Ace Men's Grooming Products Launch- You've Come A Long Way Baby

Last night I attended the launch of an exciting, new line of products for men from ACE, a venerable purveyor of grooming products. It was the first time I'd been back to Bryant Park since Fashion Week, so I strolled through the park to the events space, Arena, on 41st Street. There were people sitting on the grass, and reading newspapers at tables. It was very cosmopolitan. I wish I could have lingered a bit.

But, I didn't want to be late for the ACE launch. When I arrived, a was ushered into the large (and quite dark) space. After a short cocktail hour featuring ACE signature drinks (one,a delicious dirty martini with three black olives) and a brief presentation, Editors were invited to visit the various "stations" for Trimming Tools, Tweezers, Hair Tools, Nail Gear, Shave Tools, and Travel Tools & Kits. These were "manned" (pun intended) by attractive guys and ACE representatives, alllowing editors to get up-close-and-personal with all the items.

From my view, these tools are so beautifully designed, they will probably cause "girlfriend envy," -- a change from the traditional "guys borrowing beauty tools from the girls." Yes, ladies, you will want to use these ACE men's grooming tools, but they've been specifically designed specifically for men and men's needs. They're beautifully designed with a red and black color scheme, stainless steel construction for durability, man-sized, rubberized (on some items) grips for comfort and control, and simple, ergonomic designs.

I found myself standing in front of the ACE Trimming Tools station first (the adorable guy standing at this station could have been a bit of a magnet). Let's face it, guys have a lot of facial hair to deal with, including nose and ear hair. Therefore, the ACE Trimming Tools include a substantial, Dual Action Trimmer SRP for nose & ear hair, and facial hair grooming), two sets of scissors (Safety and Detail) with huge, man-sized, red, rubberized finger grips, and a Facial Grooming Kit in a ballistic nylon travel case with a facial hair comb and detail scissors.

Clean nails is another way a man can look well groomed. The new line of products for men in the ACE Nail Care Line include two really nice Clippers for toenails and fingernails that are 360 degrees away from the tiny, wimpy clippers generally available in drugstore. These have textured, man-sized grips and clippers, and a built-in clippings catcher. There's also a nifty Nail File Pick that looks like a huge guitar pick, featuring a round, "scrubbing ring" to easily and quickly remove gunk from all sides of his nails, plus a pick (to remove trapped, under-nail dirt), and even a small nail file on the side to smooth out the rough spots. The large-sized Nail Brush with extra-large grip felt great even in my hands. I think it will get even reluctant guys to "clean up their act."

Just as intriguing were the ACE Hair Tools. Of course, there are the iconic, black, ACE pocket combs in two sizes (5" and 7.5") but now they have longer, rubberized grips for comfort and control. For guys who have enough hair to worry about brushing it, there are three brushes with longer handles and rubberized grips, retracting bristles (for easy cleaning), and ComfortFlex design that massage the scarp without snagging hair. The Dandruff Control Brush features copper bristles that we were told kill 88% of the fungus that causes dandruff and dry scalp. I'm not sure about this, but I'll be checking it out.

There are three different Tweezers (also longer and larger than a ladies' version), and a number of "must-have" accessories: my favorite is the clever, Fogless Shower Mirror (SRP $15.99). It has a water reservoir that, when filled, equalizes the mirror and air temperature to eliminate fog (the water slowly drains out into the tub). This mirror is held securely in place with two large suction cups, it is adjustable, and has a flexible razor holder for different razor sizes. For travel and gifts, there's an a ballistic nylon ACE Power Grooming Kit including the Dual Action Trimmer, Fingernail Clippers, and a Dual Action Tweezer); an Essential Grooming Kit featuring Fingernail Clippers, Dual Action Tweezer and Safety Scissors in a ballistic nylon case, and a really nice, ACE Excursion Bag that has a ballistic nylon shell that holds it's shape so his bottles and other fragile items don't break, but it still compresses in a suitcase to safe space.

You won't have to be a Wall Street Whiz Kit to afford these, either. Prices Range from a suggested retail price of $31.99 for the Power Grooming Set, to a low of $6.99 for a nail brush or Fingernail Clippers.

If there's one company that should know about what men want and need in terms of grooming, it's ACE. In fact, when most people think of men's grooming products, the iconic black ACE pocket comb comes to mind. Everyone from Presidents to Elvis, has had at least one. Today, men's grooming no longer just means combed hair and clean fingernails (although those are must-haves). With the rise of the "metrosexual," and "manscaping," this era is the one of the aware male. There are more products and tools for the "average guy" than ever before. 150 years after it's first breakthrough with the classic, black comb, ACE has realized there's an unfilled need for more stuff for the guys. This new and awesome line of grooming tools for men are going to be a huge hit when they arrive in drugstores and mass market retail stores this Fall, just a few short months away! Too bad they're not going to be available this Father's Day. If you're stumped for ideas for Dad, the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column features dozens and dozens and dozens of ideas for gifts for the guys. Watch for it!

