How to Do Masculine Makeup: 9 Step by Step Guideline

You can hide a feature, or you can add something more. No matter what it is or how you see makeup, there is nothing wrong with presenting oneself with the utmost perfection. So, if you’re on the page of how to do masculine makeup, We’re here for you. I will add that I’m no expert. But I’ve done plenty of masculine makeup while on stage. Our school play would have the role of a knight, and as a lean and tall girl who likes to wear vests, I was always up for it.

We even got to do makeup on other guys. So, with experience, you learn a thing or two. Masculine makeup on women and men takes two completely different tolls. And there can also be another aspect if you’re doing makeup for another plethora of genders. And not everyone likes cakey and blotted makeup. I’d choose a heavy contour on my cheeks and jaw for stage performances. And those are some ways to make you look more on the masculine side.

Here we have included some masculine looks, some to-dos and not-to-dos, and most importantly, a basic guide on how to do masculine makeup regardless of gender. We’ll also include different aspects of looking at things in the case of makeup.

Masculinity and makeup

If we consider American society, even twenty years ago, people considered many things to be solely feminine. High heels and makeup are the first things that come to my mind, which were considered taboo for men. But as time changed, so did perspectives. Men are more into makeup and skincare than before, and it is becoming more and more common for men to accept makeup.

Cosmetic products are becoming mainstream, and gender-inclusive or gender-neutral products are becoming more common. People dislike being surrounded by unrealistic beauty and body standards and usually act “woke.” Self-expression has become a part of the mass, and so has makeup.

Chanel’s first makeup line for men in Korea in 2019 was named Boy de Chanel. And later, the makeup was available in the US. This line supports one of the growing trends in the cosmetic market. If we consider drag queens or Queer Eye, we can easily see how makeup on men has become a thing for men in America. Attitudes are changing rapidly with the most commonly used term, masculinity, for good.

Makeup and skincare are more appreciated, and people have learned there is nothing wrong with taking care of themselves. Men’s makeup and the way to do masculine makeup are nothing new to the society. Yes, people tried to ditch the topic and accept facts like men don’t cry or don’t like things that women like. But men’s makeup was available in every era and every civilization if you’re to think. In the 18th century, European countries wore makeup, too, made out of the lead.

Even the Egyptians and other civilizations adorned their men with natural color, and they considered men to look as attractive and sophisticated as women. But if we are to think of a revolution, South Korean men, mainly the pop icons, generally wear makeup and are pretty upfront on many masculinity topics that western men try to ditch.

Changes with masculine makeup

American or European men didn’t put on any makeup, though their ancestors were heavy on it. Masculine makeup is beyond the male species, but it is for everyone. Egyptian men and women used Kohl on their faces for medical and aesthetic reasons. Red and white-led-based makeup are also prevalent in Edwardian men. They wore it to hide the pox spots, though it led to cancer and untimely death.

In the 1920s, women started to wear basic makeup just to enhance their appearance for men. However, this is where the masculinity terms that exist today begin. Gender ideology and capitalism played a role. There was the idea that women and men are different, and later it changed to anything (makeup) that tries to undermine the whole distinction that the male or their masculinity will discard.

But as for different masculine looks, they remain a cultural practice among pop singers, actors, and artists. If we are to consider them legends, Boy George or Michael Jackson wore makeup pretty frequently. And even Prince and other artists wore unconventional makeup and clothes even in that era.

But again, there came the social stigmas where men regarded “celebrities wearing makeup” as something they would do for performance. In the survey of 2016, 59% of British men seemed to use skincare and self-care products daily, which shows how the social aspects are changing.

Even in Asia, using makeup on men is becoming a generalized factor as almost everyone in front of the camera wears it. And there is nothing wrong with it. Cover Girl and Maybelline have featured men in their campaigns, and they were not seen wearing full faces. This is how changes are made in how to do masculine makeup on men and women.

What is masculine makeup?

Masculine male makeup is to enhance boyish and manly features in men and women. It is different than wearing a full face of makeup in general. Women wear and show makeup in general life wear it to look more feminine. But as for the masculine makeup, it is done to enhance the masculine outlines and hide the feminine trademarks.

Masculine makeup holds different meanings for different people. Some do it out of need, and some wear makeup because of their comfort zones. No matter the reason, masculine makeup is supposed to enhance what you have; you just have to go a bit easy on how you do it.

Most masculine makeup is pretty neutral and cool-toned, and you’ll hardly notice a blush. Later in this article, we will feature every part of masculine makeup and beauty and how to do masculine makeup- a complete overview.

