Men and Beauty: How the Rules Have Changed and Helped Men Win the Game

No one can deny that male beauty maintenance has undergone a remarkable transformation, especially in recent years. We can all say goodbye to the days of rigid societal norms dictating beauty regimen should be exclusively for women and men should look rugged and unkempt. Today, men are stepping into the light, ready to take the power of beauty to unlock their full potential and radiate confidence. From the tried-and-tested skincare rituals to the art of sculpting beards and the meteoric rise of male makeup, a new era of male beauty has emerged. Yes, it’s a celebration of authenticity, self-empowerment, and self-expression, defying the confines of traditional masculinity.

Traditionally, grooming and self-care were viewed as feminized behavior, often subjecting men to judgment, if not ridicule.

The evolution of male beauty rituals

Through the years, the perception of male grooming has evolved significantly. From ancient civilizations to modern times, men have practiced grooming rituals that reflect not only personal preferences but also cultural norms.

Historically, beards, hairstyles, and body adornments were used to communicate status, power, and identity. Traditionally, grooming and self-care were viewed as feminized behavior, often subjecting men to judgment, if not ridicule.

In today’s modern world, male beauty maintenance encompasses a wide array of practices, including skincare routines, hair treatments, facial hair grooming, laser treatments, and more, with the focus shifting towards looking great and feeling better about themselves. Additionally, many men see beauty treatments as a form of self-care, a way to unwind and relax after a long day.

In a conservative country like the Philippines, there has been a significant change in the way people view male vanity. While traditional notions of masculinity are still strong, there is a growing acceptance of men trying to improve their appearance. This can be attributed to several factors, such as the popularity of social media, the increasing visibility of male beauty influencers, and the influence of Korean pop culture, which has popularized a softer, more polished version of masculinity.

The importance of skincare for men

Basically, skincare can very well be considered as the foundation of beauty maintenance for both men and women. While the cleanse-tone-moisturize routine is still very much followed by many to this day, there are a few more steps that can be added to this for healthier and more radiant skin. For instance, you can add gentle exfoliation at least once a week to help reveal smoother skin, do double cleansing at night to effectively get rid of oil and dirt, put on a facial mask whenever necessary to keep skin hydrated and supple, and apply sun protection every day to prevent premature wrinkles and age spots. While we don’t expect dramatic changes overnight, using the right skincare products and following the skincare regimen regularly can have a cumulative effect to help achieve younger-looking skin.

The art of facial hair grooming and hairstyling

With beards making a powerful resurgence in recent years, facial hair has become an emblem of masculine identity. In fact, facial hair grooming has become a form of self-expression, reflecting a man’s personality and individuality.

On the other hand, proper hairstyling and haircare for men became even more popular since hair greatly contributes to one’s appearance and confidence. Thus, selecting hairstyles that suit one’s face shape and maintaining healthy hair are a must.

Now, more and more men have their go-to barbershops or salons, as well as their trusted barbers or hairstylists, for regular haircuts and facial hair grooming to look polished and well-groomed.

K-drama gave birth to the K-beauty phenomenon. The flawless, glowing skin of these Korean male celebrities has sparked a global trend, encouraging men to adopt a rigorous skincare routine.

The influence of K-drama on male vanity

We can all agree that Korean drama, better known as K-drama, has taken the world by storm, captivating audiences even outside of South Korea. Beyond the captivating stories, oftentimes with mind-blowing twists and turns, K-dramas have definitely influenced male vanity. With handsome and dashing male leads, these shows have shattered conventional beauty standards, leaving a lasting impact on men’s grooming habits worldwide.

K-drama gave birth to the K-beauty phenomenon. Think of Nam Joo-hyuk, Song Joong-ki, Gong Yoo, Lee Dong-wook, Park Bo-gum, and Kim Tae-hyung or V of BTS. The flawless, glowing skin of these Korean male celebrities has sparked a global trend, encouraging men to adopt a rigorous skincare routine. As a result, skincare products tailored specifically for men have become more prevalent in the market.

