Seasonality affects so much of the world around us. With spring in full swing, it's important to take a moment and lively up yourself, as a famous reggae artist once said. So what makes spring different? It is an in between season, similar to fall, only without the dread of knowing winter is coming. It is a time to renew, reflect, and embrace earth - the sun, flowers, leaves, and much more. Much the same way you (hopefully) clear out the clutter during spring cleaning, its important to freshen yourself up as well. Here's how: 

All Things Wardrobe

My #1 tip is to get friendly with your dry cleaner. Bring your cleaners all those winter jackets, heavy sweaters, scarves, and cardigans; That way when winter rolls around later in the year, you've got fresh, clean items ready to wear. Store all that winter bulk away and forget about it! It's time to unpack those v-necks, shorts, and colorful items. 

Shopping list item: Invest in a new pair of casual white sneakers. They're super versatile and can be worn with shorts, jeans, or even with a button down and vest for those still chilly spring mornings. 

Accessorize Appropriately 

The sun is finally staying out past 7pm again, hooray! Make sure you've got a good pair of sunglasses in your bag or in the car to handle that evening glare. Not only do sunglasses look great, but they'll save your eyes from damage. A good pair of sunglasses is a great investment that you'll have for years to come, so choose wisely and make sure you have a pair that match the shape of your face. 

As men, we don't have to put as much thought into jewelry as our female counterparts do. Though we can and should be wearing watches. Watches are great - they are classic accessories that serve a purpose. These days, I'm happy to wear one if only to save me from being so dependent on my phone. A great watch also makes for a great conversation starter, so wear it with pride. With spring here, it won't be hidden under bulky sleeves any longer. 

New Season, New Activities

It's time to work off some of that winter weight we all deal with. Weight fluctuations are normal, and this season, make an effort to get outdoors and find some great hiking spots before it gets too damn hot. Hikes are an amazing way to get to know your surroundings, bring a camera, a dog, friends, and whatever else you need to make it fun. Get out there early and have lunch at the top of the mountain you just scaled, its a great feeling. 

My next favorite activity? Biking. Weaving through traffic in the city is great, don't get me wrong, but its even more fun to find a nice, quiet, windy road in the suburbs, listen to your favorite song, and just cruise. Dust off those bikes and use them! 

Tame That Mane

Beards are awesome, everyone knows that! However, spring is here! Shave that face warmer off and reveal yourself to the world. If you've had that thing covering your face for the last 4 months, your skin wants to breathe! Its never a bad idea to shave it off, and really get in there for a deep cleansing. Try our men's charcoal facial mask if you haven't already, it will clean out your pores and firm up your skin. 

If you do decide to shave, I suggest shaving like your grandpa. That is, wet shaving using a shaving brush, traditional shaving cream, and a single blade razor (like a shavette, or a double edge safety razor). To find out more, check out our guide to the perfect shave.

If you're holding steady with that beard, make sure to at least use a beard oil daily in order to keep it healthy and the skin beneath it moisturized. Also make sure to line yourself up at your cheeks and your neck to make sure you're not looking too grizzly. Straight razors are really the best tool for doing this.  

Once you've decided what to do with your beard situation, move on to your hair. There's never been a better time than now to experiment with a new hairstyle. So head to your favorite barber and tell them what you have in mind. If you're feeling a bit uncertain, ask your barber! They are experts at what they do, and they'll more than likely know what kind of hairstyle will suit you best by looking at your head shape, hair type, and overall style. 

Let's Talk About Skin

You're finally able to enjoy the great outdoors again without feeling your bones freeze. All good, right? Wrong - sweating is a real issue for lots of guys and it can cause a wide range of issues from acne to foot fungus. Always make sure to wash your face after physical activity or prolonged sweating. Not only will it remove acne causing bacteria, but our charcoal powered face wash will also clean out your pores which will minimize inflammation and irritation. After washing your face, always moisturize to maintain healthy moisture levels. 

As I mentioned earlier, sweat is a real issue, and you'll want to avoid things like foot fungus, odors, jock itch, and acne. Always remember to keep yourself clean to avoid these issues. Shower once per day. Use a facial scrub at least a few times a week to eliminate dead skin and dirt. Try a foot scrub after a long hike. Its not hard to stay on top of your personal health, it actually feels great and can be enjoyable. 

Have Fun 

Spring is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. You're excited about being able to finally shed those layers. You are ready to try a new hairstyle. You're shopping for new and exciting clothes and accessories. Enjoy it while it lasts, it seems like in between seasons aren't lasting as long these days. Before we know it we'll be baking in the sun on the beach and dealing with sunburns. So take advantage and remember, spring is all about renewal!