Boy Beauty: Makeup Isn’t Just for Girls

photo by Ty Browning  visual by Jackie Cameron

Every day for 12 years, I dressed head-to-toe in the “masculine” combination of Oakland Raiders jerseys, clashing athletic shorts and electric blue Nike sneakers to fit in with my other male classmates. Around two years ago, I realized I’d much rather be covered in Fenty Beauty highlighter.

Most beauty products, including Fenty highlighter, are obviously advertised to women — pink packaging, female models and feminine pronouns all accompany them. But it doesn’t have to just be for girls — makeup can be, and is, for everyone.

For me, makeup is a form of art. I practically sang and danced my way out of the womb, and to this day, I haven’t stopped. It’s safe to say I’m a person of the arts. But in the past two years, I’ve started to pick up makeup brushes along with new dance routines.

My new admiration stemmed from the videos of YouTubers like James Charles and Jeffree Star, two male makeup artists that have no shame in doing what they love. Men shouldn’t have to be afraid to wear makeup, but the world’s norms and connotations on what each gender “should be” pressure people to hide their true personalities. These two influencers luckily have the platform to tell people to love who they are. It was from this reassurance that I decided to dive into the world of beauty.

I purchased some simple products — eyeshadow, highlighter and bronzer. I spent money I earned from my job, and let me tell you, makeup is not a cheap commodity. It’s worth the expense.

After a few months of constant and intense practice, I started to pick up on some techniques that I saw in the YouTube beauty videos. Thanks to daily viewings, I learned tricks like how to detect cool, neutral and warm skin undertones without even thinking about it.

But the new confidence I gained completely outweighed the sum I payed for it. I had never felt stronger than when I was doing something that would typically be considered weak for men. I was finally letting myself be who I wanted to be, not what other people wanted. Every time I put on makeup, I would stare into the mirror. I finally loved what I saw in it.

My makeup is still confined to my home, though. I don’t feel like I need to wear makeup in public. My looks are for me to enjoy, not for the validation of others.

Makeup doesn’t have to be a bold statement with flashy eyes and glowing lips — it can be as simple as covering a pimple. Makeup is supposed to make the wearer feel better about themself, and let the wearer be creative by doing it.

I wholeheartedly believe that makeup is for all people, no matter your gender, sexual orientation, age or race.

Makeup is more than just a way to make yourself look more beautiful — it’s a way to make yourself feel more beautiful. Creativity is the perfect outlet for emotions, and this way of being creative was made to make you feel like you. When you’re doing your makeup, you’re putting your personality on your face.

But girls — I now have so much more respect for you. How much time it takes each day to create a whole masterpiece is insane. Keep doing what you’re doing because you look amazing doing it.

And boys — don’t be afraid to get in touch with your creative side. Sure, your more “masculine” friends may make fun of you for it, but you may end up learning things about yourself you thought you already knew.