Real Men Wear Makeup Too

I always thought that it was a little unfair that women could transform their faces by cleverly utilizing a cornucopia of makeup while men had to settle for the faces that they were born with. However, after researching the history of makeup, I realized my belief was flawed and that in the past both men and women used makeup for various purposes.

Makeup, often seen today as a realm dominated by women, has a rich history featuring men. This history is intertwined with masculinity, power, and expression. In ancient Egypt, it was believed that makeup possessed a magical quality. Men adorned their eyes with kohl, a dark cosmetic made from lead-based minerals. They believed the cosmetic not only enhanced their appearance but improved their vision and provided protection against the harsh desert sun. In addition, it was thought that darkly lined eyes channeled the power of the gods, merging practicality with spirituality.

Makeup for Roman and Greek men took a more subdued but equally symbolic turn. Roman emperors used powdered lead or chalk to whiten their faces to signify their royal status. A suntan indicated that the man was a part of the laboring classes who toiled under the sun. Greek men applied light oils and pigments to highlight their features as glowing skin symbolized vitality and health, and these characteristics were associated with the aristocracy.  Unfortunately, it wasn't discovered until many years later that blindness was a frequent side effect of the lead used in the makeup of these eras. 

The Renaissance saw an explosion of artistic expression, and makeup became a tool for self-expression as well as for creating a polished appearance. Monarchs like England’s Henry VIII and France’s Louis XIV  embraced powdered faces and adorned their lips and cheeks with subtle colors.

The use of makeup among men diminished during the Industrial Revolution, as society began to associate cosmetics with femininity. However, stage and screen actors relied on makeup to transform into characters.

And who can forget the smoldering eyes of the 1920s silent film star Rudolph Valentino, who was a makeup master and perfected the use of dark eyeliner or kohl to achieve his dramatic Latin lover look?

 The advent of rock and glam culture in the 1970s saw icons like David Bowie and Prince use makeup as a form of rebellion and creativity. For these men, eyeliner and bold lip colors were not just cosmetic but statements of individuality and freedom. This era of free expression flaunted the concept of gender ambiguity.

Today, men aren’t embarrassed to admit they want to look good.  Products like concealer and foundation ensure that a man doesn’t have to expose to the world a face covered with blemishes, dark circles, and redness. Eyebrow gel tames scraggly eyebrows. Lip balm hydrates lips, and bronzer provides a subtle glow to create a healthy appearance. A touch of mascara gives eyes more depth and impact. Products like glitter and face paint are generally reserved for men who are entertainers or attending a high-energy dance party like a Rave.

It isn’t unusual to find men shopping in the makeup aisle at the local store. What began as a tool of power and divine connection in ancient times has evolved into a symbol of self-expression, proving that makeup has always been more than skin deep.

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