THEGAYUK

Tag: MakeUp

All the latest breaking news on MakeUp. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on MakeUp.

  • 82% of men feel they can’t cry in public because of toxic masculinity

    82% of men feel they can’t cry in public because of toxic masculinity

    A survey has shown that a majority of men want to be able to cry more without the fear of being judged, because of, yep, toxic masculinity.

    But crying isn’t the only activity men want to do more of. According to a recent YouGov poll currently, one in twenty men now wear makeup, but the number of those who would actually want to wear it is far higher.

    A new survey of around 1,200 men conducted by Direct2Florist shows that if it wasn’t for the fear of being judged a whopping 65% would wear makeup.

    [totalpoll id=”126354″]

    And judgement from others wasn’t just stopping guys from applying some foundation. Shockingly 73% would be more physically affectionate with friends, 70% would like to admit they loved bubble baths and weirdly 55% said they’d read more novels by female authors if they didn’t feel so judged.

    toxic masculinity is holding back men from doing so many things

    This week, Harry Styles sparks debate by appearing on the cover of Vogue in a dress. 

    Whilst trends are changing, it’s clear there’s a push-and-pull between toxic masculinity and changing gender roles. 

    Toxic masculinity and its prevalence in society is holding back men from doing so much, including, loving musicals, loving bubble baths and worryingly crying in front of other people.

    Simon Stirling, MD of Direct2Florist, said, “Harry Styles wearing a dress on the cover of Vogue has sparked debate about masculinity and gender norms in 2020. Whilst most have seen the look as a positive, some have reacted uncomfortably towards the look. We’ve recently noticed consumer trends suggesting a rise in men buying flowers for themselves and this, along with conversation off the back of the Vogue cover, lead to the debate around what men are comfortable with these days. Our survey has revealed there’s still a long way to go for most.”

    “Whilst some of these, like liking rom coms and having bubble baths are a little bit silly, some, like not being comfortable crying or being affectionate with friends, do suggest the challenges some are still dealing with when it comes to toxic masculinity. This year especially mental health is more important than ever, and with International Men’s Day this week it’s important any men struggling make a point of opening up to friends and family.”

  • STYLE | What’s the best concealer brand for men?

    STYLE | What’s the best concealer brand for men?

    When it comes to concealers, I’ll be honest and say they’re not one of my favourite things. Mainly this is because I still like the natural look, even with makeup on and I tend to find most concealers, are way too full coverage for my liking. Not to say there’s anything wrong with that. If you’re a full coverage qween, then more power to you! It’s just not my personal preference.

    One brand though that has stood out to me recently, is ALTR for Men. I find that they have gotten the balance just right between male makeup and skincare.

    In fact, their concealer is one of my go-to products on a daily basis. The reason I like their Face Fix product so much is just how lightweight and natural it looks and feels on the skin. I particularly opt for their Face Fix Half & Half, which contains two shades of their product.

    One to brighten up under the eyes and the second to reduce any areas of redness on the face. Perfect for those mornings when you don’t want everyone to know you were out a little bit too late last night.

    Available At: altrformen.com

  • STYLE ADVICE | What are the best brow products for ginger guys?

    STYLE ADVICE | What are the best brow products for ginger guys?

    If you’re a blonde or ginger guys you’ve probably got questions about the right products for you, as well as what products will protect your skin. Worry no more, our style and grooming expert Thomas Swallow is on hand to help.

    What are the best brow products for gingers?

    Being a blond guy, I can totally relate to this problem. Unless you have brown/black hair, most brown products tend to be on the golden or warm side of the colour spectrum. So it’s so much harder to colour match a product to your brows if your hair is of a lighter hue.

    Ideally here you’re wanting to define your brows but not make them mismatched to the rest of your hair. For most gingers/redheads, I would recommend opting for an auburn shade. This isn’t going to be a perfect match every time but it will get you on the right track. So depending on your natural brows being either blondish, reddish or brown, you can see which product works best for you.

    My Recommendation:

    I would always opt for an eyebrow pencil or mascara/gel when filling in my brows. This will create the most natural effect possible, adding that bit of definition but not making it glaringly obvious, that they aren’t your natural brows.

    Alternatively, I would recommend eyebrow tinting. I recently went to get my brows and eyelashes tinted at Blink Brow Bar in London. By getting them tinted, you can add the definition you want and have the shade matched perfectly to your hair colour. If you’re interested in learning more about this, check out my article here.

    1) Anastasia Beverly Hills: Tinted Brow Gel: Auburn

    Available at: cultbeauty.co.uk or Amazon

     

    2) Charlotte Tilbury: Legendary Brows: Brigitte

    Available at: charlottetilbury.com or Amazon

     

    3) NYX: Micro Brow Pencil: Auburn

    Available at: boots.com or Amazon

     

    Have you got a question for our style expert? Send Thomas a message style@thegayuk.com

  • STYLE ADVICE | What’s the best way to apply foundation if I have a beard?

