Manly Makeup

In the February issue of Elle Magazine, Jessica Alba blasts Zac Efron - saying, “He looks like a child with a lot of makeup.” Oh, snap! Apparently not everyone is smitten with High School Musical’s resident heartthrob.

This got me thinking about man makeup, also known as “complexion enhancers.” I’m all for men putting their best face forward, and I consider myself to be pretty open-minded. But at the risk of sounding like a fuddy duddy, I think the concept of men wearing makeup - on any day but October 31st - is just bizarre.

While most men who don makeup do so on the down low, have you noticed how some cosmetics-loving lads are all in your face about it? Take, for example, one Pete Wentz – who’s famous for dating Ashlee Simpson and wearing ‘guyliner.’ He even went so far as to create a how-to video - his favorite is MAC Eye Pencil in Ebony.

Then there’s Jared Leto. What in the hell happened to Jared Leto?!?! I realize that a lot of people go through a goth phase…but, typically, it’s when you’re 16, not 36. Right? It’s a shame because he’s such a naturally handsome guy – and what’s worse is that he’s terrible at applying his makeup. You would think that a guy - who is rarely seen without liner - would get some lessons or pick up a Kevyn Aucoin book. Or, better yet, watch the Pete Wentz video. Ugh. I want my Jordan Catalano back.

I did some research, and was shocked to learn that these guys aren’t simply slipping into Sephora to stock up on beauty necessities - though the chain does offer a few. Oh no. Male Species, Studio 5ive, and KenMen are just a few of the Internet purveyors of male-specific cosmetics (get a load of this bronzer’s suggestive name).

And if you think that this is merely a trend among eccentric Hollywood types, guess again. In 2006, $4.8 million was spent on male grooming products in the U.S., a 7 percent increase over the year before and a 42 percent increase from 2001, according to a London-based marketing and research company. Behold the power of makeup...it's irresistable to both girls and boys.

How do you feel about men wearing makeup? Talk amongst yourselves.