Male Beauty Secrets
Male Beauty: Then and Now
Male grooming is now on a par with the female grooming routine. Men are taking a lot more pride in their appearance and want to look great when they are in the public eye. Grooming products and services aimed towards men have become a thriving marketplace.
From well-manicured nails to male lipstick and eyeshadow, the modern man has a host of products to choose from to help him achieve his best look. Men can also use cosmetic surgery to enhance their features, remove unwanted fat and even reduce breasts if they have "man boobs." For those who worry about the size of their manhood, there is a surgery available for that too.
Yes, times have changed.
If you haven't caught up with them, scroll down to discover what you may have overlooked.
7 Beauty Tips and Secrets for Men
Men's beauty standards have changed dramatically in the last few decades, but fear not. If you are looking to revamp your appearance, you're in luck; looking your best can be just one manicure or gym membership away. In this list of seven tips (and secrets) for becoming your best self, I will detail these self-care essentials.
- Perfecting the Shave
- Manicures and More
- Glowing Skin for Days
- Mane Care
- Keeping Your Pearly Whites White
- The Hair Down There
- Clean Linens and Things
Are you ready for a change? Let's get started!
1. Find the Shave That's Right for You
Shaving seems to be optional, rather than required. Men who have a five o'clock shadow can be desirable, but this look doesn't work for everyone. Although it looks rather cool and rebellious, ironically, it only works if you've put a lot of thought into it.
For example, there's a fine line between shadow and full-fledged beard, and if you have thick hair on your neck, that might not look so great. Plus, if your facial hair is unkempt or patchy, you'd better just take the razor to it and be clean-shaven for your night out.
2. Get Routine Manicures
Manicured nails look great on anyone. When you've got black stuff crusted under your nails, your date will wonder where that hand has been. But you don't have to break the bank to get yourself a good manicure. Your female family members have probably been doing their own nails for years, and I am sure that they will gladly help you; all you have to do is ask. Plus, these days men go to nail places to get their nails done all the time, so don't think twice about it.
To enhance your well-manicured nails, a spot of clear nail polish or varnish will make them look even cleaner.
3. Follow a Skincare Regimen
Cleansing
Using an exfoliant gets rid of dead skin particles, leaving your face feeling smoother and looking great. It can also help prevent blackheads, acne and ingrown hairs. This
apricot scrub doesn't cost a lot and works nicely to clean skin and minimize pores.
Creams
Moisturizing is key to keeping your skin balanced. If your face is too oily or dry, acne can flare or skin can peel. An anti-aging cream is also a great preventative investment, and it works just as well on men as it does on women. While you're at it, you might want to choose one with sunscreen in it to protect your skin from sun damage. It is important to note that some creams can cause excess shine, though.
Combating Shine
Certain facial creams can leave your face looking shiny. If you use these creams, you might also want to purchase a couple of cosmetics to take the shine from your face: a concealer and/or a light foundation. Using these products will make your face more matte.
Cosmetics
Cosmetics can be introduced to your skincare routine as well, but these products should be chosen carefully, depending on your skin type. There are many popular lines designed for men, and while there is no real reason for you to wear lipstick, eye shadow or blush—if desired, they can be used to enhance your best facial features.
The best way to go about applying cosmetics is to seek out an expert to show you how. If applied correctly, cosmetics can draw attention away from flaws.
4. Create a Teeth-Cleaning Routine
No matter how often you clean your teeth, they can become stained from drinking tea or coffee, smoking or eating certain foods. There are many different ways to whiten them, but the cheapest option is to use a whitening toothpaste. Although it might take a little longer than other methods, it will give you a brighter smile in two to three weeks.
Having whiter teeth doesn't always mean that you have fresh breath, and although regular brushing does help, investing in a good mouthwash is essential. Mouthwash gets to parts of the mouth that brushing can't reach, leaving your breath fresher and your mouth cleaner.
5. Wash and Treat Your Hair Regularly
Regardless of hair type, it is important to use a shampoo that is gentle on your hair. Ingredients such as vitamin E and coconut oil are great for naturally strengthening and conditioning the hair follicles. Hot oil treatments also leave your hair with a great natural-looking shine.
Don't be fooled by super-fragrant shampoos, either. Be sure to read the labels, as these types of products can contain artificial ingredients that don't do much for your hair.
Shampoo Ingredients to Avoid:
- Parabens (i.e., methylparaben and propylparaben)
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Sodium lauryl sulfate
- Propylene glycol
- Diethanolamine
- Paraffin oil
- Phthalates
- Retinol
6. Don't Neglect the Hair "Down There"
To shave or not to shave is a matter of personal preference; if it feels right, go ahead and do it. But if you'd rather not "manscape," don't. You can manage growth by trimming the hair now and then with scissors or an electric groomer, taking care not to endanger your chances of having children in the future.
Pro Tip: If you've got a wicked case of razor burn on your most sensitive area, try rubbing an ice cube over it.
7. Take Care of Your Clothes
No matter if you are going to a casual event or a formal one, ensure that your clothes are well laundered, at least. Cleanliness is next to godliness, after all, and if you have worked on all of the other care tips above, you could spoil it all by having poorly washed or pressed clothes. And don't forget the shoes, which should be well cared for and polished.
How Much Time Should a Man Spend Grooming?
When I was younger and getting ready for a night out on the town, it would take half an hour at most to transform myself from Mr. Slob to Mr. Super-Cool-Dude. All it took was a quick shower and shave, a dash of aftershave, a spray of deodorant, a quick swipe of a comb with a bit of Brylcreem and I was good to go.
Getting that half hour to use the bathroom was the most difficult part of my simple beauty regimen because my sister would be in there for at least three hours getting ready herself: shaving, plucking, puffing, slicking, applying her war paint (cosmetics) and whatever else women do to preen themselves. Of course, after that, she would spend another hour or two in her bedroom, choosing clothes and accessories to match her look.
My story is meant to demonstrate that there is no magic number. Everyone has their routines and rituals when getting ready. So hog that bathroom to your heart's content!
Now Have Fun!
You look good, you feel good and you are oozing confidence. All that is left is to enjoy your night on the town.
Male Grooming Poll
How long does it take you to get ready for a night out?
- Less than 20 minutes
- Between 20 minutes and half an hour
- Between half an hour and an hour
- 1–2 hours
- Even longer
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