    STYLE ADVICE | What’s the best way to apply foundation if I have a beard?

    Ever had a style or grooming question, that you’ve always wondered about but never had someone to ask? Then worry no more, our style and grooming expert Thomas Swallow is on hand to help. This month, he’s tackling the topic of Male Makeup.

    muratkalenderoglu / Pixabay

    What’s the best way to apply foundation, if I have facial hair? If I add foundation to it, it looks a mess and if I don’t I just get a line there.

    The best way to deal with facial hair when applying foundation or any other type of coverage product i.e. BB creams is to not avoid or apply the product directly to the area. What you want to do, is apply the product to the rest of your face/neck (please don’t forget the neck) and then just run the excess product through your facial hair. This way you avoid a harsh line but you don’t coat your hair in product and it just creates an overall even finish.

    My Recommendation:

    I personally would always opt for a BB/CC cream or a light to medium coverage foundation. If going for a more full coverage look though, try and opt for a powder foundation. Powder products will always look more natural than liquid products through facial hair.

    1) ALTR for Men: Blemish Balm

    Available at: altrformen.com

    2) LAB Series: BB Tinted Moisturiser SPF 35

    Available at: labseries.co.uk

    3) MONUSKIN: Perfecting Tint SPF 15

    Available at: monushop.co.uk

     

    Have you got a skin, beauty, grooming for fashion query for Thomas? Email: style@thegayuk.com or visit Thomas on Instagram @UrbanMaleUK

  • Best 5 Grooming Items of the Month

    Best 5 Grooming Items of the Month

    So it’s safe to say winter didn’t say goodbye in January. With snow and icy winds hitting the UK, our skin is definitely taking a battering. That’s why this month’s list, is all about protecting our skin and ensuring we go into spring looking fresh!

    1. STARSKIN: The Leading Man Mask

    Sheet masks have been popping up all over the place lately and there’s a very good reason, that brands are jumping on this K-Beauty trend. On average a sheet mask has a full bottle of serum/essence infused into it and what this means is that our skin gets a hit of moisture, that our daily moisturiser couldn’t even dream of giving. Now although there are many options on the market, our personal favourite right now is The Leading Man Mask by STARSKIN beauty. This mask is not only aimed specifically at men but also uses bio-cellulose technology to hydrate, smooth, energise, firm and refine the skin. Basically, it leaves you feeling red carpet ready!

    Available at www.debenhams.com (£8.50)

    2. Recipe for Men: Anti-Shine Moisturiser

    This isn’t the first time, that Recipe for Men have appeared in one of our top grooming lists and there’s a good reason why! The Scandinavian skincare company don’t throw any punches when it comes to their products. Creating innovative formulas that not only get the job done but do so with effortless style. Their Anti-Shine Moisturiser is no different! This powerful cream will not only hydrate your skin, protecting it from the last of the winter weather but it will hold the not so dewy tube glow at bay. Keeping you looking fresh and hydrated all day long.

    Available at www.mankind.co.uk (£30.00)

    3. Kiehl’s: Buttermask for Lips

    Now lip balms are a thing of mystery for many men. We put them on our lips and they somehow still end up looking like the surface of Mars by the end of the day. So many would think they are basically, useless. The reasoning behind this though, is that many lip balms require you to re-apply on regular intervals throughout the day. Think about it our lips come in contact with food and drink all day long and of course our lip balm is going to wear off. This is where Kiehl’s Buttermask for Lips comes in though, instead of being a balm it is a thicker creamy consistency. Now what this means is that the product will stay longer on the lips, providing that necessary hydration and protection our lips need in the winter months. We recommend applying once in the morning, after lunch and before bed for maximum effect. It’s time to keep those crusty lips at bay boys!

    Available at www.debenhams.com (£22.00)

    4. Björn Axén: Short Hair Wax

    Another Scandinavian brand here and Sweden’s strongest hair care brand to boot. We might as well learn from the Vikings how to survive the winter months, right? Björn Axén’s Short Hair Wax has been a firm favourite of mine since my year abroad in Sweden. This product kept my hair in place through the harsh conditions of a Swedish winter and I’ve sworn by it since, getting some every time I head back to the country. Now a short disclaimer here, this product is only intended for short hair. So if you’re more follicly endowed than me, than this product is probably not for you. The brand does cater to lots of different hair lengths and types though, so check them out and I’m sure you’ll find something to suit you and keep your hair picture perfect.

