What is Makeup For Men?
A generation ago, men never wore makeup. In the present day, while it is by no means the norm, more and more men are wearing makeup. And no, this phenomenon is not limited to actors onstage or men in non-traditional roles such as transsexuals. These days, macho men may be wearing makeup without anyone else knowing.
The most popular men’s products are bronzing powder, concealer and beard corrector (a men’s equivalent of an eyebrow pencil). Men that use makeup will typically own only one or two products bought for a specific purpose that they build into their morning grooming routine. In contrast, women are usually in possession of a range of different makeup products and will use a selection that will give a specific desired look for the day based on current trends and her outfit.
The major use of men’s makeup is to correct perceived flaws, whereas women (while they also use it for this purpose), will often use makeup to accentuate positive facial attributes. Men don’t want anyone to know they are wearing makeup, whereas women may feel under-dressed if their makeup is too discreet.
These differences in approach to makeup between men and women mean that makeup vendors have been quick to produce and sell lines of makeup designed especially for him. Men who use it report that men’s makeup has allowed them to present themselves better, leading to projecting more confidence, which may then translate into an improvement in job or relationship status. Does this mean that men who don’t use makeup will soon be at a competitive disadvantage? No.
Jobs and relationships are based on factors other than a particular shade of bronzed skin. Rather, men are increasingly choosing to add a product or two with color correction to their daily routine, and both men and women would do well to be aware that what they call ‘makeup’ is not at all the same thing as what the other gender uses.
