections/beard-balm A lighter styling balm designed for beards. Can also be used to style mustaches, especially shorter mustaches or the center of a handlebar.
Mustache Wax - http://www.pugilistbrand.com/collections/natural-mustache-wax A stiff wax for twisting and styling larger mustaches, especially handlebar mustache ends. It's magnificently malleable!
Handlebar Mustache styles - Many people think of the large circular curls when describing a handlebar mustache, however there are many sub-categories of handlebar mustache;
The Dali
The Hercule Poirot (petite handlebar)
English style
Hungarian style
Eating Tips: Buy a mustache cup, it's a special cup with a built in cover to cover the mustache while drinking. Keep napkins on hand, especially when drinking beer or red wine! Turn bagels, pizza and other messy items upside down when eating them, of course you then risk the cream cheese or pepperoni falling down your shirt or into your lap!
Dracula's mustache & beard October 21, 2014 11:23 2 Comments
As a teenager I read Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' novel. Having watched various on screen movie performances of The Count, portrayed by various actors from Bela Lugosi to Christopher Lee, Louis Jordan , Frank Langella and even Leslie Nielsen, I was surprised to learn Dracula has a mustache in the original novel. Dracula is described this way by Jonathan Harker, an English lawyer in the book;
"A tall old man, clean shaven save for a long white moustache…His face was a strong, a very strong, aquiline, with high bridge of the thin nose and peculiarly arched nostrils, with lofty domed forehead…His eyebrows were very massive, almost meeting over the nose, and with bushy hair that seemed to curl in its own profusion. The mouth, so far as I could see it under the heavy moustache, was fixed and rather cruel-looking…For the rest, his ears were pale, and at the tops extremely pointed. The chin was broad and strong, and the cheeks firm though thin…The blue eyes transformed with fury.
A composite image of how Dracula appears when first described in Bram Stoker's novel
Later in the novel (Chapter 11 "The Escaped Wolf") Dracula is described by a zookeeper as having a hooked nose and a pointed beard with a streak of white in it. "A tall, thin chap, with a `ook nose and a pointed beard, with a few white hairs runnin' through it. He had a `ard, cold look and red eyes."
Essentially Count Dracula is an old man with a long white mustache when first described in the book, the novel goes on to vaguely describe Dracula's transformation from an old man to a younger man with a dark beard. The book implies that The Count becomes younger and stronger the more blood he consumes.
Portrait of Vlad ' the impaler ' Drăculea
Vlad the impaler
The fictional novel was allegedly based on the life of (Vlad) Drăculea AKA Vlad the Impaler .a Romanian king, and member of the Order of the Dragon in the mid 1400's
History tells us The Impaler got his moniker from his practice of impaling his enemies on wooden poles after battle and for his reputation for excessive cruelty . Vlad the impaler is also depicted in oil paintings with a rather impressive mustache.
Bram Stoker
Dracula's Irish author Abraham or 'Bram Stoker' also had a pretty strong beard game going on around the time he wrote the Dracula novel in the late 19th century
Bram Stoker
Various movie Draculas, only Gary Oldman has a mustache in his portrayal of The Count
Beard History. Part 4: Ancient Rome October 16, 2014 16:58
House of Dionysiac relief, depicting the bearded Roman God of wine Bacchus
Beards were widely grown during under the Kings of Rome and the early Republic. Ticinius was the first who brought a barber to Rome, some 450 years after the founding of the great city. Shaving became quite popular soon afterwards leading to almost all Romans being clean-shaven. A clean-shaven chin and face became the sign of being Roman rather than Greek.
In latter times of the Republic young Roman men shaved their beards only partially, trimming it into an ornamental form. Another form of Ancient Beard Oil was noted in history as pre-pubescent boys oiled their chins hoping to force early growth of facial hair.
Beards remained rare throughout the Late Roman Republic. Unfortunately a long beard was considered a mark of poor personal hygiene.
The first formal shaving was seen as as the beginning of manhood, the first day on which shaving facial hair for a young man took place was celebrated as a festival. At the same time young Romans assumed the Toga virillis.
The Romans of this time grew their beards in time of mourning or public solemn occasions. Men outside the city of Rome only shaved when they came to market every eighth day, so a short beard or stubble was the usual look outside Rome.
Fresco of the Emperor Hadrian, reputed to have grown a beard to hide facial scars
In the second century AD the Emperor Hadrian of Hadrian's wall infamy, was reputedly the first Caesar to grow a full beard; reputed by history to hide scars on his face. Rome copied Greek culture at this time, and many Roman men grew beards in flattering imitation of Hadrian and the in vogue Greek fashion. Beards continued to be hugely popular with the Roman emperors until Constatine. Constantine seems to have reversed the popular full bearded fashion trend and was clean-shaven.
