by Gerry

Created on: June 03, 2010

Makeup has been used since ancient times, and in some societies it was made for both men and women. In ancient Egypt it was typically seen a symbol of power and the higher class for both men and women. Men often used face paint in tribal life, including war paint. Actors and other performers have used makeup from the beginning to play certain roles. Asking if it's about time for makeup for men is a flawed question, as men have worn makeup for centuries. As for marketing folly, I'd say that's certainly not the case.

The reason for it not being a marketing folly is just the same as the reason "about time" is a flawed way to describe makeup for men, men have been using makeup for centuries. And men continue to use makeup to this day. It seems like most celebrity men wear some amount of makeup these days, even if it's just some foundation. And there are a lot of average guys who wear makeup, too. The majority may not wear makeup but even so, quite a lot do. With several subcultures such as goth and emo featuring male makeup usage, and an increasing acceptance of femininity in men, as well as the crossdressing men, drag queens, and such in the world, I'd say it would be a marketing folly not to make makeup for men.

And personally, I like makeup on both men and women. Naturally, it depends on the person and what the makeup looks like on them, but I don't see anything wrong with men wearing makeup. It can be a way to express oneself or an aesthetic enhancement, the same as it is for women. There's nothing inherently feminine or girly about it, what would be seen as feminine to many today was seen as a symbol of high class in ancient Egypt and even in our society is seen as part of the job for some people(like actors and models). And there are many ways makeup can be worn on men without making them appear feminine, even by today's standards. But even feminine-looking makeup can look good on men. Some men like looking feminine, and some even have naturally feminine features that makeup can accentuate. There's no reason a man should be denied the ability to enhance his looks the same way a woman does.

In the end, though, my opinion on the subject doesn't matter in terms of whether it's a good marketing decision. All that really matters is that there are enough men that like makeup for selling makeup to men to be profitable. So I'd say it is a good marketing decision and far from a marketing folly.

Learn more about this author, Gerry.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.