F.A.G. Skin and Grooming Products REVIEW from ABOUT.com – a NY TIMES Company From Ramon Jonhson

PUT F.A.G. on your FACE! Gay Product Review
Guide Rating - HHHH

I can't remember the last time I was called a fag so many times in one week. It all started with a simple email that somehow escaped my junk mail filter. The subject line read "F.A.G. Shavetopia" or something else that could be taken as offensive. Given that gay business is my business, I'd become accustomed to personal attacks, some really bad jokes and viruses that even Norton can't handle; but something about this message intrigued me. So I backed up my files and opened it.

The History of F.A.G.
You see, in 2003 a single gay dad and his best friend decided that they were going to reclaim and redefine the hateful word "fag" and create fabulous holistic products with an empowering message. According to the duo, dubbed Grayson Fairbanks, "We all have the power to change the perspective of this world and to transform it into a positive vision." That sounded good to me too, so I gave the products a try. Besides, all I have to do is open up my overstuffed toiletry cabinets (note the plural) to remind me of my status as a marketers dream. It's true; I'll try anything once. The trick is getting me to dabble again.

The F.A.G. Trial
So, when I opened the box full of royal blue bottles with fluorescent green labels I was excited about the opportunity to kick my current products to the curb. My "Fag in a Bag" came with all of the grooming goodies a gay man needs: Body cream, hair conditioner, shower gel, lip balm and shave cream. The premium pearl-colored cream texture of the shave and body cream glided smoothly on all surfaces; the lip balm's lasting coat felt light; and the shower gel withstood the vigorous cleansing task of a post-gym workout. All of the products had a consistent and masculine scent, reminding me that I can be fabulously gay and still be a man.

The F.A.G. Competition
F.A.G. grooming products aren't gag gifts like those cute little soaps promising to scrub your sins away. Using F.A.G. is a posh experience; and when staged vis-a-vis with other high end products, they quickly move to the front of the shelf.

The F.A.G. Conclusion
These eco-friendly products do attract attention, so I suggest you only carry them if you are ready to make a statement. But what better way to take a positive stance for your queerness. "Display your products proudly in your bath, locker or on the shelves," Grayson says. But beware of your scavenger friends- F.A.G.'s a good and very contagious. After my fiftieth F.A.G lip balm application in an hour, a friend turned to me and bluntly asked, "Can I try some of your fag grease?" How could I refuse. I owe it to the world to share my fabulous fagness.