Beard History. Part 3: Ancient Greece & Alexander the Great October 2, 2014 17:01 1 Comment
Poiseidon is one of many Greek Gods commonly pictured with a beard
Ancient Greece
The Ancient Greeks regarded the beard as symbol of masculinity and virility. In the epic tales of writer Homer a beard had almost sanctified significance, a common form of submission was to touch the beard of the person addressed. During this time a beard was only shaven during mourning as a smooth face was seen as a sign of femininity. Greek beards were also frequently curled with tongs.
The Ancient Greek God Zeus, and his brother Poseidon, the god of the sea, are always pictured with beards.
Greek soldiers of the time were famous for the care they took in their appearance before a battle, especially in preparing and caring for their beards before major battles. The warrior Spartans of movie fame were known to punish weak soldiers cowards by shaving their beards.
Greek philosophers Socrates & Plato
In Ancient Greek society Beards were very much in vogue, a healthy beard was a sign of wisdom and knowledge. Ancient Greek Philosophers such as Socrates & Plato thought beards to be superfluous discharge from a brain overcrowded with knowledge, the longer the beard the wiser the man. The most common hair color for swarthy skinned Greeks was dark brown or black, due to it's rarity blond hair was considered to be a sign of great beauty. Menelaus, Achilles and Meleager are all depicted with blond hair and beards.
Coinage with a clean shaven Alexander The Great
Ancient Macedon
During the reign of Alexander the Great he forced his soldiers to shave as many Macedonians were killed by their great Persian enemies by grabbing The Macedonians by their long beards during combat.
And so the custom of smooth shaving was introduced, a practice that spread from the Macedonians whose kings are represented on coins with smooth faces, throughout the whole known world of Alexander the Great's Macedonian Empire.
Many laws were attempted to be passed against the new clean shaven fashion with little effect. Great Greek philosopher Aristotle even conformed to the new clean shaven look, unlike most wise philosophers and scholars, who retained the beard as a badge of their great learning and wisdom.
A man with a beard after the Macedonian Empire period suggested a philosopher, there are many direct references to this custom latter clean shaven philosophers in such idioms as "The Beard does not make the Sage".
Beard History. Part 2; Mesopotamia, Ancient Iran & Ancient India September 29, 2014 13:35
Civilizations of Mesopotamia (Sumerian, Assyrians, Babylonians, Chaldeans and Medians)
The lands between rivers"; Arabic: بلاد الرافدين (bilād al-rāfidayn); Syriac: ܒܝܬ ܢܗܪܝܢ Beth Nerain "land of rivers") is a name for the area between the major rivers of the Tigris & Euphrates, now what is considered modern-day Iraq, part of Syria, Southwestern Iran & small parts of modern day Turkey.
Considered to be the pre-biblical cradle of ancient civilization.
The men of Ancient Mesopotamia spent a great deal of time caring for their beards with an ancient predecessor of Beard Oil, they used tongs and curling irons to create decorative ringlets.
Ancient Iran
The Ancient Iranians grew long beards, all Iranian Kings wore such beards. One Ancient Iranian bearded King ordered his steward's head to be cut off, and on its being brought to him, remarked, "what a pity it was,that a man possessing such fine mustache & beard should have been executed."
Iranian warriors adorning their long beards with ornate jewelry.
Ancient India
In ancient India, the beard was grown long to symbol wisdom & dignity. Great care was taken of beards in Ancient India, and the punishment for adultery was to publicly cut off the beard of the offending man.
Such was the value and regard for beards in Ancient India that a man might pledge it for the payment of a debt.
A Los Angeles Hidden Gem; The Lake Shrine September 28, 2014 11:34
When I first came to Los Angeles a new buddy took me here. It's a hidden gem not far from all the more touristy places, which I also enjoy. I still like to go to the Lake Shrine and walk around in the peace and quiet .
The official blurb is ;
The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine was dedicated by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1950.
Many thousands of visitors come each year to enjoy the scenic beauty and serenity of this spiritual sanctuary. The ten-acre site, with its gardens and natural spring-fed lake, is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including swans, ducks, koi, and trees and flowers from around the world.
The grounds include a Court of Religions honoring the five principal religions of the world, the Mahatma Gandhi World Peace Memorial (pictured at the left) where a portion of Gandhi's ashes is enshrined, a museum with exhibits on Paramahansa Yogananda's work, and a gift shop with arts and crafts from India. The temple itself is on a hilltop overlooking the lake.
I'm not religious but I like to visit, walk, sit and reflect from time to time.
