It’s official: men are wearing makeup. And they’re not just dabbing a little concealer here and there after their morning shave. No, siree. The male species is boldly baring its beauty knowledge, experimenting with highlighters, bronzers, mascara and even lipstick. Incidentally, men wearing makeup isn’t entirely new. GLAMOUR’s former art director, Ziyaad Bassier, tries four OTT beauty looks to prove the everyday man can rock a neon pink lip as easily as a baseball cap!
THE LOOK
For my first day, I enlisted makeup artist Megan Wridgway’s help to add a neon pink lip, blue mascara and concealer. Plus, my new favourite find: the MAC strobe cream.
THE EXPERIENCE
It takes time to get makeup done! An hour later, I took my first sip of coffee – and left a lovely pink ring on my cup. By lunchtime, I wasn’t as aware of my ‘new face’. The compliments from my colleagues were a delight. But browsing the grocery store for dinner felt awkward: the stares and whispers of strangers made me feel uncomfortable. I couldn’t wait to get the makeup off – which was challenging in itself: my lips were stained a rosy pink for the night.
THE VERDICT
It was a bold first look. I loved the dewy skin but the attention from strangers has put me off pink lips. 3/5
THE LOOK
Day two was all about the eyes – cue gold glitter and smokey shadow. My long lashes were dramatised with some mascara. To keep the emphasis on the eyes, I went for nude lips and flawless skin.
THE EXPERIENCE
My eyes are sensitive and, since this experience, liner and mascara are on my terror list. Besides the intense application, this look felt heavy. My skin felt drier and I had to remind myself not to rub my eyes. When looking in the mirror at the end of the day I wasn’t impressed with the reflection staring back at me!
THE VERDICT
I was not a fan of this look and the overall wearing experience, I was so conscious of my intense eyes, dry skin and lips. And even though the lip colour was nude I had to reapply every few hours. Also, the compliments didn’t come as freely. 1/5
THE LOOK
Today was all about the lip. I complimented the red with a dusting of silver on my eyelids and a little eyebrow gel – my new favourite!
THE EXPERIENCE
On day three I realised I am a lip guy. Besides the smudging and reapplying (which I only had to do twice the whole day), I am all about showing off a bold colour. It doesn’t hurt that I was blessed with full, pillowy lips! I felt most confident rocking this look, and even though strangers still whispered, I brushed it off easily. I guess that’s the power of a red lip – classic and strong!
THE VERDICT
Even if I wasn’t adding makeup to other areas of my face I would still want to do a red lip. The boldness of the colour really enhanced my face. 5/5
THE LOOK
My skin broke out from all the makeup, so on day four, I kept my face bare. The focus? Nails. But not just any nails – long, dagger- edged, charcoal black with a metallic rim.
THE EXPERIENCE
As soon as my nails were glued on, I instantly felt fierce. However, that feeling quickly disappeared as I struggled to type on my phone and even unbutton my jeans. Eating lunch was another challenging experience and I resorted to eating my fries with my fork to protect my pretty new nails. I didn’t draw as many stares this time around, and when I did, I got the impression strangers
were more accepting of this look than the pink lip!
THE VERDICT
Like the red lip, these nails are definitely something I would try again, but perhaps shorter. 4/5
For more beauty hacks here are the DIY lovers guide to makeup!
