Breaking Beauty Stereotypes: Why Guyliner Is Making a Big Comeback

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Breaking Beauty Stereotypes: Why Guyliner Is Making a Big Comeback Beauty, often perceived through the narrow lens of societal expectations, is constantly changing. Trends come and go, but some emerge with renewed vigor, challenging stereotypes and redefining norms. One such trend that is making a loud comeback is “Guyliner” – eyeliner worn by men. With its roots in antiquity, this beauty trend today stands as a testament to the fluidity of gender roles in fashion and cosmetics. In truth, men may have embraced the transformative power of cosmetics for centuries, perhaps even before...

Breaking Beauty Stereotypes: Warum Guyliner ein großes Comeback feiert Schönheit, oft durch die enge Brille gesellschaftlicher Erwartungen wahrgenommen, befindet sich in ständigem Wandel. Trends kommen und gehen, aber manche tauchen mit erneuter Kraft auf und fordern Stereotypen heraus und definieren Normen neu. Ein solcher Trend, der ein lautes Comeback feiert, ist der „Guyliner“ – Eyeliner, der von Männern getragen wird. Mit seinen Wurzeln in der Antike steht dieser Schönheitstrend heute als Zeugnis für die Fließfähigkeit von Geschlechterrollen in Mode und Kosmetik. In Wahrheit haben Männer die transformative Kraft von Kosmetik möglicherweise schon seit Jahrhunderten angenommen, vielleicht sogar bevor sie mit …
Breaking Beauty Stereotypes: Why Guyliner Is Making a Big Comeback Beauty, often perceived through the narrow lens of societal expectations, is constantly changing. Trends come and go, but some emerge with renewed vigor, challenging stereotypes and redefining norms. One such trend that is making a loud comeback is “Guyliner” – eyeliner worn by men. With its roots in antiquity, this beauty trend today stands as a testament to the fluidity of gender roles in fashion and cosmetics. In truth, men may have embraced the transformative power of cosmetics for centuries, perhaps even before...

Breaking Beauty Stereotypes: Why Guyliner Is Making a Big Comeback

Breaking Beauty Stereotypes: Why Guyliner Is Making a Big Comeback

Beauty, often perceived through the narrow lens of societal expectations, is constantly changing. Trends come and go, but some emerge with renewed vigor, challenging stereotypes and redefining norms. One such trend that is making a loud comeback is “Guyliner” – eyeliner worn by men. With its roots in antiquity, this beauty trend today stands as a testament to the fluidity of gender roles in fashion and cosmetics. In truth, men may have embraced the transformative power of cosmetics for centuries, perhaps even before it was equated with feminine charm. From the charcoal-rimmed eyes of ancient Egyptian pharaohs to the flushed cheeks of 18th-century European aristocrats, men have often embraced the magic of makeup.

A brief look into history

The idea of ​​men wearing makeup is not new. Let's take a look at the history of makeup and shed light on the growing trend of men using makeup to redefine attractiveness. The ancient Egyptian pharaohs famously decorated their eyes with charcoal, not only as a fashion statement but also for spiritual and protective reasons.

Throughout history, various cultures have adopted the idea of ​​men using makeup as a form of self-expression and social status. In Imperial China, both men and women used rice powder and rouge to achieve the perfect look. In ancient Rome, men often used lead-based makeup to achieve a pale and statuesque appearance that symbolized their high social status.

Fast forward to Elizabethan England, men wearing makeup was a common practice. The theatrical culture of the time required male actors to portray female characters on stage, and makeup became an essential tool to alter their appearance and captivate audiences.

Similarly, male performers in Chinese opera and Japanese kabuki theater have long used makeup as an integral part of their art. But somewhere along the way, especially in the West, makeup became taboo among men and was considered a detriment to their masculinity, leading to the association of makeup exclusively with femininity. This shift relegated men's use of makeup to the shadows, but it never completely disappeared.