The website is here if you would like to know more http://www.lakeshrine.org/
The Apennine Colossus and his Magnificent Beard September 23, 2014 14:30 1 Comment
Commissioned by Francesco I de' Medici Grand Duke of Tuscany in the 16th century, Villa Demidoff and the nearby Villa di Pratolino took over a decade to complete. The result was a stunning labyrinth of caves, lakes and massive sculptures. To Bearded Gentlemen The Appennine Colossus is the main point .
Although most of the park and villa was completed in the 16th century, by the early 1800s it lay in near ruin, some of its delicate statues removed and relocated to another Italian garden. Slowly being consumed by nature, the gardens were finally rescued by Ferdinand III, Grand Duke of Tuscany, who was so struck by their natural beauty of the place, that he decided to destroy the ruins of the villa and focus completely on the gardens themselves
Standing over 35 feet tall, this edifice is the most breathtaking feature of the gardens of Villa Medici Pratolino, part of Villa Demidoff, located 5 miles from world famous city of Florence, Italy. A metamorphosis of man and the Apennine mountain ranges, its smooth stone skin emerging out of the rough hewn rock or perhaps changing back into a mountain. He even has stalactites for a monstrous beard.
This colossus sculpture is an homage to Atlas in Virgil’s Aeneid, and also the architect Dinocrates’ suggestion to sculpt Mount Athos into a man in honor of Alexander the Great.
Within the mighty grasp of the statue's hand, he strongly grasps the head of an enormous mythical looking animal, spilling cascade of water from it's mouth in cascades and into a pond.
Cross section model of statue/building
As illustrated cross-sectioned photograph the statue also serves as a building. On the interior is a labyrinth of grottoes, their walls decorated with sea life shells, porous corals, as well as shiny pearls and crystals, in addition to painted frescoes of gladiatorial figures mining precious ores. You get a glimpse of both a garden giant and the subterranean earth. Located in the figures cranium is a small orchestra section. Additionally lies a fireplace which when lit, would blow smoke from Appennine’s nose.
NEW Pugilist Brand Beard Balm September 21, 2014 12:53 1 Comment
Pugilist Brand introduces Premium quality handmade Beard Balm. Firstly let's talk about the product options currently available to condition and style your beard and mustache. Essentially there are three options, each one of the three options has various viscosity ( product consistency) and styling properties. Listed below are the product choices according to conditioning, sculpting, styling and holding abilities;
Beard Oil is a liquid tonic conditioning oil that hydrates and softens facial hair, while adding a natural, lustrous shine and fragrance. Beard Oil helps reduce beard itch, which is common during the first 3 - 4 weeks of beard growth, eliminates beard dandruff ( dry flakes of skin eminating from the underlying skin beneath your beard, due to dryness and lack of moisture), helps hold down flyway, stray rogue hairs whilst transforming dull, dry and wiry facial hair into healthy and vigorous facial hair.
Beard oil ingredients vary greatly from inexpensive Grapeseed Oils or Hempseed Oils as the the base carrier oil ingredient to more expensive, complex and beneficial Jojoba and Argan oils. Pugilist Brand uses a specially formulated blend of Sweet Almond oil, Argan, Jojoba and a little Castor Oil.
Please read about the benefits of Pugilist Brand Beard Oil here on our previous article;
Mustache & Beard Wax On the opposite end of the thickness and sculpting scale to Beard Oil is Mustache and Beard Wax. Specifically used for styling larger mustaches, especially the king of all mustaches, the Handlebar mustache! Mustache and Beard Wax are extremely stiff and can even be somewhat brittle in cold climates.
Mustache & Beard Wax is made of several varying ingredients, depending on the manufacturer, however Beeswax is the most common ingredient due to it's holding power. Again the user should read the label as some waxes contain less expensive oils and even harmful petroleum based products. Pugilist Brand Mustache Wax is handmade and contains all natural petroleum-free ingredients, as well as 100% Beeswax & Carnauba Wax, the stiffest natural vegetable wax available to aid in your hirsute sculpting activities, or as we like to say 'It's magnificently malleable'.
Ingredients and a description of our Mustache Wax can be perused here;
http://www.pugilistbrand.com/collections/natural-mustache-wax
Beard Balm
Beard balm is a hybrid solution between Beard Oil & Beard Wax. A Premium Beard Balm should offer all the conditioning properties of Beard Oil, combined with the sculpting and styling power of Mustache Wax. Beard Balm is specifically for the Bearded Gentleman who has problem flyway or rogue facial hairs or indeed a longer beard that requires styling.
Beard Balm should be used in preference to Beard Oil when more styling and holding power is needed, for a night out on the town or more formal functions where a more groomed and tamed look is desired. Beard BalmTransforms your beard into a magnificent beacon of Masculine handsomeness, conditioning with the properties of a Beard Oil whilst providing the styling benefits of Mustache & Beard Wax.
