Lashelle’s Self-Care Tips
Ready to Upgrade Your Skincare Routine? Keep These Effective Ingredients In Mind
From hyaluronic acid to epidermal growth factor, I’m here to help you sort through that confusing ingredients list.
Photo: Lumin Skincare
I’ve talked about some of my favorite men’s skincare brands before, but I’ve yet to delve into the exact ingredients that I believe you should add to your routine. Truly, the only way that you’ll see a significant textural change in your skin is by seeing a licensed esthetician or dermatologist who can treat you with medical-grade products.
That being said, there are still plenty of products that you can buy at the store that will still make a difference in your skin. However, it’s worth paying attention to the concentration of the ingredients, and not just the marketing. Not only that, just because you’re buying an expensive product at a luxury department store doesn’t mean it will live up to its pricy claims.
Now, I’m not saying those active ingredients aren’t useful — they will be effective to a person who is just beginning to explore skincare, or who wants to experiment with different products. But in some cases, a product might contain a “miracle” ingredient in an amount so low that it’s not enough to make that textural change. That’s why it’s important to know not just the name of the ingredients, but whether the product contains enough of it to be effective.
Overall, I always tell my clients that the most effective active ingredients will be found in your serums. Yes, some moisturizers and cleansers are great, but serums are able to deliver a very high concentration of those ingredients.
To help you sort through the world of products, I’ve listed some of the most effective skincare ingredients depending on your concerns below.
Got more questions? I offer personalized skincare consultations for men and women to help you find the right products for your skin tone and type, age, lifestyle, and other factors. Book a virtual one-on-one consultation or schedule an in-person appointment by calling or texting me at (323) 571-3749.
The Most Effective Skincare Ingredients to Consider
Hyaluronic Acid (HA): A synthetic version of a natural skin tissue component that helps hydrate, restore, and protect skin from pollution, sun damage, and other environmental irritants. Great for most skin types.
Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA): Exfoliating ingredients such as lactic acid and glycolic acid. They’re great for smoothing and brightening the skin.
Retinol and retinoids: Both are amazing at smoothing fine lines and reducing the appearance of blemishes, but there’s a difference between the two skin-reforming ingredients. Retinol is a form of vitamin A and is available in over-the-counter skincare products and is gentler, while retinoid is more potent and requires a prescription. You might see a difference with retinoid products in days and weeks, while retinol products need to be used regularly over weeks or months to see changes. A retinoid also has more side effects (such as irritation and skin flaking), so you always need to consult with a skincare professional.
Vitamin C: This antioxidant helps to even out the skin tone, boost collagen production, and protect against environmental damage. It might not be the best for sensitive or oily skin, so consult a dermatologist or esthetician.
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF): Similar to collagen, epidermal growth factor is a naturally-occurring protein in skin that helps smooth wrinkles and strengthen the skin’s barrier. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, and helps the skin stay hydrated. Skincare aficionados have probably heard of the controversial facials using fetal stem cells and “foreskin” cells — as Allure points out there are no actual bits of human or fetus parts, and most EGF come from synthetic and safely bioengineered sources.
Niacinamide: A type of antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals and other environmental stressors. This vitamin can help keep the skin moisturized, reduce skin sensitivities, and build healthy skin cells.
Want more? Learn more about the skincare products and effective ingredients that work best for you and book a personalized consultation online here.
Check Out My Men's Skincare Interview in RollingStone.com!
I recently chatted about the rise in men’s skincare brands and how Rihanna’s Fenty Skin is normalizing men’s makeup.
As my clients know, I’m passionate about approaching skin care as part of a holistic health routine — so I’m excited that I had the opportunity to share my expertise with Rolling Stone alongside celebrity men’s groomer Christine Nelli.
I spoke about how mental health awareness and social media are just a few factors that we can credit for the rise in men’s skincare. Here’s a quick snippet from my interview:
“It’s the everyday man — no longer the ‘metrosexual’ — who’s really wanting to know what is good for their skin. It’s all about a holistic approach to health. And they’re interested in doing their own skin treatments at home, they’re doing their research, and they’re listening,” he says.
