I'm a Man and I Wear Makeup (You Can, Too!)

By Jake Jamie

Updated on 11/9/2015 at 10:00 AM

Photograhy by Jake Jamie
Photograhy by Jake Jamie
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I started experimenting with makeup around the age of 19 when I began having terrible acne breakouts. Prior to this, I had skin that would give Angelina Jolie a run for her money. When unsightly spots started popping up, it came as a huge shock. It seriously knocked my confidence, so I turned to cosmetics and have never looked back.

Although I no longer suffer with active acne, I continue to wear makeup because it makes me feel good. Twenty years ago nobody would have believed you if you had said: "One day, men will moisturize and fake tan" as it was completely unheard of. However, more and more men have quickly caught onto the benefits of actively enhancing the look of their skin.

After years of perfecting my own ultra-natural makeup, I started my YouTube channel to share my findings with others and to help banish the taboo. Male, female, gay, straight — anyone can wear makeup! Yes, I said straight men can wear makeup — actually they already do (you probably just don't know about it).

I receive emails daily from straight men who are thinking about buying their first foundation or concealer after years of feeling unhappy with themselves. They are often too scared to approach a beauty counter — they fear of being laughed at. With over 70 percent of my YouTube viewership being male, it's obvious that makeup is no longer just for women.

If you're a male considering purchasing makeup or already own some and don't know how to use it, read on for my recommendations and foolproof techniques for application!

Step 1: Moisturize

Step 1: Moisturize

This is a vital step when it comes to creating a gorgeous glowing complexion as the skin needs to be hydrated. Your foundation will never look natural, if it’s clinging to all your dry patches. My favorite moisturizer to keep you glowing all day long is the Embroylisse Lait Creme ($16) — trust me it will change your life!

Step 2: Foundation

Step 2: Foundation

After one layer of Charlotte Tilbury foundation ($46), the complexion is instantly smoothed, and perfected into an all day second skin that will last. This foundation will cover instantly and treat skin concerns in the long term — it really is magic! I also love Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup ($38).

Apply your foundation with a damp Miracle Complexion Sponge by RealTechniques ($6). Honestly, this sponge changes makeup application by creating a base that is perfect.

Step 3: Concealer

Step 3: Concealer

Use a very small brush to apply concealer, and really take your time with this aspect. Less is more when it comes to covering blemishes. The Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage concealer ($32) will cover the biggest of spots and the darkest of marks.

Step 4: Eyebrows

Step 4: Eyebrows

Take a well sharpened eyebrow pencil, like the Clarins Eyebrow Pencil ($25) to create your brow outline. The key is to create shadows in the sparse areas of the brow as opposed to harsh block color. After filling them in with pencil, you can then take a brow powder like Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder ($23) to add depth and drama.

Step 5: Nose Contouring

Step 5: Nose Contouring

Take a MAC 212 Flat Definer Brush ($25) or something similar and draw two lines down the nose with your favorite contour powder. Then blend the contour outward; the harsh lines will disappear while shadows creating a slimmer more sculpted nose will remain.

Step 6: Contour Around the Temples

Step 6: Contour Around the Temples

I’m using the Charlotte Tilbury Bronze and Glow Sculpt ($68) — it allows me to change my facial framework in a really subtle, undetectable way!

Step 7: Contour Cheekbones

Step 7: Contour Cheekbones

Yes, men can have killer Kim Kardashian cheekbones too! Connect your temple contour into your cheek contour. Again, create a shadow, but don’t overdo it.

Step 8: Highlight

Step 8: Highlight

Take a highlighting powder like Anastasia Beverly Hills in Banana ($14), and use this above your contour, under the eyes, center of the forehead, and down the bridge of the nose.

This powder is great because it is matte and contains no “shimmery particles,” meaning you’ll look lit from within but no one will ever be able to tell you’re wearing any makeup at all. People will think you just woke up with a complexion that literally oozes perfection!

Step 9: Facial Hair

Step 9: Facial Hair

Take a tapered, precious brow pencil and fill in any sparse areas of your beard. This will give you the perfect, designer stubble like David Beckham.

Step 10: Powder

Step 10: Powder

Finish off with a dusting of finishing powder. Push the powder into the skin. But do not buff, which could move your makeup around and uncover those perfectly disguised blemishes.

Step 11: More Brows

Step 11: More Brows

Push the brows up and into the place, with the Urban Decay Brow Tamer Tinted Brow Gel ($20), and there you have it; you’re now the proud owner of perfect skin.

Before and After

Before and After