“Boy beauty,” as it has been represented so far by mass-market brands like CoverGirl and Maybelline, is a well-intentioned step toward democratizing the use of makeup. But it can actually end up feeling limiting.
“It’s a positive thing, but I just worry people think there’s only one way men can wear makeup,” said Georgie Greville, creative director at Milk Makeup. “So we take many different approaches. There are no rules, and that’s been defining for us.”
Greville pointed to the look and ideal that male beauty influencers James Charles and Manny Gutierrez, tapped by CoverGirl and Maybelline, respectively, have promoted. They’ve achieved social media star status by proving they can be just as good at makeup — and usually, even better — as the girls, using products made with women in mind. The result: sharply angled eyebrows, perfectly lined lips and a highly contoured finish.
Milk Makeup, the product line released by creative agency Milk Studios last spring, wants to offer more accessible options for men who are interested in makeup.
More in Marketing
Star power, AI jabs and Free Bird: Digiday’s guide to what was in and out at the Super Bowl
This year’s Big Game saw established brands lean heavily on star power, patriotic iconography and the occasional needle drop.
In Q1, marketers pivot to spending backed by AI and measurement
Q1 budget shifts reflect marketers’ growing focus on data, AI, measurement and where branding actually pays off.
GLP-1 draws pharma advertisers to double down on the Super Bowl
Could this be the last year Novo Nordisk, Boehringer Ingelheim, Hims & Hers, Novartis, Ro, and Lilly all run spots during the Big Game?