Life

Make-up has been around for thousands of years, from the time when early humans used mud and ocres to paint their faces for tribal and ceremonial reasons. Make-up was first used as a cosmetic aid later, during the times of the ancient Romans, Egyptians, Greeks, Babylonians and Etruscans, when eyes were lined, brows were extended, and faces were paled. This was however, performed not only by women, but by men. For as long as there has been make-up, there have been those who have criticised it (usually the catholic church), however these people do not discriminate between men or women.

During the Restoration period, extravagent fashions, hair and make-ups were at their height. Bathing however, was not in vogue, and perfumes were heavily used as a consequence. During this time, as it had been for thousdands of years, make-up was lead based. This, in combination with lack of bathing and much sexual activity, meant that sores and blisters were forming on skin, and more make-up was used to cover, allowing the poisonous lead to seep into the blood, slowly killing the wearer. Make-up for men during this period was not only acceptable, it was expected, and male make-ups were often more detailed than those of the women. By the time of Marie Antoinette, peri-wigs and fashions for both men and women were at their most luxurious, but the red cheeks, high brows, and pale skin was considerably lessened.

By the 1850s and the time of Queen Victoria, make-up was definitely out... Well, in theory anyway. Face powders, creams and ointments were being used - discreetly. All cosmetics were made at home from natural ingredients and were often vitalising for the skin. Powders were used to even out and pale off skin, while pinching cheeks and biting lips was used to get a cool pink effect. Make-up was definitely out, but for men, was still nonetheless being used.

By the time of the 20th century, make-up took a turn. It was slowly becoming less theatrical, and by the 1930s, make-up was complimentary and elegant. It had, however, disappeared for men altogether.

The 1970s saw the first real revival of make-up for men. Punk and Glam was in, and men were now putting as much effort into their make-up, as women were. Foundation, blush, higlighting and shading, even eyeshadows were common. Men who wore punk make-up often had pale skin, sharp highlighting and shading, smokey eyes, black or red lips, and often some offensive symbols painted on their faces. Glam was often a luminous foundation, with smooth highlight and shading, with soft shadows and lipstick. For the first time in centuries, it was acceptable for men to wear make-up.

The next period for make-up and men was the 1980s with personalities such as Boy George making extremely androgenous make-ups the fashion. Men and women alike were sporting similar faces, and this was acceptable. Make-up was not only for those who mimiced their favourite star. For the everyday male, make-up was still common place. Face powders and other subtle cosmetic aids were used by businessmen to make themselves more presentable at work.

Since the 80s, make-up has not been revived much for men. Emos are often seen with their clumsy smokey eyes and paled skin, and this is the only form of make-up for men that is socially "acceptable". gay men are often associated with wearing make-up, however the rise of the metrosexual has changed that.

Men are slowly starting to appreciate the benefits of cosmetics, and science supports the use of cosmetics on men, and the benefits they can have. The top layer of skin, called the epidermis, is the layer exposed to the elements - sun, wind, rain, dirt - and is the layer that shows age, wear and wrinkles. The epidermis of a man, however, is considerably thicker, meaning that men have the potential to appear younger for longer than women. This potential has never been seized upon, as correct care has never been taken of the skin. Women, who have been caring for their skin, manage to fight the signs of aging. The want to look younger for longer is not a want that soley resides with women. So the care, cleansing, toning, moisturising, and sun protection of skin is imperitive for men wanting to preserve their youth. Make-up can also be used to this effect, as it can protect the skin from sun and some elements, so it not only makes you look good, but can keep you looking good in the long run.

The use of certain cosmetics for men has lead to the design of make-up ranges marketed for men. Jean Paul Gaultier has created a line of make-ups for the new male, including lip tints, face powders, bronzers, and eyeliner (dubbed guyliner). This shows that there is a market for men purchasing make-up. While coloured eyeshadows or any other form of unntaural make-up is not in, bronzers and other natural and subtle forms of make-up is. Make-up has never been so refined or natural, and men can recognise the potential to hide that pimple, neutralise their sunburn, or create a sunkissed effect with bronzer.

So have men forgotten their cosmetics roots? Perhaps. But slowly, we are recognising the benefits of make-up for both women and men. So are fashion conscious men who make-up naturally perposterous? Some may believe so. But they definitely care about feeling and looking good, not only now, but in the future.