Holland America Line's Noordam Culinary Arts Center

I took a break from Fashion Week for an invitation I just couldn't refuse. I was honored to be included in a gathering of chefs, travel agents, writers, and other interested parties onboard the beautiful Holland America Line's glamorous cruise ship, the Noordam. Just about a year ago, I was onboard for the introductory overnight event of this stunning cruise ship (see "Nighttime on the Noordam) in my blog archives: http://www.advicesisters.net/advicesisters.net/2006_02_01_advicesistersblogarchive.html

The Noordam has a beautiful library, state-of-the-art computer center, an awesome, Waterford Crystal chandelier that can be raised and lowered, like the ones at the Metropolitan Opera house in New York, staterooms with spacious balconies, and lots of other great features. By far the most unique feature on Holland America Line ships are the Culinary Arts Centers, in partnership with "Food and Wine" magazine.

Holland America launched this innovative program back in 2005, and now there is a Culinary Arts Center onboard each of 13 Holland America line ships. Guests get printed recipes of the items being prepared, and they get to taste them, too! Several times each cruise, passengers enjoy "food network" style programming, featuring cooking demonstrations and hands-on cooking classes. While passengers sit in this space, outfitted with comfy love seats, mini-couches, and cafe tables, celebrity chefs share their recipes and techniques. The program win raves from the passengers (passengers sign up on a first-come-first served basis when they board the ship).

In the front of the lounge, there is a fully-stocked kitchen area with large plasma video screens on either side, so everyone can see the "close up" preparations, regardless of where they are sitting. Obviously, these programs are extremely popular, so I like the fact that the cooking demonstrations are also part of the in-stateroom programming. If you can't or didn't make it to the show, but want to see it, that's still an option. In addition to the cooking demos, there are at least two 90-minute, hands-on cooking classes offered on every cruise (the cost is just $29 per session!). These special sessions have a limited enrollment of just 12 people. As cooking classes go, this is a true bargain, especially when you factor in the skill of the chef you're learning from!

Our special luncheon and cooking demonstration was designed to bring attention to this innovative program. After getting past the various security checkpoints and onto the ship, we enjoyed a brief tour, and then a cocktail reception (champagne, wine, soda) in the spacious Queens Lounge, that houses the Noordam's Culinary Arts Center.

Richard D. Meadows, the Executive Vice-President of Holland America Line, and Gail Simmons of Food & Wine Magazine made some remarks, and then the fun, really began: Julie Reiner, Director/Owner of the Flatiron Lounge to a very delicious, grapefruit juice and gin-based cocktail (on top of the champagne, it gave us all quite a warm buzz). It was announced that Julie was going to be cruising on the Noordam with her mother! Then we were treated to an appetizer featuring scallops and one with a "sambal" in it (there are lots of Indonesian crew members on HAL ships. I distinctly remember from a cruise I took on the Maasdam to Greece some years ago, that this spicy, condiment was very popular with them, so it's no surprise that this would be available, onboard).

I really like this up-close-and-personal venue. Every cruise ship has "something" that makes it special. The Noordam has many, including an attention to detail and an elegance that is sadly lacking on my cruise lines, today. But the Culinary Arts Center program is tremendous fun, and an opportunity to take back a "souvenir" that won't fade like a tan, or be put in the back of a closet. It's just another reason Holland America appeals to upscale, educated adults who have "been there, done that" when it comes to traditional cruise activities and want something more in tune with their interests than pool games and bingo.

Eating is a sensory treat on the Noordam whether it's a special luncheon, or a casual dinner in the Lido. In fact, the regular dining room is quite beautiful, rivalling the elegance of many other ships in it's class, with gold-rimmed dishes and lots of gleaming crystal. In this main dining room passengers are assigned one of four formal seating times. I prefer open seating for it's flexibility, but at least having four meal seatings instead of two means that everyone gets a chance to eat at a time that is reasonably suitable for them.

Our lunch, however, was held in the Pinnacle Grill, the ship's alternative restaurant. It is very large for this type of room. Still, it manages to feel intimate, with tables set at different angles and along with balcony leading to the lounge, with seating for as few as two people, to large, oval conference room-style tables that seat 8-10. The opulent china is by Bulgari, the linens, perfectly starched. I could imagine myself staring dreamily out to sea, while sipping a good wine, and enjoying a gourmet meal....!

The luncheon planned for us included an lamb Entree by Michael Symon, Executive Chef/Owner of Parea, and a chocolate sorbet dessert by Pichet Ong, Executive Pastry Chef/Owner of P*ong. More than 52 celebrated chefs, wine experts, and even some cookbook authors, from some of the most exciting restaurants around the country, have graced Holland America's ships. The food was lovely, definitely not your standard "cruise ship fare" in either presentation, quality, or taste. One of my table mates had the vegetarian entree instead of the lamb, and she said her salmon was "quite nice."

During the cooking demonstrations in the Culinary Arts Center, we were told about the new, Holland America Cookbook which showcases Holland America Line's Fine dining. I didn't get a chance to look at it, but I'm intrigued. What a wonderful memento of a cruise this makes far nicer than a boring T-shirt (standard gift fare for the folks back home)!

In the golden age of ocean liner travel, a good meal in a formal setting was the highlight of the day's activities. Holland America brings the feeling back on it's elegant ships...and allows it's guests to take a bit of that elegance back home, through the Culinary Arts Center.