I also chatted with the magazine about how brands like Rihanna’s Fenty Skin (which caters to all gender identities and ages) are normalizing cosmetics for men.
Read the full stories over at RollingStone.com here and here, and stay tuned as there’s more to come on my favorite men’s skincare brands.
Jaxon Lane Men's Skincare Review: It Is It Worth The Hype? (Yes — Here's Why)
You’ve heard about their celeb-loved Bro Mask — the rest of their products are worth trying, too.
Photo: Jaxon Lane
As I recently discussed with Rolling Stone, we’re seeing more and more men’s skincare brands on the market. One of my favorites is Jaxon Lane, a California-based company that brings the best plant-based ingredients of Korean beauty formulas to men’s skincare.
You’ve probably heard about their Bro Mask (which is a favorite of celebrities like Nick Jonas), but what I really love about this line is that it really does bring textural change in the skin — something I always look for when recommending over-the-counter products to my clients. Their products really do work on all skin types and tones, and it’s a great introduction to effective skincare if you don’t know exactly what you need.
And I like the story behind the brand, too. Co-founder Alex Penfold is an everyday man, who just needed something for himself. So what he do? Exactly what I try to inspire my clients to do: To do their research about what they need. I also love that the brand doesn’t use any mineral oils, dyes, sulfates, parabens — things that can be counterproductive in skincare routines.
As an esthetician, it’s my job to test as many products as I can in order to give my clients the best advice. I’m always looking for new, effective products to recommend to my clients — and Jaxon Lane definitely makes the cut. Even better? All of the products are very affordable and everything’s in the $30 range.
Keep reading below for my honest review of Jaxon Lane’s men’s skincare products, and shop the brand online here.
Photo: Jaxon Lane
jaxon lane Shake and Wake Enzyme Powder Face Wash
I love this enzyme cleanser because it’s so versatile. You pour the powder into your palm and mix it with a little bit of water. Some powder face washes turn into a milky consistency, but not this one — I love it because it lathers up like a gel cleanser and I was really able to wash my beard and get a substantial amount with just a little bit of powder. The moment I rinsed it off, there was a firmness to my skin that didn’t feel irritating or too tight. You never want to completely remove all of the oil from your face, and this face wash does a great job at maintaining that balance.
It features ingredients like papaya and pineapple, which are great for exfoliation, great for brightening, and for really cleansing the skin. I like that it contains vitamins C, D, E, which are going to help with pigmentation.
Jaxon Lane Relax and Repair Moisturizer
Many of my clients will tell me that they don’t care about aging — but the truth is that using products that have anti-aging ingredients also help the skin look healthier and vibrant. Isn’t that something every guy wants? That’s why I love Jaxon Lane’s Relax and Repair Moisturizer. It’s not greasy and works for all skin tones and types, and includes ingredients like Centella Asiatica, niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane. All of those combine to really deliver nourishment and hydration.
Shop: Jaxon Lane Relax & Repair Moisturizer, $36
jaxon lane Rain or Shine Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen
Photo: Jaxon Lane
Many men don’t like wearing sunscreen because it feels too heavy or greasy. One of the things I love about Jaxon Lane’s Rain or Shine Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen is that it has SPF 50+, and it’s not greasy at all. I always tell my clients that their sunscreen must be at least SPF 30 to be effective, so this product fits the bill. It has anti-aging ingredients and it’s the perfect blend between a gel and a cream moisturizer in that it hydrates and nourishes all skin types. And for men of color, this sunscreen doesn’t leave an ashy look — it’s translucent and disappears into any skin tone.
If you have dry skin, I recommend wearing this over Jaxon Lane’s Relax and Repair Moisturizer for an extra boost of hydration.
Shop: Rain or Shine Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen, $32
Jaxon Lane Bro Mask
Photo: Jaxon Lane
What can I say about this great (and award-winning) mask that hasn’t already been said? I like that it comes in two pieces (so it’s easy for men with beards to use), and the hydrogel has a cooling effect that soothes dry and irritated skin. You should leave it on for 20 minutes, remove the mask, and then pat the rest of the serum into your skin.