    Available at www.shopping4net.co.uk (£13.00)

    5. LAB SERIES: BB Tinted Moisturiser SPF 35

    Again another old favourite here. LAB SERIES’ BB Tinted Moisturiser is something initially I didn’t get on with. It was my first step into the world of male make-up when I was at university and well honestly, I made a pig’s ear of it the first time I tried to use it. After looking a bit more into it and admittedly asking a few female friends, I learned how to use it properly and I was pretty damn impressed with the results. My skin tone was evened out and due to the universal shade, there was no visible indication that I had anything on my face. it left me with a naturally glowing complexion and it’s been in my bathroom cabinet ever since. Now I know you’ll all now be curious about how to avoid my initial mishap and make this product work for you. Male make-up can be daunting to the newcomer and my first piece of advice is to remember this is not just a moisturiser! If you apply this product as liberally as your daily moisturiser, you ain’t gonna be pretty and it’s gonna be pretty obvious this ain’t your natural skin. The key with this product is to use a pea size amount and buff it into your skin. If you want to go the extra step, buy a blending brush and it will leave your skin looking flawless! Not to mention it has SPF, so it even helps protect you from the sun and yes there is still sun damage in winter, even though it isn’t scorching outside…

    Available at www.mankind.co.uk (£38.00)

  • This teen is going to “live his truth” despite being rejected by his mother

    Jauan Durbin had a message from his mother saying that she was “disappointed” and suggested that something was “wrong” with the 18-year-old.

    Sharing his heartache on social media, Jauan Durbin, a Morehouse College freshman, has found that there was a lot of support for him, despite a text message from his mother saying that she was “disappointed” and that she didn’t approve of him wearing makeup.

    Jauan’s mother texted,

    “I do not approve of this bullshyt,”

    “Wth is wrong with u. I am so disappointed.

    “U are a male wth do u have on eyelashes, eyebrows and make up. I’m completely done.”

    He rather classily replied “ok”.

    Sharing the screengrab Jauan said that the message sent from his mum hurt but was determined to “live in my truth until the day that I die.”

    The tweet went viral with over 15,000 likes and over 5,000 retweets.

    Speaking to Mic, Jauan said,

    “I didn’t post the original screenshot to put my mom out there. It was more so that I knew there were other people out there going through the same situation that I’m going through, and many don’t know if there’s a way out of it,”

     

  • Why Men In MakeUp Is A Booming Trend: Can You Blend It Like Beckham?

    Look your best this season.

    PROVIDED CONTENT (What Does This Mean?)The festive season is well under way guys and for those of you searching for those last minute stocking fillers for that special man in your life, or perhaps a little treat for yourself, British-based makeup for men experts MMUK MAN are here to help. Proving that a little touch up can go an almighty way, in the bathroom that is, give him the gift of confidence this party season with their expert range of male cosmetic products. From foundation, concealer and bronzer, all designed for men’s skin, right through to the likes of beard filler and guyliner, these skin perfecting specialists guarantee to give complexions all over the UK some serious ding dong this December.

    You won’t have to look too far to see the amount of cute guys out there fully making the most of natural looking men’s makeup products. From catwalks to fancy mags and everything in between, more and more gentlemen are quickly coming to realise how blending it like Beckham himself, can quickly turn their grooming fortunes around. Whilst MMUK MAN can’t guarantee the A-List treatment like super hot Golden Balls, they will ensure your complexion looks cut from red carpet royalty, whether you’re trying to disguise those confidence crippling spots or banish blackheads once and for all.
    Make light work of common facial blemishes with MMUK MAN’s award winning Concealer Stick For Men. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to showcase a nice healthy tanned glow at the office Christmas party, their bestselling bronzing compact will work perfectly for you. Perhaps you’re trying to cover up the signs of a few late nights and want to hide dark circles and eye bags , before the big bash? If so, their Under Eye Liquid Concealer will prove to be your ultimate wingman in your fight for fit skin. For guys struggling with uneven skin tone or patchy beards, MMUK MAN’s HD Foundation For Men and Beard Filler Palette will prove to be your ultimate saviour respectively.

    Encased in black matte packaging, that’s as discreet and as sexy as your new look itself boys, MMUK are proud to catapult your complexion this Christmas and make 2016 the year for you! Exclusively to TheGayUK, we’ve teamed up with this brand to offer you an incredible 20% off your first order using code ‘Special20’ at their online checkout. With Christmas delivery guaranteed for all orders within the UK placed before Tuesday 22nd December at midnight, whether you wish to bulge out his stocking (cheeky!), or catch someone special’s eye, in www.mensmake-up.co.uk you simply must try!

    Of course, it wouldn’t be right mentioning men’s makeup without providing a few pointers in the right direction, when it comes to other on trend male grooming products available this Christmas. Whether your wash bag needs a boost, or you want to think a little outside the box, in terms of what to buy your partner, men’s skin care outfit www.maleskin.co.uk have some fantastic answers. Offering 25% off your first order with code ‘TGUK’, top up on your favourite moisturiser, face wash and eye cream, or instead, make sure your shaving routine remains razor sharp with their collection of aftershave balms, shaving creams and beard oils.

    Brand Partner: MMUK Man