Guyliner? Where to find Men’s make up and advice

Guyliner? Manscara? Chapstick? The ‘phenomenon’ of male makeup perhaps fails at the realisation that men have always worn make up. Cosmetics have adorned men in settings as diverse as Ancient Egypt, through to silent cinema icons like Charlie Chaplin, to stage idols like Mick Jagger. Yet, the ever diminishing boundaries of gender mean more and more men feel free to experiment with how they enhance their face from rugged rockstar to urban ‘metrosexual’. What is important is men should not feel they have to buy the range of expensive gender-orientated cosmetics marketed to them, rather look to understand what make up suits them and how to apply it. Go forth young men to London’s makeup specialists who will teach you how apply your makeup and guyliner.

Kryolan – Charles Fox- Covent Garden

Visit the Royal Opera House and you will likely open the performance leaflet to find the stage make up has been provided by Kryolan. This is the brand of Charles Fox who have supplied film and theatre for seventy years. They test nothing on animals and continue to experiment with new forms of texture and colour. They are run by the same three generations of the Langer family.

Their range of cream liners will stay on for days, resisting washing, which is of course a benefit for men looking for that rugged rockstar look without having to apply makeup each morning.

Address: 22 Tavistock St, London WC2E 7PY   Phone: +44 20/7240 3111
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden, Temple
Website: http://www.uk.kryolan.com

Mac

Lipstick is best found here. This is one of the few retailers who will actually have pure black lipstick outside Halloween. Of course this is likely a step too far for most men, but a subtle nude tone will enhance the appearance and health of lips without looking too dramatic. This premium brand will be the least likely to fade or run quickly and will deliver a rich, full colour. To find your tone and learn how to apply correctly it is best to ask the staff on hand. Mac’s high standards of quality also extend to eyeliners for a strong black, the true ‘guyliner’. If you have light eyes consider even a turquoise liner for a bold Bowie look.

Various London Locations  Website:http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/

Illamasqua

For those desiring a little more glam, Illamasqua delivers the premium in sparkle and decadence. Not for the faint hearted, their ‘Extinct’ collection uses bold colours of eye shadow, glitter nail varnish and bright powders. This is for a theatrical personality, a Marc Bolanesque cabaret-imbued figure.Their matte lipsticks may be colourful and thoroughly masculine. Illamasqua also emphasise their vegan range.

Various London locations
Website: http://www.illamasqua.com/

Urban Decay

Urban decay’s ‘naked’ collection is a natural choice for men who want subtle tones of powder and eyeshadow without diving into bold colour. A natural choice for those seeking to remodel their features rather than merely decorate. With guidance, palettes can be used to deepen features for a more chiselled appearance. Their models clearly demonstrate beautification through looking flawless rather than the music-video theatrics of other high end brands.

Various London locations
Website: http://www.urbandecay.co.uk/

For many proud alpha-males the prospect of entering a make up shop can seem daunting. We have never been taught how precisely buying makeup is done – we stammer and look confused over an array of testers while watching what others are doing. Ask the attendants. They’ve heard it all before. Next time you are out shopping with your significant other, don’t wait outside the make-up shop. Go in and help them decide. They might just return the favour.

 

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