Makeup For Men: How Much is Too Much?
The other day I watched a video of a guy applying makeup with a big fluffy brush and giving tips that only women should know. The video was aimed at “metrosexual men.” I couldn’t finish it. After stopping the video, I just stared at the wall for a while.
Makeup has been the best thing for some women since beer goggles, and now guys have the same opportunity. But, how much is too much?
In the video I viewed about men’s makeup application, they were talking about blending spray, liquid foundation, cover stick, blushing powder, tanning powder, tanning liquid, face powder, lash and brow gel, mascara, eye shader, contour powder, hi-lighter definition cream, eye pencils, eye powder, and lip serum/lip gloss. FOR MEN. The list of new makeup products for men is endless.
To be fair, I suppose men wearing cover-up may have some practical use:
1. The Practical Side – Non Make-up Look
I can understand maybe using some concealer or bronzer. Something to mask our dark under-eye circles, or pale, pasty skin… That’s not too big of a deal to me. Basically, keeping it minimal but still manly.
2. The Over The Edge Side – “Can you tell my gender?“
If you want full on makeup tips for a man, you will never find them on this blog. You can, however, check out the lovely list of female beauty blogs on my sidebar who can tell you the best lipstick, blusher, and eyeshadows out there.
I don’t understand why a guy would want to use mascara, lip gloss, blush, or eye liner. Unless, of course, you’re in an eighties rock band like Poison . When I was a kid, I actually thought Vince Neil from Motley Crue was a chick - I just thought “she” had a deep voice. Anyway, I’m not a big fan of those little mix ups. We won’t even talk about the “scene” and “emo” kids of today with their eyeliner and girl pants. Seriously.
Zac Efron (teen heartthrob from High School Musical) is a good example of how makeup can make an ordinary young man look immaculate — he’s got his eyebrows tamed and filled in, his undereye circles concealed, and probably some clear mascara — although everyone agrees that he goes a little overboard with the bronzer. His whole makeup look is a bit overboard for my taste, but he’s always got a hot chick on his arm, so something must be working.
Conclusion:
I do not want to have to check to see if some smokin’ hot chick I’m eying has an Adam’s apple. I also believe that lipstick labels should read “Not tested on animals — Nor men.” 
But, I have a confession to make: I once let my girlfriend use concealer and bronzer on my face. I was drunk, and it was for a nightclub VIP party at a beauty bloggers conference in LA. Not sure if that was a good excuse, but that’s how it went down. And if I must say so myself, I looked quite alright that night. It looked like I had perfect skin and had been vacationing in Figi for a bit. Not too bad.
What are your thoughts on men wearing makeup? Be painfully honest!
Peace,
Trent
You Might Also Like:
11 Comments:
Leave a comment
I’d put makeup on a guy
but only to make him look more tan/flawless. Nothing remotely feminine. Ew!
I don’t like pretty boys, I wouldn’t have liked Zach Efron even when I was 18, and I don’t like guys wearing makeup. I wouldn’t even put bronzer on my guy. Concealer for photo ops maybe and removing the unibrow is OK. Otherwise, just work your hair and your style, spritz some cologne, and we’re good.
I don’t like applying anything on my skin unless its really urgent(when its too hot or season change). I like rough look but then it must not be rowdy. Simple and sober with least make up is what I prefer.
LOL I put mascara on my boyfriend one night but it was only for fun.
Ooh Zac Efron - he’s so pretty!
I have thought about it, but no. Wouldn’t mind a larger selection of clothes though—male wardrobes seem always so depressing.
i wouldn’t want a man prettier than i am:-)
Concealer is Ok and bronzer is Ok, lip balm is obviously alright too–as long as it doesn’t look like lip gloss. Anything else is too much. I can tell you that makeup geared towards men is a growing market so you can expect to see more products repackaged and rebranded for men. For example, Yves Saint Laurent launching Touche Eclat for Men in the UK. But I sure hope we don’t have a throw back to the 80’s; I had posters of Poison on my bedroom wall.
funny post! wow you had on bronzer and concealer that night? good job frappelattes!also i have no prob with a man GROOMING his brows.. not arching or giving it a new shape, but grooming so that beastly catepillars aren’t out of control
I personally wouldn’t go for a guy that wore makeup, but I’ve seen done well. With guys, I think less is more. I’ve also seen guys wearing earrings in both ears. What’s that about?
i think a guy should have plain moisturizer on, cuz no one likes an ashy face. concealer only IF his under eye circles are really horrid looking, but it should definitely be applied with a light hand.
btw, nice blog. i love the concept of men being able to find a place on the web to read about grooming tips and such. i know a lot of them are too embarrassed to ask anyone else in person. keep up the great work!
There is NO too much. Dave Navarro and Ewan McGregor both have worn make-up publicly. It looks hot on a man when he does his best to beautify himself.
I hate that women basically are allowed to be what ever a man can be but then men are judged for trying to have a little fun with style or beauty products themselves!
For those who judge others for simple little things like that boo on you. Nobody’s hurting you, leave it alone!