The tables started turning in the 20th century. Rock stars of the 70s and 80s such as David Bowie, Johnny Depp and Billie Joe Armstrong once again brought the world under the spell of the guyliner. It was rebellious, noble and defied mainstream norms. This movement was short-lived, but it paved the way for the broader acceptance we see today.

Redefining Norms: The Modern Male Makeup Movement

Have you ever wondered what makeup looks like for men? On social media, men share their perspectives on beauty and many seem to prefer the “no makeup” look. But despite the love for natural beauty, there is a group of men who are willing to explore new possibilities with cosmetics.

Today's comeback from Guyliner is more than just a tribute to the glam rock era. It is a clear statement against rigid gender norms and stereotypes that force men and women into fixed roles and appearances. This comeback is driven by several factors:

Genderfluidity

Our understanding of gender has changed drastically over the last decade. With the increasing acceptance of non-binary, transgender and gender-conforming people, the lines between what is considered “male” or “female” are blurring. Makeup, including guyliner, is a way of self-expression that transcends traditional gender boundaries.

Influence of pop culture

From actors like Ezra Miller sporting elaborate makeup looks on the red carpet to K-pop stars like G-Dragon or BTS members sporting subtle eyeliner in music videos, mainstream media is reinforcing the acceptance of makeup among men.

Rise of male beauty influencers

Social media has democratized the beauty industry. Platforms like YouTube and Instagram are full of male beauty influencers like James Charles, Manny MUA and Patrick Starr. Through their huge fan bases and acceptance, they have played a crucial role in normalizing makeup for everyone.

Shift in beauty industry marketing

Brands are becoming increasingly more inclusive. MAC, Fenty Beauty and others have included men in their campaigns, sending a clear message that makeup is for everyone.

From traditional masculinity to diverse forms of expression

Nowadays, with the rise of male beauty bloggers and influencers, “macho makeup” is no longer just a joke, but a powerful tool for overturning gender norms and expectations. Cosmetics for men have evolved beyond the image of robust masculinity to include a diverse range of products specifically tailored to men's skin texture and tone.

The male beauty industry has undergone significant expansion, offering a variety of skin care and cosmetic options specifically tailored to men's unique needs. From foundation to concealer, these products are designed to provide coverage and enhance masculinity, giving men the opportunity to experiment with looks that suit their individual style and preferences.

This shift in the cosmetics industry reflects a broader cultural movement toward inclusivity and self-expression. Men are reclaiming their right to participate in beauty rituals, enabling a more nuanced understanding of masculinity and a redefinition of societal expectations.

The Science of Attraction: The Effects of Makeup

While the rise in makeup use among men is notable, the science allows us to delve deeper into the realm of makeup perception.

A recent study examined the effect of makeup on men's attractiveness and found that subtle makeup techniques, such as evening out skin tone and highlighting facial features, had a positive effect on perceived attractiveness. Increased skin homogeneity, reduced emphasis on facial features and an emphasis on bone structure were all factors that contributed to this increased attractiveness.

However, the study also found that the effects of makeup varied between individuals. While the majority of participants experienced increased attractiveness, four out of 20 participants experienced no benefits from applying makeup. This suggests that there are individual differences in how makeup interacts with facial features and that further research is needed to understand these variations.

Such analysis positively opens the door for a deeper exploration of the relationship between makeup and attraction. It raises questions about the ideal balance between emphasizing natural features and authenticity. Future research could continue to explore the effects of different cosmetics and techniques on perceived attractiveness, which could help people make more informed decisions regarding their own makeup routines.

Redrawing the boundaries of beauty

The mesmerizing effects of subtle makeup are not just limited to aesthetic appeal. Research suggests that makeup can also influence perception and outcome in various social contexts. For example, a study conducted by researchers at Franklin & Marshall College found that makeup could influence jurors' decisions in legal proceedings.

According to the study, defendants who wore makeup were perceived as more trustworthy and likeable, potentially influencing the outcomes of their trials. This research brings to light the potential of physical appearance in our society and highlights the potential impact of makeup beyond its cosmetic effects.

Guyliner, in its revived glory, is not just a trend. It is a movement towards a more inclusive, ak