Makeup has always been a thing for women to enhance their natural look and it was often said to be the women’s secret weapon to success. Until today, most of us are brought up to believe that men do not wear makeup because makeup generally makes them look sissy and less masculine. However, with the influence of popular culture, things seem to have changed lately as more and more men were seen wearing makeup and using skin care products to improve the appearance. These products can be seen selling at the drugstores now as the demand for men’s facial products is on the rise.
But the truth is, cosmetics have long been used by men to get the greater chance in the competitive society even during the ancient times. The ancient Egyptians, both men and women were known to use kohl as eyeliner to protect their eyes from eye infection. During the Elizabethan Era in England, Queen Elizabeth set the beauty trend for the society and both men and women would go great length to achieve a white complexion and men started to grow their hair longer as well. Since then, the makeup trend continues to grow among men and it is not a new concept anymore.
Men have different skin than women and the men’s grooming brands need to continue educating them as well as make them feel comfortable in the shopping environment to gain sales in this category. Men work to care for their well-groomed style whether they choose the five o’clock shadow or a more clean-shaven look. Unlike women, men’s options are limited when it comes to covering up skin irritations such as razor burn, nicks and acne. Survey results confirm men are more educated now than ever before about skincare problems and solutions.
Image: Brandon Flowers & Adam Lambert
As men became increasingly conscious about their look, some part of the society are growing accustomed to the beauty trend. It was proven that looking good is one of the best survival tips as it gives them more benefits in the society with fierce competition in job and relationship. Hence, men who can take care of themselves including their look are mostly preferable for employment in a company. In fact, even the manliest Hollywood celebrities and musicians were seen donning the makeup trend as well. From a punk rock band to A-list Hollywood celebs, the ‘guyliner’ is no longer a new trend among the men and have gained its popularity.
People often relate the men’s makeup trend to one of the Japanese music culture, Visual Kei. Visual Kei has always been known for their flamboyant outfit with heavy makeup as well as their rock music genre. The culture was once popularized among the independent underground projects and the community was very world. Gradually, the trend gained its recognition and became one of the mainstream culture with the pioneer bands such as X-Japan, Color, The Gazette and so on. However, the trend has declined over the years but the community still remains.
However, Japan was not the only Asian country that has adopted the makeup trend as South Korea is now the melting pot of men’s grooming and skin care products. In the socially conservative, male-dominated country, the feminine beauty is now the market of social success as Koreans are more likely to don the beauty trend. According to Global Post, wearing makeup make them look sophisticated and confident especially during special occasions.
Image: Ren, Jaejoong, Baekhyun
In the K-pop world, male celebrities usually sport the eyeliner look as well foundation and highlighter to make their features pop. The term “flower boy” was then created to describe the pretty boys that are feminine in their appearance. The entertainment companies will do whatever it takes to make the idols look more appealing to the fans. But at the same time, they strive to make the men look masculine as well by making them follow a strict diet and extreme workout. Most boy groups concealed their flaws to make them look naturally appealing but they go for more intense looks for music video shooting or stage performances.
As we’ve mentioned before, makeup for men is no longer a new concept in the beauty industry. However, the majority of men who wear make-up feel that they have to do so secretly because most part of the society still hard it to accept. But, if they wanted to look perfect and all, why don’t they just show to the world that there’s nothing wrong about looking good?
Source: Guardian UK, Global Post, HelloKpop, Yahoo
