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.

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.

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.

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.

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

XO

LFB