Me, with model Karl Kramer

With Manny V. Pangilinan, Chairman of PLDT-SMART, the largest telecommunications and digital services company in the Philippines.

 
A lot of people think that putting makeup on a woman is harder than putting a makeup on a man. But I find applying makeup on men more difficult because you need to make sure that they look natural — their makeup often needs to look like no makeup at all. As a makeup artist, I find that achieving this is highly dependent on using the right products.

Karl Kramer | Patrick Henry, stylist | Dauson Bermtay, designer | Chester Veloso, photographer

Some of the products that I use for grooming are concealer/correctors, foundation, powder, blush, contour kit, eyebrow products and lipstick. Choosing the right products is really tricky because, for the most part, makeup that isn’t obviously makeup works best. I also usually consider the effect of the products on the skin (I don’t want to harm my client’s or the model’s skin, so as much as possible, I choose products that are hypoallergenic). Even the shade of the lipstick is really important. Men are really particular about that.

Actor, endorser, influencer Teejay Marquez | Patrick Henry, stylist | Dave Arden, associate stylist | Meanne Santos-Ong, wardrobe | Chester Veloso, photographer

 
So, guys…what are you waiting for? There is no harm in trying makeup if it helps boost your confidence. Many of the newer formulations are so good for your skin and lips that they really are more about grooming than anything else. You can say with all honesty that the great new concealer you’re using to hide the dark circles under your eyes is actually just a cream…that happens to do a great job at making you look less tired!

Our recommendations for makeup for men:

Skintangible “BBBB Cream” (BB But Better): Basically a multi-benefit, oil-free skin cream that’s so barely tinted, it almost disappears into the skin but leaves the complexion evened out and brighter. It’s got an anti-acne ingredient, anti-aging antioxidants, and it’s SPF 30, too. Quick tip: smooth skin is a better base for any makeup. Check out our 1635 Gentle Men’s (Therapeutic) Shaving products that double as skincare.
Skin-The-Bluff Concealer: Choose the green color, “Red Alert,” to cancel out redness, then dab on N1, N2, or N3 (depending on your skin tone) to camouflage zits and red patches. Choose the yellow shade, “No More Blues,” for dark under-eye circles (seriously, the best thing for meetings the morning after a late night out).
Sheer Lip Tint: Barely-there hints of color in formulations that are basically lip balms. Still too much of a leap? The Big, Brave Boo-Boo Balm is a fave for lip care and just a hint of shine…plus it’s a virtual skin “swiss army knife” you can keep on you for post-sports scrapes, dry cuticles, wounds, cuts, and more.

Sharms is a freelance hair and makeup artist, image consultant at John Robert Powers, and events manager. Mom to Taz and Benny, Sharms is an avid mountaineer (“MOMtaineer”!) who loves to travel.