In America, we see representations of beauty everywhere - Covergirl using female artists such as Taylor Swift to display its most natural products, Cosmopolitan magazines with beautiful women wearing top-brand foundation products, and large billboards displaying female models batting their lashes with Loreal’s newest mascara. When we talk about “makeup”, we think of it as a means of enhancing physical beauty. Yet, when we look to magazines, television screens, and images outside our car windows, is that really all the media is instilling in our minds?
Two pressing misconceptions in American society are that beauty is a universal standard and that it only pertains to women. One would be sorely mistaken to assume that one body image is able to apply to every worldwide variation of what is considered physically attractive, and more importantly, that physical attractiveness is a product of evolution. Put simply, beauty is a social construct that exists in the mind, and is therefore, something intangible and free of gender constraints. Therefore, who said men can’t look glamorous too?!
A recent and exhilarating movement in the social media sphere has recently touched on this matter, and is forcing social media fanatics to pause and scroll back up through their feeds. The #boysinmakeup movement is breaking the Internet with world-class, male, makeup artists who are beginning to showcase their talents. Their goal? Breaking cultural norms of what is considered beautiful.
The following men show us that with just a little eye-liner, they, too, can look as beautiful as any woman:
1.
Gino Baileau, an international, award-winning photographer who represents the LGBT community displays a male model wearing Chanel’s gel-based, bronzer. The product provides a sharp emphasis to the cheekbones – perfect for the next Instagram selfie!
2.
Manny Gutierrez, a major supporter of men gaining cosmetic recognition, displays MAC’s Prep and Prime Fix. This serum not only hydrates the skin but also leaves it glowing in the light all day long.
If you’re a male looking at these pictures and thinking to yourself, I’m no model. I have no desire to look glamorous. There’s no way I’d ever post a picture like this, I have not forgotten about you. For the following average-looking men who share a similar mindset with you, they, too, have fallen in love with makeup.
3.
Are you a Drake-lover?
4.
How about Kanye?
5.
Everybody loves Bruno Mars.
And for the average-looking male who enjoys the natural glow...
6.
A little foundation that perfectly matches this man's skin tone adds highlights to his face, allowing him to truly glow in the light!
7.
This man uses concealer to clear away minor blemishes while finishes off with a warm, medium-toned powder.
8.
Using both foundation and concealer shaves off at least a couple of years for this man!
So, men, the next time you happen to stumble across your mother or sister's makeup that is scattered across the bathroom counter, look at yourself in the mirror and believe that a little contour never hurt anyone.
