The Best Face Tanners For a Natural Glow
- Makeup
- Best Makeup For Men
Best Makeup for Men Who Don't Wear Makeup
By Luke Chapman
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7 years ago | Updated
Makeup for men is not an entirely new concept, but its gradual movement into the mainstream marks a sharp change from the attitudes of even a few decades ago. Back then, men largely found themselves split between two utterly opposed camps: a minority went for it with gusto, while a far greater number wrinkled their noses and muttered darkly into their newspapers.
What we’ve seen in the last few years is the emergence of a middle ground, as numerous guys either use products to mask tiredness or cover problem skin, or else break out an understated complexion-fixer for special occasions.
It’s hard to pin this cultural shift on any one thing. Perhaps it’s the dawning realisation that the actors and musicians we idolise are invariably caked in the stuff. Or it could be the fact that everyone now has a camera in their pocket, ready to immortalise any blemish and imperfection.
Whatever the reason, it would appear that male-orientated makeup is here to stay. Here, then, is some makeup for men to give your appearance a little aesthetic tweak.
Best Concealer for Men to Cover Blemishes
The Ordinary Concealer
£5.44 £6.00 (10% off)The Ordinary are best known for their inclusive makeup and skincare collections, which include fuss-free formulas that work on all skin types. This practical and easy-to-use concealer covers up razor nicks, blemishes or dark spots in a very natural way, appearing a seamless part of the skin’s surface.
Best Bronzing Tint for a Natural, Healthy Glow
Dr Hauschka Translucent Bronzing Tint
£20.95 £22.00 (5% off)This oil-free formula is just the thing to simulate a sun-tanned appearance. It’s therefore ideal for the man who couldn’t escape the office this summer, or whose beach holiday was a rain-drenched disaster. Easy to apply, and just as easily removed, the bronzer lends your features a healthy, natural-looking radiance.
Best Tinted Moisturiser with SPF for Men
Bioderma Photoderm M SPF 50+ Golden Tint
£18.89 £24.00 (22% off)This tinted moisturiser doesn’t disappoint. It acts as moisturiser, concealer and sun cream leaving your face more radiant, healthier-looking and even in tone. Use a small amount and massage evenly across the face for a light coverage. Plus, this formula is suitable for red-prone, sensitive skin.
Best Brow Gel for Fuller Brows (or Beard Definition)
bareMinerals Strength & Length Serum-Infused Brow Gel
£7.00 £19.00 (64% off)If your brows are on the thin side, then you may well want to use this brow gel just as advertised. Alternatively, you can also use it to enhance the appearance of a beard, darkening lighter and thinner hairs to transform sparse facial fuzz into something altogether more rugged and full-bodied.
Best Men’s Eyeliner for Subtle Definition
Rimmel Soft Kohl Eyeliner
£4.31 £4.38 (2% off)The 'guyliner' trend is one that we'll always love, not solely because it adds a badass 'rugged' effect to any 'fit, but because we think men should be able to enhance their eyes, too. Unleash your inner Johnny Depp or Jared Leto by defining the eyes with this soft kohl eyeliner.
Best Tinted Lip Balm for a Natural Finish
Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm
£7.42 £10.93 (33% off)Lip balm isn't just reserved for the ladies. Nobody likes to have dry, chapped lips, so keep your pout soft, smooth and kissable with the Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm. As well as providing a nourishing effect, it adds a subtle hint of colour to lips making it the perfect finishing touch to any makeup look.
FAQs About Makeup for Men Who Don’t Wear Makeup
What’s the easiest first makeup product for men to try?
If you’re just starting out, keep it simple. A tinted moisturiser with SPF or a low-key concealer is usually the best first step. Both even out skin tone, blur tiredness and boost confidence — without looking like you’re “wearing makeup”. Easy to apply, hard to overdo.
How can men cover dark circles without it looking obvious?
Less is more. Use a small amount of concealer and tap it in gently with your finger or a sponge. The key is choosing a shade that matches your skin tone - not one that’s lighter - so everything blends seamlessly and still looks like you.
Is tinted moisturiser better than foundation?
For everyday wear, tinted moisturiser wins for most men. It delivers subtle coverage, often includes SPF and feels breathable on the skin. Foundation steps things up a notch, making it better for big events, photos or when you want more noticeable coverage. It all comes down to how much correction you’re after.
Modern grooming is in a constant state of flux, and male makeup is only the latest trend to disrupt long-established conventions. Keep up with all the latest male trends and cutting-edge formulations with the Most Popular Short Hairstyles for Men and Our Top Tips for Growing a Beard.
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Written by Luke Chapman
After six years of experience in content writing, Luke followed his passion for male grooming, particularly fragrances, hair styling and natural skin care.
