The Male Makeup Conundrum

Words by Matt Huxley

Firstly yes it’s been a while. Secondly I’m not sorry.

I feel like lately the whole “should men wear makeup” issue has been back on everyones lips. With makeup companies for the first time using coverboys, the conservative side of society has been outraged. Why? Because it’s something different. If there’s one thing I know, it’s that people don’t like change.

Frankly I love it. As someone who can rock a highlight like no ones business I’m all for guys breaking into makeup. Why not! As long as you can do it correctly and not turn out like a 2005 Pete Wentz wannabe with bad guyliner. But that’s where I come in. Here are the products you need to ensure that you can do male makeup correctly.

1: A Colour Corrective Powder

Believe it or not, very few people have perfect skin. Most have pigmentation issues and unwanted colour in areas of their face. That’s where colour correcting comes in. Because I have quite a bit of redness to my face I will always go in with a green powder first to counteract this. This BYS one is cheap and blends easily. Using a small brush I can get into the nooks and crannies around my nose and dust it back over my cheeks to even out that tone.

2: A Matched Face Powder

I then go in with a foundation powder. I don’t ever go for a liquid foundation because a powder is far more natural in my opinion. The biggest tip I can give for a first timer is get your bloody foundation matched. Don’t just rock up to Priceline and pick what you think works. Go and get matched at a higher end boutique initially – they aren’t judging you. It’s their job. You can also ask to be shown how to apply it correctly.

3: Shaping

After mattifying your face out with powder, you need to go back in and add some dimension to sculpt and reshape your face (if that’s what you want!). Be sure to choose a colour in touch with your skin tone. That’s where palettes can come in handy, there’s usually a colour to suit everyone. Start off with a cool toned matte shadow to sculpt out your cheekbones and jawline. Add on a subtle highlight (or get dat glow goin) and then brush on some bronzer if desired.

4: Brows For Days

If your eyes are the window to your soul, then the eyebrows are the window frame. Trust me, everyone notices a dodgy ass window frame. Use a clear brow gel to shape and maintain those bushy fuckers. John Howard was known for many things, good brows was not one of them.

5: De-Chap Your Lips

No one likes a crusty lip. The current fave lip balm on rotation is this great Mokosh one. Make sure you reapply daily and before bed to keep your peckers in perfect condition.

PS. Good makeup starts with good skincare ;)

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