I found that it lives up to its claims of addressing redness, fine lines, and dull skin, thanks to ingredients such as niacinamide, collagen, hyaluronic acid (one of my favorites!), peptides, green tea, licorice, and ginger. Another great thing is that the box includes four sheet masks, so you’ll see results with regular use.
Shop: Jaxon Lane Bro Mask (pack of 4), $28
What's Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type, and Why Is It Important in Skin Care?
It’s one of the most important factors when I assess my client’s skin.
Photo: Kei Moreno
In addition to lifestyle and age, another important factor that I consider in my treatments is my client’s Fitzpatrick skin type. According to Healthline, it’s a scientific system that “classifies skin type according to the amount of pigment your skin has and your skin’s reaction to sun exposure.”
So why do you need to know your Fitzpatrick skin type? First of all, it helps to “predict your overall risk of sun damage and skin cancer,” says Healthline. When it comes to facials or hair removal, it’s important that I understand my client’s skin texture, tone, and sensitivity so that I can use the most appropriate ingredients and treatments.
It’s worth noting that the Fitzpatrick skin type scale won’t tell you how to find the right shade of tinted moisturizer. I also believe that no matter your skin type, you should always wear at least an SPF 30 sunscreen and UV blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes. I always recommend that my clients avoid tanning beds whenever possible, and to limit unnecessary sun exposure by wearing protective hats, clothing, and other accessories.
There are six skin types based on the color of people’s natural hair, eyes, and skin as well as their reaction to the sun. As Healthline points out, you might not meet all of the characteristics of one skin type. In my case, I develop my treatments based on the skin type that is closest to my client’s.
Below are the six Fitzpatrick skin types and what you need to know about them:
Skin Type 1
Skin Color: Ivory
Eye Color: Light blue, light gray, or light green
Hair color: Red or light blonde
Reaction to the sun: Always burns, peels, and freckles
Tan level: Never tans
Skin Type 2
Skin Color: Fair or pale
Eye Color: Blue, gray, or green
Hair color: Blonde
Reaction to the sun: Usually burns, peels, or freckles
Tan level: Rarely tans
Notes on skin types 1 and 2: High risk of sun damage, skin aging, melanoma, and other skin cancers. Be sure to always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
Skin Type 3
Skin Color: Fair to beige with golden undertones
Eye Color: Hazel or light brown
Hair color: Dark blonde or light brown
Reaction to the sun: Occasionally burns, sometimes freckles
Tan level: Sometimes tans
Skin Type 4
Skin Color: Olive or light brown
Eye Color: Dark brown
Hair color: Dark brown
Reaction to the sun: Rarely burns or freckles
Tan level: Usually tans
Skin Type 5
Skin Color: Dark brown
Eye Color: Dark brown to black
Hair color: Dark brown to black
Reaction to the sun: Rarely burns and freckles
Tan level: Always tans
Skin Type 6
Skin Color: Dark to darkest brown
Eye Color: Dark brown
Hair color: Black
Reaction to the sun: Never freckles and burns
Tan level: Always tans darkly
Notes for skin types 3 to 6: In addition to following the same safety advice as skin types 1 and 2, Healthline suggests checking your skin for strange growths from head to toe every each month. The medical website notes that acral lentiginous melanoma “is the dominant form of melanoma among darker-skinned people. It appears on parts of the body not often exposed to the sun.”
GM Revolution Men's Skincare: My Honest Review
Why I’m a fan of this new men’s skincare brand that works for all skin tones and types.
Photo: GM Revolution
I’m always looking for skincare brands that I feel comfortable enough using in the treatment room and recommending for home care — and lucky for me (and my clients), GM Revolution is one of them. It’s a new men’s skincare brand that launched this summer, and I recently had a chance to try out their debut line of products.
