QUESTION
Hi Petrica,
Greetings, I’m your newest reader. It’s great to see you writing about the health and emotional well-being of men. It’s clear as a bell. I would like to know your opinion since I am feeling demotivated about my passion for skincare and make-up. My friends mock me when I talk about cosmetics. Perhaps I should quit talking about it. Should I give up on skincare?
Thank you.
David
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ANSWER
Hi David,
Does Scripture assert that only women ought to care for their skin and appearance? Even though most ads for fairness and beauty products feature women, this does not mean guys shouldn’t care for their skin and bodies. It isn’t a feminine thing.
Men wearing beauty products and skincare have been stigmatized and even considered weak.
When it comes to men, the attention is mostly on skincare, whether to whiten or bleach their skin to make them appear more masculine. Anything beyond that is considered feminine.
Credits@Google
Currently, only a small number of men use cosmetic products; however, that percentage will continue to grow over time.
I believe it is an issue of heightened awareness. Two things are happening: Men are beginning to realize they can use make-up, and they have an understanding of what it does.
On the other hand, some social media influencers encourage people to let go of rigid gender-based stereotypes. Beauty products and fashion have also become more gender-inclusive due to the rise in male beauty icons.
James Charles and Patrick Starr have brought the male beauty industry to its knees, proving that there are no limitations in make-up and desensitizing a generation to the idea that men can wear it as well. Recently, male content creators have emerged in India aiming to normalize beauty for men and remove the stigma surrounding it.
Ankush Bahugana is an Indian influencer whose under-eye circles-concealing videos have gone viral. Although Bahugana has focused on providing subtle ways to help men look and feel good, other make-up artists have also shown off their skills, including Deep Pathare’s colorful creations and Shantanu Dhope’s stunning eye looks.
Credits@Google
Credits@Google
Credits@Google 
Credits@Google
MEN’S SKINCARE HATE: HOW TO DEAL WITH IT
Whenever someone criticizes your makeup, ask them, “Is it possible to conceal masculinity with translucent powder?”.
The world is rife with homophobes and misogynists. Enjoy doing what you do because it will make people more aware and educated. Most people are woefully uninformed, which is why many are inclined to spread hate.
It’s so great having people like Shantanu, Deep, and Ankush around, killing it on the field. Regardless of what you call it, more and more men are wearing makeup, and I’m so glad that’s happening,
No matter what gender we are, it’s our skin, our bodies. It’s our responsibility to care for it. We can’t let anyone judge what we do to our bodies.
If you have blackheads, get one of those charcoal face masks and get rid of them. No need to worry, pal! The mask doesn’t ask your gender. Go for it.
I know several men who wax their arms at least once a month. Their arms are much smoother than mine. Thus, don’t overthink it and instead check out the right products for your skin type. Everyone deserves to look their best, regardless of their gender, race, color, or caste.
I hope you’ve found some inspiration.
Lots of Love,
Petrica
