Hey Troy,

I hadn't thought about your climate being so much drier, so I guess that, coupled with the density of your beard, means you need a lot of oil. If it doesn't look or feel oily then grease 'er up!

I certainly wouldn't call myself a stache pro! Stache enthusiast, hell yes, but no pro. The only real suggestion I have, based on my own experience as another guy with a bushy beard, is that I find I prefer the look and feel of just combing my mustache into my beard. I apply balm to everything, mustache included, comb it through, and then just lift my mustache away from my mouth and sweep it to the sides with my fingers. That's it, all done. Back when my beard was shorter I used to lift it up more as you did here, and that look is great on you, but eventually my beard got so big it didn't make much difference, and I think the same will happen to you in a few more months.

Keep those 'how to' posts coming. It's always fun to see how other guys manage their beards and yours will be especially entertaining once it gets huge

Cheers!
Tom


Some helpful links:
Library Central of Beard Growing


Taming the Wild Mustache
Tips for eating and drinking with a big mustache

Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a habit. ~ W. Somerset Maugham
A jerk with a beard is just a bearded jerk, but a bearded gentleman is awesomeness personified. ~ Triibeard