For the Men: WHat does your sense of fashion/appearance say about you?

[DaemonSeid]

Ok.....so I recently started reading...and I mean really reading GQ magazine as of May (Jessica Alba issue) and they pack a lot of insightful and informative articles about how men can take care of themselves as far as dressing to impress and altho some of the stuff I agree with, a lot of it I either 'knew' growing up or some of it is new and stuff I would like to try....like for instance, types of watches ....and I own like 4....when I was a kid I was a watch nut who liked digital Timex asio glow in the dark tell time all over the planet kinda watches but as I got older, I came back to wearing analog watches as they were just....classy. As we get older, wiser, and deeper pockets our mode of dress and taking care of oneself should change...

So...a few questions to the fellas (and I know some of you ladies will chime in too)

1. How has your fashion sense changed within the past 10 to 15 years?

2. What colors do you prefer to wear, what colors for you are a no...and what have you found that works best? (sidebar: when going out with a signficant other, is there a need to color coordinate with her too?)

3. Is there a big difference between boxers and briefs or do we just blow this up for no reason?

4. Shaving......simply discuss....

5. Any preference for soaps

6. How do you do for smell goods (colognes)

7. Any guys get mani and pedi's?

8. What are some on the spot things that you keep with you when you go out that may keep you at the top of your game when in good company.

9. How are you about shoes? Large collection small collection how much do you spend on a pair?

10. How important is it for men to get a haircut....

I will answer a few to get it started.

1. For me, within the past 10 years I can say that I have finally come to terms with having a well balanced closet. By that I mean, I can geek up in shirt and tie in the morning, dress it down with a jersey or short sleeve polo in the afternoon and I own not just one, but 3 suits. One thing my mother taught me was to make sure you always own a suit because you never know when you will need to really make that impression.

When I was in my 20s I was all jeans all the time and at least 2 or 3 of slacks...now I have about as many slacks and khakis as I do jeans with decent combinations of how to dress them up and down

Some of my particulars: Since I have a slim to medium frame, I try for loose fitting clothes because they are comfortable, I have to really be careful when it comes to pants is altho the waist may fit, it's the length that gets me.

Over the last 2 years, when it gets warm, I have really started enjoying waering linen and I am still trying to find that 'perfect' linen blazer like one I had 5 years ago.

What made me laugh was one article I read stated that pants should be long enough to show off the shoes but not so long as to hide your feet....that is so true as I see a lot of guys whose pants are so dayum short... not everyone can get tailor made pants but you should know when u are feeling that breeze on your ankles...hehehe


3. I think we make a big deal out of the whole boxers briefs thing...really it's just a matter of comfort, however I do believe that when you get a certain age (when you start buying your own clothes dammit!) tidy whities are a no...I am boxers type of guy but what I also like are boxer briefs because they are a biy more comfy some days and they keep all the equipmnt tucked just so....but bottom line people is that some of us gotta do better with the clenliness thing..I was watching an episode of blind dates and this guy had gotten this girl to give him a massage....sad part was he was close to getting some...and he had skid marks....instant buzzkill. Sure, the last thing anyone may ever see are our undies but, just like the outer is the first impression, the undies may leave a lasting impression...and some women can attest to this....

8. I have gotten in the habit of carrying hand gel, and small tube of cocoa butter, altoids and on occasion, toothbrush and toothpaste (yeah you heard me right!) Nothing worse that looking dressed to kill, you get to where you going and dayum...you got cracked hands, or you ate all them onions and now your breaf is rank. Fellas, it's ok to carry this stuff...you don't need ALL of them simultaneously and for less than 5 bucks you can get it at CVS. They are just as important as having that condom u wanna use and just think....if you didn't have them altoids to freshen your stank ass breaf you may not ever get to use the condom!

9. Unlike women, we men should have a utility collection of shoes....aint no way in hell I need to have a collection that would put Imelda Marcos and DSW shoes to shame. My closet contains the following: 3 pairs of sneakers ( 2 hangin' out pairs and 1 raggedy pair,) 2 pairs of dress shoes (Kenneth Cole black patent leathers and Stacy Adams brown) 2 pairs of Timberland casual oxfords, 2 pairs of Timberland boots, 1 pair of sandals. YOu need shoes for every occasion and since some of us pay a lot of money for our shoes, some of us need to relearn the art of keeping shoes clean. But come on now, no sense in having 10 pairs of black shoes!!!!

