Chanel set to launch a make-up range specifically for men

Yesterday fashion and beauty giant Chanel announced the upcoming launch of their first ever make-up line for men. "Beauty is not a matter of gender; it is a matter of style", read the release, a notion that will undoubtedly resonate with many. The collection - Boy de Chanel - will be available worldwide from November and is to include a lip balm, eyebrow pencil and foundation. Chanel introducing this makeup for men range is reflective of the modern-day beauty industry. 

However walking through any department store beauty hall, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was a women-only zone. With counter girls preened to perfection as they work their magic on hopeful customers, the visitors are, undeniably, mostly female - perhaps with the exception of husbands/boyfriends feigning interest and desperate to escape; or indeed, said husbands/boyfriends wondering around aimlessly with a furrowed brow of confusion, searching for a specific lipstick they've been summoned to collect. 

However, with breaking down stereotypes and promoting gender fluidity continuously gaining momentum, particularly among millennials, it's becoming clear that more and more men are engaging with the cosmetic world. The rise of social media, namely Instagram and YouTube, has provided a magnified look into the beauty business, with bloggers both male and female proving that make-up does not have to be gender specific. Slowly but surely, the lines between the beauty industry and gender are blurring.

Much like Chanel, cosmetic brands seem to be, quite rightly, beginning to steer clear of stereotypes and gender conformity by actively welcoming the diversity reflected in their customers. In 2016, L'Oreal introduced Gary Thompson (aka 'The Plastic Boy') for the first time in their True Match Foundation campaign. Thompson appeared in the advert which was shown across television platforms, social media and even cinemas as part of their #YoursTruly campaign.

So now we know the demand is there, where do we go from here? Is there a separate market for men? Do they need specific products? No fear, fellas - we're here to help.

Do men need male-specific products?

The short answer is: technically, no. There's no reason why men can't purchase and use the same products that are traditionally targeted to women. However, there are products out there that are specifically created for men that may be more suited. For example, choosing a moisturiser/primer that works best for those that shave their facial hair. The crucial point to note is that, regardless of gender, it's all about finding what works best for you and your skin type, tone, face shape, etc. 

What are the best make up products for men on the market?

Briefly mentioned above, the True Match Foundation by L'Oreal, £9.99 is a great base product that will even out skin tone and create a flawless look, with 23 shades to choose from. Much like L'Oreal, other brands have grabbed the male makeup demand by the horns.

ASOS, as well as including the makeup category under the "Men" tab, are also stocking cosmetic lines specifically created for men. Such products include the MMUK Beard & Brow filler, £15.50, a multi-purpose product that is great for filling out gaps in those brows and/or beards for extra definition. And it doesn't stop there: enter the W7 Man-scara, £6.00. A tool that will subtly coat lashes for wider eyes with just one application, but can also be layered up for a more dramatic look.

If more premium brands are what you're after, then look no further than the Calvin Klein Men's Make Up Base, £30. This sheer, gel-like formulation is a luxurious, pre-make up product that will hydrate, prep and prime the skin for whatever you put on top.

But as we said earlier, it's not imperative that you buy male-specific brands or products. In fact, after Yves Saint Laurent took their cult product Touche Eclat Concealer, £25 and produced a male version with different packaging and a matte finish, sales scuppered as most ended up reverting back to the original and the product was later dropped.

Another great choice is the NARS Bronzing Powders, £30. They're bestsellers for a reason. With a subtle glow offered by shade 'Laguna' this is a foolproof option for a naturally bronzed look.

What are the best application tips for men?

If you're new to makeup then the chances are when faced with such products you immediately wonder "how does that work?" or "where does that go?" and you'd be forgiven for thinking it all a bit of minefield. A good place to start is skincare. "The best canvas is always good skin so take time and effort to ensure a good cleansing routine," advises celebrity makeup artist Kenneth Soh, "double cleanse with a milk & cloth and follow with a wash - this will ensure skin is cleaned and ready."

If your skin is dry or irritated, for instance after shaving, then moisturising is your first step. Hydrated skin will look and behave better and your make-up will be easier to apply - not to mention longer lasting.

When it comes to the makeup, Kenneth says "subtlety is key. Makeup for men should not be detectable. Apply less than you think, step back and observe then add some more if you need." And on applying the products, Soh is adamant that the best tools are your fingers: "using your fingers allows products to warm up to body temp and make it easier to blend more easily."

The best beauty bloggers

The good news is, the internet is flooded with tutorials, blogs, and step-by-step videos on male makeup products and how to apply. So if you're feeling unsure on what to do with your shiny, new bronzer, then simply search YouTube or Instagram and you'll be a pro in no time. Here are some great ones to follow: 

Gary Thompson 'The Plastic Boy', a DJ and makeup artist from London with over 160k Instagram followers.

Jake Jamie 'The Beauty Boy'. Like Gary, Jamie has also been a spokesperson for L'Oreal Paris and has over 25k YouTube subscribers.

Kenneth Soh is a Professional Makeup Artist with over 20 years experience in the business. Check out his Instagram and blog for top tips.