Pugilist Brand Beard Balm A rich, luxurious handmade natural Styling Beard Balm formulated with THE best conditioning oils of Argan & Jojoba, combined with skin soothing and hair hydrating properties of Shea Butter and firm sculpting attributes of 100% pure Beeswax.
We only place the Pugilist Brand label and logo on the best balm on the market, so we chose to use non-comedogenic Shea Butter rather than less expensive skin & pore clogging Coconut Oil or Cocoa Oil which can cause spots and even acne breakouts.
Don't take our word for it. Here is a link to the Comedogenic ratings of oils, butters and waxes. You'll probably agree you shouldn't be rubbing balms containing Cocoa butter and Coconut Oil all over your beard and face?!
https://www.beneficialbotanicals.com/facts-figures/comedogenic-rating.html
Pugilist Brand additionally uses expensive liquid gold Argan & Joboba Oils, costing five times more than cheaper inexpensive oils found in many Beard Balms on the market. Why? Because they're simply the best ingredients for growing, conditioning, maintaining and styling your beard!
As always we promise to scent our Pugilist Brand Premium Gentlemen's Grooming products with aroma therapy based natural essential oils, the same four magnificent fragrances as our Pugilist Brand Beard Oil.
Pugilist Brand Beard Balm comes in a 1 oz tin so it's a handy size to carry in your pocket for all day taming of flyaway rogue whiskers.
Want a 2 oz tin? Well, although it's made with the best ingredients it's still affordable enough to buy 2 at a time and is priced in-line with many 2 oz tins out there, just in case you want to change it up a bit with a different fragrance, or have more on hand without weighing down your pocket.
Sculpt, style and condition your rebellious bristles with Pugilist Brand Beard Balm.
Beard History: Part One. Ancient Egypt September 18, 2014 16:35
The golden mask from the mummy of Tutankhamun wearing the nemes headdress with postiche.
In Ancient Egypt only the highest ranked grew hair on their chin, Their beards were often dyed with henna ( a natural dye taken from a small tree or large shrub) still used in India for hair coloring and henna tattoos. The beard was often plaited with interwoven gold thread.
A metal false beard called a postiche was a sign of sovereignty, and worn by kings. The postiche was held in place by a ribbon tied over the head and attached to a gold chin strap, this beard fashion existed in Ancient Egypt from about 3000 to 1580 BC.
The Pugilist Pick Beard Comb: Handmade in the U.S.A by Beardsmen for Beardsmen September 3, 2014 09:59
The Pugilist Pick Beard Comb is a heirloom Beard Comb in a classic pick/rake style. The Pugilist Pick is Handmade in the USA from various exotic, long-lasting hardwoods, by Beardsmen for Beardsmen. We could have purchased mass produced combs made in China and stamped with our name, however we wanted to have a USA made product, as all our Gentlemen's Grooming Products are!
Each comb is hand sanded for smoothness, so there's no snags or yanking of precious beard hairs. Unlike inexpensive plastic combs, wooden combs do not create static, so they're just hands down better for your whiskers.
The Pugilist Pick is approx. 3" X 2 1/2", a handy pocket size for constant beard grooming throughout the day and great for traveling. The body of the pick comb is made from red oak with decorative exotic burled bocote wood. The benefit of Hardwood combs is to reduce static buildup and discharge produced by most plastic combs, and help distribute your natural hair oil throughout your beard.
We start with a piece of red oak and cut out pieces approximately 3 inches long. From there we cut the teeth on a table saw, paying careful attention to the spacing of each tooth. At that point it's over to a router where we cut away the area to create room for the decorative inlay wood. Next we glue and clamp the inlay wood to the oak and let it sit over night to create a strong bond with waterproof wood glue. The next step after drying is to drill the holes for the dowel rods for additional decorative styling and to hold all the pieces of wood together. We then glue the dole rods in place and then let them dry overnight again.
After drying comes the finishing craftsmanship. Each pick is sanded on a bench top sander until it reaches it's final shape, paying special attention to all areas of the pick, to ensure a straight and smooth product. The next step in the process is to partially finish with the bench top sander, before final hand sanding of the picks to ensure a smooth feeling across the body and teeth of the comb. The tips of the comb teeth are also slightly rounded, so no more worrying about scrapping or stabbing your face with a sharp plastic comb.
The final stage is feeding with a wood polish and conditioner, this produces a gentle sheen and helps preserve the combs for years of practical beard grooming use. We condition the picks with Howard Feed N Wax, a penetrating wood finish made from beeswax and carnauba, with a subtle orange scent. This helps embelish the final appearance of the picks and keeps the pick from absorbing the natural oils our bodies produce and drying out your beard or hair.