Now, I know for myself since I have sensitive feet, I can't go cheap on shoes. I will spend 70 to 125 for shoes as long as they fit and long lasting. 2 of the shoes I have now I have had for the past 3 years and as long as they stay maintenenced, they may last another until it's time for a new pair. Best advice on shoes...if they feel too snug, get them a 1/2 size higher because every shoe is not cut the same and when your foot fluctuates between a 14 to 15 like mine do, it counts.

[macallan25]

1. Fashion sense - I don't think it has really changed at all. I haven't strayed from how I was brought up: classic and refined clothing, nothing trendy. My closet is very well balanced. Casual, business casual, semi-formal, formal.

2. Color wise....I can pretty much wear anything. I am naturally tan and get even more so during the spring/summer, so that helps quite a bit. Colors that work for me....just about anything, although I really despise black, purples, and darker pinks. You know, as far as going out and matching.....I don't think it is really something to get worked up over. A pair of slacks, a white button down, and a blazer will go with anything a girl has on. If you want some color, throw in a pocket square. Now I will say, that in formal settings that calls for a suit, I usually will try to wear a tie or, again, a pocket square that goes with what the lady has on. Tux.....don't really worry about it. Everyone is, or should be, in black.

3. I wear boxers....comfortable and and allow freedom.

4. Shaving - I think out of college you should be shaving every day. Need to look professional. I will say though, that I don't think there is anything wrong with wearing around a little 5 o'clock scruff every now and then. Haha, if i'm skiing, hunting, backpacking, fishing, etc. though.......you can bet I'll have a beard. Kiehls shaving balm is a must.....if you don't have it, get it.

5. Soaps.....no preference, although I have this zest brand of soap that is green and is supposed to have little energy boosting crystals or something in it. Smells good and is easy on the skin, I like it.

6. Colognes....I am fairly picky. Usually only stick to a few. Polo original, Polo Safari, Egoiste Chanel, Acqua Di Gio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana original.

7. No.

8. Haha, I dunno. If I'm going out, I pretty much just have my money clip, phone, and some mints.

9. Shoes....have quite a few shoes. Dress: Allen Edmonds, Cole Haan, Johnston & Murphy, Brooks Brothers. Black, tan, dark brown, burgundy. Lace up, tassled, no tassle, horse bit, cap toe, and a pair of tux shoes. Casual: loafers, driving mocs, Sperrys, flip flops. Boots: Tony Llama, Lucchese, Justin (7 or 8 pairs I guess......yeah I'm from Texas). Couple pairs of New Balance/Asics. LL Bean Duck boots, hunting boots, hiking boots. Prices, I dunno. Dress Shoes are probably $150 - $500. Boots, wide range, I'd say 150$ - $1400. Running shoes, whatever they cost these days. Hunting and hiking, hundred something I'd guess.

10. Haircuts.....my hair gets poofy and ridiculous looking if it isn't cut short and clean.

[OneTimeSBX]

mmmm! I SMELL METROSEXUALS! YUM!

ok, maybe not metrosexuals, but i do love a well-groomed man...continue, please!

[PiKA2001]

I'll take a shot at this.


1. I think my fashion sense is somewhat broken now than what it was ten years ago. I guess the reason is I really don't like shopping for clothes and I would rather spend the money elsewhere. The only places I really do shop is J Crew and Banana Republic but I'm seriously the jeans, t-shirt and flip flop guy when I'm able to do it.

2. I love dark colors, but not really black(navy, slate, grey).

3. I wear briefs when I'm running or at the gym.

4. I have to shave daily, but if I totally slide on weekends if I have nothing special going on.

5. My fave soap is usually whatever is on sale at CVS that week.

6. Burberry.

7. No, I like my gnarly nails.

8. Gum?

9. I like shoes. I have about 9 or 10 pairs that cost me anywhere 50-200 dollars each. I try not to spend more than 150 a pair, but my most expensive are actually combat boots.

10. Hell yes i get my head shaved monthly.

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by OneTimeSBX

mmmm! I SMELL METROSEXUALS! YUM!

ok, maybe not metrosexuals, but i do love a well-groomed man...continue, please!

