There's no need for the word "metrosexual" in Italian, since Italian men have always paid special attention to their hygiene. This fall, primp like they do in Parma.
Colgate Total will clean your teeth, but Marvis Jasmin Mint Toothpaste will cleanse your palate. An invigorating note of jasmine leaves your mouth feeling as though you've eaten a scoop of sorbet.
$8.95, www.bigelowchemists.com
Barbasol shaving cream helps you shave, but Proraso Shaving Soap helps your skin. Formulated in Florence fifty years ago, Proraso is Italy's best-selling shaving cream, perhaps because it is enriched with eucalyptus oil, which softens and disinfects to prevent bumps.
$9.95, www.sesto-senso.com
Scope's ingredients look like they belong in floor polish; Santa Maria Novella Dental Elixir's look like they belong in your mouth. Do you want to rinse with benzoic acid or with clove, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, myrrh, sandalwood and nutmeg? We'll take the latter.
$35, www.lafcony.com
Johnson & Johnson floss does the job, but Alessi's Otto Floss Holder whistles while it works. Designed by Stefano Pirovano in 1998, this little guy stores dental floss and is the easiest way to persuade a bambino to floss.
$14, www.unicahome.com
The Ralph Lauren Royal Oxford Robe is good for lounging, but the Bellora Emilio Waffle Robe is good for luxuriating. Trimmed in linen, the robe's cotton waffle weave is absorbent, quick drying and actually softens with washings.
$99, www.bellora.it
Old Spice deodorant took care of your father's needs; Acca Kappa's White Moss Deodorant Spray will take care of yours. Rich with lavender and juniper, the spray gently prevents odor, and, like most Italian deodorants, it won't clog pores to prevent perspiration.
$16, www.shopaccakappa.com
Gilette's Mach 3 razor will leave you feeling shaven; Acqua di Parma's Razor and Brush will leave you feeling like royalty. The stylish set is made by top Italian craftsmen and boasts wood detailing and silver-tipped badger hair.
$275, razor with stand, $310, brush with stand, www.saksfifthavenue.com
