"Should a guy even wear make-up?"
On regular days, of course not! That's my take though, there are some men out there who wear concealer on a daily basis and I am referring to real men! That's not an issue though, if that's what they're comfortable with, let's respect that right?
My guy never lets me touch his face with make-up though! "Darn!" *hahaha*
Men, are getting vain as the years pass by! Just take a look at your beauty supply stores, so many skincare for Men and hair products made specifically for Men!!! I agree that everyone should take care of their looks no matter what gender they may be!
Over the weekend, I had the honor to do make-up for "Accenture Sessionistas", a music band formed by colleagues with the same interest for music! The venue is at the huge Araneta Coliseum and there were approximately 8,000 guests! Huge, huge crowd! I was asked to do make-up for the guys and I am actually glad these guys are game to have their make-up done and they were actually comfortable with it! They're all used to having stage makeups!
Here are some samples of my work and I'll share to you some tips on Male Make Up!
Man # 1 (Band Member)
Skin condition: Oily
Skin woes: redness
Target: Lessen oiliness and even out his skin tone
Man #2 (Band Member)
Skin condition: Combination of Normal and Oily on T-zone
Skin woes:eyebags, pale skin
Target: Maintain normal skin condition, lessen eye bags
and give him a healthy glow
Man # 3 (Band Member)
Skin condition: Oily to Very Oily
Skin woes:Marks on Skin, Oiliness all over and redness
Target: Even out skin tone, try to cover up scars and redness
and lessen oiliness of skin
Man #4 (Band Member)
Skin condition: Normal
Skin woes:Tiny marks on skin, under eye circles
Target: Give a nice healthy color, lessen red marks on skin
and try to cover up his under eye circles
Man #5 (Emcee/Host for the night)
Skin condition: Combination, dry and oily
Skin woes:Pigmentation on his left cheek, pale skin
Target: Cover up skin pigmentation, give him a 3 dimensional look
Things to be reminded when doing makeup for men:
Foundation
- Choose an oil-free foundation
- If client has very oily skin, you can skip liquid foundation, use powder foundation instead
- Choose a foundation shade 1-2 shades darker than their skin tone.
- You can focus to apply foundation only on areas where coverage is needed.
- Set with a translucent powder and do not use any shimmer!
Concealer
- Apply concealer under the eye circles and other places as needed.
- Correcting may be done! Orange for under eye darkness, Green for redness, Purple for sallowness, etc...
Eyebrow Pencil/Eyeliner/Mascara
- Brush brows in place and use a brow gel if necessary.
- Always ask the client if they are comfortable in trimming their eyebrows. Some men are not comfortable having their brows touched!
- If mascara is needed or required, choose a brown mascara instead. One coat is enough.
- Eyeliner: Choose matte brown eyeliner and apply with a "dotting" motion for that 'not so obvious' line!
- You can apply concealer or eyelid base to even out the darkness of the lids. No need to apply eyeshadow!
Contour and Highlight Powder
- Use a matte contouring powder to give a nice dimension!
- Contour the nose if needed.
- I like using a matte highlighting powder to be applied under the eye area for that clean, awaked look
Lipbalm/Lipstick
- Check with client if they are comfortable with lipsticks, if they are, choose a lipstick shade closest to his lip color.
- Apply with a dabbing motion, no need to use a lipbrush.
- If client is not comfortable with lipsticks, use a tinted lipbalm instead.
- If client's lip color is pigmented enough, dab a clear lip balm instead to keep lips moisturized!
Important Note:
- Mustaches and Beards shouldn't be applied with foundation! If client has a lot of facial hair, use a stippling brush and 'stipple' on powder foundation instead for the clean look!
- For photography: dust a bronzing powder all over face in a very light-hand motion for that healthy, suntanned look!
- Always explain to clients why you should apply a bit more make-up especially when they have to be under harsh lighting!
These tips are not for everybody, but when you get to be in a situation wherein you have to do make-up for guys, you get to have some idea! Always reassure them that they don't lose their masculinity just because they wear make-up, it's art, and it's for their own good! They look great in photographs and videos! *winks*
Have you done make-up for men?
How's your experience?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
(P.S. thanks to the wonderful guys on photos for being such a sport!)
