Makeup and Skincare Brands For Men: Why Grooming For Men Is The Next Big Thing

We’re all used to the idea that makeup and skincare were two things that were strongly associated with women. But times have changed and even the concept of beauty has expanded to male audiences as well. At this time of age, we can all pretty much agree that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with men buying lines that aren’t specifically marketed for men — in short, regular skincare. On top of that, makeup for men are now not just accepted, but are seen as tools to practice self-care and to look and feel better.

So in the spirit of understanding, some brands have, perhaps, eased the rather intimidating selection process a little by specifically creating men’s makeup or skincare lines for guys to feel comfortable in their own skin, beyond the usual razors and beard grooming products that is. Scroll through to find out more about these essential grooming products that every guy needs to look dapper. (Rest assured, these products won’t be compromising on anyone’s masculinity; we’d like to think self-grooming’s always a win.)

Clinique for Men

Clinique for Men Face Bronzer, US20. Available online at Clinique.

Can’t find the time to hit the beach? Fret not. For the ultimate sun-kissed glow, check out this Face Bronzer from Clinique for Men’s range. All you need to do is to slather it on your face for a nice tanned look, and you’re good to go!

The Fresh for Men by The Face Shop

The Fresh For Men by The Face Shop. Available at The Face Shop.

Is your skin parched from Singapore’s unforgiving weather? Boost your moisture levels and hydrate your skin with THE FRESH FOR MEN Facial Skincare Set by The Face Shop. Formulated with English Breakfast Extract, the set includes a  Hydrating Toner and Hydrating Emulsion, that’s loaded with moisturising ingredients to help hydrate and smooth your skin.

Boy De Chanel

Korean actor and model, Lee Dong Wook, as the face of Boy De Chanel’s campaign

Headlining the beauty industry with its very first makeup line for men is none other than French fashion and beauty house, Chanel. The collection was initially launched in South Korea on September 1st 2018 before it made its debut to the international market. Boy De Chanel goes about the concept where men should feel confident about themselves without having to question their masculinity.

Boy De Chanel collection (L—R): Lip Balm ($55), Le Teint Foundation (4 shades)($114), Stylo Sourcils (4 shades)($62). Available in CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty Boutique (ION Orchard) from 25 January 2019, and CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty Boutiques (Marina Bays Sands, Raffles City, VivoCity) from 1 February 2019.

The launch also comes as the first of its kind and it features three key essential products — a balm, a tinted foundation and an eyebrow pencil.

The Matte Moisturising Lip Balm helps protect, soften and hydrate your lips for 8 hours of comfort, while the Eyebrow Pencil allows you to define and fill out your arches for a natural finish that stays put for long hours. Besides that, the Tinted Foundation comes off as a sheer foundation base that’s light on the skin while it corrects imperfections and hydrates your skin with antioxidant kalanchoe extract that improves skin oxygenation — it feels like you’re not wearing anything at all — on your face at least.

Find out more about the collection in our other post.

Tom Ford Beauty for Men

Tom Ford Beauty for Men (L—R): Brow Definer ($65), Concealer (US$42), and Tobacco Vanille Conditioning Beard Oil (US$52). Available at Sephora and online on Tom Ford.

Another refined range of makeup catered especially for men is none other than the one by Tom Ford Beauty. The collection features products like the Brow Definer to tame unruly brows and a concealer to correct any imperfections.

One product, on the other hand, might appeal to the lot who have grown beards (or are planning to grow one, to say the least). Enter Tobacco Vanille Conditioning Beard Oil. It’s basically what it is — an oil that helps conditions, softens and nourishes your beard that’s made with a blend of almond, jojoba, grapeseed oil and Vitamin E. Choose from blends which include scents of Oud Wood, Neroli Portofino and, last but not least, Tobacco Vanille.

UNI- Skincare

UNI- Life Skincare Acne Skin Treatment Essence, 10ml, $68. Available online and at Robinsons Raffles City.

A great basic to add to your arsenal would be an acne spot treatment like this number by UNI– Skincare. There are days when your skin would look flawless, but then there other days when your skin isn’t as forgiving and you’d panic at the first sight of a red bump on your face. To treat your acne woes in a flash, roll on some Acne Skin Treatment Essence by UNI– Skincare for a blemish-free complexion.

LANEIGE Homme

Laneige Homme Active Water Collection (L—R): Foam Cleanser ($20), Skin Toner ($35) Moisturiser ($36), Gel Cream ($40). Available at Laneige and online at Lazada.

Yes, beauty is more than skin deep, but taking care of your skin doesn’t hurt can it? If you’re on the hunt for a skincare routine that works, try Laneige Homme. It can be troublesome for some to stick through a whole routine of cleansing, toning and moisturising, but when your skin needs a little TLC, you have to give it what it wants. The collection features four fundamental products: a foam cleanser, a toner, a moisturiser and a gel-cream — just in case your skin needs of a boost of moisture.

SK-II MEN

SK-II Men Facial Treatment Essence ($99) and Moisturising Cleanser ($93). Available at SK-II stores and Sephora.

The FTE, otherwise known as SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence, has long been a cult favourite in many skincare routines for its well-developed formula that works to refresh, moisturise and boost skin cell renewal. The difference between the original and the men’s edition: it comes with a menthol scent and is specially formulated for men’s skin. For best results, complete it with SK-II’s Men Facial Cleanser.

LAB Series

LAB Series BB Tinted Moisturiser, $75. Available at LAB Series stores and TANGS.

The last thing you’d want when applying a tinted moisturiser (or any makeup /skincare for that matters) is an oil-slicked complexion. Oh, the horror! Even out your skin tone and control shine with this BB Tinted Moisturiser by LAB Series. Formulated to moisturise skin while reducing the appearance of pores, the Tinted Moisturiser gives a natural finish while providing the right amount of coverage — you’ll barely be able to tell that you’ve got anything on your face!