Lush is a British handmade cosmetics company that is quickly building a following in the United States. Their coalface soap is an excellent product for oily and acne prone skin. The soap is a distinctive black color because one of it’s main ingredients is charcoal, a natural astringent and antibiotic. The charcoal also acts as a very mild exfoliant, giving the soap a slightly grainy texture. Unlike many other lush products, this soap has a very subtle smell (licorice) that does not linger on the skin. Interestingly, this product is also vegan. As Lush hand cuts their soap in the store, it is possible to obtain a small sample size bar to give the product a test run before really committing to it.

I recommend Coalface for the man with oily skin looking for an face cleanser that doesn’t leave behind much of a scent. As an added bonus, this soap will look at home in your shower, on the edge of your sink and at your gym.

Perhaps it seems a bit premature for a Valentine gift guide…but Valentines Days is rapidly approaching! Reservations for dinner, online present ordering, these things take time and planning, wait much longer and all the best restaurants will be booked up. So, over the next week the Charming Dandy will provide a guide to Valentine’s Day. First up, chocolates! These days a box of chocolates need not be a tasteless Valentine cliche, there are several companies specializing in delish high end chocolates which are sure to impress your sweetie. The beauty of chocolates is that they are appropriate at any stage in your relationship, perfect for a spouse or for a third date. Vosges is one of my favorite shops, offering high end chocolates with creative fillings artfully presented. Here are a few of my top Vosges picks for Valentines Day:

• For the extravagant lover who wants to shower their lover with a year of goodies, the Chocolate of the Month Club sends a different 9 piece truffle set every month or every two months.
• The Marchesa Truffle Collection is a nine piece set of black salt caramel covered in dark chocolate and decorated with edible pearly dust. These beautiful truffles are sure to take your lover’s breath away.
• The Hip Hop Collection will be a huge hit with any gourmand. This set of nine truffles features gold leaf floating a top a white chocolate Krug champaign truffle.
• The Aztec Tower is a chocolate collection that will surely add a little spice to your love life. This three part tower includes a nine piece truffle set, a delicious Aztec chocolate bar (one of my favorite Vosages bars flavored with cinnamon and chillies), and a decadent drinking chocolate.
• Finally, the Exotic Truffle Collection offers a great selection of different truffle offerings for when you just can’t decide what your lover might like best!