The Pugilist Pick Beard Comb is a necessity to gloriously groom and evenly distribute Pugilist Brand Beard Oils, as well as natural oils throughout your fantastic facial fleece and will last for years, if not decades.
The historically significant Vimose comb is pictured above
Similar style combs have been excavated from Roman & Viking archaeological digs. A comb made of antler from around 150 to 200 CE and was found in Denmark, home of the Vikings, on the island of Funen. It is known as 'The Vimose Comb'. The Elder Futhark inscription reads "Harja", a Viking man's name and probable owner of the comb. This is the oldest known runic inscription. Runes were the Old Norse alphabet of the Vikings.
The comb is now housed at the National Museum of Denmark, so two thousand years of bearded design history are on our side for grooming your beard. Become an immediate part of bearded folklore with our fearsome yet handsome Pugilist Pick Beard Comb.
Pugilist Brand Gentlemen's Grooming Products is NOT responsible for any plundering or pillaging after use.
Benefits of Pugilist Brand Organic Beard Soap August 25, 2014 16:09
Pugilist Brand Organic Beard Soap is the best soap for beards & mustaches due to the Organic oils and all natural ingredients such as Juniper Berries, Peppermint Leaf, Orange Peel, Barley and Oats, which help under beard skin exfoliation.
We use only all natural plant based herbs and therapeutic essential oils in Pugilist Brand Organic Beard Soap, NOT inexpensive fragrances. Expensive aroma therapy based essential oils such as Pine, Spruce & Fir Needle, Cassia, Clove bud, Orange, Lavender & Peppermint. In most cases, herbs provide the color, however our essential oils also contribute a little color.
Pugilist Brand Organic Beard Soap contains certified organic oils with a base oil mixture that is the best available. The base blend of organic oils does not dry out or irritate the skin. We refuse to use synthetic chemicals found in commercial soap bars ( which are really more detergents than soap). The main agents in commercial soap can cause irritation, drying out your skin and whiskers leading to 'Beard Dandruff', little flakes of dry skin similar to regular scalp dandruff. The palm oil in our Organic Beard Soap is from a supplier who is voted number one in sustainability by Greenpeace.
Fragrance oils are synthetically made substitutes for essential oils. Many inexpensive commercial soaps, even those labeled "natural" contain fragrance oils. Many times, a soap is labelled "contains essential oils." However, such a label can be deceptive --as a bearded Gentleman it's always important to check if your soap ALSO contains fragrance oils. Fragrance oils can be problematic because, as synthetic compounds, they dry out your skin and irritate sensitive skin. All Pugilist Brand Organic Beard Soap, as purely herbal soaps, contain only plant extracted cold pressed essential oils. We recommend our bearded friends and customers always read a product's label. If the commercial soap bars ingredients label include the words "fragrance," "perfume," or "parfum," then it's usually synthetically fragranced, not "natural", even though its labeling may state it is a "natural soap".
Pugilist Brand Organic Beard Soap contains no SLS (sodium laurel sulfate). SLS is are often added to commerically available soap to increase lather. As synthetic compounds, SLS and other surfactants dry out your skin, beard and mustache. Pugilist Brand Organic Beard Soap use neither SLS nor any other surfactants. We think you'll agree that a high quality soap made from organic oils that doesn't depend on surfactants for its lather, is better for your beard, mustache and underlying facial skin. Our Organic Beard Soap has a truly magnificent, opulent - and most beneficially- completely natural lather.
If you care about growing a healthy, lustrous, shiny beard this is the beard soap you should be using, in conjunction with Pugilist Brand Beard Oil and Gentlemen's Beard Wash. The size of our soap is 3.5 x 2.25 x 1.25 inches and 4 oz in net weight. A nice big bar for weeks of beard washing for a mere $10, we also offer a Four soap Sampler which gives you 4 X 1 oz. of all Pugilist Brand Organic Soaps for $11.
How to use: Wash beard and underlying skin 2 to 3 times a week with beard soap. You can alternate with our even more gentle Gentlemen's Beard Wash if you live or work in especially dusty, dirty or dry conditions and/or have oily skin.
Due to the Organic nature of our soap bar we recommend patting dry the bar of soap and leaving it on a well drained dry soap dish between uses. It does not contain caking agents, chemicals or preservatives and will become sticky and not last as long if treated like inexpensive store bought commercial soap bars.
We hope you enjoy our Organic Beard Soap in pursuit of all your hirsute activities. Happy Bearding!