My first impression? Their ingredient efficacy is fantastic. From the first use, I knew that I was using products that had the same level of quality as some of my favorite professional lines that I use, and that they can actually change skin texture for the better. I feel 100% confident using these in my treatment room as sending my clients home with the products, knowing that they’ll get the same effective results.
Priced from $22 to $62.50 (or $198 for the entire set), the signature collection is comprised of a cleanser, hyaluronic acid, anti-aging serum, moisturizer, and purifying mask. Keep reading for my honest review of GM Revolution’s new men’s skincare.
GM Revolution Cleanser: I love this water-based cleanser because it can be used on most to all skin types. It’s hydrating, gently exfoliates, and raises the skin’s pH, so the product is almost like a two-in-one cleanser and toner. It has vitamin E (which keeps the skin hydrated) and oat extract, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
What I also like is that it can be used for wet shaving — in fact, I always recommend a cleanser instead of shaving cream because you get a better shave and it’s kinder to your skin.
Photo: GM Revolution
GM Revolution Hyaluronic Acid: This is a water-based gel that really targets fine lines, and helps infuse moisture into dry skin. Simply put, it leaves the skin firmer, healthier, and stronger. It uses allantoin, a non-irritating ingredient that soothes and protects the skin and helps aid in collagen renewal, which helps plump the skin.
Photo: GM Revolution
GM Revolution Moisturizer: This is an oil-based moisturizer that does more than just hydrate your face — you can also use this as a beard conditioner. It has soybean oil and vitamin C, which reduces scarring and helps bring actual textural change to the skin. For me, this product really is a testament to brand’s philosophy of practicality and results-driven formulas.
Photo: GM Revolution
GM Revolution Anti-Aging Serum: I can’t sing enough praises about this cream-based serum. This goes on after the cleanser, and the key ingredient here is bakuchiol, which is a gentler alternative to retinol and offers the same targeted results as far as reducing wrinkles, age spots, and fine lines, but without making your skin sensitive to the sun.
If you have hyperpigmentation, this serum is also great for balancing out the skin tone, thanks to vitamin C. It has orange peel oil, a natural astringent and anti-bacterial; vitamin E, which moisturizes, soothes, and heals; and peptides for evening out the skin tone and reversing sun damage. Even though it already contains hyaluronic acid, I’d layer it or combine it with GM Revolutotion’s separate Hyaluronic Acid product to really maximize the results.
What’s great about this cream formula is that it soothes and deeply moisturizes the skin — since men’s skin is thicker, they need a product that can penetrate the skin.
Photo: GM Revolution
GM Revolution Purifying Mask: This has one of my favorite ingredients, bentonite clay, which is great for detoxifying — in fact, I even take supplements because it’s so good for the body. What I love about this is that unlike other clay-based masks, it absorbs the bacteria and toxins in your skin without pull out the moisture. It also helps with reducing blemishes, unclogging pores, reducing acne scars, and combatting redness and inflammation. It not only detoxifies; but helps in hyperpigmentation. I’d use this once a week.
Shop: GM Revolution Purifying Mask, $38
My final thoughts? We start to feel better when we see the change in our skin. This is truly not your run-of-the-mill vanity line for men that has masculine-looking packaging but doesn’t do anything for your skin. As the ingredient list and my own experience shows, GM Revolution truly delivers the results that men need to feel confident in their own skin.
Want more? Check out how I incorporated GM Revolution’s products in a custom facial and watch my YouTube video below.
What Is the Pink Tax, and Why Is Skincare for Women and Men Different?
Here’s why some self-care products are formulated differently.
Photo: Diego Cervo/Shutterstock
If you’ve ever walked down the personal care aisle and noticed the price difference between women’s and men’s products, you’re not alone. It’s called the pink tax, a form of price discrimination based on the gender of the target customer. According to Huffington Post, that translates higher prices on everything from razors and self-care travel kits to kids clothing and even helmets — all because they’re marketed toward women and girls.
Which brings us to women’s and men’s skin care. As WebMD notes, women pay more than men for skincare products like moisturizer, while CNN reports that the beauty industry (of which women are the primary consumers) is on track to hit $150 billion by 2024.
