Makeup for Men
Makeup For Men
Now this is tough, for many reasons. First, you have to realize that you need makeup, and that it isn’t some prank. Also, you have to understand that makeup does not instantly turn you into a sissy. Unless, of course, you wear it all the time. 
First, you have to find makeup that matches your complexion. Most likely, you won’t have it lying around. The few items that a guy needs are relatively inexpensive, so let Mom drag you through the makeup section of your local pharmacy or superstore. Fortunately, if you do this, it makes her happy (you’re spending time with her, right?), AND she can help to ensure you get the right colors. Best of all, you have a built-in excuse for the makeup… it’s Mom’s, isn’t it? Read the following to your Mom: all you really need is foundation, concealer if there are bruises or heavy acne, and powder. Mom’s earth tone eyeshadow and bronzer/blush are perfect. If she doesn’t have them, you’ll have to get those, too.
You’ll need to start off by washing your face, ears, and neck, as “guy clean” usually isn’t clean enough. Then steam your pores by wrapping your face with a hot, but not-too-hot wet towel. This actually feels really good. If you have facial hair, and will be shaving, do so after the hot towel, then lotion face and neck.
Get Mom to help (or wait till you get here, and we will help) with the following…
After the lotion has had a chance to sink in, mix a small amount of foundation with a little light moisturizer, to help it spread and to decrease the gunkiness. Smooth this all over face and neck, in a single layer. This doesn’t need to be troweled on, it’s only there to smooth the skin a tiny bit. Guys are *supposed* to be all rough and wrinkly. Follow this with a light coat of powder, after giving the moitsturizer/foundation a chance to sink in.
Now, eye makeup will be very different for men, as the method given for women makes the subject look young and innocent. Using it on a man will look a little silly.
Unless the guy in question is very pale, you won’t be using a color eyeshadow. Use only the neutral color, and only on the eyelids to the eyelid fold. Don’t make the heavier point at the edge, but do remember to blend the shadow well.
On paler men, a slight touch of color on the lower edge of their eyelid is natural, the shadow color depending on their complection. In this case, however, pale blonds *and* redheads should use blue.
On the not-so-pale guys, use a bronzer if you have it handy. The foundation, while smothing out the skin a bit, will make him look washed-out… apply it in the same method as blush on women. If younger, on the apples of the cheeks, if older or more angular, just above the hollows. Also on the hollows of the temples, the chin, the nose, and the right side. For the pale ones, use a small amount of blush in a complimenting tone.
Use the powder again, but gently over the bronzer. If the man has a pinkish complexion, a small amount of blush with the bronzer may be a good idea, but remember to powder again. He may look a little dusty, but the skin’s natural oils will take care of that after a few minutes, and above all, he should not be shiny.
Lipstick on men has to be done very carefully, so a very light coat of chapstick is fine.
Eyeliner and mascara should always be brown on a guy. Even if you have naturally black hair, black eyeliner and mascara will look strange. For dark brunettes, use a dark brown, and a lighter shade on everyone else. Don’t use much of either, and the liner only goes lightly on the outside edge of the upper lid. Blend well, and if you look a little odd, go ahead a put a small amount on the lower lid. Tiny amount. Tiny. Even less than on a woman. Try to keep the mascara as a light coat on the tips of the lashes, as men usualy have longer, thicker eyelashes than women. Also remember to use an eyebrow brush!
