Make Up For Men Shouldn’t Be A Taboo, Says Gareth Pugh

‘Guy-liner’ and ‘Manscara’ have been around for years now, but, despite a rise in metrosexuality, make up for men is still widely regarded as a taboo.

Yves Saint Laurent’s L'Homme Radiant Touch Eclat Pen
Yves Saint Laurent’s L'Homme Radiant Touch Eclat Pen

‘Guy-liner’ and ‘Manscara’ have been around for years now, but, despite a rise in metrosexuality, make up for men is still widely regarded as a taboo.

British style subversive Gareth Pugh, who has just launched a make-up collaboration with MAC, agrees.

The designer, who has been wearing cosmetics since his teens, told The Guardian that typically he uses foundation, powder and eyeliner; a cosmetics regime he believes more gentlemen should be proud to follow.

“Sadly, men wearing make-up will always be seen as taboo. But it’s something I believe in; you never get younger, so you have to make the most of what you’ve got,” he said.

Interestingly, Pugh’s remarks echo that of fellow designer Tom Ford, who recently said people would be “surprised” by the number of men who wear cosmetics on the sly.

These comments are also in line with market trends, which suggest there’s a rise in demand for male make up as men become more experimental.

Jean-Paul Gaultier’s Le Mâle Tout Beau range of male make up may have launched way back in 2003, but more recently we’ve noticed more beauty products than ever aimed at men.

Eylure is now selling ‘discreet’ false eyelashes for men, and Myego is a brand that specifically creates make up for men, including foundation, eyebrow control pencils and concealer, while MAC simply claims its products are suitable for both sexes.

Yves Saint Laurent’s L’Homme Radiant Touch Eclat Pen has also stood the test of time having launched in 2008.

So, Talent Management wants to ask all our male models – what are your views on men wearing make up and have you given it a go?