Makeup for men
A recent AskMen article looked at the question of whether or not men should wear makeup. It’s something I’ve never completely understood, except on rare occassions like a wedding or photoshoot or whatever.
According to the article, 20% of men think men should wear makeup (’cosmetics’ being a word men use more often). That’s a high number.
What are the reasons to wear maekup, according to the article?
- ‘today’s man’ should be concerned with his looks
- to cover razor nicks or dark eye circles
- to have good skin (cleansers, moisturizers) – Arieanna approved
The world of men’s skincare products has moved from aftershaves and special men-only moisturizers to include entire skincare lines and brands dedicated to cosmetics only for men. A simple search for shaving products will bring up more brands than ever before – the men’s cosmetic & skincare market is booming (making more than $1 billion in the US).
For some men, the transition was smooth. The market evolved so slowly that adding more skincare products seemed like a good idea. TV shows and magazines tout ways to keep skin healthy and young looking. I totally concur with all the marketing as far as skincare is concerned – it’s about being healthy and it’s taken a long time for men to realize all the creams and gunk can be good for you.
But the evolution to concealers, eye liners and all the rest… perhaps I’m not even metrosexual enough to understand.
What kinds of makeup are tailored to men?
- concealers (cover blemishes)
- foundations (even skin tone)
- bronzers (to accentuate, look tanned)
- eyebrow pencils (to fill in)
- undereye cream (reduce/hide puffiness)
- beard shading (for the 5 o’clock shadow look)
- lots more!
The age is telling: men spend more time in front of the mirror, and traits once touted for all men – the manly, brawny, scruffy guy – are no longer in. They are being replaced with a more polished guy – a new more ‘feminine’ reality, according to the article.
I do personally think there is a line – both for men and women. This self-critiquing bullshit goes too far. There is a line beyond being put-together and polished, and that is primped and plastic. Let both genders learn to draw the line appropriately.
It wouldn’t hurt. Might take some pressure off crossdressers.
sooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!
I’ve worn light makeup for years. I’m shifting my appearance to become more feminine everyday. I started to add eyeliner and mascara to the usual foundation lipgloss and eyeshadow. I enjoy the ambugity my appearance create in peoples minds and am often mistaken for a woman. have i gone too far