The Definitive Guide to Beard Oil. Pugilist Brand Beard Oil? You Decide! July 29, 2014 11:57 1 Comment
Pugilist Brand Gentlemen's Grooming Products spent months researching everything from bottles, application, hygiene and most importantly contents, to bring you the best beard oils possible for beard care & conditioning.
Beard Oil should benefit the bearded gentleman by moisturizing both facial hair and underlying skin with the best, most beneficial carrier oils and therapeutic essential oils. Prevent beard itch, common in the first few weeks of beard growth, inhibit beard dandruff caused by dry, flaking skin underlying the beard, encourage moisture and natural oil retention within the hair, add sheen, volume and health without clogging skin pores and facial hair follicles, which can lead to spots and acne. Lastly it should smell wonderful!
There are many oils claiming to be 'beard oils' currently on the market, with a variety of inexpensive less beneficial oils, in an equally diverse array of containers, with aromas from cheap fragrances, rather than expensive beneficial essential oils.
We truly feel Pugilist Brand has one of the best, most beneficial Beard Oils on the market. Accordingly you get what you pay for in the Gentlemen's Grooming Products arena, our products are all natural and free from harsh harmful petro-chemicals.
Even if you don't purchase Pugilist Brand Beard Oil, please feel free to use this Beard Oil guide to ensure you obtain the best possible Beard Oil.
Bottles: Where do you store your beard oils? Do you leave your beard oils near a bathroom window, exposed to light? A 1 ounce beard oil lasts approx. 3 months and should be stored in a in a cool, dark place such as a cabinet or grooming box. Pugilist Brand uses amber ( brown ) bottles. There are many colors of bottles of beard oil out there, the most common being clear, green, blue and amber. There is some debate as to what protection amber bottles offer. Our research shows that amber bottles offer the best protection for the essential oils from the degradation of UV and blue light, UV and blue light comes from sunlight and all natural light.
There is a myriad of articles explaining why amber bottles offer the best protection of expensive essential oils. You can see some of the results here;
To summarize Pugilist Brand has erred on the side of caution based on the research we have done. Furthermore all essential oils ( a major component of beard oil along with carrier oils) on the market come shipped in amber bottles, no essential oils that we are aware of come from the manufacturers in clear bottles!
The debate may continue however we think amber bottles are the prudent approach based on the above referenced searches and reference material. Essential oils are expensive, why take the risk of wasting money on beard oils degraded by harmful light rays? You decide!
Dropper: Pugilist Brand Beard Oil comes with a glass pipette( dropper). When conducting our initial research before the launch of our website we found that bacteria can easily be transferred from fingers back to beard oil using bottles without a sprayer or dropper. Think about how many times you will put your finger from oil to beard, back to bottle and to beard over the course of the life of a bottle of beard oil! If the oil becomes cloudy or even grows a jellyfish-like fungus, that means your beard oil is contaminated. Use of a dropper reduces transferal of micro bacteria back into your precious and expensive beard oils. Even if you don't buy Pugilist Brand Beard Oil, do yourself a favor and use a glass pipette/dropper rather than fingers! Even washed hands contain bacteria!
Hygieniecally Sealed: Pugilist Brand Beard Oils are dispatched with a perforated,clear, heat shrunk, tamper proof band around the neck of the bottle. We take this extra step of hand labor to ensure our Premium Beard Oil comes straight from our facility to you with no compromise in hygiene. We think that's pretty important!
Carrier Oils : There's a lot of oils out there. Pugilist Brand Beard Oil uses a mixture of oils we have researched. Firstly the oils are low comedogenic, which means they are less likely to block your pores and cause break outs or even acne! Go ahead and Google the oils, you'll find Argan & Jojoba are especially expensive, we could have just used one of the less expensive oils found in other beard oils, we wanted to gain a reputation for the best beard oil for both skin and beard.
Jojoba Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis). Penetrates, hydrates and strengthens hair follicles from the inside, reducing the swelling and shrinking of hair as it it gets wet and dries from activities such as swimming and regular washing, which can weaken the hair fibre over time. Jojoba conditions, adds shine, elasticity and softness to hair. Adds volume and body to hair strands It contains protein, minerals, plant wax and myristic acid, a chemical chain similar to our own skin's natural sebum. Easily absorbed by the skin underneath the beard and has a non-greasy softening effect. It is especially suitable for the face and is used for eczema, psoriasis, and of course facial hair care.
Argan Oil: The 'liquid gold' of cosmetic oils traditionally Argan oil is reputed to have aphrodisiac and tonic properties. Contains high levels of natural vitamin E (anti-oxidants) to help fight against sun damage in dry, urban living conditions and contains skin-softening agents which stimulate sebum, (tryglycerides, wax esters, and squalene) our own skin's natural waterproofing agent and moisturizer secreted by the multitude of sebaceous glands found on the face and scalp.
