From skincare to barely-there makeup, men are redefining confidence through subtle, personalized beauty routines.
Words | Christina Pinto
Today, grooming and vanity are no longer defined by gender, and the modern man embraces makeup with confidence in an increasingly inclusive beauty landscape. As appearance gains increasing value in the age of social media, and constant visibility, men are investing more intentionally in skincare and makeup—not for transformation, but to present their most confident selves. Grooming today is rooted in self-expression, confidence, and self-respect. With multifunctional products designed for ease and efficiency, men’s grooming has evolved from optional to essential.
Rising Interest in Intense Grooming Habits
Talking to Stylespeak about modern men’s fascination with makeup and skincare, Cherag Bambboat, Director/Artist of Cherags Magical Makeovers, said, “Men are more self-conscious about their skin and hair of late, while they didn’t focus on it earlier when grooming was associated with women.”
Rather than full makeup, men choose a more natural face- subtly flattering, mildly glowing, and unblemished. Outlining the profile of this contemporary man, he points to natural, and non-visible makeup looks, are popular with models, CEOs, and corporate professionals. Their appearance makes an impact in social events including high-profile functions, party nights, and professional meetings, and they prefer more natural make-up – subtly flattering, revealing mildly glowing and unblemished skin.
Yes to Enhancements, No to Alterations
At the moment, men’s exploration of makeup potential is to enhance their best features and as a corrective tool to conceal imperfections. This is encouraged by social media influencers, celebrities, and prominent personalities, all saying makeup is a tool to create a new man! Some of the key products advised are moisturizers, spot-concealing products, or using sheer tints.
Emphasizing the meterosexual man’s usage of makeup to magnify their best natural features, Cherag revealed their chosen products are in the category of color correctors, concealers, and powder foundations. “I think a powder foundation works best on men for a more natural makeup look as their skin is prone to being oilier or greasier or sweatier compared to women’s skin,” he further added, “Most men don’t like anything shiny on their face, so they pick powder foundation or a contour powder.” This shows that men are crafting a makeup and skincare regimen depending on their skin type and specific needs.
Natural Makeup with a Personalized Touch
A naturally groomed look begins with a well-chosen concealer to subtly even out the complexion and smoothen the skin. Lightweight powder helps control shine and ensures a polished finish, helping to maintain a fresh look consistently.
Cherag highlighted that men prefer products that give a better skin appearance overall, rather than others that impart color. He explained most men prioritize repeat use of grooming products for the beard, mustache, or skin, just used every day to make these features look good e.g.
- Contour Products to sharpen features, and sculpt a stronger facial profile
- Skincare-oriented Makeup that blends seamlessly with the skin.
- Make-up Tinted Skin Care formulations e.g. line filler, pore refiner or a pore blur primer.
The resultant makeup should be a non-visible layer, blending with their own skin, and adding a little bit of color just to brighten the skin tone.
Significance of Skincare for healthier skin, and brighter complexion
Modern men are curating personalized skincare routines from an array of products formulated with advanced ingredients to address specific concerns – from dryness and acne to hyperpigmentation.
Cherag pointed to plumping and hydrating skin products that set the base for makeup, and help it look more natural. He elaborated, “A good skincare regime evens out the skin surface, allowing the makeup to settle well, and blend in a more flattering way as compared to drier skin. The resulting makeup look appears extremely natural, and you need a smaller amount of product.”
Men are gravitating to lip balm, and a dual benefit of cosmetics like a tinted moisturizer. There is also a shift to natural ingredients, which are gentler and more suited for most skin types, and also to organic products, which are infused with vital ingredients for a more youthful and radiant appearance.
Conclusion
As men continue to embrace skincare and grooming as acts of self-care rather than vanity, the narrative around masculinity is evolving. Grooming is no longer about excess—it’s about intention, confidence, and showing up as the best version of oneself.
“Men are gravitating to lip balm and a dual cosmetic and skincare routine like a skincare product that acts like a tinted moisturizer.” Cherag Bambboat, Director/Artist of Cherags Magical Makeovers
