Breaking the gender stereotypes and notions about make up being a woman’s domain are these radical male makeup influencers. Skincare is just the tip of the iceberg. Experimenting and exploring paths less traveled, these men are creating magic with their make-up wands and becoming insta-sensations. From glitter lids to glossy lips these men are winging it and how while they may be the receivers of negativity and trolls (constricting perspectives) that “make-up weakens masculinity” , it isn’t dampening these free spirits.
Enter the prodigious Ankush Bahuguna a Delhi based creator celebrity who is popularly known for his manically comic videos. When he isn’t amusing his 800k followers on @ankushbahuguna, he is demonstrating makeup routines catering to all genders. He voiced his opinions about normalising men loving makeup and has definitely stirred the interest of potential makeup artists across India. Ankush has created some urbane looks. On Diwali last year he donned a festive look with glittery eyes inspired from the sweetmeat ’kaju ki barfi’. Known for pulling of versatile looks Ankush’s instagram profile is a makeup bible for the men who want to experi-men-t.
A makeup maverick is Deep Pathare @justdeepdrama is known for his dramatic makeup looks that make us go gaga! His blending skills are meticulous and his use of bright, vibrant colours makes a statement . His dazzling smile and magnificent artistic skills make his contact so addictive. His penchant for makeup shines through through his work.
Bold and punchy, Mumbai-based makeup artist and influencer Shantanu Dhope @shantanuuu never fails to mesmerise with his iconic looks. Going by the motto “Brown boys wear makeup too’’ he is the king of smashing stereotyping. Awarded the Instagram 25 most influential under 25, his aesthetics range from ‘desi-minimalist’ to preppy power-puff girl posts.
His surreal looks for Halloween still haunt us! Shantanu has the gift of working his magic through his makeup with out-of-the-box looks which are oozing oomph and glamour.
Androgynous, effortless and spunky is the Gurgaon based content creator Siddharth Batra @siddharth93batra. His instagram reels are on our loop. His barely there makeup to his eccentric fashion style, Siddharth has carved more than a niche. His beauty and immaculate grooming tips are something every man could put into use to get to dress sharp and look dapper. We personally have a fan of Monsieur Batra killing it with
These are some of the men abolishing gender norms and unapologetically using makeup as an extension of who they are. Charting the course for others these millennial masters and gen-Z genies are sure to inspire many like them. Kicking stigma in the butt there is nothing holding ‘em back.