Makeup Advice

 

As a college freshman, my introduction to makeup wasn't one of choice but rather a scenario thrust upon me by some of my Mia and her friends. This unexpected journey into the world of cosmetics has taught me a unique perspective on makeup application, especially when considering how to adapt techniques for a male facial structure transitioning between day and evening looks.

Understanding the Canvas: Adapting to Male Facial Features

Makeup application on male faces poses distinct challenges due to inherent differences in facial structure. Typically, men have wider jaws, more pronounced bone structures, and often thicker skin with more visible pores. These traits necessitate specific strategies to ensure makeup looks natural rather than incongruous.

Daytime Makeup: The Quest for Subtlety

For daytime, the objective is blending in while maintaining a natural appearance, which can be tricky when your starting point is not traditionally feminine:

Base: Starting with a matte primer helps in minimizing the visibility of pores. Choosing a foundation with a matte finish is crucial to avoid highlighting the oilier, thicker skin texture typical in men. I apply this with a brush to control the amount used, ensuring it's not too heavy.

Concealer: This isn't just about covering blemishes but also softening the jawline or any overly defined facial features. Using a color corrector before concealer can neutralize any beard shadow, a common issue for those with facial hair.

Eyes: Keeping it minimal, I opt for a base shade that's close to my skin tone and perhaps a neutral brown or taupe for depth. Eyeliner should be thin, focused mainly on the upper lash line, aiming to lift rather than define too starkly.

Cheeks: A light blush, applied in circular motions on the apples of the cheeks, adds life without drawing too much attention. A touch of bronzer, carefully blended, can soften angles without exaggeration.

Lips: A natural, muted tone or a clear balm keeps it understated for day wear.

Transitioning to Evening: Embracing the Change

As the day turns into night, the rules change, and so does my makeup approach:

Base: A foundation with more coverage is necessary, but setting it with a powder is key to prevent it from looking cakey under artificial light. 

Eyes: Here, I can afford to be slightly more dramatic. Deeper, darker shades for shadowing the crease, extending the eyeliner slightly for an evening eye, and perhaps a second coat of mascara or subtle falsies for that added impact.

Cheeks: Contouring becomes more pronounced but still with a soft touch. Highlighter, which I typically avoid during the day, can now accentuate without looking unnatural.

Lips: While I prefer to keep it understated during the daytime, an evening might call for a deeper shade, perhaps a dark berry or a fire engine red, with a lip liner for precision.

This coerced exploration of makeup has surprisingly become a source of unexpected knowledge. Initially, it felt like an imposition, but over time, I've come to appreciate the artistry involved. Makeup, for me, has been about mastering a skill that required understanding light, color, and the human face in ways I hadn't before.