Sweet Almond Oil: Almond oil has the ability to, nourish and soften hair,while moisturizing, locking in moisture is a major component of Sweet Almond Oil to reduce the risk of "dandruff" while boosting hair shine. Full of essential fatty acids which conditions your beard makes your beard less wiry and much more soft and manageable.
Castor Oil: Filled with essential nutrients, helps stop split ends and breakage. Deeply penetrating, to help it to deliver its nourishment deeply into the pores and the follicles that produce hair. High sheen properties, to lend a lush shine to the hair. The oil also has omega-6 essential fatty acids, responsible for healthy hair. When messaged into the underlying skin Castor Oil helps with the production of collagen and elastin, making the skin smoother and softer.
Essential Oils: Pugilist Brand Beard Oil uses a variety of premium quality 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils. 100% pure Essential Oils are important to yield the benefits of the reputed therapeutic qualities contained within and need to be diluted in a carrier oil as they are too strong to be used directly on skin. As the name suggests carrier oils help 'carry' the therapeutically beneficial essential oils into the hair and underlying skin of your beard. We use the following essential oils in our Premium beard oils.
Cedar Atlas, Grapefruit, Lemon, Bergamot ( orange), Lavender, Birch Tar, Frankincense, Patchouli, Jasmine,Coffee, Rosewood, Tea Tree, Lime.
Benefits of Pugilist Brand Beard Oils: In addition to the hair growth and strengthening, anti-aging, moisturizing, aphrodisiac, penetrating, high sheen, softening and relief of many skin conditions obtained from the above listed carrier oils in Pugilist Brand Beard Oils. Benefits of 100% pure therapeutic essential oils are almost too many to list, these include;
Lavender: Relaxing, Stress releaser, Antifungal, Analgesic, antiseptic, anticonvulsant, vasodilating, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory,
Cedar Atlas: It has warming, uplifting, and toning properties. comforting, reviving and an aphrodisiac. acne, arthritis, bronchitis, coughing, cystitis, dandruff, dermatitis, stress.
Grapefruit: Spiritual up-lifter, congestion relief, ease nervous exhaustion and depression.
Lemon; Concentration enhancer, skin & hair cleanser.
Bergamot(orange): Lifts the mood, eases depression, stress & tension relief, psoriasis & eczema treatment.
Birch Tar: Warm and smoky aroma, treatment of eczema and psoriasis. mosquito and insect repellents ( for camping and outdoors)
Frankincense: Used since biblical times, Stimulates the mind, stress relief, elevates the mind, encourages a meditative state.
Patchouli: Relieves nerves and serves as an antidepressant, stimulating and tonic agent. Helps skin irritations and acne. anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, fungicidal.
Jasmine : Anti-depressant, mood lifter, calming, fights fatigue
Coffee: Excellent anti-oxidant. Combats depression, aids respiratory issues, stings, fevers, and general nausea
Rosewood: Bactericidal, anti-fungal, antiviral, anti-parasitic cellular stimulant, immune system stimulant, antidepressant, antimicrobial, and as an aphrodisiac. balances emotions.
Tea Tree: A powerful immune stimulant. Helps fight bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Tea Tree Oil can help with colds, measles, sinusitis and viral infections. Combat acne, oily skin & dandruff.
Lime: Refreshing, uplifting and revitalizing mood enhancer. An astringent to help clear oily skin.
People are strange June 6, 2014 17:04
I had the most bizarre experience on my way to do my shipments today.
I'd nearly reached home after a trip to the Post Office, when this guy in his 20's ran across Wilshire Blvd ( a very busy 4 lane main arterial street in L.A). He was lucky not to get his by traffic coming in both directions. He was really sweaty and agitated and I noticed a bunch of people across the street who looked like they were either following or chasing him?! He was wearing socks but no shoes?? A few yards away was a normal looking lady in her 50's unloading a dog from her car. This guy approached her, grabbed the dog's leash and they started pulling and struggling over it. At this point the guy pushed the lady down onto the sidewalk. I ran to her aid and shouted at her attacker. He ran across the street, again through 4 lanes of traffic without getting hit.
Here's where it gets even more strange....I asked the lady if she was okay and was about to help her. She looked at me really pissed off and screamed " This was all planned by the police" ?!?! She then followed that up with " This was all a piece of street theater". Jumped in her car and left. The guy had been tackled by strangers on the other side of the street, three cop cars pulled up and arrested him. The truly bizarre thing was the lady's reaction?!??! A loony attacked by another random loony. Was she in shock?? No idea, but the whole thing was quite surreal?!?!?! Jim Morrison was correct I guess........
