Make Up for Men : A Conversation With Nisha Sen Vidanarachchi 

Now hear me out! In our continuing conversation of male grooming, I thought it would be the best time to talk about corrective skincare solutions for men which is one of the biggest emerging markets in cosmetics and luxury spending over the past two years; so much so, two top UK retailers ensure that they have counters dedicated for makeup and other products exclusively for men in every single outlet they own. 

More and more, I see men use ‘beauty filters’ (you know you do it!) on their smartphones and on social media to make sure that their skin looks flawless; some going as far as posting photos that have only passed the strictest edits on Photoshop. Most girls achieve this look for real life with the use of some of the best cosmetics; and now, with growing interest – I think it’s high time men in Sri Lanka consider all the solutions available for them, even if it’s only on their wedding day or any other special occasion. 

And in keeping up with the growing awareness; I thought it’s only fair that I speak to one of my favourite make up artists in town, Nisha Sen Vidanarachchi for added information. Nisha is a committed contributor to her local and international clients in Sri Lanka as a professionally qualified makeup artist. What began as just an interesting side service to her fashion design and stylist work has propelled her to be an expert voice I depend on for cosmetic advice and the occasional contribution to my work. She was most recently the featured makeup artist in the inaugural issue of Cosmopolitan Sri Lanka. 

Know Thy Skin 

Engaging in conversation, Nisha got to work with my volunteer. Even on the insistence of his use of a local brand exfoliator facewash, she recommended we consider the common problem both men and women face, just like my model Geoff did; an uneven or combination skin tone. She recommended the use of Clarins, Neutrogena or Garnier Men's grooming products as a base for daily use as they are one of the only brands that offer reparative solutions instead of products that only deal with symptoms. 

She also recommended that when you first start noticing issues with skin, a visit to a dermatologist is a must before indulging in over-the-counter products as some top brands might not be created with South Asian skin in mind. And last but not least, she recommended that men might not consider how small modifications to their daily routine could change the issues they face with their skin; factors such as regularily changing pillowcases, towels, eating healthier, drinking adequate amounts of water all make the difference. Make up after all might not even be necessary for men, and could even considerably be an accessory to a special occasion or requirement. 

Make Up For Men 101 

Starting off with a toner to control any shine, moisturizer for any dry zones, Nisha identified that Geoff could do with some lip balm. Sounds simple enough. But also, using a slightly wet wedge sponge (aka beauty blender), Nisha suggested applying the BH cosmetics matte foundation (which is locally available) with a brush starting with the forehead. In case of problematic skin she recommended just avoid pushing it in to the skin with the blender or brush. She wanted a subtle finish to even out his skintone and felt a skintone matched MAC powder would help set it. 

She highly recommended grooming brows and facial hair before application so you have a clear area to work with (as Geoff’s facial hair was an interesting challenge). “A little goes a long way, so keep it subtle if it is your initial adventure” she added. She highly recommended sticking with a great skincare and grooming regimen, using make up to even out skin tone and if you’re feeling really adventurous some mascara or eyeliner. 

“Make up for a long time was considered ‘weird’ for men, but the metrosexual trend has helped make advanced grooming and beauty standards for men to evolve and almost equate women today. Sri Lanka today might not be greatly open to men wearing make up en masse, but slowly yet surely I’ve noticed many men consider make up for special occasions and I look forward to working on men as well as women equally in our (local) emerging beauty culture.” adds Nisha “Also, just like girls have insecurities, boys can too. And if they are willing to seek the services of a dentist or a dermatologist, they should consider make up a very current solution to common skin problems or as potential enhancements”. 

In summary I think we can all agree that make up has evolved so much that you can barely say it’s on and it being so weatherproof makes them well suited for use in our country. Even in the case of makeup targeted at men, or cosmetics that have a gender-neutral usage (saying ‘unisex’ is so 10 years ago) they are so user friendly, easily accessible and have less stigma associated with their purchase even in our country. Besides, your skin care regime is your business; So if you feel like some skin toned powder could help you grab the job you want or a matte foundation solution could finally fix your uneven skin tone, go for it. This is all in aid of you having access to every tool you need to look your best and feel your best. 

The writer is a Stylist and Menswear Evangelist for Daily Mirror Life. Follow Jude Gayantha Perera (www.instagram.com/stylistlk) and find his best recommendations online, especially on Instagram. 

By Jude Gayantha Perera