The Only Men's Makeup Tips You Need to Look Natural

Want to achieve the "no-makeup" makeup look? We revealed all the best men's makeup tips here.

It can be challenging to wear men's makeup without anyone noticing it actually took 10 different products to look “natural." Especially frustrating for cosmetic beginners, you’ll be surprised by how a few tips and tricks will elevate your face. Whether you’re a makeup aficionado or dab-and-go guy, here are some foolproof men's makeup tips to create the most natural effect.

WHEN CAN I WEAR THE NO-MAKEUP MAKEUP LOOK?

Despite going for a natural makeup-for-men look, there’s still a time and place for this to really work effectively.

If you’re at the beach or pool, consider going bare-faced and skipping the makeup step altogether. You can also try waterproof products for minimal smudging, but we can't guarantee it'll go unnoticed. Spending time outdoors? Use SPF-based products to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Always remove makeup before bed with makeup remover and a deep-cleansing face wash, like Context’s Micro-Derm Regenerator, to completely remove any residue.

MEN'S FACE MAKEUP TIPS

FOUNDATION FOR MEN: FINDING YOUR SHADE

The most common mistake is choosing a shade that doesn’t match with your face and neck. Even the slightest color variation on your neck is a telltale sign that you’re wearing foundation incorrectly.

Don't worry, you’re not the only one that gets confused between “neutral tan” and “cool beige." Find your foundation match by testing different tones on your neck, instead of directly on your face. Once you've found your foundation shade, blend it into your face and slightly down the neck for seamless coverage.

Buying men's foundation online? Try printing out sample colors and matching the colors against your neck and face in a well-lit area. You can also visit a retail store and ask for samples before purchasing it later online.

If you already bought foundation for men that doesn’t match your skin tone, don't throw it away just yet. Having a slightly lighter or darker foundation on hand helps if you're someone that tans easily. Skin tends to darken during the summer and lighten during the winter due to seasonal shifts. When this happens, you can mix two foundation shades for a truly customized shade match.

CONCEALER FOR MEN: BRIGHTEN & CONCEAL

Similarly, you can apply these mens makeup tips to concealer, depending on your goals. Men's concealer can work wonders on dark circles, puffy bags, and blemish control.

To combat dark under-eye circles, find a concealer one shade lighter than your skin color in order to brighten dark circles. If you’re prone to puffy bags, apply a concealer one shade darker directly on the puffiness, followed by a lighter concealer underneath that to create a depuffing illusion. 

Don’t be intimidated by the thought of wearing a concealer that doesn’t completely match your skin tone. As long as you blend well, your concealer will remain invisible to the naked eye. 

MEN'S EYE MAKEUP TIPS

GUYLINER: NATURAL DEFINING

When mastering a natural men's eye makeup look, don't go heavy-headed on the guyliner (aka: eyeliner for men). Although guyliner can widen your eyes, it’s much more noticeable in comparison to other eye makeup products.

Choose an eyeliner pencil instead of liquid and gel liners. Pencil liners can be blurred and blended into the lash line. Liquid and gel liners will only create a blunt, defined line. 

MASCARA: VOLUME & LENGTH 

You can get away with mascara (also called manscara) by choosing a shade that matches your brows or applying a clear shade. 

For added volume, use an eyelash curler to give your eyes an extra boost. Remember to use the eyelash curler before applying mascara to prevent lash fallout and clumping. Next, gently wiggle mascara wand from root to tip, which will help separate your lashes. If you want to get really fancy, you can use an eyelash comb to part those lashes like the Red Sea. 

MEN'S BROW (AND BEARD) MAKEUP TIPS

BROW MAKEUP: FILLING EYEBROWS

Using men's brow makeup can subtly define your face. It’s recommended to go slightly lighter for brunettes and slightly darker for blondes. However, for the most natural brow look, it’s best to choose a color that already matches with your facial hair, as the goal isn’t to make your brows noticeably stand out.

Avoid over-applying product by going slow. Similar to paint theory, it's much easier to add than to take away. You can also invest in a brow brush for easy application.

BEARD MAKEUP: FILLING BEARDS

Since not everyone can grow the perfect Gyllenhaal ‘stache, beard fillers are lifesavers for fixing those annoying patchy areas. However, makeup stains are a common giveaway that reveals you’re wearing beard fillers (and even foundation). Avoid wearing shirts with a high collar that can potentially swipe against your cheek and leave marks.

Run out of beard filler? Don't sweat it. Men's mascara can work also as an emergency alternative since the wand is already designed to coat hair follicles.