Has nothing to do with metrosexual ... LOL and I am not that extreme...the pedi/ mani thing? NAH! Just curious as to who does....

U are talking to a guy that is just as comfortable in a jersey throwing back a brew as I am dressed to kill in a suit with a glass of merlot....

Just throught I put this out there to see how other guys felt about thier grooming experiences over the years...

You get to the point in your life where you realize how much progress you made (or didn't make) since high school or college and you move on!

[RU OX Alum]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

So...a few questions to the fellas (and I know some of you ladies will chime in too)

1. How has your fashion sense changed within the past 10 to 15 years?

Hmmm....I dress how I dress, it depends where I'll be going/doing i think that clothes should fit the particular situation and that is okay to go home and change if you have

2. What colors do you prefer to wear, what colors for you are a no...and what have you found that works best? (sidebar: when going out with a signficant other, is there a need to color coordinate with her too?)

black, red are the two best on me, but I can get by with some tan/khaki, etc light brownish colors in the summer/ early fall


3. Is there a big difference between boxers and briefs or do we just blow this up for no reason?

boxers, my boys need freedom....boxerbriefs for serious workouts including martial arts training

4. Shaving......simply discuss....

everyday, not just to look professional, but if I don't, my whole day seems to be out of whack. I shave and focus and prepare for the day.

5. Any preference for soaps

I'm allergic to coca. So nothing with that or my skin gets all red and blotchy

6. How do you do for smell goods (colognes)

Aqua d'Gio is my favorite, almost daily scent. Sometimes Black by Kenneth Cole or Noir by whoever does that.

7. Any guys get mani and pedi's?

My mom got my brother, dad, and I a pedi one year for xmas, i must say that it felt good.

I let some girl give me a mani in 7th grade.

I wouldn't be opposed to having either of them again. Although I had a hangnail at time of mani, so that's why, maybe. Without one it might hurt.

8. What are some on the spot things that you keep with you when you go out that may keep you at the top of your game when in good company.

Just whatever pops into my head that clears all my internal censors.

9. How are you about shoes? Large collection small collection how much do you spend on a pair?

1 pair black dress, 1 pair brown dress, 1 pair brown causual, black casual needed, 1 pair work out shoes(adidas), 1 pair chillax sneakers (chuck taylor all stars all black) 1 pair flip flops (rainbow)

10. How important is it for men to get a haircut....

Very. About every three weeks or so. If you're growing it out then every month or so for a trim up to get rid of dead ends/split ends so that it will grown faster.

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by PiKA2001

I'll take a shot at this.


1. I think my fashion sense is somewhat broken now than what it was ten years ago. I guess the reason is I really don't like shopping for clothes and I would rather spend the money elsewhere. The only places I really do shop is J Crew and Banana Republic but I'm seriously the jeans, t-shirt and flip flop guy when I'm able to do it.

2. I love dark colors, but not really black(navy, slate, grey).

3. I wear briefs when I'm running or at the gym.

4. I have to shave daily, but if I totally slide on weekends if I have nothing special going on.

5. My fave soap is usually whatever is on sale at CVS that week.

6. Burberry.

7. No, I like my gnarly nails.

8. Gum?

9. I like shoes. I have about 9 or 10 pairs that cost me anywhere 50-200 dollars each. I try not to spend more than 150 a pair, but my most expensive are actually combat boots.

10. Hell yes i get my head shaved monthly.

And that is great how you posted this...I don't believe in going broke for a lot of stuff....we have to find stuff that works well for us....

Like 200 bucks for moisturizer? INSANE....learn how to wash your dayum face....LOL

Sure there are certain exceptions but no sense in going broke when u don't have to!

[1908Revelations]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

4. Shaving......simply discuss....
6. How do you do for smell goods (colognes)
10. How important is it for men to get a haircut....



'perfect' linen blazer like one I had 5 years ago.

~Shaving is a must!!!
~I love Polo Black!! Or what ever other colonge what'shisface to wear....he smelled sooooo good! Mmmmmmm!
~My dad gets a hair cut every week! What'shisface gets a hair cut every week. My grandpa gets a haircut every week, so I am really into the clean cut....that is what I grew up with.


