Actor and influencer Braven Yeo’s (@bravenyeo) beauty routine usually consists of regular monthly pico lasers, a gentle cleanser, skin-evening retinol serum, some type of brightening product, base makeup, setting spray, contour, eyeshadow and eyeliner.
For some, this process might seem too involved and overwhelming. For the 28-year-old who creates grooming content full-time, this regimen not only completes his look, but is also an avenue for self-expression. “Like fashion, makeup and skincare is genderless. While the stigma that men should not wear makeup still exists today, I believe that everyone should have the freedom to do whatever they want,” says Braven.
Braven is not alone. He represents a growing number of male beauty influencers who are giving the beauty scene a fresh new take, while challenging gender norms in a landscape that has traditionally adhered to rigid standards that determined what was “feminine” or “masculine”.
“My main motto has always been to prove that makeup is an art form. And there’s no gender to art,” shares 25-year-old Melvin Tseng (@melvin_tseng) who was the first male content creator in Singapore to be selected to join the Sephora Squad, a coveted ambassador programme.
He believes that while labels such as “feminine” or “masculine” style makeup can help viewers to “visualise and understand”, a lot of the makeup tips that we follow are inspired by drag queens who don’t conform to gender.
PAVING THE WAY FOR CHANGE
The growing prominence of male influencers in the beauty landscape doesn’t just fight existing gender stereotypes but could also move the industry in the direction of being a genderless space. In recent years, international beauty brands such as Cerave and The Ordinary have intentionally adopted non-gendered branding.
This story is from the July 2024 edition of Her World Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2024 edition of Her World Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
What Are Some Watches That Double As Pieces Of Art?
The Bvlgari Fenice High Jewellery watch is a spell-binding expression of the Italian jeweller's audacious aesthetic.
Getting To The Seoul Of K-Beauty
The days of complex 10-step skincare routines may be behind us, but K-beauty's skin-first approach continues to dominate markets worldwide. Here's a closer look at the phenomenon.
My Super Power Is Saying No
It's 2009, and some 1.67 million Singaporeans are tuning into the two-hour finale of the hit Chinese language series The Little Nyonya, transfixed by the multi-generational saga of three Peranakan families.
New York State Of Mind
Inspired by the Big Apple, Coach's new Times Square Tabby is an amalgamation of the city's love stories, both old and new.
Building Safer Workplaces
As an increasing number of workplaces are understanding the importance of mental health, we ask three leaders what it will take to move the needle to create environments where we can speak up, challenge the status quo, and have our needs met.
What Beauty Routine Should You Follow If You Have Eczema?
Quinn Chen, co-founder of Singapore beauty brand, Ice's Secret, answers.
A Mid-Career Change Is Not A Crisis
A mid-career switch, while daunting, can be the key to unlocking a more fulfilling and aligned professional life.
It's Cool To Get Cold
Ice baths are popping up around Singapore, waiting for you to take the plunge.
Will joining a breast cancer support group help me with my healing journey?
Emily Goh, senior medical social worker, answers.
PASSION FOR A CAUSE
Rebellion of the academic sort - runs in Anna Yip's blood. The deputy CEO of Singtel Singapore tells us how self-love, confidence, and a passion for tech guide her as she leads one of the nation's most established telecommunications companies into the future.