Men in ancient Egypt once lined their eyes with kohl to protect their eyes against environmental aggressors. In ancient China, Emperor Hui of Western Han’s personal attendants were forbidden from reporting for work in his court if their faces were not powdered. In 18th century France, it was considered rude if a courtier of any gender didn’t wear make-up while performing their duties. Yet in modern times, society has developed toxic ideals towards masculinity, and self-expression through creativity, including make-up, is commonly frowned upon.
A new age for Singaporean men in make-up?
Enter the era of destigmatisation of men in make-up. Albeit slow, this change can be attributed to social media platforms like TikTok, where individuality and creativity are often celebrated. With woke Gen Zs leading the charge, it’s all about living your best lives as your most authentic selves. The hashtag #boysinmakeup has garnered over 274.8 million views on TikTok and counting. Aside from social media, a recent 2022 study by market research company, Ipsos, has shown that men between the ages 18 and 34 in America are more open to using products like BB and CC creams, mascara, foundation, bronzer and concealer.
Whether or not this is just a passing trend, the data conveys the message that make-up on men is becoming increasingly more accepted by society. In pop culture, A-list Hollywood actors like Johnny Depp and Jared Leto have had no qualms about wearing eyeliner out in public, and recording artistes like Harry Styles and A$AP Rocky have casually appeared on red carpet events with show-stopping manicures on their fingers. This shows that guys, especially those in the creative field, are not afraid of expressing themselves in style, even if it means going against the traditional ideals of toxic masculinity. But what about here in Singapore? Surprisingly, the reaction towards men wearing make-up has been much less conservative than one might expect. Three Singaporean men, Braven Yeo, Kevin Brendan Raj Kumar and Henry Phan, have reported that things have evolved over time, and are happy to share that they don’t seem to have much of a problem when it comes to the subject today.
Braven Yeo, 26, actor and content creator
@bravenyeo Hopping on the trend 💅🏻 #cleanmakeup #menmakeup
Share your earliest memory of wearing make-up.
I was 19 when I first wore make-up. I was going to party one night, but I was bothered by this angry pimple which was sitting on my face. Right after dinner, my friends brought me to a MAC counter to get a concealer and the rest is history.
What’s your most and least favourite thing about wearing make-up?
My favourite thing about wearing make-up is its ability to hide any flaws. If I am going through a period where my skin is not at its best or is breaking out, I can always rely on make-up to help me look presentable at any occasion. The least favourite thing about it would be the additional time that it takes for me to get ready.
What are common reactions you receive from the public when you have make-up on (in person and on social media), and what are your thoughts on them?
I haven’t gotten much reactions in person because I tend to go for a natural look on most days. You’d have to be very close to my face to be able to tell that I’m wearing make-up. However, I have posted a few videos related to make-up on TikTok, and the response I’ve gotten online so far have been supportive and empowering. One particular comment which I completely agree with said, “Make-up will not bother men who are comfortable in their sexuality and masculinity”.
If you could create your own beauty brand, what would its name and mission statement be and why?
I think I would create a brand targeting men that are new or curious about makeup, and I would name it Alpha Beauty. I truly believe that make-up can help to boost one’s confidence, whether it’s to enhance your appearance or hide your flaws. Many guys I know are trying to improve their appearance, but they shy away from make-up because they find that it takes too much and effort. I personally struggled with make-up in the beginning, from getting the correct shade to perfecting the application techniques. So I think it’s important that Alpha Beauty makes make-up accessible, easy and enticing for everyone, especially guys who are curious about it. I would make the products easy to use and also focus on education through tutorials, so that they will understanding make-up’s transformative wonders and will not struggle with it.
Share five of your make-up holy grails with us.
Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ is a must-have for me because it doesn’t just protect my skin against harmful UV rays, but it also doubles up as a primer. I also appreciate that it lends a glowy finish to my complexion but feels completely matte. It Cosmetics’ Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF 50 is my go-to foundation because it’s super easy to blend, provides the right amount of coverage and matches my skin tone perfectly. Tarte’s Shape Tape Contour Concealer blends easily into my skin, and doesn’t leave streaky patches unlike most others. I especially like to use this on blemishes and dark spots. Laura Mercier’s Loose Setting Powder in Tone-up Rose sets my make-up literally for the the entire day. I have oily skin, and this product does wonders at keeping it matte all day long. Fresh’s Sugar Lip Treatment in Plum helps to both moisturise and inject colour to your lips without the intensity of a lipstick. Unlike other tinted lip balms, this one gives the right amount of colour payoff, so my lips look naturally flushed.
Kevin Brendan Raj Kumar, 27, performing artiste and singer
@kevinbrendan #Grwm part 82026
How has make-up and social media transformed your life so far?
I’ve always been in performing arts, where men putting on make-up for stage or shoots was common. So I knew how small make-up tricks could completely transform someone’s appearance. I’ve always aspired to look my best when I’m out and about, which is why I turned to make-up to help me feel that much more confident.