First, let me be clear about what I mean by women vs. men. Typically, I don’t differentiate between trans women and people who are born female (and the same goes for men and people born male). For the purpose of comparing product formulations, I am referring to each gender based on estrogen and testosterone — for example, if you’re a trans man, you are likely taking testosterone which affects your skin texture and sebum production, to name a few changes.
Now that we have that out of the way, below are the reasons why skincare is often formulated differently for men and women.
Collagen Density: Men’s skin has more collagen density and tends to be 25% thicker than women’s skin.
Texture: The collagen density also produces a texture that makes men’s skin rougher and tougher.
Pore size: Men tend to have larger pores and produce more sebum because of thicker collagen density. The sebum remains the same throughout life and does not change.
More Problem-Prone: The collagen density in men’s skin also makes them prone to more skin issues such as acne breakouts, clogged pores, blackheads, and seborrhea dermatitis.
Aging: When men mature, their facial wrinkling tends to be deeper than women’s due to subcutaneous fat loss.
Want more? Read more about my top men’s makeup picks as well as one of my favorite skincare brands formulated for men of color.
Treat Acne, Dull Skin, & More with These DIY At-Home Facial Recipes
You probably already have these ingredients in your kitchen.
Photo: Wasanajai/Shutterstock
Healthy skin doesn’t always need to come at the expense of pricey luxury products. Whether you’re on a budget or looking to switch up your routine, giving yourself a facial at home is a rejuvenating experience that you will want to have every week.
Especially with the continued stay-at-home orders in L.A., carving out some “me time” has been essential for my own holistic well-being. That’s why I’m sharing some of my favorite at-home DIY facial recipes so that anyone can enjoy a self-care day. The best part? You can whip these organic face masks up using ingredients that you probably already have in your own kitchen.
In addition to nourishing you on the inside, the vitamins and minerals in raw and organic foods have incredible benefits when used on our skin. That’s why you’ll find them as ingredients in skincare and in many traditional skin care remedies.
Whether you’re looking for a great homemade moisturizing face mask or a DIY treatment for acne, Keep reading below for some of the best at-home face masks that are good enough to eat!
How to Prepare
1. Take off all jewelry, including earrings. Some of the chemicals in natural substances do not blend well with metals, so you are better safe than sorry.
2. Use a hairband to keep your hair from getting messy.
3. Wash your face with warm water and face wash or cleanser. If you’re wearing makeup, make sure you remove it all before applying a mask.
4. Use organic options whenever possible.
5. Apply your mask, sit back, and relax — and don’t forget to set a timer!
Brightening Banana & Honey Face Mask
Best for: Dull, dry skin
Ingredients:
1/2 organic banana, mashed
1 tbsp. organic local honey
2 tbsp. organic sour cream
Directions: Combine all ingredients. Apply to face and leave on for 10 minutes. Gently wipe off with damp wash cloth.
Benefits: Bananas contain vitamin A, which helps to smooth rough skin and diminish dark spots and blemishes; vitamin B, which reduces dryness; vitamin E, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; and potassium, which is great for hydration.
Hydrating Cucumber & Yogurt Face Mask
Best for: Dry or sunburned skin
Ingredients:
1/2 organic cucumber, peeled and sliced
1 tbsp. organic yogurt
Directions: Puree the cucumber and yogurt in a blender or food processer. Apply to your face and leave on for 20 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp washcloth.
Benefits: The protein-rich yogurt contains lactic acid which helps to repair, strengthen, and hydrate your skin, while the cucumber helps to reduce puffiness and swelling.
Detoxifying Chocolate Truffle Mask
Best for: Oily or acne-prone skin
Ingredients:
1 tsp. organic cocoa powder
1 tsp. organic honey
1 tsp. organic yogurt
Directions: Mix all the ingredients together until it looks like pudding; note that cocoa powder may take a while to blend. Apply to your face for 10 minutes for normal skin or 20 minutes for oily/ acne-prone skin.