Moreover, K-dramas have introduced the world to the “glass skin” trend that is characterized by a luminous and dewy complexion, inspiring men to prioritize hydration and adopt a multi-step skincare routine. Indeed, K-dramas have highlighted the power of grooming to elevate one’s appearance and confidence.

The rise of male makeup

Another remarkable impact of K-dramas is the increasing acceptance and popularity of male makeup. Characters in these dramas often sport natural-looking makeup, blurring the lines between gender-specific beauty routines. Thus, men are becoming more open to experimenting with makeup as a means of enhancing their features, boosting confidence, and embracing their unique identities.

No wonder, more and more makeup brands are tapping into the male consumers offering makeup products for men and getting male endorsers.

Taking care of one’s appearance can be indicative of a man’s attention to detail and professionalism, traits that are highly regarded in leadership roles.

How beauty maintenance can help men achieve success

Male beauty maintenance can play a significant role in the career advancement of those men climbing the corporate ladder. First, maintaining a well-groomed appearance can boost confidence and self-assurance. When individuals feel good about themselves, they exude a stronger presence and make a lasting impression in the workplace.

Second, a well-dressed and well-groomed man is more likely to leave a positive and memorable impression on colleagues, superiors, clients, and potential business partners. This can open doors to new opportunities, networking prospects, and enhanced professional relationships. Third, a professional and polished appearance can instill trust and credibility, making it easier for others to have confidence in a man’s skills and abilities.

Fourth, taking care of one’s appearance can be indicative of a man’s attention to detail and professionalism, traits that are highly regarded in leadership roles. Fifth, looking youthful and energetic can positively impact perceptions of an individual’s potential and capacity to take on new challenges and responsibilities.

Popular cosmetic procedures for men

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of men seeking cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance and address specific concerns. The popular treatment among men is the facial. Facials help to deep clean the skin, unclog pores, and improve skin texture. Many men also opt for manicures and pedicures to keep their nails looking neat.

Botox injections and dermal fillers are still popular injectable treatments commonly used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Men often opt for these treatments to achieve a more youthful and refreshed look without undergoing invasive surgery.

Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure among men to remove excess fat from common problem areas such as the abdomen, chest, and flanks. It can help sculpt and define the body, providing a more contoured appearance.

Those experiencing hair loss or male pattern baldness go for hair transplantation as it offers a permanent solution to restore hair growth in areas of thinning or baldness. Others opt for non-invasive alternatives for hair growth such as Low-Level Laser Therapy devices that emit red light to stimulate hair follicles and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy which involves injecting concentrated platelets from the patient’s blood into the scalp.

Some men go for rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping surgery, to address concerns such as a crooked nose, a hump on the bridge, or nasal asymmetry. Those who want to improve the appearance of their drooping eyelids and reduce puffiness around the eyes choose blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, to look more refreshed and youthful.

Laser hair removal is a popular choice for men to reduce or eliminate unwanted body hair, providing long-lasting results. Jawline contouring procedures, such as injectable fillers or chin implants, are sought after by men to achieve a more defined and chiseled jawline. Also, men avail of laser skin resurfacing treatments to improve skin texture, and tone, and reduce signs of sun damage, acne scars, and aging.

With the rise of platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, men are now exposed to a constant stream of images and videos showcasing the latest trends in fashion, grooming, and fitness.

The impact of social media on men’s vanity

Social media has had a profound impact on the way men view themselves and the way they improve their appearance. With the rise of platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, men are now exposed to a constant stream of images and videos showcasing the latest trends in fashion, grooming, and fitness. This has led to a growing pressure on men to conform to certain standards of beauty and to invest more time and money into anything that can help them look their best.

Social media has also contributed to the rise of male influencers and beauty gurus, with a large number of followers, often promoting specific products or routines for others to try. Indeed, the modern gentlemen embrace self-care and the art of grooming with pride and confidence, as they continue to break free from the confines of the old perception of male beauty.