Makeup for men

If you think every masculine male makeup on men consists of RuPaul’s Drag Race look, you are in the dark, my friend. There is a huge difference when you’re doing makeup on men just to hide something or to make it more flawless. And there is always the idea of a subtle, over-the-top masculine makeup look. Over-the-top masculine makeup looks are also different than drag queens’ makeup. Drag makeup is all about their art and talent.

On the other hand, masculine makeup on men is more like a veil, and it’s more like grooming oneself with some extra steps rather than your trimmer. Makeup for men can start with just the basic products, which everyone almost owns, more or less. It’s a one-stage update from your daily lotion and three stages down from drag makeup. As a man, you’ll only be fine-tuning your appearance slightly with masculine makeup.

How to do bolder masculine makeup on men?

Here we’ll discuss how you can do a bold, shimmery makeup look. Remember, this consists of products that might be a little unconventional but are common in the beauty world. Bolder makeup, for instance, takes more products and, like every other art, you’ll need time to perfect it. You’ll also need to look for the products that suit your needs, like a bold shadow palate or a full coverage foundation.

Both natural and bolder masculine looks are different, and here we are, including how to do masculine makeup with bold touches.

Here we have included the basic products to do a bolder masculine look on men. Now we’ll be elaborating on the parts as we go.

Step 1: Primer

Primer and foundation are separate things. Foundation is something you’ll apply before makeup and foundation, and it’ll create a base for your makeup. There are several types of primer, depending on your skin type. Some primer will also even out your skin tone. Primers will help your foundation endure longer and prevent it from moving.

Primer For normal skin:

• Makeup Forever Step 1 Pore Minimizer
• Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Face Primer

Primer For oily skin:

• Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer
• Wet N Wild Coverall Face Primer

Primer For color correcting

• Make Up For Ever Color Correcting Primers
• Laura Mercier Water-based Pure Canvas Blurring Primer

Step 2: color correctors

This might be someone you’ve never heard of before if you’re new to how to do masculine makeup. But color correctors are something that most people swear by. And most professional thinks that men require more color correcting than women as they need more for it. Color correctors come in different colors and are also used for other reasons. For example, a dark circle can be minimized with a peachy corrector.

• MAC Conceals and Correct Pallet
• Ultra HD Underpainting Correction Palette
• Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Vanish
• LA Girl Pro Conceal Set

Step 3: Foundation

There are numerous foundations available in the market, and if you’re going for a bolder masculine look, we suggest going for a full coverage foundation. Foundation is the first layer of makeup, which will hide the blemishes and make the skin more flawless. Foundation can be matte or hydrating, or cushiony. But whatever you apply, always consider your skin tone.

• Nars Soft Natural-looking Matte Foundation
• Maybelline 24/7 Foundation
• Tom Ford Traceless Flawless Foundation
• Loreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation

Step 3: Concealer

Concealers will go on top of the foundation or on the color correctors. Most people use concealer to hide blemishes, dark circles, or for some extra coverage. To get a bolder masculine look, try a full coverage Concealer. Make sure it is easy to blend, and the concealer doesn’t crease with time.

• Fit Me Liquid Concealer
• Dermablend Cover Care Concealer
• Nars Creamy Concealer
• The Makeup Revolution Conceals And Defines

Step 4: Contour

If you’re thinking about snatching your jawline, you’re on the right track to your bold, masculine look. A bold look on a man’s face must require a sharper cheekbone and jawline as per masculine makeup tips and tricks, according to beauty standards. If you look at David by Michael Angelo, you can quickly see how prominent his jawlines are. And for bold, masculine makeup, that can be a standout point.

• Nyx Professional Makeup Wonder Stick
• Maybelline Contour Stick Master
• Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick

Step 5: Blush

Blush is to make us look more youthful. Most Korean beauty brands do a handful of natural blushes on men for their masculine features. But if you’re going for a bolder makeup look, try a more vibrant blush. And try to put your blush on the high points of your cheeks.

• ELF Cosmetics Blush Palate
• MAC Powder Blush
• Nars Cosmetics Liquid Blush

Step 6: Baking

For this part on how to do masculine makeup- the bolder version, you should try using a loose setting powder underneath your eyes and Tzone to brighten up your face. With this technique, the makeup will last longer, and you can avoid creasing and oiliness. Baking will also brighten your under-eyes.

• Fit Me Loose Setting Powder
• Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder
• Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder

Step 7: Eye makeup

If you’re going for a bold, masculine look, give a bit more effort in this section. For example, you can do a winged liner with vibrant shadows, do a smokey shadow look, or even go for a cut crease look. But make sure that the eye makeup goes perfectly with your eye shape. And for more touch, you can use lash and lenses.

