When I was in college, I worked on the university's fashion magazine as editor-in-chief. One of the biggest shoots I engineered involved photographing different male students in makeup for our Play issue. The idea came to mind for the issue theme because to me, at the time, men wearing makeup felt like this big vivacious gesture, especially since most — if not all — of the students picked had little to no experience with wearing makeup at all.

But what does the idea of men in makeup feel like now, over 5 years later? I wasn’t sure, but I did know that my interest in it persisted, simply to see people look and feel beautiful, or at the very least, slightly surprised at their transformation in it.

I figured photographer and colleague Ryan Duffin would have a better idea of what men wearing makeup could be seen as today. When I asked his thoughts on the project, he said, "I shot this story to have fun with the growing visibility of men in makeup, something that’s always been present in photography and in queer circles especially—historically, men have worn makeup in shoots and on red carpets, whether it’s subtle or bold. Today, apps like TikTok have platformed creators who broadcast their skincare and makeup routines, which have opened up new conversations about masculinity and self-expression. Beyond all that, makeup can make you feel cute, confident, and be a creative or a political act—and I celebrate that."

So when Byline decided on doing a beauty issue, I decided I’d try this idea again, with the help of our friends at Subtl Beauty. And this time, I’d actually ask the subjects how they felt with their new look.

Jordan

What’s your name, and what do you do?

My name is Jordan and I’m a graphic designer.

What is your experience with makeup?

I grew up doing theater in school, where it was a sacred rite of passage for boys to learn stage makeup from their more experienced cast members.

What’s deterred you from using makeup in the past?

Stage makeup has always felt thick and horrible on my skin, so I never really considered wearing cosmetics for casual purposes outside of the theater. There were also very limited options in my theater department for dark skin, so I really only learned how to apply basic black eye liner. After school, my only experience with makeup was a tube of concealer I bought from CVS to cover up a pre-date pimple, a tube I still have 8 years later (I know, it’s gross now).

Were you nervous about being photographed?

Not at all, I I felt like a movie star! And the makeup artist and photographer were super lovely and chill.

How long did you wear the makeup after the shoot?

I wore it the rest of the day. Though I did wipe some of the blue eyeliner off before going out to dinner.

How does the makeup feel on your face?

The makeup felt surprisingly light – I often forgot that I was wearing it, though I was more self-conscious about not touching my face.

Did you take any makeup home with you? If so, what and why?

I can’t say no to a sample, so I took home some lip balm and concealer to replace my (my probably rotten) 8 year old tube.

Dylan

What’s your name, and what do you do?

My name is Dylan Lee. I am the Chief Operating Officer at a private-equity backed company and fashion model signed in NYC and LA.

What is your experience with makeup?

Through modeling, I've definitely had to have makeup done for certain shoots / jobs. Otherwise, I've never had any experience personally.

What’s deterred you from using makeup in the past?

Before modeling, it just had never crossed my mind. Call it a mix between gender norms and lack of exposure (or maybe even ignorance!), it was certainly not something I had ever thought about.

Were you nervous about being photographed?

Nope.

How long did you wear the makeup after the shoot?

I did take it off when I got home, but not because I was ashamed of having it on. If anything, it honestly felt pretty cool.

How does the makeup feel on your face?

Physically -- I didn't notice it. Emotionally / mentally -- I actually found it refreshing. I think a lot of guys connote makeup with "femininity" and automatically reject the idea of it. But, at the end of the day, I think if it makes you feel good, pretty, or anything positive around your self-image, then that's really what should matter.

Trent and Ian

Trent

What’s your name, and what do you do?

I’m Trent Bullion, and I’m an art director at an advertising agency.

What is your experience with makeup?

I’ve been known to use a little makeup here and there, especially for a little glow if I’m looking tired. Or let my friends go to town on a look if we’re going to a fun party or something.

What’s deterred you from using makeup in the past?

I feel like I like the way my natural face looks, so if I can use makeup to accentuate a feature I already love, I’m all in. Of course, the stigma surrounding men in makeup doesn’t help either, so that probably factors into my opinion towards makeup.

