Buying Cosmetics for the First Time
On social media these days, it’s not uncommon to see men doing makeup tutorials. From drag to simple day-to-day makeup, more and more men are now open to the idea of putting cosmetics products on their face.
Four years back, during my trip Japan during the coldest time of the year, I encountered the most serious drying and flaking problem my face has ever had. My skin was so terribly dry due to the drastic drop in temperature and they were peeling them out like bananas. Moisturizers had very minimal help. With that, my face began to broke out like it was puberty all over again. I hesitated for a second, but decided to head down to the nearby drugstore to get one of those liquid concealers.
I know, it would have been better if I use BB cream or foundation first, but I really didn’t know what those were. I just knew concealer conceals.
It was my first time using cosmetics off-stage and for everyday purpose. And as a guy, it can feel like a little weird at first. But covering up my acne that day boosted my confidence for the rest of the day - and I was glad that I’d bought the $18 concealer as it stayed handy for the rest of the trip.
Some of you reading now may find me disgusting. It is not an uncommon response. There are after still men, or even women, who find makeup feminine and should be exclusively used by women. I beg to differ.
Why People Wear Makeup
The most common answer today would be because of themselves. They want themselves to look better for themselves, to present themselves in their own way and own style - create one’s own identity. For me, a twenty-year old Asian male, it is the same. I just want to look better - the same way guys spend 15 minutes on our hair every morning before heading out – applying on concealer to hide my imperfections is just part and parcel of the whole thing.
While I’ve stopped using any cosmetics altogether now, because my skin has improved tremendously and I didn’t want to wake up ten minutes earlier to put it on, I do support the use of makeup among men. In fact, when I see men on the streets with very obvious makeup on, I burst into happiness and excitement internally. Progressive society always calls for an internal celebration!
Criticisms and Judgments
Just like many social issues out there today, naysayers of makeup on men are often those who see cosmetics as feminine and threatens the masculinity of men. The way society shaped perspective on certain issues has resulted in the countless negative reactions towards progression and more liberalistic views. While there is no clear right or wrong, I’ve always thought our morals should point towards more freedom and less harm upon others. Cosmetics on men? Who does it harm? Nobody! Stop trapping men under the pretext of masculinity and free our minds instead. To me, makeup is for everyone!
Your Opinion
What are your feelings towards men wearing makeup? Will you see them as less masculine if you know they wear makeup?