Ladies, Make Room in Front of the Mirror
By Jennie Fitzgerald

Women will no longer be the only ones applying concealer, bronzer, and mascara every morning. Men…yes, men…will be giving themselves an extra 10 minutes a day to practice the latest trend ~ men wearing make-up.

The recent obsession with the well-polished metrosexual left men willing to go to great lengths to find their perfect shade of powder. The trend of male make-up may have previously been associated with the grunge and punk crowds, but now it’s making it into the mainstream. Whether it’s just a trend or here to stay, many cosmetic companies have released male-targeted products and are seeing sales to reflect a growing industry. In Western Europe it is expected to increase 15.5% by the year 2010, according to market analyst Euromonitor, and history has shown that trends generally make it here to the States the very next year.

Big name companies like Clinique has taken a step toward the trend, releasing its first male concealer ~ M cover. Others have followed, so is it possible that women will soon be asking their men for make-ups tips?

Clinique’s M Cover concealer blends easily into skin to hide dark circles, blemishes, redness, and shaving nicks ~ and it’s water and sweat resistant.

Male Species has everything from its Starburst face bronzer to its Brush-A-Brow eyebrow color. Blush, eyeliner, and foundation, you name it!

Zirh Clay Mask absorbs all impurities and oils to balance the skin’s surface. Don’t be surprised, ladies, when you come home to your man with cucumbers on his eyes!

Lancome Paris’ Age Fight Yeux eye gel reduces puffiness, dark circles, and aging. Sure beats Botox!

4V00 Distinct Man’s Lip Maximizing Serum plumps up those lips by conditioning, smoothing, hydrating, and restoring collagen. Pucker up!

4V00 Distinct Man’s Lash & Brow Styling Glaze creates a shimmer to enhance your eyes as it lengthens, thickens, and conditions.

Anthony Logistics for Men line includes body wash, face moisturizers, vitamin serums, and an array of male grooming products.

Sephora ~ Jean Paul Gaultier Tout Beau collection includes Sneaky Kiss Lipstick, Sharp Eyes Kohl Pen and Concealer, Sharp Eyes Tinted Brow and Lash Groomer, Better Than Tan Powder, and Sneaky Kiss Natural Lip Balm & Lip Stain Duo… everything a man needs to look his prettiest!

Studio 5ive’s Beard Brow & Eye Shader creates a contoured look along the beard area and adds darkness to eyes and brows, fills in missing hair patches, and can also be used for eyeliner and shadow.

Ken Men Cosmetics’ Blo-Job Bronzing Powder ~ HELLO?…

Hard Candy’s Candy Man Nail Polish is a new launch for the company that is already known for funky colors for women. It includes colors like Gigolo (black with silver accents), Superman (sparkly midnight blue), and Libido (metallic teal).

So, I think you get the point. Male make-up is taking over! Not too long ago men were limited when picking out beauty products; shaving cream and a razor was all it took for a man to be “groomed.” Now, you can find contouring beard shader! Oh, these times they are a-changin’!