Metrosexual is definitely not a new term. In fact, I think it is a term that came about, peaked after being grossly overused and then to the relief of many died a few years ago.
But that does not mean that men are becoming any less obsessed with their appearance.
David Beckham is as known for his well-coiffed style as he is for his skills on the soccer field. Services at the Grooming Lounge here in DC cost as much as a day of pampering at my favorite salon, except they don’t give me a glass of bourbon or a cigar. And male make-up… well it isn’t just for drag queens and rock stars anymore. And while not every girl will agree, I’m ok with a little eyeliner on a guy. Go ahead and accent those baby blues… I see no shame in your game. Just stay away from my lip gloss.
I digress.
According to the marketing and research company Euromonitor, a whopping $4.8 million was spent on male grooming products in the U.S. last year. Just recently, Superdrug in London started selling Taxi Man make-up. Designed specifically for men, their products include ‘Guy-liner’ and ‘Manscara’ . How exactly is it different than the makeup that you can buy at CVS? Well, the liner is chunkier which makes it better suitable for the larger male hand and the mascara is clear. If all goes well, next to come will be concealer and lip balm. And on this side of the pond LuxeLegwear.com, which offers European pantyhose, carries 13 styles designed specifically for men. According to the company, 80 percent of their overall sales are to men, who flock to their products for the “warmth, comfort and compression provided as a solution to circulatory problems.” That’s a lot in one sentence.
While not a totally new fad, I find this all to be an interesting market niche. But I am even more interested in seeing where it goes in the next few years… and how it leaves men looking.
i’m okay with guys wearing eye makeup. but it should look natural and accentuate the eyes. the picture you chose is horrible. that guy has worse raccoon eyes than a lot of girls. a little liner goes a long way.
September 16, 2008 at 2:19 pmi’m over jordan catalano…sorta
September 16, 2008 at 2:32 pmAmanda - strongly disagree. A guy wearing a little make-up that looks “natural” is not a guy, but a girl. A guy wearing eyeliner should make it obvious he is wearing eyeliner.
September 16, 2008 at 2:43 pmwhat the hell is wrong with jared leto? this is disturbing.
September 16, 2008 at 2:51 pmeyeline isn’t my concern, but i do think that mascara would be a bit much.
September 16, 2008 at 3:03 pmmichael - strongly agree. you are absolutely right. what is the point in guys wearing “natural” eye makeup. uhh. what? i don’t even understand that.
and, really, don’t question michael on this. anyone called “eyeliner michael” is automatically right on this topic…
September 16, 2008 at 3:06 pmAny guy who follows up on this post is off the roll call, forever. I’m the decider.
September 16, 2008 at 3:24 pmjared looks fantastic!
September 16, 2008 at 4:45 pmi clicked on this in hopes for more efron.
google image search i retreat.
September 16, 2008 at 6:22 pmi’m with you lexie. efron 4ever!
September 16, 2008 at 6:55 pmUm the term would be ‘peaked’ as in a culmination, instead of ‘peeked’ like you looked around a corner quickly. Next time will it be ‘piqued’? Boo. Sorry but correct usage is something I’ve come to expect from BYT…
September 17, 2008 at 1:07 amDominic– oops… good call. my bad.
September 17, 2008 at 8:00 amDominic, you are being sarcastic right?
September 17, 2008 at 8:09 ammorgan and i wanna “peek” at efron.
September 17, 2008 at 9:01 amI think guyliner is hot on guys….especially Jared Leto.
September 17, 2008 at 11:10 ambetsy, maybe you just need to explore other options.
peaking around might suit you.
September 17, 2008 at 12:03 pm
As the guy who pretty much put eyeliner on dudes outside of Goth clubs on the map in DC I can say with confidence that this is gay.
September 16, 2008 at 1:28 pm