Who says makeup is only for girls? Over the years, more and more men have become comfortable with the idea of putting on cosmetics. More brands have also started to advertise makeup for men. Scroll through social media and you can find a lot of really great mens makeup looks, ranging from a simple everyday look to more creative beauty styles.
So, if you are a lad who might want to dabble in the idea of beautifying yourself, here are five styles you can try.
“No Makeup” Look
The “no makeup” makeup look is a great start if you are a guy who is a beginner with makeup. It’s a bit subtle – making it accessible for regular wear – and has one of the easier applications.
To pull off a natural look, prepping your skin is vital. Make sure your skin texture is even by exfoliating to avoid flakiness, then go in with a moisturizer to bring back moisture to your skin.
Slowly introduce cosmetic products that match seamlessly with your skin tone, although, forgo a full face of foundation. Rather, conceal spots of blemish, dark circles, or redness, commonly under the eyes and nose. Make sure to also stay away from products that have an ultra-matte or dewy finish as it takes away from the “natural” quality of your makeup look.
Put some simple final touches like sprucing up your eyebrows and adding some tint on your lips.
“Dewy Dumpling”
Popularized by the makeup artist Nam Vo, “dewy dumpling” makes your skin look plump, fresh, and glowing – like freshly steamed dumplings.
Vo emphasizes the importance of a good base. Don’t be intimidated by the idea as it’s as three steps: cleansing, moisturizing, and daily SPF protection. Do that regularly as well as invest in products with hydrators and antioxidants, then you can achieve glass-like skin.
If you are not there yet, a makeup routine can help achieve the look. After applying a layer of foundation and concealer, add a layer of highlight in areas that you want that dewy glow, whether it’s your cheekbones, nose, or forehead.
Smokey Grunge
The 2010s emo look might have a polarizing reputation. However, it’s still fun to rock a grungy smokey eye, especially if you want to try something more dark.
Keep everything simple and focus on the eyes. You can add a layer of concealer or a lighter skin tone eyeshadow on your eyelids as a base, then go in with the darker shadow. The great thing about this look is that it is up to you how dark you want to go.
If you want a softer smudged smoke, you can use other shades of eyeshadow, such as browns, maroon, or dark grey, instead of straight black. Fill in your eyelids, and using a slightly shade of shadow you can trace your upper lash line.
If you want something more gothic, you can experiment with darker black shadow and trace your waterline as well.
Colorful Party Look
There are other ways to incorporate color in your routine in more subtle ways.
It can be as simple as incorporating a bit more blush into your look or using a different shade of eyeshadow. Shades of pink, orange, and red are good places to start when you’re experimenting with color.
Adding color can also be about placement. It can be an orange smokey eye or like a more vibrant cherry red lips.
Masculine Glam
Who says only women can be glamorous? The look is all about sculpting and accentuating your face’s masculine features.
Start with a matte foundation that matches your skin tone. With a lighter darker product, contour areas of your face like the cheeks, jaws, and the side of your nose, then even it out.
For brows, make it more defined but not overly sculpted. You can also go use a black or brown mascara just to add some volume to your lashes.
For final touches, go for a lip balm or tint that is close to your natural lip color. You may also add a subtle layer of bronzer on your cheeks if you want that sun-kissed look.
Once you find the products and techniques that fit you, do not be afraid to experiment with different makeup styles.
Remember it is not something you should be intimidated or ashamed about. It’s there for whatever you want it to be, whether it’s to enhance your natural features or create a form of self expression.
Who cares what other people say? Boys can choose to be pretty too.
Last Updated: August 26, 2025
