Skin care for men wasn’t even a household name a few years ago. Now most major cosmetic brands carry skin care lines specifically for men and is the social and cultural norm.
So it is no surprise that make-up for men is following suit. It is a multi-billion dollar industry that is yet to be tapped into.
Aside from actors of film and stage, who wear make-up all the time, a lot of corporate and white-collar business men are wearing it more and more.
The look of trendy young men is the smoky eye. Which had its humble beginnings in the British punk scene of the late 60’s and early 70’s.
The key to a great make-up look for the everyday guy is to keep it subtle. (Like a good make-up application on a woman, you shouldn’t see the make-up, just the varying intensity of the colour of the eyes, cheeks and lips.)
The trick to Subtly, is less is more and blend. Like in the film/TV industry, if you can’t see the make-up then you’ve done your job.
The use of
cream-based products is very important to men’s make-up. Men’s skins are 30% thicker than a woman’s. So powders will make men look ashy and ghostly.
Men blush differently then women. Again a subtle cream blush tone is applied
under the cheek bone, NOT on top of the cheek bone. If you do, (on top) he will look too feminine.
DO NOT over tweeze the brows. Keep the look masculine. Again men’s brows grow more when they age. Women’s do not. Just trim the thickness but keep the volume.
For eyes, a little dark brown or in some cases, a black eyeliner is essential. Just apply it under the roots of your lashes of the top lash line. If you see a line, blend to soften.
For lashes, do not curl them (again keep him looking masculine). Just apply a thin coat of clear mascara if he chooses to wear it.
For under eye concealer, very little goes a long way. As with concealing a woman’s under eyes, keep it minimal for maximum effect.
For lips, apply a non-shiny lip balm. However, there are certain lipsticks out there that are made specifically made for men which have a slight warm tone.
For men’s make-up references, just turn on your TV and look at the male news casters, actors and interviews of pro athletes. They’re all wearing make-up and no one can tell if they are. That should be your guide for a well-groomed masculine make-up.
Some guys like to wear a bit more colour. Just apply slightly deeper shades to the above mentioned areas.
I’ve done a lot of Pro athletes and corporate business men. And in their cutthroat industries, a lot is riding on their bottom line and looks goes a long way in business to help in achieving success.
ALWAYS, ALWAYS go to a film makeup artist if you want to have a consult. Today’s make-up counters’ artists only cater to their female clientele, and they have no experience or knowledge on men’s make-up application. I’ve seen it first hand many, many times and the poor guys leave there looking like cross-dressers. Because the girls have heavy hands and their mindset and logic is: “Cover up everything…” They treat a man’s skin like they approach a make-up application for a woman.
This only works if the guy has a genetic skin disorder, severe burn scarring and skin conditions due to health.
Unfortunately, the training hasn’t kept up with the introduction of men’s make-up products.
So in the 21st Century, men wearing make-up is fast becoming more socially and culturally acceptable. Just like it was in the Elizabethan Era.
Husband wearing makeup
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