~What'shisface has a couple of linen blazers. He got one from Banana Republic, Parisian, and Gus Mayer.

Originally Posted by OneTimeSBX

mmmm! I SMELL METROSEXUALS! YUM!

ok, maybe not metrosexuals, but i do love a well-groomed man...continue, please!

ME too!! More men chime in.....NOW!

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

Ok.....so I recently started reading...and I mean really reading GQ magazine as of May (Jessica Alba issue) and they pack a lot of insightful and informative articles about how men can take care of themselves as far as dressing to impress and altho some of the stuff I agree with, a lot of it I either 'knew' growing up or some of it is new and stuff I would like to try....like for instance, types of watches ....and I own like 4....when I was a kid I was a watch nut who liked digital Timex asio glow in the dark tell time all over the planet kinda watches but as I got older, I came back to wearing analog watches as they were just....classy. As we get older, wiser, and deeper pockets our mode of dress and taking care of oneself should change...

So...a few questions to the fellas (and I know some of you ladies will chime in too)

1. How has your fashion sense changed within the past 10 to 15 years?

2. What colors do you prefer to wear, what colors for you are a no...and what have you found that works best? (sidebar: when going out with a signficant other, is there a need to color coordinate with her too?)

3. Is there a big difference between boxers and briefs or do we just blow this up for no reason?

4. Shaving......simply discuss....

5. Any preference for soaps

6. How do you do for smell goods (colognes)

7. Any guys get mani and pedi's?

8. What are some on the spot things that you keep with you when you go out that may keep you at the top of your game when in good company.

9. How are you about shoes? Large collection small collection how much do you spend on a pair?

10. How important is it for men to get a haircut....

I will answer a few to get it started.

1. For me, within the past 10 years I can say that I have finally come to terms with having a well balanced closet. By that I mean, I can geek up in shirt and tie in the morning, dress it down with a jersey or short sleeve polo in the afternoon and I own not just one, but 3 suits. One thing my mother taught me was to make sure you always own a suit because you never know when you will need to really make that impression.

When I was in my 20s I was all jeans all the time and at least 2 or 3 of slacks...now I have about as many slacks and khakis as I do jeans with decent combinations of how to dress them up and down

Some of my particulars: Since I have a slim to medium frame, I try for loose fitting clothes because they are comfortable, I have to really be careful when it comes to pants is altho the waist may fit, it's the length that gets me.

Over the last 2 years, when it gets warm, I have really started enjoying waering linen and I am still trying to find that 'perfect' linen blazer like one I had 5 years ago.

What made me laugh was one article I read stated that pants should be long enough to show off the shoes but not so long as to hide your feet....that is so true as I see a lot of guys whose pants are so dayum short... not everyone can get tailor made pants but you should know when u are feeling that breeze on your ankles...hehehe


3. I think we make a big deal out of the whole boxers briefs thing...really it's just a matter of comfort, however I do believe that when you get a certain age (when you start buying your own clothes dammit!) tidy whities are a no...I am boxers type of guy but what I also like are boxer briefs because they are a biy more comfy some days and they keep all the equipmnt tucked just so....but bottom line people is that some of us gotta do better with the clenliness thing..I was watching an episode of blind dates and this guy had gotten this girl to give him a massage....sad part was he was close to getting some...and he had skid marks....instant buzzkill. Sure, the last thing anyone may ever see are our undies but, just like the outer is the first impression, the undies may leave a lasting impression...and some women can attest to this....

8. I have gotten in the habit of carrying hand gel, and small tube of cocoa butter, altoids and on occasion, toothbrush and toothpaste (yeah you heard me right!) Nothing worse that looking dressed to kill, you get to where you going and dayum...you got cracked hands, or you ate all them onions and now your breaf is rank. Fellas, it's ok to carry this stuff...you don't need ALL of them simultaneously and for less than 5 bucks you can get it at CVS. They are just as important as having that condom u wanna use and just think....if you didn't have them altoids to freshen your stank ass breaf you may not ever get to use the condom!

