La Fashion Bubble

LFB: –understanding the social and cultural stakes of fashion–

Men and makeup/cosmetics: when,where,what?

History:

Men did not wait for the 21th century to wear makeup.

Several artists rocked makeup in the past: Kiss group members, the singer of the Cure…

Moreover, aristocrats and royal men figures used to wear makeup: Louis XIV for instance applied powder on his face, which was a common practice at his time.

During the antiquity Egyptian and Roman men also wore makeup especially during ceremonies.

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Today:

Nowadays, men still wear makeup.

However, their relationship with makeup seems different.

I noticed that more and more men wear makeup. They do not necessarily apply makeup for special occasions or as part of a « costume » (black and white picture below). Some wear makeup on a daily basis, to express themselves.

man-1848960__480.jpg

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In fact, made-up men are more and more democratised and unveiled.

In the recent years, male beauty gurus have been developing (especially on YouTube and Instagram): James Charles, Jefferie Stars among others. I have seen several men rocking makeup in the streets (during PFW and all year long).

What’s more, brands foster makeup and cosmetics especially adapted for men (which did not exist a few years ago).

In fact, Chanel launched a men makeup line called « boy » in 2018.

Furthermore, many brands sell men cosmetics: Dior, Clinique etc.

2020-02-15 20.32.33.png

Conclusion:

Men started to wear makeup a long time ago. However, today an increasing number of men (WHETHER THEY ARE STRAIGHT OR NOT) wear makeup and apply cosmetics.

Why should makeup only be considered as a girl thing? Men are as legitimate as girls to wear makeup.

So whatever your sexuality is, wear makeup/cosmetics if that’s what you want to do (try to let your skin breathe whenever you can though) or rock a bare face if that’s what you’re comfortable with.

Healthy positive male treating sking with lotion after shaving

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

XO

LFB

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Chloé Prat

Chloé Prat is a 27 year-old author and journalist born in Paris. She graduated in journalism, fashion, literature and communication at La Sorbonne, Smith College, Lyon 2 University and ESCP business school. She hosted a fashion radio show in the United States, scripted several podcasts dedicated to fashion and culture and wrote many articles for Mondadori. Today she owns her own fashion magazine, La Fashion Bubble focusing on fashion and culture.


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https://www.elleadore.com/culture/van-cleef-arpels-quand-la-joaillerie-rencontre-lart-45922
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