In 2019, Chanel launched an entire line of male makeup and skin care products called “Boy de Chanel.” While many have been a bit surprised by this, they should not have been.
History of Male Makeup
Men have been wearing makeup for centuries. In fact, in ancient Egypt, it was the men more than the women who wore makeup. Powerful males wore lots of eye makeup, along with long colored fingernails. Upper class women wore it as well.
During the Roman Empire, upper class men were hedonistic and quite vain. They bathed in oils and perfumes and, yes, work makeup. They used powders to lighten their face and rouge on their cheeks.
By the Victorian Age, both men and women were using lots of makeup but from unsafe materials. In fact, due to the complications. Queen Victoria decreed that makeup was vulgar and not to be used by those in polite society. The Anglican church agreed, saying that makeup was the Devil’s work. Makeup was still used by prostitutes and drag actors. It is at this point that makeup became a “female thing.” Men who wore makeup were considered effeminate.
In the 20th century, male makeup was reserved for actors, both on screen and television, but women took over daily use.
Today, male makeup is back in style, and why not? Male complexions have flaws and needed enhancements. It is no longer considered effeminate for men to use makeup and other skin care products, but many may not know exactly how to apply it or how to develop a skin care routine.
So, for all you men out there – masculinity and skin care/makeup are not oppositional concepts. It’s a matter of understanding how to do it well.
Basic “Rules” for Male Makeup
Makeup is for any man who wants to sport any type of image. In this day and age of tolerance, equality, and acceptance, makeup is for those who are straight, gay, masculine or feminine. It’s also perfectly fine for a man who doesn’t want to wear makeup of any kind.
If you do decide to use makeup to enhance your appearance, then you will want to do it right to achieve the “look” you want. Let’s unpack just how to do it right.
Begin with Moisturizer
Get a decent moisturizer and use it on your face and neck. Look for one that has collagen and vitamins that are good for skin. This will hydrate your skin. If your skin tends to be dry, use it all over, especially after you shower.
Get a Good Base
This is a “toner” of types that will even out your complexion and help to cover up those flaws that everyone has. Sometimes it’s called a foundation. It can be a moisturizer with a tint if you tend to have dry skin, or a full foundation to even out skin tone before applying anything else.
The base also can make you look much younger if you are at that age when those lines are beginning to bother you.
Always smooth that base down into the neck area. Otherwise, you will have a line at your chin and jaw, and it will be obvious that you are using makeup.
Apply Additional Makeup to Trouble Spots
Concealers are the usual term for these products.They come in sticks, jars, and such, and should be applied directly to those trouble spots and then gently smoothed out onto the rest of the surrounding skin. The key here is for them not to be obvious.
Don’t Forget Around the Eyes
As we age, skin loses its elasticity and collagen. This can cause “bags” under the eyes and make a man look “old and tired.” There are a host of products on the market to apply around the eyes to get rid of puffiness. Most of these are temporary, but long-term products that work over time should be a part of your general skin care routine..
Get a Regular Skincare Routine
Skin cells are shed 24 hours a day. A regular routine of care helps to shed them better and give skin a fresh look.
- Use an exfoliant to wash your face and neck. This gets those dead skin cells off.
- Use a toner after washing that will re-hydrate and refresh.
- Apply a moisturizer, preferably one with a sun blocker in it.
- Be certain to take that makeup off every night. Use any number of products on the market that will clean as well as moisturize
Tend to Lips and Eyebrows
Chapped, scaly lips are simply ugly. Find a good lip balm and keep it in your pocket. Eyebrows can use some care too. If yours are not lined up well or are too busy, get a good set of tweezers and get to work. If you are afraid to do it yourself, there are many hair salons that provide this service
Watch Your Diet and Sleep
Choose foods that are high in Vitamins C and E – these are the “skin” vitamins. As much as possible, get about seven hours of sleep a night. This helps to prevent that “old and tired” look no one wants.
Choose The Look You Want for Who You Are
Earlier, it was mentioned that makeup is truly for any man of any sexual orientation.
If you are a straight, masculine professional, remember that less is more. You want to look younger, fit, and distinguished. Be very careful to choose a base or foundation that matches your normal skin tone.
If you are a femme gay, then you may want to be more dramatic with your effect. Lipstick, blush, eyeliner, and even mascara can top off your foundation. Check out the Taimi app where fellow gays hang out and probably discuss makeup in the many chat rooms. You’ll learn a lot and get some great tips.
Enhance Your Natural Self
That’s really the goal of male makeup. There will always be those who would never deign to apply a drop, but they are declining in numbers. Male makeup is here to stay, and it is growing in popularity. And if it enhances your natural good looks, all the better.