• Maybelline Sky-high Washable Mascara
• Gentlehommr Men’s Eyebrow Pencil
• ABH Liquid Liners

Step 8: Highlighter

Now, this is one of the finishing touches on your makeup. A highlighter on the high points of your cheek will enhance your natural features, and it is the ultimate move to achieve bolder masculine makeup.

• Ofra Rodeo Drive
• Milani Baked Highlighter
• Wet N Wild Mega Glow Highlighting Palate

Step 9: Setting spray

This will lock your makeup, and most setting sprays will last at least 6 hours. Setting sprays will also provide different finishes, and we highly recommend a Setting spray on every step of the base if you’re going for a long day.

• Urban Decay All Nighter
• Nyx Makeup Setting Spray
• Morphe Continuous Setting Spray

How to do a natural makeup look on men?

The natural look of men is different in several aspects, and it requires a handful of products to get started. And you can also choose from the products and steps we mentioned previously, depending on what you want to do. Here we will give a step-by-step reference on how to do masculine makeup with natural perception.

We are including an elaborated version of the products with each step.

Step 1: Cleanser

This is an essential step in every skincare and makeup routine. But as you’re going for a light look, you need clean skin. You can use a scrub, mask, or other products to get a more thorough cleaning. And if you want to avoid such consequences, use a product that will work as a deep cleaner.

• Aesop Fabulous Botanical Gentle Cleaners
• Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser
• Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator
• Ceylon Facial Toner

Step 2: Moisturize

You dont want dehydrated skin, so use a moisturizer based on your skin type. Also, makes sure to use a product that provides at least 12 hours of Moisturized skin. Tinted moisturizers can also be a solution in some cases.

• Kiehl Facial Daily Moisture Treatment
• Neutrogena Men’s Hydro-boost

Step 3: Concealer

We do not recommend a corrector for natural looks but rather try a product close to your skin tone. Blend it seamlessly and avoid using too much product at once.

• Dior Backstage Flash Perfector Concealer
• Loreal Paris True Match Eye Concealer

Step 4: Powder

To set your concealer and avoid greasiness, use a powder for masculine makeup tips. It can be a loose powder or a compact; just dab it to set the face.

Step 5: Clear brow gel

Brow fillers like a pencil can be avoided; you just need to brush your brows and set them with a gel to ensure they don’t move all day.

• Gentlehomme Men’s Clear Eyebrow Gel
• Morphe Clear Brow Gel

Step 6: Bronzer

You can avoid this step entirely or if you use a bronzer, make sure to buff it out properly on the skin. Bronzer will provide you with warmth and will snatch the cheeks better.

• War Paint Men’s Bronzer Matte Finish

Step 7: Highlighter

Again you can avoid this step and move on. But for a natural masculine look, use less product with natural finishes.

• Perricone Md No Makeup Highlighter

Masculine makeup on girl or women

As I mentioned earlier, women try masculine makeup more often than men, and I have gathered many tips and tricks to do masculine makeup on women with four years of experience on stage. These makeup tricks might not go with all women. But they are versatile and can be bent according to your face shape.

Here we include a step-by-step guide for masculine makeup on a girl. The tips are age-inclusive; you can add more steps or leave out one or two.

Masculine eye makeup

5 O’clock shadow

You can use a bronzer or a dark shadow (brown or beige) to create a shadow to create a 5 o’clock shadow look on the chin and cheeks. Sporting a mustache will only look fake. So just create some shadow on that place.

Masculine Makeup For Round Face

Women tend to have smaller and rounder face in general. So to try to accentuate the masculine sides, you need to try and sculpt the face. A classic chiseled look is the best way if you want to learn about how to do masculine makeup.

• Choose a pressed powder a couple of shades darker than your usual skin tone.
• Use a big fluffy brush
• Brush under the cheekbones or below the jawline and blend it properly.
• A beauty blender or fingers are perfect for blurring harsh lines.
• The lighter shade beneath the dark shade to highlight.

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Masculine Makeup Looks on Trend

Here we are including some of the iconic makeup trends for 2022. This might be editorial or fashion shoots but can serve as a reference.

FAQ

Bottom Line

Masculine looks are something that is backed up by a different number of things, which include identity and appearance as well as comfort in one’s skin. If you want to do masculine makeup on men or women, there are several options to consider and what features you prefer.

There is no doubt that makeup or enhancing their features was only for women for a long time. And this is what makes everything different in today’s case. As more people identify themselves with different categories (not just men and women), makeup has become an inherent part of every gender.

Makeup should never be restricted to one gender or norm, or culture. Once you learn as a man or woman how to do masculine makeup, you’ll get a clear idea of the points we’ve been making so far. Makeup is above any gender stereotypes and social history; it is about self-expression.

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