As more and more men discover the transformative power of beauty, they are now unapologetically celebrating their individuality and self-assurance to allow them to present to the world the best versions of themselves.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED MEN’S SKINCARE PRODUCTS 

Modern men have already discovered the benefits of taking care of their skin, not only for their appearance but also for their health and well-being. Here are some of the best products for different skin types and concerns, as well as some tips to get the most out of your skincare routine.

Apply powerful anti-aging products. 

Shiseido surely understands the different needs of men’s skin. That’s why, this brand has developed a range of products specially designed for men.

Powered by botanical Japanese Tsubaki extract, Shiseido Men Hydrating Lotion Clear is a refreshing and moisturizing product with a watery texture that absorbs quickly and does not leave any greasy or sticky residue. It helps to improve the skin’s barrier function and reduce the appearance of pores over time. It also soothes and protects the skin after shaving. So, goodbye tight and dry skin. Hello, fresh-looking skin that’s moisturized for up to 12 hours. Bonus: It smells good, too!

Is your skin dull, rough, and sagging? Would you like to have firmer skin that’s free from wrinkles? Then, you must try Shiseido Men Total Revitalizer Light Fluid. This lightweight moisturizer has a smooth and refreshing texture that sinks into the skin without a sticky feeling. Thanks to its rice bran technology, this anti-aging fluid helps the skin look energized while improving the skin’s firmness, elasticity, and texture. It also hydrates the skin for 48 hours.

If you want to deliver antioxidants to your skin, strengthen its inner defenses, and help with its damage recovery, Shiseido Men Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate is the right one for you. It has a lightweight and silky texture that absorbs easily and leaves no residue. With the triple Tsubaki technology, it hydrates the skin for up to 32 hours and reduces the look of fine lines, roughness, and dryness. 

Wear sunscreen every day.

Anessa, a sunscreen brand from Japan, offers a range of products for different skin types with SPF50+ and PA++++ to provide ultimate protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. What’s more, Anessa products feature the Auto Booster Technology that makes them more resistant to water, sweat, air moisture, and heat. Yes, they are lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-greasy, and mineral oil-free. And no, they don’t leave a white cast. 

If you are under the sun most of the time and you are worried about your oily skin, choose Anessa Gold Milk to give you that matte finish. If you have dry skin and spend most of your time indoors, go for Anessa Gold Gel to get that dewy finish and keep your skin moisturized. Always on the go? Then grab the Anessa Gold Spray. It’s guaranteed to give you sun protection anytime and anywhere in a very convenient way.

Give what your skin needs.

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream is a lightweight moisturizer that absorbs quickly and hydrates the skin without making it greasy. Its blend of peptides, amino acids, growth factors, and pygmy waterlily helps nourish and strengthen the skin barrier. This can make skin look firm and youthful while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum is a unique vitamin C serum that you mix yourself before the first use to ensure freshness and potency. Its power to help you achieve brighter and firmer skin lies in its blend of L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, and vitamin E. That’s glowing skin made easy.

If you love retinol, one of the top anti-aging ingredients, then you can try Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream. It combines 1.0 percent vegan retinol with superfood-rich ingredients to address wrinkles and sun damage, revealing younger-looking skin. The best part? It does not leave your skin with redness or irritation. 

Make your skin look healthy and glowing as you hydrate it with Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum. This lightweight serum can help you achieve brighter and smoother skin as it contains vitamin B5 and pineapple ceramide. 

Transform your skin overnight with Drunk Elephant T. L. C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum. This exfoliating serum gets rid of dead skin cells to reveal that softer, smoother, and brighter skin without dryness or irritation. Its powerful blend of AHA and BHA helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. 

Collage by Dannah Valdezco. Planets and galaxy cosmos physical cosmology science fiction wallpaper by © Thanapol sinsrang, Man at mirror combing hair by © The Everette collection via Canva.com.