Kiss and makeup!
Makeup on men has been a touchy subject for centuries. Yet in the past, noblemen and other aristocrats not only wore makeup; they layered on brightly colored blush and heavy powder. That’s not even mentioning their shoes, which were stacked as high as their hair — both with ribbons and bows. We’re talking straight, burly men with swords, mind you. So what’s the deal?
In the last decade, makeup has come a long way in design, intention, and engineering. This means the industry can reach a wide variety of male consumers that use makeup — however they choose to apply it. For a late-night drag performance, a celebrity-filled red carpet, a nightclub rendezvous, or the set of broadcast news? Sure. Others only present their full-on “Sasha Fierce” or “Studly Steven” faces for social media, without ever leaving the house.
But for most, makeup is to make perfect what is not: ruddy complexions, scars, dark under-eye circles, or the ever-maddening pimple. On top of that, who can resist a lash enhancer, guyliner, or beefy brow? Or a matte cherry stain on the lips and cheeks?
Factoring in the never-ending Zoom video meetings, FaceTime, and the increasing global fluidity of marketing ads, the boring conversation of people questioning men’s makeup has turned into, “He should have worn a gray-based eyeliner, that brown is too orange-y!” Finally, we’ve become comfortable with daily wear makeup. I always say flawless skin is the best makeup — and goal. But, just in case, we must have an artillery on hand. Generally, blur, spot, conceal, and go is my norm.
I’ve consulted with major brands to make great men’s makeup options available for perfecting our new normal. All of these companies say they support the LGBTQ+ community, with many providing major donations, therapy, protections, and housing to the underserved.
Therabody
Want to counteract skin dullness, scarring, sagging, puffiness, breakouts, tension, or lymphatic drainage? TheraFace Pro is the 8-in-1 beautification tool for you. The percussive therapy motor is coupled with three LED light therapy settings, acupressure pulse toning, cleansing caps, and interchangeable therapy heads ($399). With Hot + Cold Rings ($99). Therabody.com
Repêchage
Healing a blemish or inflamed spot? Hydra Medic Corrective Concealer is a medicinal, green counteractive with seaweed extracts, silver, and C and E antioxidants. A real pre-treat savior to apply before your skin-matched concealer ($29). For added healing, absorb C-Serum Seaweed Filtrate Serum on skin or spots first ($76). Repechage.com
Dr. Jart
Cicapair Tiger Grass Camo Drops SPF 35 is a skin-healing, redness-neutralizing, blemish-hiding, secret-weapon serum. Must have! This green-to-beige formula adapts to your skin’s natural color for a light dewy finish ($48). DrJart.com
Stryx
I love that Stryx normalized retail men’s makeup. Their Concealer Stick glides and conceals easily, then tucks away as a pocket pen ($20). Tinted Moisturizer nurtures, calms irritation, and blends skin tone fast ($25). Pimple Patches are almost invisible, while flattening to speed healing ($12). Nordstrom.com
One/Size
One/Size (O/S) is raising the bar with Turn Up the Base Butter Silk Concealer ($28) and Blurring Foundation ($35), followed by On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray ($32). OneSizeBeauty.com
Typology
Vegan and Parisian, Typology serves Tinted Serum with vitamin C, squalane, and Aloe vera, providing light, luxe coverage ($41). Pair with their Tinted Lip Oil for a barely-there pout ($27). Typology.com
e.l.f.
