We all know metrosexual men who take care of their skin, get pedicures, wax and moisturize. What was considered unmanly a few years ago, is acceptable now. But is it acceptable for men to apply make up too? In modeling, men have no option but to apply makeup but are male models comfortable with applying makeup? And do men in other fields use makeup on a regular basis? Sk chats with makeup artists and models to find out…
Makeup artist Namrata Soni says many men use makeup these days. “The most common item men use is tinted moisturizer. Most brands in India now have tinted moisturizers which have makeup in them. Since the tanned look and glowing skin is in, men use bronzers too. Men are really into grooming themselves and use foundation too. A lot of them use lip balm,” she says.
Namrata says men apply makeup when the go for auditions or for special occasions like their weddings or parties. Namrata feels that men’s attitudes towards makeup have definitely changed over time. “Earlier male models ran away from makeup. They only went to those makeup artists who didn’t apply makeup on them. Today models are a lot more comfortable with makeup.”
Model Himanshu Bhasin was always comfortable with applying makeup for work. “It just took some getting used to when I was new. I had to get used to looking up while under eye blush was applied under my eyes. To be frank male models don’t need to apply that much makeup unless we need to have smoky eyes etc. But usually they’re light touch ups and all male models are okay with it. I wouldn’t apply makeup outside of work, though. My skin is fine so I don’t need it on a normal basis.”
Sahil Shroff, Model, says, “I was okay with applying makeup for work when I started out. It’s part of the job and the DNA of the work we do. Sometimes I freak out when I have a lot of makeup on but it’s okay. There’s no chance I’d apply makeup if it wasn’t for work. Maybe if I was playing dress up with a girl at home! But otherwise I think makeup is unmanly. Girls appreciate men who are rugged. I think men should cut down on bad habits and work on making their skin look better instead of using makeup to look good.”
Makeup artist Vipul Bhagat says, “Men have become more conscious of the way they look. They look at themselves in the mirror more than women do. Some men actually have makeup kits. They apply foundation etc when they’re going on dates or going out. Men don’t apply foundation on a day to day basis, though. I’d say about 5% men also use kajal in their eyes. The models and actors I’ve worked with are open to the idea of makeup. For ramp, sometimes we apply kajal for the models to define their eyes. I personally have never put makeup on myself though! I do think it’s feminine to apply makeup. I apply moisturizer and go for a swim or to the sauna but that’s about all the pampering I do for myself. Overall, men are much more aware and comfortable with makeup today. “
While many men are wary of makeup, some are embracing it with open arms. At this rate, you might have to hide your makeup from your boyfriend or husband soon! It seems men are discovering what women did a long time ago; makeup can hide you biggest flaws and be your best friend in times of need.