It’s tough to find the right fragrance, especially when you’re getting spritzed from all angles at the department store.  All you really want is to find the perfect cologne that works great against your skin and make you “smell good.” Well here is a little help from our High Five for top men’s cologne in 2009.  These picks have proven to receive some positive compliments from those who have sniffed around me.

I Am King by Sean John - You certainly feel like a king when you spray this sweet and refreshing scent. It’s not a statement of arrogance but rather “a motto of all men who will buy this fragrance.?, says Sean Jean Combs. This cologne has top notes of tangerine juice, orange, cranberry and French berries; middle notes are cassis and sea water; base notes are amalfi lemon, French labdanum, cedar, vetiver, oakmoss and sandalwood.  Sean John again wins Fragrance of the Year 2009 at the 37th FiFi Awards for this unique masculine freshness that I love to use daily for work.

Female feedback: “Mmm I just love that fresh scent of yours.”

Rock Volume I by John Varvatos – John Varvatos is definitely one of my favorite designer scents and has done it again with this limited edition fragrance putting an “edgy feel” and new twist from the original which shares the same top note of sage. Inspired by John Varvatos’ passion for rock ’n roll, the blend of rose absolute and coffee makes this a perfect wear for a fun date! This cologne transforms you with an image of sensuality and an explosive rock ‘n roll vibe.  Oh and the packaging is hands-down impressive having a bolt cap and a heavy metal shell with classic John Varvatos icons carved into it that encases the bottle. You can definitely “Rock ON!” with this scent.

Female feedback: “You smell so delicious, what are you wearing?”

Green Irish Tweed by Creed – I really shouldn’t be sharing my top secret fragrance for fear of everyone (including women as this is considered unisex) will be flocking to get this in their collection.  Usually, I save this favorite fragrance of mine for special events because it’s not exactly inexpensive and it normally gets sold out during the holiday season. Created originally for Cary Grant and worn by Robert Redford and Richard Gere, Green Irish Tweed is an elegant, yet sporty scent with notes of mysore, sandalwood, ambergris, violet leaves, French verbena and Florentine iris. I also suggest layering with other Creed fragrances for a nice mix of aromas.

Female feedback: “You always smell so heavenly!” “You HAVE to tell me what cologne you’re wearing so I can get it for my husband!”

Attitude Extreme by Giorgio Armani - What a perfect name to describe this power fragrance by the design house of Giorgio Armani. It’s a stronger, more intense version of Armani Attitude from 2007. It’s more masculine and unforgettable with notes of Sicilian lemon, star anise, cedar, cardamom, coffee, patchouli and amber. It’s been reworked to display masculinity in a dark, seductive, and potent fashion. I love to wear this in the evening as it strikes a sense of elegance and extreme attitude.

Female feedback: “I couldn’t help but admire your fragrance, you just smell really good.”

Tokyo by Kenzo – Inspired by serene nature and colorful nights in a modern metropolis Tokyo, this fragrance has a distinct masculine scent. It consists of a blend of ginger, lemon, grapefruit, shiso, cardamon, green tea, pink pepper and bitter orange. The allure of this cologne is the ability to blend a modern urban feel with the Japanese tranquility. It’s for the guy who loves the luminous, vibrant lights and scenery of a crazy electric city. Feeling energized from this fragrance, I’m ready for a night out on the town and the busy nightlife.

Female feedback: “Either I love how you dance or that you smell so yum, both work for me.”

As most of you may already know (ladies, you’re guy should be up-to-date with this, if not tell him to read on!), Head & Shoulders® recently announced a partnership with Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers as the their offical spokesperson.  What makes this news special is that they will be working with Operation Once in a Lifetime, a non-profit organization dedicated to making the dreams of soldiers come true, to grant the wishes of seven deserving US soldiers.

Head & Shoulders and Operation Once in a Lifetime created the Return Respect Program, to stock US barracks, which are currently lacking in toiletries, for returning soldiers.  They also launched the website www.TroyTacklesMore.com where your guy can engage with Troy and the NFL.  On the website there is also a way to donate one dollar on behalf of Head & Shoulders and Troy to fulfill the dreams of the seven soldiers. Checkout the website to see what wishes and dreams have been revealed!

I think this is a great partnership with Troy being the perfect spokesperson.  His hair certainly gets just as much publicity as his football career.  However, this is such a great cause to help out our heroes and I’m glad to see Troy be part of it.  We were wondering what Troy’s thoughts are on his hair, the NFL, and his grooming habits.  So we asked Troy a few questions of our own:

BBB: How do you feel about the fact that hair is considered part of your uniform and there are no penalties for grabbing it and tackling players?

Troy: I have only been tackled by my hair once – so I do not think much of it. Longer hair is becoming more common throughout the league, but mainly with Defensive players.

BBB: How do you prepare physically and mentally before a game?

Troy: It differs from day to day. Some days I’m just flipping through the iPod trying to get pumped, some days I don’t want to listen to anything and just focus. From game to game from day to day, whatever people do to motivate themselves, they do. I do all kinds of things.

BBB: You’ve faced pretty much every quarterback in the NFL, who do you think is the toughest challenge?

Troy: There are many great Quarterbacks throughout the league – including Ben – but Peyton is probably the toughest challenge. He makes so many adjustments, is an accurate passer, and makes good decisions.

BBB: When was the last time you got a haircut?

Troy: It has been since 2000. It is a salute my heritage and the Samoan warrior spirit.

BBB: When you’re all dressed up for dinner, do you wear a ponytail?

Troy: Yes – off the field I usually keep my hair pulled back.

BBB: Does your helmet give you split ends and how do you fix that?