My little bobber motorcycle June 4, 2014 13:13
New BMW i8 May 30, 2014 21:09
Spotted this new BMWi8 across the street at the gas station. They have a few of them running around town for some convention, before release. It's a hybrid and apparently is going to be in the $135 - $150K range. First hybrid I've saw that I liked, those gullwing doors sure are pretty. #BMWi8
Pugilist Brand Frontiersman Beard Oil: The official beard oil of Blacksmiths May 29, 2014 18:09
This is Reg and Ashley. They're working blacksmiths who travel around the San Fernando Valley & Greater Los Angeles area doing blacksmith work. I met them at Will Rogers State Park while I was doing a photoshoot for our new Pugilist Brand Frontiersman Beard Oil. Reg expressed interest and acquired a bottle. Luckily I had a few bottles with me. Just in case I smashed one and couldn't complete the photoshoot. Below are the finished photos I took in Topanga State Park. To me it completely validates the name of Frontiersman Beard Oil. Some might call it luck. I call it destiny!!
Pugilist Brand Frontiersman Beard Oil.
A complex mixture of warm, smoky, indulgent, herbaceous, botanic & woody opulence; The smoky fragrance of Birch Tar and Coffee essential oils, combined with the aromas from the modern day frontiers of Asia and South America using Jasmine and Rosewood essential oils.
Close your eyes, you're immediately transported to a log cabin in the wilderness, surrounded by exotic flora & fauna with a smoky campfire heating freshly brewed coffee.
My first bearded hero April 25, 2014 09:30
What's in a name? Pugilist Brand April 8, 2014 10:59
I just got off the phone with customer support for my website, a small issue which was soon fixed. As soon as the customer service guy looked at the name of our company and struggled to pronounce it I waited on the other end with baited breath.
"I see your website, Pugilist Brand" He said, pronouncing it 'Pug-a-list', as most people I speak to seem to. At this point I can only chuckle and make note that I must be one of the few people to know the word
Pronounced Pew-ja-list.................
Pugilist pu·gi·list
The best 'How to tie a bow tie' video on Youtube March 21, 2014 10:10
Nothing to do with our products, but I guess you could say it's somewhat related to grooming, fashion, or maybe just how not to end up wanting to put the silly bow tie through a paper shredder. Firstly, I'm not a bow tie or suit kind of guy. Living near the beach in California, you'll usually find me in sweats, shorts or if I'm really dressed up a pair of jeans , however, we have been invited to a formal 'black tie' event this weekend in downtown L.A. Having bought my bow tie I have no idea how to tie it. So of course the first thing I did was Google and go to Youtube so I know how to tie it. After looking at some incredibly poor videos, including
A video shot in black and white?? With about as much clarity of the bow tie as an original Harold Lloyd movie?!
A movie shot in what looked like a poorly lit broom closet, with the bow tie demonstrator's shadowy hands completely hiding any signs of a bow tie, a feat that would make David Copperfield himself jealous.
I found this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEjF-MzzqaE
The guy wears high contrast colors and talks slowly, so you know, you can actually follow him and see his tie. Just thought I'd share this for any reluctant 'black tie' event party goers................... now where is that punch bowl?!
The benefits of Pugilist Brand's amber bottles for beard oil and pre-shave oil February 13, 2014 19:01
We've been working non-stop on launching our online store, working for between 10 - 12 hours a day for about 4 weeks now. In addition to the months of research and arriving at the initial concept. We were tasked with a variety of challenges, everything from sourcing the finest, most natural ingredients, to which specific containers to use. Pugilist Brand Gentlemen's Grooming Products wanted as natural and old school a look as possible, so we chose amber glass, or maybe the amber glass chose us. We read the amber color protects the fine oils from photo and UV light and definitely didn't want plastic after all the things we've read in the news about the harm of storing things, i.e water in plastic bottles. I remember finding old Victorian bottles buried in the ground as a kid and wondering what marvelous exotic products they once contained? Maybe my bottles will be around in 100 years, but I doubt it as they're meant to be recycled! Hey these could be collectible in a hundred years?!
In essence and to summarize, the main benefits of amber glass bottles are;
- Protection from UV and other types of harmful light which may degrade the natural products contained within
- Recyclability of the glass
- Glass will not react with the essential oils or leach and release any sort of poison and toxins into the product
- It also looks old school and prettier on your bathroom shelf........... a major consideration for most guys right?!
Well that's just the time and effort I've put into selecting a container for Pugilist Brand Natural Grooming products. There's still e-commerce, fonts, labels, logos, shipping, sourcing natural ingredients to be worked on and finalized..............................
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