9. Unlike women, we men should have a utility collection of shoes....aint no way in hell I need to have a collection that would put Imelda Marcos and DSW shoes to shame. My closet contains the following: 3 pairs of sneakers ( 2 hangin' out pairs and 1 raggedy pair,) 2 pairs of dress shoes (Kenneth Cole black patent leathers and Stacy Adams brown) 2 pairs of Timberland casual oxfords, 2 pairs of Timberland boots, 1 pair of sandals. YOu need shoes for every occasion and since some of us pay a lot of money for our shoes, some of us need to relearn the art of keeping shoes clean. But come on now, no sense in having 10 pairs of black shoes!!!!

Now, I know for myself since I have sensitive feet, I can't go cheap on shoes. I will spend 70 to 125 for shoes as long as they fit and long lasting. 2 of the shoes I have now I have had for the past 3 years and as long as they stay maintenenced, they may last another until it's time for a new pair. Best advice on shoes...if they feel too snug, get them a 1/2 size higher because every shoe is not cut the same and when your foot fluctuates between a 14 to 15 like mine do, it counts.

4. Shaving - Days I know I need to shave, that is about at least another 20 mins I gotta get up earlier or do the night before. WHen I was younger I didn't really pay attention to the whole bad shave thing, but then I learned about steaming the face to make the hair more pliable, stopped using disposable razors and then washing and moisturizing when done. I have been using a Sensor razor since about 96. I got a Fusion last year and I like it a little better....I just hate that the daymed blades cost almost 10 bucks but the quality of the save is better


6. Cologne - My collection is 1/2 and 1/2..... 1/2 cologne (Issey Miyake, Kenneth Cole Black, Armani, Polo Blue) and 1/2 oil of whatever I am feeling during that time....when it comes to oils I vary between fruit scents (believe me if you smell like food, she may get hungry for you...hehehe) and musk scents. I also try like a regular scented oil to see if I really wanna get the cologne because sometimes u go to the store, smell the colonge, wear it a few times and hate it..mad that you spent 50 bucks on it!

10. Since I have dredds, kinda moot unless you count getting a shape up...but as far as that is concerned, my s.o. maintains my loqs. I wash it and then she takes about 2 to 3 hrs to do the maintenence....and a lot of folks who have dredds really miss out on maintaining thier hair...it's a whole lot more to it than simply having hair that you dont have to brush or comb....nothing worse than seeing someone with unkempt dredds

[OneTimeSBX]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

6. Cologne - My collection is 1/2 and 1/2..... 1/2 cologne (Issey Miyake, Kenneth Cole Black, Armani, Polo Blue) and 1/2 oil of whatever I am feeling during that time....when it comes to oils I vary between fruit scents (believe me if you smell like food, she may get hungry for you...hehehe) and musk scents. I also try like a regular scented oil to see if I really wanna get the cologne because sometimes u go to the store, smell the colonge, wear it a few times and hate it..mad that you spent 50 bucks on it!

i think males and females should try the oils. i was strictly a perfume/body spray girl until i met my fiance, who is allergic to colognes. something about the alcohol...anyway, i also noticed that the sprays change with my body chemistry. it runs in the family, my mom actually has to be careful what brand watch she buys because it will quit on her! oils to me last sooo much longer, more variety...i am a fan for life! besides, who cant shell out 5 bucks for an oil and the parfum version is damn near 60 bucks????

[MysticCat]

Oh, this is definitely bordering on being a metrosexual thread, but I'll play along anyway,

1. How has your fashion sense changed within the past 10 to 15 years?

It hasn't really. I'm a basics-and-classics kind of guy.

2. What colors do you prefer to wear, what colors for you are a no...and what have you found that works best? (sidebar: when going out with a signficant other, is there a need to color coordinate with her too?)

I tend towards blues, greens, whites and greys, with some other colors thrown in here and there.

Color-coordinating with the wife is just a little too cute. They write SNL skits about people like that.

3. Is there a big difference between boxers and briefs or do we just blow this up for no reason?

Yes, there is a big difference. I go for boxers or boxer-briefs.

4. Shaving......simply discuss....

I always shave in the shower. I use shaving soap and a brush, no shaving cream. I tend to skip shaving on Saturdays unless something will be going on that day (including a "date" with my wife) that calls for shaving.

5. Any preference for soaps

Ivory. I don't want any scents or perfumes in my soap. I'm not allergic or anything, I just hate the smell and I hate carrying that smell around. (I remember too well the awful time that I used, without looking at it, the new soap my wife put by the lavertory -- my hands smelled like pomegranite and mango all day. )

6. How do you do for smell goods (colognes)

Never use them. Ever.

