Apply Makeup as a Man

A little makeup can go a long way toward accentuating your best features and hiding flaws. Too much makeup, though, and you risk looking "made-up". The key to applying your makeup is striking the balance between how much you use and where you use it.

Steps

  1. Start with a clean face. Do your regular skincare regimen, or follow these tips:
    • Exfoliate. Wash your face with a gentle exfoliant, and rub slowly in a circular motion with warm water to remove dead skin cells. Rinse and pat (don't rub) dry with a towel.
    • Moisturize. Apply moisturizer with a sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher to your face and neck. Allow the moisturizer to absorb into your skin before proceeding to the next step.
    • Wet a cosmetic pad or cotton ball with toner, and pat it lightly on your skin. Toner is meant to restore the skin to its natural pH level and remove any remaining dirt or dry skin cells.
    • Note that if you're going to do this step, it's best to be clean-shaven - little bits of makeup will really stick out on stubble.
  2. Use concealer. When you're shopping for concealer, test it on the veins on your inner wrist, and buy the one that covers them the most naturally. Here's how to apply it to your face:
    • Hide dark circles. Using small strokes, apply concealer under your lower lashes and between the inner corner of your eyes and your nose. Let it dry halfway, then use your fingers to rub it in.
    • Conceal blemishes by going around the base of the blemish in small strokes, then covering the top. Make sure the edges are blended well.
    • Apply liquid base foundation (optional). If you have a lot of area to cover, find a liquid foundation that's as close as possible to your natural skin tone. Use your fingers or a cosmetic sponge to apply a light layer all over your face.
  3. Set your concealer. Lightly load a small brush with loose powder that's as close as possible to your skin tone. Gently pat the powder over every area where you used concealer.
  4. Powder the rest of your face (optional). Use a powder puff or a slightly larger brush to apply powder to the areas of your face that tend to get oily. Focus primarily on your T-zone - that is, your forehead, nose and chin. These are the areas that tend to be oiliest in most people.
  5. Wear lip balm. Choose a clear or neutral-colored lip balm that you can use throughout the day. Not only will it give your lips a smooth appearance, but it will also prevent them from getting chapped.
  6. Remove your makeup every night before bed. Leaving makeup on overnight isn't good for your skin. At the end of the day, wash your face again to remove makeup. Finish by using moisturizer. Use a richer moisturizer at night if you have dry skin.



Tips

  • If you have oily skin, consider using a shine-control hydrating lotion.
  • Do not put on a lot of make-up because if you get hot and sweaty, rub your face, or apply it incorrectly, people will know you're wearing make-up.
  • Don't touch your face during the day. It will rub off the makeup and also increase your likelihood of acne.
  • If you're older or have dry skin, you may need to step up to a heavier moisturizing cream. Some creams also have agents to help with wrinkles, reddening or other skin woes. Go to a makeup counter in the mall or a freestanding store. You'll find it takes less time to speak to a consultant than it does to read misleading labels in a drugstore.
  • Try mineral makeups specifically designed for men. Mineral makeup is good for your skin, contains SPF protection, and is virtually undetectable. It is especially good if you have problems like acne or rosacea.
  • To add a touch of color, try using a bronzer over your cheekbones, nose, forehead and chin. This is not uncommon among men and it is applied with a brush. You can find bronzers made exclusively for men (packaging is somewhat different), but don't be afraid to try the many options made available to women. The counter and packaging may be different, but women have more options with color and finish.
  • The brushes that come with most bronzers are made of cheap plastic, or it comes with a puff sponge and can't apply powders evenly. Consider going to a makeup counter and buying a powder brush. These are very large brushes with soft hairs.
  • Don't touch your face and get acne under control stat!
  • You may need to adjust your concealer for winter and summer depending on how much sun you've gotten. Don't be afraid to have seasonal products and go a few shades darker in the summer after you've had some sun.
  • If possible, get a very close shave and then allow your skin to rest about 20 minutes before continuing with the rest of your routine.

Warnings

  • Do not exfoliate immediately after shaving. Doing so will irritate your skin.
  • Don't try to conceal a spot that is open or bleeding. Make-up won't do a very good job and may only make it look (and feel) worse. Wait until it's closed before you apply makeup on top of it.
  • If cotton sticks to your beard while using toner, put the toner in a plastic spray bottle and mist it on to your face. Store it in the fridge for a cool sensation.

Things You'll Need

  • Exfoliator
  • Toner
  • Moisturizer
  • Cosmetic pads or cotton balls (100% cotton)
  • Concealer or foundation
  • Make-up brush, good quality
  • Matte powder
  • Lip balm

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Apply_Makeup_as_a_Man&oldid=349591"