MEN
VS
F
MAKEUP
Throughout The Years
or over 2,000 years, men having been wearing makeup, yet there is still a perception it is a sin for
anyone but women to wear it. Over the most recent years, the connotations of men wearing makeup are
finally beginning to be challenged. With the rise of social influencers, campaigns and brands showing their
encouragement for making this taboo subject metrosexual. But here is the proof it has been going on for a
lot longer than we thought.
Throughout the 18th Century, it was profoundly
common for those in a royal power would wear
makeup. Typically using a stark white powder
over their face and body to show off their regal
highness. Some, would draw on a faux mole
which once represented power and wealth.
As the beginning of Hollywood films came
about, it became imperitive for both men
and women to look flawless on screen. They
would use concealer under their eyes, tinted
moisturiser to even out their complexion and
mascara to contour to accenturate their bone
structure.
As the rise of popstars and vocalists, the
pressure for men to look good multiplied. With
the likes of Bowie, Boy George and Prince, men
in make-up wasn’t an uncommon sight.
The early 00s was in full swing of the pop-rock
singers around the world, and the beginning of
the fading lines between gender. Men’s make-
up lines were introduced to the shelves as the
likes of Jared Leto, Adam Lambert and the
band Fall Out Boy took to metrosexual beauty.
We have come along from using black kohl and
white face powder. Over the most recent years
we have seen a huge leap for gender equality
and acceptance of metrosexual make-up.
Brands such as Chanel, L’Oreal and War Paint
have introduced their first male make-up line.
“
400 BC
18th CENTURY
1930s
1980s
EARLY 2000s
2019
^
Make-up played a substantial role in 400 BC.
Typically worn by many ancient Egyptians as a
symbol of masculinty. Notorious for creating the
cat-eye make-up look, Egyptian men used black
kohl around their eyes not only for vanity, but to
show their wealth and power.
“
CEO and founder of The Book of Man believes you can certainly still be masculine and wear
make-up, but more excitingly they can also be more feminine in doing so. Everyone has mas-
culine and femenine qualities, so what a good way to explore those things.
66% (39 people) do not feel like all communities are catered for
in the makeup industry.
18 | W I P E D | Issue 01
www.wipedmag.