7. Any guys get mani and pedi's?

Hell would freeze over first.

8. What are some on the spot things that you keep with you when you go out that may keep you at the top of your game when in good company.

A comb in my pocket. That's it.

ETA: I forgot, I also usually carry around some Bert's Bees lip balm -- my lips burn and chap very easily. The comb is mostly out of habit.

9. How are you about shoes? Large collection small collection how much do you spend on a pair?

I'm not a shoe horse. I have about 7 or 8 pairs for different needs (dress, casual, athletic, etc.). I look for quality, but I'm not going to spend an arm and a leg on shoes.

10. How important is it for men to get a haircut....

Very.

[DaemonSeid]

oh sweet geez guys...it's not a merto thing.....hehehehe....just think about what u did then and what u do now..certainly some things about how you make urself look has changed since you were younger....now if this was to turn metro...that woul dbe a dude giving 10 tips on how to moisturize your face for that maximum glow or sumn....

Trust me....this has nothing to do on getting in touch with your 'feminine side' or some BS like that....to put quite simply, it's about how your sense of style has grown as you have grown...that's all so don't be afraid to post.


Look at it like this...if you got game, part of your game is in how you look and how you impress ladies with whatever look you got going.


Look at some of the ones that have posted....they see it too.

[LaneSig]

1. How has my fashion sense changed?

I used to wear clothes baggier. About 6 years ago, I started working out and eating healthier. I dropped 20 lbs.(went from 200 to 180) and went from 21% body fat to 12%. I have a bit more confidence now, so I wear clothes that fit better. I don't wear very expensive clothes to teach school.

2. Colors I wear?

Mostly blues and greens. I have sandy blond (turning white) hair and blue/green eyes. I will wear some light pink. I won't wear yellow. I hate the color and it looks bad on me.

3. Boxers vs. briefs?

I settled that problem with boxerbriefs. I do wear boxers to sleep in or if I'm wandering around the house.

4. Shaving. Yes, every day. I don't like feeling scrungy.

5. Soap.

Non-perfumed. Not because of allergies or anything. My ex-fiancee told me not to wear Irish Spring or other scented soaps if I was going to wear cologne. The smells clash.


6. Cologne

I switch back and forth. I use Carolina Herrera for Men and when it runs out I use Cool Water. (Two of my 2nd grade girls used to come up to me, stick their noses into my shirts and take big whiffs. They loved how I smelled.)

7. Mani and pedis?

Again, ex-fiancee (what didn't I do for her????) had me go get a manicure before a wedding we were going to. I will never do it again. I cannot stand the sound of the file on the nails. It makes me grit my teeth and leave the room if any of my female relatives are using one.

8. Emergencies?

I keep a little shaving kit in my gym bag and leave it in the car. It has all the necessities for an overnight stay. I also keep a cap in the car just in case I don't get to shower.

9. Shoes?

4 pairs of dress shoes, 1 pair hiking boots, 2 pairs of workout shoes, 2 pairs of flipflops. I have bought a pair of $150 shoes, but they were on sale for $60. Does that count as expensive?

10. Haircut?

I think it depends on the guy. I have had longer hair, total buzz cut, and short preppy. If it is cut properly and kept cleaned, I think it is alright. I do have to admit that I had more women make comments about my buzz cut. They said that they liked the clean, neat look of it.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

oh sweet geez guys...it's not a merto thing.....hehehehe....just think about what u did then and what u do now..certainly some things about how you make urself look has changed since you were younger....now if this was to turn metro...that woul dbe a dude giving 10 tips on how to moisturize your face for that maximum glow or sumn....

Trust me, when you start asking about manicures and pedicures or carrying around hand cream or cocoa butter, it's bordering on metrosexual.

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Trust me, when you start asking about manicures and pedicures or carrying around hand cream or cocoa butter, it's bordering on metrosexual.

ok...point taken....


I agree with the mani pedi thing....it's aint me...actually in my opinion I think that's where we take things too far in grooming....just gimmine some nail clips


BUT......because I am a darker skinned fella....and sometimes I may unwittingly have an ashy moment....a drop of lotion to take care of that crust always helps....LOL