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Beauty care is no longer a woman’s prerogative. Skin care, facials, manicure and, yes, even make-up, have become very much a part of male grooming. Skin care products for men, ranging from facial scrubs and packs to nourishing creams and moisturisers, crowd the shelves of cosmetic stores. So, why should make-up be far behind? In fact, since male models started walking the ramp, make-up for men has steadily caught on. Why not take the help of concealers or tinted moisturisers if they make you look and feel good, or help to cover up blemishes and highlight your good features?
Of course, there is an art to applying make-up, more so when it comes to men. It should be subtle. It is essential to use cosmetics with a matte (non-shiny) finish. Gloss, shine and frosted make-up are not for you, guys. When tempted to lather it on, follow the ‘less is more’ code.
Cleanse, tone, moisturise
But, first things first. Regular skin care is as important as it is for women. So, exfoliate regularly with facial scrubs. Of course, scrubs should not be applied on pimples or sensitive skin. But regular exfoliation helps to remove dead cells and brighten the skin. Tone the skin daily with a rose- or mint-based skin tonic.
In fact, you can put the toner in a spray bottle and leave it in the fridge. It is most refreshing and improves blood circulation to the skin surface. If the skin is dry, apply a moisturiser and nourish the skin regularly.
Game for some ‘manscara’?
Foundations or pressed powder help to achieve a smooth skin texture. In fact, foundations and concealers help to cover blemishes like pimples and dark patches. Take very little concealer on a fine brush and apply it on the blemish. Blend outwards. The foundation for the face should be the same shade as your normal skin tone. A water-based foundation would be more suitable, as it is lighter. In fact, add a drop of water to it for easier application.
If you have a beard or moustache, avoid applying foundation on those areas. Or, you can leave out foundation totally and go for a tinted moisturiser with a matte finish.
Pressed powder can also help those with oily skin, especially in humid weather. It can be used on oily areas of the face such as the forehead, nose and chin. Opt for a light matte powder in a beige tone. And, please avoid shades of pink, however hot you think it is!
Don’t get ‘brow’beaten
Stray hair from eyebrows can always be plucked to give the brows a better shape. To make the eyes look brighter, a hint of shadow can do the trick. A dark grey or dark brown shadow can be used to line the eyes, just below the lashes. The aim should be to achieve a natural look, not a dramatic overdone one.
A coat of mascara can also be lightly applied to make the eyes look darker. Comb out the lashes after applying mascara, so that the lashes don’t stick together like a clump. Use lip balm. For those who enjoy shopping for their lotions and potions, we even suggest a neutral or transparent lip gloss.