To many guys, wandering around the beauty concessions at Selfridges or browsing the shelves in Space NK in search of makeup may seem a daunting experience, especially when you have no idea what you’re looking for.
That’s why we’re here to help with a handy guide of the best products that can lift dark circles, even out skin tone, or cover up blemishes, and you can order them right from the comfort of your sofa.
Over the past 6000 years, the the idea of men wearing makeup has been on a real journey. With records of the practise dating back to 4000BC, somehow over time it became stigmatised by testosterone fulled toxic masculinity. But, much to our satisfaction, it has now come full circle with luxury beauty brands like Tom Ford, Chanel, and Shisedo creating lines dedicated specifically for men.
If you’ve yet to try the wondrous transformative benefits of the cosmetics, you’re in for a real treat. Complexion-balancing, hangover-defying, and, above all, confidence-enhancing, every discerning chap should have a few products ready and waiting in their wash bag to freshen up their good-looking visage.
We’re not talking about layers of foundation, a smoky eye, or anything remotely snatched, instead we’re talking about barely-there products that make you the most handsome version of yourself - so, even when you’ve had one too many pints and not nearly enough sleep, you still look like you’ve had your full eight hours rest, and then some.
After you’ve cleansed, moisturised, and applied the all important SPF, think about the areas you’d like to touch up, whether it’s a simple concealer to deal with an unexpected breakout, a tinted moisturiser to give you the I’ve-just-hopped-off-the-plane-from-Cannes glow, or a translucent powder that combats the troublesome T-zone shimmer.
So, we’ve put together an edit of the best products you should be adding to your grooming arsenal so every day you can wake up and be you, but on a really good day - no Berocca necessary.
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Best razors for men to achieve the smoothest of shaves
Best men’s wash bags to pack all your essential grooming products
Tom Ford for men concealer
As one of the first brands to forge the way for makeup for men in recent times, it’s no wonder Tom Ford’s concealer is one of the best on the market.
Not only does it effectively disguise blemishes, under-eye darkness, and redness, it also features active ingredients like caffeine and bisabolol which target the root of the problem. Designed in a practical twist-up-stick, it provides a matte, natural-looking coverage that is easy to blend - even for beginners.
Buy now £28.80, John Lewis
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
For anyone who’s familiar with a shiny T-zone, a translucent setting powder is the answer to your problems. Not only does it provide all of the mattifying goodness, but also blurs imperfections, controls oils, minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and brightens your skin, without leaving any creasing or caking residue, so you end up with an even natural finish. The magical product you never knew you needed - just make sure you have a brush or sponge for application.
Buy now £34.00, Cult Beauty
Glossier Futuredew
For an easy all-in-one shortcut to a glowing complexion for all skin tones, look no further than Glossier’s Futuredew. Brimming with nourishing oils, brightening extracts, and moisturising properties, your skin will be radiant after a couple of drops. Better still, it provides a great dewy base on top of which you can apply further makeup if you want.
Buy now £23.00, Glossier
Shiseido Men Targeted Pencil Concealer, Light
Ideal for minimising under-eye bags and dark circles, Shiseido’s hydrating concealer provides a smooth and matte finish that’s basically undetectable.
Perfect for men on the go, it’s an easy-to-use pencil design that allows you to apply it directly to the problem areas, leaving you with a fresher and more even looking skin tone in an instant.
Buy now £33.00, Shiseido
Boy De Chanel Eyebrow Pencil
Never underestimate the power of a well groomed eyebrow. The quickest way to achieve the best results is with Chanel’s Boy De Chanel retractable eyebrow defining pencil - after threading at your local barber or salon, of course.
Featuring a slanted tip for ease of application and a spiral brush to groom the brow into shape whilst easily blending the colour, it’s a two-sided tool that caters to all of your eyebrow’s needs.
Buy now £32.00, Chanel
Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow
For an instantly brighter and more even complexion, as well as camouflaged imperfections and a subtle glow, Charlotte Tilbury’s Wonderglow primer has you covered. Rich in moisturising, brightening and smoothing ingredients, it’s the go-to product for a glowing no-makeup makeup look.
Buy now £40.00, Charlotte Tilbury
Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler
Curling your eyelashes is an easy way to subtly enhance your peepers with minimal effort, and Kevyn Aucoin’s curler is one of the best on the market. Making your eyes look bigger, more awake, and brighter, all you need to do get the curler as close to the base of your lashes as possible, squeeze for a couple of seconds, and you’ll have longer looking lashes in no time. The window to your soul will have never looked better.
Buy now £21.00, Sephora