It’s unbelievable how I was once too shy to admit that I was applying blush with my mum’s lipstick when I first started wearing make-up all those years ago. And today, I’m posting Get Ready With Me tutorials on social media. Social media has helped me to hone in on my interest in beauty and make-up. And it helps that all the positive comments I’ve received so far has gotten me to be more comfortable in my own skin.
Name the biggest misconception people have about men wearing make-up?
To me, it is the belief that men who wear make-up are seen as “less manly” because make-up is a “feminine” subject. The concept of masculinity and femininity is so complex. If anything, it takes a man who is secure with his identity to have the courage to go against social constructs and explore the realm of make-up and beauty. Make-up shouldn’t and doesn’t define anyone’s gender identity. Make-up is and should always stay fun. It’s 2022, and I’m sure there are more important questions to ask than “Is he wearing eyeliner?”.
Why should more men start experimenting more with make-up?
We all deserve to look our best. I can attest to the fact that some of the simplest steps, be it wearing a tinted moisturiser or covering up a blemish with concealer, can make such a huge difference on how you look and hence, how you feel. Additionally, the last few years has been rough thanks to the pandemic. So we might as well try to have fun and look good with make-up while going through these tough moments.
If you could create your own beauty brand, what would its name and mission statement be and why?
I would create a brand called “Ooh Beauty”. The idea is that you’ll be so impressed with how little it takes to achieve a glow up that you’ll go, “Ooh!” whenever you look at yourself in the mirror. The brand will be all about keeping make-up simple and transformative for everyone.
Share five of your make-up holy grails with us.
Fenty Beauty’s Match Stix Correcting Skinstick absolutely changed the game for me. Its colour correcting abilities ensures that all the other make-up I use after that to complement my complexion. You’ll get so much use out of Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush because they are so pigmented. I also love that the formula is multi-tasking, so you can use them on your lips and eyelids too to add a rosy glow to your complexion. Tarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Stay Spray Setting Spray is a must-have because it locks in my make-up so well. As someone with a deeper and darker skin tone, make-up transfer can be very obvious, especially when I have to wear light-coloured clothing. I haven’t seen that happening since this was introduced into my life. I also depend on Patrick Ta’s Major Brow Lamination Gel to ensure that my brows stay in place in Singapore’s heat and humidity. As someone with thicker and longer brow hairs, I can assure you that this formula will keep the brows groomed and clean. And of course, any SPF 50 sunscreen. This isn’t makeup but I’m a firm believer in the fact that the best hack to ensuring that make-up sits flawlessly on your complexion is to have healthy, well-protected skin. Sun damage can age our skin so much, so get yourself a solid sunscreen that is packed with protective and nourishing ingredients.
Henry Phan, 27, advertising creative director
@newyorkphan i’m not scared of reptile
How has wearing make-up changed your life?
Make-up has transformed my life in so many ways. Firstly, it has helped to expand my social circle, as my make-up looks are often a conversation starter almost everywhere I go. Experimenting with different looks every day has also helped me to exercise my creativity, which is essential in my line of work as a creative director. As with the clothes I wear, I also express myself through make-up. So on days when I’m feeling lovely and sociable, I’ll create looks with every colour of the rainbow. And if I’m not feeling great, I’ll put on heavy liner and opt for an all-black look so people know not to approach me on those days.
What’s your most and least favourite thing about wearing make-up?
What I love about wearing make-up is that it has a way of really boosting my confidence. I feel powerful and invincible with make-up on, as if I’m wearing a shield. However, because I perspire so much and the weather in Singapore is hot and humid, getting make-up to stay is a real challenge.
What are common reactions you receive from the public when you have make-up on and what are your thoughts on them?
People are a lot kinder to me in real life. Random people on the street will start conversations with me about my make-up, whether it’s on the train or in the lift. I’m surprised that I’ve gotten quite a bit of support online as well, with people complimenting my make-up looks and bravery. That’s not to say that there hasn’t been any backlash. But I choose to shift my attention away from those negative reactions, because I don’t put on my make-up for anyone else but myself. If they get it, they get it. If not, then they’ll just have to deal with it because who are they to stop me from doing what I enjoy?
Do you have any comments on guys and their relationship with make-up?
I think guys here can definitely be more open-minded about the idea of wearing make-up. Things like concealer, foundation and tinted lip balm are great solutions to either hide your flaws or enhance your natural look.
But I also understand that taking it up a notch and getting creative with make-up isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Not only does it take time, money and effort to score a perfect look, but it also gets messy in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. If anything, I’d just like to tell everyone, especially guys, to please not judge when you see others (especially other guys) wearing make-up. Sometimes it’s just their way of expressing themselves. And if you learn how to be curious and compassionate towards people who wear “crazy” make-up, you might actually get to make a new friend.
What is one make-up product that you haven’t checked off your shopping list?
I haven’t tried anything from Pat McGrath Labs yet and I’ve heard a lot of good reviews about her formulas. So if I could get anything, it would be it the limited edition Star Wars x Pat McGrath Labs Eye and Lip Kit. I love how bold and daring the options are in this collection. Plus, I find the juxtaposition between something as “masculine” as Star Wars and something as “feminine” as make-up to be very intriguing.