Providing quality and value, e.l.f. checks all the “free-from” boxes with innovative solutions and shades. Flawless coverage comes as a trio set via the Dolphin Bundle: Power Grip Primer, Halo Glow Liquid Filter, and “O” Face Satin Lipstick ($33). The tightly bound Airbrush Blender brush spreads and blends liquids, creams, and powders ($10). The Concealer & Foundation Complexion Duo Brush means double-ended perfection ($8). ElfCosmetics.com
Fenty Beauty
The Fat Water Hydrating Milky Toner Essence with hyaluronic acid and tamarind from Fenty is next level ($34). Brow MVP Sculpting Wax Pencil & Styler is the best dual tool marvel ($20). FentyBeauty.com
Gucci
It’s simply fabulous at first touch. Infused with hyaluronic acid, black rose oil, and bamboo powder, Gucci Éternité de Beauté is a no-transfer foundation that lasts the entire day — in one drop ($69). Use Sérum De Beauté Mattifying Primer for an underlying glow ($60). In a Met Gala-worthy compact, you’ll find Gucci Baume Nourrissant Universel, a new five-star salve balm ($50). Sephora.com
MAC Cosmetics
MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam just keeps serving flawless, humanitarian greatness year after year. When you spend $19 on a Viva Glam Keith Haring Lipstick, the brand donates $19 to support women and girls, the LGBTQ+ community, and people living with or affected by HIV. A 100 percent donation. Period. (Shades: Red Haring, St. Marks Yellow, Canal Blue.) Pro Palette Paintstick X 12 is a customized palette featuring the full rainbow of 12 body art colors — perfect for Pride ($70). MACCosmetics.com
War Paint for Men
War Paint for Men covers every base with unique products and results-oriented tools. The Liquid Concealer Pen ($25) and dense Application Brush ($12) are fantastic. Tinted Moisturizer is a hybrid infused with light coverage foundation ($30), while the Anti-Shine Powder or Bronzer ($25) with the Metal Powder Brush ($22) finishes your look. us.WarPaintForMen.com
Hi Beautiful You
Be You Skin Perfecting Conceal is a one-and-done option when there’s just no time to spare ($29). Be You Skin Perfecting Tint is your alternative to traditional foundation, BB/CC creams, or tinted moisture ($48). HiBeautifulYou.com
Thrive Causemetics
Thrive Causemetics is on a “bigger than beauty giving mission” with stellar products and equally stellar philanthropy. The brand promotes innovation, inclusivity, and fun for the skincare- and makeup-obsessed. Timeless Ambition Power 10-Peptide Sculpting Serum gives contour sticks a leg up ($78). Saggy, discolored eyelids? Not with Eye Lift 360° Waterproof Primer ($25). Use with dual-tipped Infinity Waterproof Eyebrow Liner ($23) and Instant Brow Fix Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Gel ($24). ThriveCausemetics.com
Mënaji
You’ll find Mënaji in many a newsroom or television studio. It’s simplified, geared for HD, works well, and stays put. Save with the Men’s Camera Ready Kit: Liquid Powder Shine Eliminator, Urban Camouflage (conceal stick), Power Hydrator Plus Light (the first anti-oxidant SPF 30 tinted moisturizer for men), and HDPV Anti-Shine Face Powder ($119). Add the Deluxe Kabuki Brush ($12) and The Fix clear brow gel ($22) and…action! Menaji.com
Dior
Dior. Brings. It. Cult-status Backstage Eyelash Curler ($28), Forever Glow Veil Makeup Primer (worn under foundation for flawless skin) ($50), Backstage Brushes & Accessories ($22-$65), Forever Skin Correct Concealer ($40), and Diorshow Maximizer 3D Lash Primer ($30) are BYOC: bring your own catwalk good. Dior.com
Boy de Chanel
I love Boy de Chanel for its powerful simplicity and precision men’s cosmetics. Anti-Shine Toning Lotion ($65) preps skin for everything after. Fortifying Gel Moisturizer ($80) with Costa Rican green coffee extract is light but rich. The 3-in-1 Eye Pencil ($38) and the dual-tipped Eyebrow Pencil ($42) with micro-brow applicator are indispensable! Chanel.com
Côte
Côte Cares gives to the Trevor Project with No. 55 Apricot Orange Nail Polish or the Jed Foundation with No. 74 Electric Blue Nail Polish ($18 each). CoteShop.co
To Be Frank Nail Color
To Be Frank Nail Color with Boot Camp, Gum (pink), Bleach, or Evil Eye gets my vote and is aligned with the Ali Forney Center, the largest and most comprehensive provider of services for homeless LGBTQ+ youth ($14). FrankNails.com
Oliver Goldsmith
London calling! We all know what OG stands for. But if you need to up your shade game, it should also stand for Oliver Goldsmith. When I saw this super chic brand I said “Yes, please.” I don’t like sunscreen too close to my lash line, hence the big Hollywood specs as shown, Mistinguett ($420). us.olivergoldsmith.com