Troy: With my rigorous training and always having to wear a helmet, it usually leads to dryness and scalp itch – Head & Shoulders helps me take care of my scalp so my hair continues to look great.

BBB: How would you describe your grooming routine?

Troy: Simple. I use Head & Shoulders Smooth & Silky Shampoo every time I shower – and Conditioner every other day.

BBB: What do you like about Head & Shoulders?

Troy: Head & Shoulders is a brand I trust to tackle all of my scalp and hair issues so I can focus on other important things in my life – like my family and football.

BBB: What advice would you give to the guys who want to be like you and grow their hair out?

Troy: What do you think? Use Head & Shoulders. It takes care of your scalp – and a healthy scalp means great-looking hair.

The two-time Super Bowl Champion known for his trademark tresses as a tribute to his Samoan roots and his culture, says, “Between my intense practices and rigorous workout routine, my hair takes a good beating. Head & Shoulders keeps it looking healthy and great so I don’t have to worry about it.” “I need to keep my hair in great shape and I know that starts with a healthy looking scalp, something Head & Shoulders always helps me take care of.”

Well Troy, I’ve been on-board with Head & Shoulders because nobody wants to get embarassing dandruff.  With the cold dry season already here, I make sure that I’m on the offense as well as on the defense to prevent any flaky-ness.

Visit www.TroyTacklesMore.com to learn more about Head & Shoulders and how you can help give back to America’s soldiers.

Also, check out this funny video on some Ultimate Polamalu-bilia and the mission to get a piece of his hair!

Here’s one for the guys, Payot Homme has a great new line of men’s skincare and shaving products.  Payot-Paris, started back in 1927 by Dr. Nadia Payot, turned aesthetics into a scientific discipline using original skincare formulas; and their new men’s collection Payot Optimale is luxurious skincare at its best which continues that tradition. For the past few weeks I’ve been trying out a new regimen for my shaving routine and I must say my skin has been refreshingly smooth.

The Payot Optimale Effective Shaving gel hydrates my skin as I shave, and it lets my razor just glide across my skin without irritating it or causing razor bumps. I usually shave my 5′o clock (or sometimes 11′o clock) shadow right after a shower to lessen any irritation and soften my face. When I shave with a regular shaving cream, without prepping my skin, the end result can be itchy and bothersome. However, when I used the Effective Shaving gel, it’s as if my skin was prepped and softened the moment I lathered it onto my face! Thanks to the protective vitamin E, PP, B5 from liquorice and moisturizing agents, it left me with a soothing refreshing feeling.

Of course I had to follow it up with the Payot Optimale Soothing After Shave for complete calming and repairing.  Then to top off my new regiment, I used the Payot Optimale Energizing Care which is a moisturizing gel that I know absolutely every guy will get addicted to slapping this onto their face in the morning, or even mid-day at work (it can get dehydrating sitting in that office).  It’s a great pick-me-up because it’s enriched with caffeine and cocoa that just wakes up your skin. Even the sleek black packaging is perfect in easy to use tubes which guys just love. I was overall very satisfied with their new men’s skincare collection(my editors know how tough it is to get me to adopt a new regimen) and excited to try some of the other Optimale products such as:

• Deep Cleansing Gel
• Regenerating Care
• Refreshing Eye Contour Care

Ladies, I invite you to tell your guy about Payot Optimale if you want your man feeling smooth. I know he’ll thank you for it (just before you thank him)!

Check out more of Payot-Paris luxury skincare collections at payot.com.

I have the kind of dad who loves power tools, gadgets, and construction-y type things. Every Father’s Day, Dad gets a power tool or a gift certificate to the Home Depot. Then I got to thinking: every year we give Dad these presents and then we (including Mom and my brothers) have a corresponding list of home repairs we need help with. While every dad loves to feel needed by his family, I thought, wouldn’t it be nice to give him gifts this year that he can truly pamper himself with? I mean – the man deserves a day off!

Cologne:

Maybe Dad wants to smell nice when he takes Mom out on the town (they love The Melting Pot).

I like Creed’s Green Irish Tweed. It’s got notes of French verbena, Florentine iris, violet leaves, sandalwood from India, and ambergris. Plus the name seems perfect for my Irish dad. It retails from $122-250.

Burberry London by Burberry for Men is also a great choice. It has top notes of fresh bergamot, black pepper, lavender, and spicy cinnamon leaves; heart notes of Leather, mimosa flower notes, and port wine; and base notes of tobacco leaves, guaiac wood, dense oak moss, and soft opoponax. Totally masculine (which is important for a tool-toting dad). It can retail anywhere from $40-70.

Shaving Items:

Most dads need to shave everyday. Mine likes to keep a full moustache and beard, but he likes to keep it trimmed and neat. Some cool items to get dad:

Clinique Deluxe Great Shave Kit, is available at Sephora. This includes an Aloe Gel: An oil-free, cushioning lather with aloe to help calm razor burn.; Face Scrub: Great for removing dead flakes, lifts beard hairs, and prepares the way for an amazing shave; and the Post-Shave Healer, a light lotion that contains aloe to comfort and help repair minor nicks – all is a signature black toiletry bag. $45.

Anthony Logistics for Men A Clean Start Kit

This everything a man needs to start the day fresh and well groomed: cleanse, exfoliate, prep, shave, and soothe the skin with this set of five highly effective facial care products formulated specifically for men. The set includes a 4 oz Glycolic Facial Cleanser, 2 oz Facial Scrub, 2 oz Shave Cream, 2.5 oz After Shave Balm, and a .33 oz Lip Balm. $40.

And maybe, just maybe, I’ll pick up some power tools too. My dining room could use a chair rail….