| Issue 10.5 : Health |
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Throughout history men have worn make-up for various purposes. Ancient Egyptians used kohl, which was believed to strengthen eyesight and to help fight the glare of the bright sun. During the Elizabethan era, having pale skin was seen as a mark of wealth and both men and women used ceruse - a mixture of poisonous white lead and vinegar - to further whiten their already pale complexions. The male use of make-up became less popular around the mid-nineteenth century, but it should come as no surprise to learn that it's making a comeback in today’s youth and beauty-obsessed culture
Whether you're a rocker like Pete Wentz (with black guy-liner and male-polish), a Z-list porcelain doll like Bobby Trendy, or just an average Joe - more and more men are turning to cosmetics to cover their imperfections, enhance what isn't there, or to just hide a hideous hickey or the aftermath of too much partying. Companies that offer make-up lines for men have even gone as far as to change the names of the products in order to appeal to a more masculine crowd. A concealer is now called a “confidence corrector”, clear mascara is “lash and brow styling glaze”, and lip-gloss has somehow become “moisturizing lip protector.
Although people argue about whether or not men and women can both use the same type of make-up, studies have proven that there are key differences between male and female skin that can affect a product's performance. If you're not the type of guy who's willing to go into a department store and saddle up to a cosmetics counter to talk openly about make-up with an experienced makeup artist, you might want to go online and check out Studio 5ive as an alternative. Their men’s makeup line has been designed specifically for men and they offer a wide array of grooming products, including a handy beard, brow, and eye shader that's intended to even out the complexion of men who have small scars or hairless patches in their beard. Studio5ive has realized that men don't have the same extensive experience with applying cosmetics that women do, so they also provide an easy-to-follow instructional video on CD ROM that demonstrates all the basic application techniques. They also sell a variety of skin care products to compliment their grooming line.
Sephora is another company that carries products for men. Their Jean Paul Gaultier Tout Beau - Sharp Eyes Kohl Pen and Concealer is a dual action pen that has a concealer on one end and a black kohl tip on the other. One trick men can use to even out their complexion without applying a foundation or powder is to simply apply suntan lotion on their faces. Sephora carries Clarins self-tanning instant gel, which is absorbed into the skin quickly so that you won't have to worry about staining your clothes - and you get results in just two hours. One of the best things about the majority of these products is that they each retail for just $20 - $30.
If you're just looking to conceal small blemishes, hickeys, or dark circles, you can never go wrong using the over-the-counter products found at drugs stores and supermarkets. Products from L'Oreal, Cover Girl, and Maybelline provide good coverage at affordable prices. The hardest can be matching your skin type to a packaged product without a tester, so we suggest bringing a knowledgeable drag queen along - or matching your skin tone on the makeup's website before venturing out. One thing you should know about covering dark circles is that you need to counterbalance the color. If your circles tend to be purple in color, use a yellowish tone. If they're more bluish, go for an orange tone. Although makeup colors may look unnatural in the tubes, they will effectively neutralize your problem areas. Some guys like to top this off with a regular concealer that matches their skin tone, and you can also use a translucent dusting powder to blend it so that it looks more natural and finished.
It's important to remember that healthy skin is the key to an attractive face and complexion. Sticking to a simple nightly skincare regime before bed isn't too hard and can remove the dirt and oil that collects on your face throughout the day. Neutrogena makes a great skin clearing face wash for men that's oil-free and won't clog your pores. Another effective item is L'Occitane eye cream, which helps to reduce dark morning circles, puffiness, and tiredness around the eyes. St. Ives Apricot Scrub is an inexpensive natural exfoliant that deep cleans your skin by scrubbing off the excess dead skin cells, leaving you with skin that looks younger and feels healthier.






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