Benefits: The cocoa powder detoxifies and softens your skin and helps boost elasticity, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and blemishes. The honey has anti-bacterial properties and helps prevent and treat acne, while the yogurt helps to strengthen, nourish, and hydrate the skin.
Soothing & Sweet Strawberry Facial
Best for: Oily or blemished skin
Ingredients:
1/2 c. ripe organic strawberries
1/4 c. organic cornstarch
Directions: Mash together ingredients until it forms into a paste. Apply to face and leave on for 30 minutes. Avoid the eye area! Rinse off with cool water.
Benefits: Strawberries are naturally acidic and help to remove excess sebum. The juice also has lightening properties and can also help decrease the visibility of scars and blemishes. Cornstarch also helps soothe irritated skin and tighten pores.
Acne-Fighting Facial Mask
Best for: Dry, irritated, and itchy skin; oily skin
Ingredients:
1 ripe tomato, chopped
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 tbsp. instant oatmeal or rolled oats
Directions: Puree all ingredients in a blender or food processor. If the mixture seems too runny, add more oats. Apply to skin for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water.
Benefits: Oatmeal is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe dry and irritated skin. It also helps absorb oil. The lemon juice acts as an astringent and can help brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes.
Why Men of Color Should Add Ceylon Skincare to their Skin Health Routine
It’s designed specifically for melanated skin.
Photo: Ceylon Skincare
Like all things, skin care is not one-size-fits-all — and when it comes to keeping melanated skin healthy, Ceylon Skincare is one of my favorite brands to use on myself and clients.
Ceylon was founded by Patrick Boateng II as a way to address skin problems such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and razor bumps, particularly for men of color. He was living in China at the time and faced chronic skin issues as a result of air and water pollution and thus, Ceylon was born.
As an aesthetician and Black man, I also know the challenges of treating skin issues in men of different ethnicities. According to a UC San Francisco study, melanated skin is thicker and more durable because of the melanin — so when it comes to facials, I’ve found that darker skin may require a different skin care approach than lightly pigmented or white skin.
Photo: Ceylon Skincare
That’s exactly why I created my signature Gentlemen’s Skin Engineering technique, a facial treatment that I customize for every client based on their lifestyle, ethnic background, and skin concerns. And that’s where Ceylon comes in: I use the products on male clients of color because it really compliments the melanated skin and addresses the level of nourishment that we need.
When I first discovered Ceylon, I loved it right off the bat because the ingredients and formulas are incredibly effective. The brand worked with dermatologist Dr. Lynn McKinley-Grant when formulating the line, which is comprised of the Detoxifying Facial Wash, Hydrating Toner, and Clarifying Moisturizer. Judging from my own results after using Ceylon regularly, the brand truly understands the thickness of a man’s skin.
Photo: Ceylon Skincare
I also love that the brand is very accessible: The three-product set is $35, but you can also buy the products individually for $14 each. Each product comes in a 50 mL bottle, so it’s all TSA-friendly and great for throwing into your gym bag for post-workout skin care, too.
Keep reading below for my Ceylon Skincare review and why I love its products.
Overall: I like it because it’s a really straightforward skin care system: Cleanser, toner, and moisturizer, toner. That’s it — which means no more excuses about not having enough time to take care of your skin. The ingredients have great efficacy and I’ve seen the tone and texture of my skin improve. It does give nourishment to the tone and hydrates and enriches the skin. I keep it stocked in the treatment room and I recommend it to all of my clients for at-home skin maintenance in between facial appointments.
Scent: I really like the natural fragrance, which doesn’t smell too overpowering. A good scent can help make your skin care routine feel a little bit more relaxing and luxurious, and that’s exactly what Ceylon offers. The cleanser has a little tea tree oil and lavender-like scent that’s very subtle and warm.
Photo: Ceylon Skincare
Ceylon Detoxifying Facial Wash: One of my favorite things about Ceylon’s non-foaming cleanser is that it doesn’t strip your skin of oils; I’ve found that many other cleansers do remove too much oil. The product is not super dry, so your skin feels supple, soft, and firm while still maintaining the right amount of natural oil.
