A history of men’s makeup
“Men and makeup” have become synonymous with disgust and distaste in society for a long time. However, as much anti-male expression propaganda has existed for centuries, its presence never held as much weight originally as it does now. Men have worn makeup throughout millennia in a myriad of ways. While progress continues to destigmatize its usage, the concept is nothing new and only serves to reestablish the empowerment and meaning it held from the beginning.
Men and women applying cosmetics have been observed throughout various cultures and eras. In ancient Egypt, masculinity was vested in male appearance, and makeup played a significant role in that.
As early as 4000 BCE, they wore black pigment to create dramatic feline-like eyes, often used to express wealth and status. They also held religious significance in ceremonies, rituals, and the mummification process.
Makeup also held high regard amongst men in Elizabethan England. They presented themselves in pasty white powder and rouge cheeks and lips as heavily influenced by the fashion and beauty standards of the time. Individuals of the period valued a ghost-pale complexion, even using lead and vinegar to make their skin lighter. However, the colorist practice often caused serious health problems, including premature death.
18th-century France shared a similar passion in a more flamboyant display. King Louis XVI famously partook in cosmetics and hair products, even going bald at 23 years old and incidentally forcing a wig obsession across the country. Men of the royal court also painted on beauty marks and adorned themselves in fur muffs and high heels.
Male expression in makeup had been prominent in history long before the Victorian era introduced it as obscene and taboo. The crown and church’s repulsed preachings inspired a widespread association of makeup, vanity, and femininity with “the Devil’s work.”
However, the arrival of modern movie-making in the United States reinvigorated hair and makeup for men. From early Hollywood’s polished and pristine allure of men in urban areas enjoying fashion and shopping traditionally associated with women or gay men, to the 70s and 80s gender-toppling upturn, the 20th-century maquillage showed some preservation. Figures such as David Bowie and Prince embraced dramatic and vivacious makeup looks despite its conservative contempt back then. Their efforts helped wane conformative roles in the scope of male self-expression.
Through the eyes of children of the modern world, the change might not be as obvious. “If you’re talking about the last 50 years they probably haven’t changed much, in terms of going badly, but anything before that, they’ve changed a lot. Nowadays more men are adapting a variety of lifestyles like being a stay-at-home dad while women can intend to go out more than before.” DBHS senior Roodley Sanon said.
Respected, rejected, and reclaimed; makeup usage is a spectacle of social evolution. During the late 1900s, makeup was limited to actors, performers, and those in the fashion industry. Now, the tides are turning as men accompany women in the beauty space as part of their lifestyle.
Men are increasingly using makeup today for various reasons to express themselves creatively. Despite civilization’s obstruction of inclusivity, progression has allowed more communities to become accepted and normalized in recent years, with many men feeling comfortable experimenting to achieve their desired look.
You must be logged in to post a comment.