Let's Hear It For the Boy

I'd like to dedicate today's entry to all the men. I was going to say menfolk, but that's a little too...I don't know what. I'm always intrigued by the veritable treasure-trove of knowledge found in WikiHow articles and I thought this one could be helpful. You know...in case you men ever want to branch out a bit.

How to Apply Makeup as a Man

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

More and more men today are not shy about being fashionable, styling their hair, whitening their teeth, or even wearing makeup. Many male celebrities, actors, and models sit in a makeup chair before making a public appearance. It's no surprise that with modern society's emphasis on youth, perfection, and physical attraction, women aren't the only ones who want to accentuate their best facial features and hide blemishes and scars.

Steps

1. Exfoliate. Before applying makeup, wash your face using an exfoliator and warm water. Rub your face gently in a circular motion to remove dead skin cells. Rinse with warm water and pat (don't rub) dry with a towel.
   
2. Apply Toner. Apply toner to a cosmetic pad and pat it lightly into your skin. Toner is meant to restore the skin to its natural pH level and remove any remaining dirt or dry skin cells.
   
3. Moisturize. Apply moisturizer with a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to your face and neck. Allow the moisturizer to absorb into your skin before proceeding to the next step.
   
4. Apply Concealer. Mix a little bit of concealer on the back of your hand with a fine make-up brush. Pick up a very small amount of concealer on the end of the brush - you can always go back for more if you need to - and dab it on the center of a blemish. Move to the outer edge with a gentle circular motion, then blend the concealer into the skin.
   
5. Powder your Nose. Dip the tip of a powder brush in powder and dust it lightly over your forehead and face. Apply a little more pressure when you go over your upper cheekbones, to add definition.
   
6. Wear Lip Balm. Choose a clear or neutral-colored lip balm that you can use throughout the day. Not only will it give your lips a smooth appearance, but it will also prevent them from getting chapped.
   
7. Remove makeup daily. Leaving makeup on overnight is not good for your skin. At the end of the day, wash your face again to remove makeup. Finish by using moisturizer. Use a richer moisturizer at night if you have dry skin.
   

Tips

• Get a concealer that is the same shade as your skin tone. If you're shopping, try it at the base of your face to see how it compares to your skin tone. It's best to judge a concealer in actual daylight, because florescent lights won't allow for an accurate match.
  
• Don't touch your face during the day, as it will rub off the makeup and also increase your likelihood of acne.
  
• If possible, get a very close shave, then allow your skin to rest about 20 minutes before continuing with the rest of your routine.
  
• If you have oily skin consider using a shine control hydrating lotion.
  
• To add a touch of color try using a bronzer over your cheekbones, nose, forehead and chin. This is not uncommon among men and it is applied with a brush. You can find bronzers made exclusively for men (packaging is somewhat different) but don't be afraid to try the many options made available to women. The counter and packaging may be different but women have more options with color and finish.
  
• The brushes that come with most bronzers are made of cheep plastic or it comes with a puff sponge and can't apply powders evenly. Consider going to a make up counter and buying a powder brush. These are very large brushes with soft hairs.
  
• Remember to use a moisturizer with a sunscreen on your face everyday, year round. NOT Handlotion or body cream. Find something made for faces (less heavy oils and fragrance to irritate your skin) that has an SPF of at least 15.
  
• To add extra definition to your eyes, have unruly eyebrows waxed or plucked by a professional. There are supposed to be two eyebrows and you should never let your eyebrows grow too long. Trim!
  
• The older you are or the dryer your skin may require you to step to a heavier moisturizing cream. Some creams also have agents to help with wrinkles, reddening or other skin woes. Go to a makeup counter in the mall or a free standing store. You'll find it takes less time to speak to a consultant than it does to read misleading labels in a drug store.
  
• To avoid the crowds, visit these stores or counters weekday mornings when they are less busy. Men frequent these counters quite often so you shouldn't be shy. Many brands (Clinique, Merle Norman, etc.) even offer men's skin care lines. You can even take a few minutes and let them help you apply the skin care to make sure you are doing it right. If you want to add color, try a few bronzers and let them help you get that concealer.
  
• You may need to adjust your concealer for winter and summer depending on how much sun you have. Don't be afraid to have seasonal products and go a few shades darker in the summer after you've had some sun.
  
• Try www.heminerals.com for a range of mineral makeup specifically designed for men. Mineral makeup is good for your skin, contains spf protection & is virtually undetectable, it is great if you have problems like acne or rosecea.
  

Warnings

• Do not exfoliate immediately after shaving. Doing so will irritate your skin.
  
• If cotton sticks to beard while using toner, put toner in a plastic spray bottle and mist it on to your face. Store it in the fridge for a cool sensation.
  
• Don't try to conceal a spot that is open, weeping or bleeding. Makeup won't do a very good job and may only make it look (and feel) worse. Wait until it's closed before you apply makeup on top of it.
  

Things You'll Need

• Exfoliator
  
• Toner
  
• Moisturizer
  
• Cosmetic Pads (100% cotton)
  
• Concealer or foundation
  
• A fine make-up brush
  
• Matte powder
  
• Lip balm
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Apply Makeup
  
• How to Be More Physically Attractive (Men)
  
• How to Prevent Chapped Lips in a Manly Fashion
  
• How to Create a Good Hair Care Routine for Men
  
• How to Be Manly
  
• How to Grow a Goatee
  
• How to Apply Makeup to Look Like Marie Antoinette
  

Sources and Citations

• Videojug: A Gentleman's Guide to Wearing Makeup - Shared with permission.
  

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