Why more men wear make-up than you think (and how to get it right)
In a recent survey by Direct2Florist results showed that 65 percent of men would wear makeup or concealer if there was no fear of being judged by others. In another study by YouGov from 2019, it revealed that 1 out of 20 men now wear makeup. I can attest to the latter research.
Out of necessity more than anything, I first dabbled in makeup when I was in my late teenage years when I saw another man experimenting with it. It wasn’t Freddie Mercury or Elton John, but rather in fact, Scott Disick from the reality TV show, Keeping up with the Kardashians, in an episode where he’s caught using his girlfriend's tinted moisturiser.
Makeup has been part of manhood since the dawn of time. It’s no secret that King Louis XVI partook in what some may call the process of vanity and he really led his country's obsession with wigs and face painting. It’s in the Frenchman lineage to want to look good. Emmanuel Macron reportedly spent €26,000 on makeup in his first three months as president. Since the mid-90s metrosexuality has been on a rise with a slew of professional Wall Street men who curate every inch of their lives.
John Lewis introduced War Paint For Men at the beginning of the year, targeting men who wear makeup. The department store has carried Tom Ford’s men’s makeup line since 2015 with steady growth, but this year it grew by 99 percent.
I can tell you now that you don’t need to take out a mortgage for some good invisible makeup to fix the results of broken sleeping patterns and on-and-off gym routines due to the pandemic.
AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, £38, Murad; The Radiance, £64, Seed To Skin; Face Fluid Line F, £62, Susanne Kaufmann; Ski cream, £90, Dr Barbara Sturm
The first stepping stone to putting anything on your face is to exfoliate with a gentle product. Murad’s AHA/BHA is a one trick pony when it comes to cleansing, it works for all skin types and there’s no foam involved which can be troublesome for those with problem skin.
As someone with naturally red and easily irritable skin, I often find it hard to trust a moisturiser, which has led to my trial-and-error of finding the best ones. Dr Barbara Sturm’s ski cream has been one of my 2020 highlights for its mattifying effect. The winter moisturiser uses hypoallergenic and antibacterial ingredients such as jojoba oil and purslane extract.
There are three categories to consider when it comes to choosing the right makeup for yourself and this all comes down to what you’re trying to achieve. Don’t be swayed by the easiest option, but rather one that will benefit your needs and has mileage in what you are paying for.
Instant Eclat, £64, Sisley; Boy de Chanel Concealer, £34, Chanel; Touche Éclat Illuminating Pen, £27, Yves Saint Laurent Beauty; Prima CC cream, £30.40, Giorgio Armani Beauty; Tinted Moisturiser, £35, Laura Mercier at John Lewis
Primer
A primer is often used as a base to create make up masterpieces on top of. However, in this case, a primer can be your quick-fix to controlling oily or dull skin with just a simple pump all over your face. More often than not, they are translucent and will not transfer onto shirt collars. Sisley’s Instant Eclat is an after gym favourite of mine because it's refreshing and light. Be sure to avoid anything harsh right after intense exercise.
Concealer
The most hardworking product you will come across in any washbag is the humble concealer. The process is easy — dot it around the majority of your redness, but leave some areas clear on both sides of the cheek for some natural blush to avoid resembling Capser the Ghost who just saw another ghost. Blend in with your fingertips and you’re good to go.
Chanel’s Boy Concealer has a dark discreet packaging and fits into any blazer pocket. Laurie Cilberto, Beauty Buyer for Make Up at John Lewis says that “Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer is a popular choice for our male consumers as it is compact, and subtly covers dark circles and blemishes.”
Tinted moisturiser
And finally, the tinted moisturiser. The properties of a tinted moisturiser are very light, even more so than a concealer, but the tricky part is the application of it because it’s going all over your face for a subtle sheen. I'd like to believe Jude Law in The Holiday was a man who swore by the tinted moisturiser.
Squeeze half a teaspoon in the palm of your hand and spread across your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin until there’s no more product left. Using a brush go in a circular motion until everything blends into your skin. I use Chanel’s highlighter brush that folds in and out like a click pen like most of James Bond’s gadgets. Give it a go. After a year like this, shouldn't we all revel in vanity?
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