Photo: Ceylon Skincare
Ceylon Hydrating Toner: I love the toner. It’s refreshing and calming, and I like to put mine in the refrigerator. I even spray it in my beard. It was designed to bring pH balance to the skin, which helps to protect the epidermis from pollution and maintain moisture levels.
The lavender and chamomile also give it a warm smell that I love.
Photo: Ceylon Skincare
Clarifying Moisturizer: This product has a light, buttery consistency that nourishes the skin. What I really like is that this moisturizer has just the right amount of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) — sometimes, men’s skincare brands use too much, but that isn’t the case with Ceylon.
The AHAs offer light exfoliation to help even out the skin tone, and they also help prevent breakouts, improve fine lines, correct discoloration, and boost collagen. I found that my skin definitely felt stronger and protected against the elements after using Ceylon’s moisturizer regularly.
Looking to upgrade (or start) your own skin care routine? Learn more about Ceylon Skincare here, and if you’re in L.A., check out the men’s skincare and grooming services that I offer.
How Men's Makeup Can Help You Look Healthy and Confident
I call it complexion enhancement.
Photo: Stryx
Earlier this week, CVS announced that it would begin stocking the men’s cosmetics line, Stryx. I like to approach men’s makeup as “complexion enhancement” — and I’m excited that it’s finally going mainstream, especially among cisgender and straight men.
It’s important to look at the history books and remember that men have been doing makeup long before women and that cosmetics have only become gendered as a result of commercialization in the mid-1800s. Before there were male celebrity makeup artists and influencers, Egyptian pharaohs used kohl eyeliner to show their wealth and status.
I personally do wear makeup when I need to take headshots or attend events where I want to look and feel my best. I’ve noticed that while men are still reluctant to non-invasive treatments such as fillers, most are open to skincare and makeup, a.k.a. complexion enhancement. Keep reading below to learn more about the benefits of men’s makeup as well as my favorite products and how to use them.
I’m all about men looking natural — and wearing makeup isn’t always about maximum coverage. For most men who identify as straight and “masculine” just want to look healthy. You’d be surprised at how much a tiny bit of under-eye concealer makes a difference!
Photo: Kei Moreno
Why should men wear makeup?
To even out the skin: The first men to come to mind are entertainers — they’re used to wearing makeup while filming or for photoshoots in professional settings. But movie stars aren’t the only men who can benefit from complexion enhancement. Anyone who wants to smoothen out their skin tone or cover up blemishes without “looking like they’re wearing makeup” can do so with the right products.
For an extra boost in confidence: For events or every day settings when you want to freshen up your skin and make it look even and healthy, makeup can give you that extra boost of confidence. Especially for young men, and men in my age group who are 40 and over, it really can be a great confidence booster. A little concealer under the eye can work wonders by making us look (and feel) well-rested. Of course, nothing can replace a good night’s sleep and a healthy diet — but a little touch-up certainly can.
To control oily skin: Men’s skin is naturally oilier than women’s skin, so even just a blot of powder can take down any shine for men. Light pressed powder is different than foundation powder and can tone down a little bit of the oil.
To look healthy: Bronzers are great for men to enhance their skin tone and add warmth to the face. It’s not necessarily about looking contoured or youthful — bronzer can add more dimension and make you look healthy.
My Favorite Skincare & Makeup Products for Men
First of all, if you don’t want to look like you want to wear makeup, this is where you really need to work on your skincare game. To start, I recommend that you bump up on your hydrating serums. And when you do apply makeup, just focus on the areas that need coverage. I use a little bit of tinted moisturizer, BB cream, or a foundation stick to spot-treat and even out any redness.
If you’re ready to dip your toes into the water, here are my favorite makeup and skincare products for men:
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15 ($50): This is my favorite go-to product. Bobbi has covered the gamut when it comes to color range for people of all ethnicities. What I love about the foundation it basically it glides on really easy and it’s travel-friendly. You can basically put it on the skin and it dries down like a powder. It gives a nice hydrated look that’s natural. If your skin is oily, it has a nice powdered finish that complements every skin type.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 ($47): This is a great tinted moisturizer because it’s lightweight. It also comes in an oil-free version.
Chanel Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Moisturizing Tint ($40): A great option for luxury lovers.
Mac Studio Face and Body Foundation ($31): This gives a lightweight coverage and looks like skin.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer ($30): This lasts for up to 16 hours and can do everything from color-correcting to highlighting to contouring.
Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick ($88): This is one of my favorite foundation sticks for spot touch-ups.
Kiehl’s Skin Tone & Correcting Beautifying BB Cream SPF 50 ($40): In addition to having great sun protection, this cream helps even out the skin tone and texture. It’s great for rough and dull skin.
A good silicone-based primer: This will help blur out large pores and gives a nice velvety soft texture which controls the oil.
Lab Series: This skincare brand was designed for men and includes products to treat razor burn, beards, shine, and other common issues.
Ceylon Skincare: Formulated for men of color, this skincare brand makes it easy to keep skin looking and feeling healthy without stripping it of natural oils.
Best Men’s Makeup Brands
Mënaji: This U.S.-based brand focuses on natural ingredients and offers a full range of makeup and skincare products, such as face and body scrubs, cleansing masks, tinted moisturizer with SPF 30, eye gel, anti-shine powder, and much more.
Stryx: Another great line of men’s skincare and makeup that will soon be available at CVS stores in the U.S. They currently offer a concealer, gel cleanser, and foundation.
War Paint: Made by and for men, this U.K.-based brand launched fairly recently and has a great range of products, including tinted moisturizers, foundations, bronzers, anti-shine powder, concealer, and more.
Looking for an LA makeup artist, expert facialist, or brow groomer? I offer a range of skincare and beauty services — check them out here.
Why Should Men Give a D*mn About Skin Care?
But first, we need to talk about what “masculinity” means.
Gone are the days when the sole purpose of grooming was to attract a date. Men’s skin care isn’t just about putting your best face forward in the office or in your social life — it’s also about maintaining your health.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “I don’t have time to slather on five different products twice a day!” Or maybe you’re thinking: ‘I don’t care about whether my skin looks good.”
This is where the psychology of “masculinity” comes in.
Traditionally, it used to be that a man’s role was to be a provider: Hunt, kill, bring the food home. In modern times, that translates to being the breadwinner or keeping your emotions to yourself. Likewise, the concept of self-care — whether in the form of getting regular facials, manicures, or massages — has traditionally been seen as “feminine,” “frivolous,” or “superficial.” Consider that the gym has long been a refuge for men to take care of their mental and physical health — how is that not superficial?
Thankfully, toxic masculinity is slowly but surely being chipped away as men are more willing to talk about their mental health and breaking free from gendered stereotypes. As an aesthetician, I’ve seen first-hand how people deprived themselves of things that are good for their health because of their ideas of “male” and “female.”
So back to the original point: Why should men give a damn about skin care
For one, our skin is the largest organ in our body, making it first line of defense when it comes to our health. Taking care of the skin on our face and body should be part of a holistic health routine. While skincare products does help to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging, first and foremost I believe it’s all about hygiene. In the same way that you take care of your hair, brush your teeth, and cut your nails, skincare is all about strengthening and nourishing the skin so that it can continue to protect you.
As you can see, it’s not just about pampering — and even then, what’s wrong with that? You spend money on a good diet, a gym membership, and clothes that reflect your style. Skin is the protector and guardian of all that, and it needs to come first.
Men’s skin health doesn’t necessarily call for a 12-step routine. It just needs to be efficient and effective. So if you’ve yet to delve into a good skincare routine, I challenge you to be a risk-taker. Take a positive step towards your personal well-being and good health — and stay tuned as I’ll be sharing my best men’s skincare tips soon.
In the meantime, feel free to check out my LA brow grooming and skin care services and see my treatment menu here.