Were you nervous about being photographed?

Not at all! It was a blast.

How long did you wear the makeup after the shoot?

Unfortunately it came off after the shoot! But I loved my look.

How does the makeup feel on your face?

I was telling Ian how, as men, we’re so socialized to not recognize ourselves when we conceal our natural faces - I won’t lie, it took me a moment to really get behind my look once it was on! But then I loved it, I thought it was very chic. Definitely gave Cher.

Did you take any makeup home with you? If so, what and why?

I grabbed the eye brow pencil and the blush stack - I’ve already used the eyebrow pencil to help out a little patchy eyebrow moment. I haven’t yet used the blush, but I’m sure it will make an appearance this winter when I’m needing to introduce some color back into my face.

How did it feel seeing your partner, Ian, in makeup?

I liked seeing him express a brand new side, he reminded me of a beautiful bird. He should do full glam more often!

Ian

What’s your name, and what do you do?

I’m Ian Zunt, and I’m the social editor at Dwell magazine.

What is your experience with makeup?

I’m not super well-versed in makeup… I’ll occasionally fill in my eyebrows and darken my moles (feels very Marie Antoinette).

What’s deterred you from using makeup in the past?

As a man, I gravitate to more natural looks. For me, the real interventions look more like dying my blonde eyebrows, whitening my teeth, using tinted sunscreen, etc. “Makeup” as a term can feel a bit narrow – to me it’s more about augmentation.

Were you nervous about being photographed?

I was a bit nervous! As a gay man, femininity feels like part of my identity, and makeup seems like it can throw off my balance a bit. So seeing my full beat reflected in the camera lens was a bit daunting.

How long did you wear the makeup after the shoot?

I took it off right after, but felt very chic doing so. Again, Marie Antoinette must have had the same sensation.

How does the makeup feel on your face?

Well the MUA did a great job prepping my skin, so it didn’t feel uncomfortable at all! It was a weird experience to be so aware of not touching my face, though.

Did you take any makeup home with you?

If so, what and why? I took a brow pencil, which I really liked. Used it the following weekend and felt pretty glam.

How did it feel seeing your partner, Trent, in makeup?

I can’t say I didn’t giggle, but deeper down I found it refreshing to see him explore something new. He might have been a bit too comfortable in front of the camera, though.

Jerian

What’s your name, and what do you do?

I'm Jerian Royal, a writer and publicist.

What is your experience with makeup?

I have always been interested in makeup since I was a kid. I used to sneak into my mom's makeup drawer and play with it with my sisters. However, I was greatly deterred from it coming from a culturally conservative family. In my young adulthood, I stepped back into it as I stepped more into who I am. I gave myself the liberation and freedom to express myself in any way that feels right to me. I now view makeup as a fun accessory to elevate my look, style or outfit. Especially, when I am at events whether at red carpets, brand events, galas, etc, it adds a va va voom to my fits and overall presentation, making getting ready for social events even more fun.

What’s deterred you from using makeup in the past?

What's deterred me from using makeup is mostly stigma and not seeing people like me using it. Being queer and growing up as a boy, anything related to beauty or deemed as too feminine has always been taboo. I think the beauty industry is so amazing right now as it is now more inclusive and widely available to multiple people. There are certain brands that are more inclusive and started by people whose communities have been traditionally underserved such as Black trans-owned Mintty Makeup and Black woman-owned Poundcake. There are also more affordable brands that specialize in skincare like Fig. 1 beauty. Whether it's minor tweaks or a full face beat, makeup provides a fresh palette for people to tap into their true self and true confidence. What we have to express on the inside of us should be proudly shown. I think that increased visibility of men in makeup could be useful, offer an abundant spark of confidence and allow people to embody their true selves which is a net positive for society in general.

Were you nervous about being photographed?

No, not at all, especially after getting the fab glam sesh. It made me feel more empowered to be seen and excited for the shoot.

How long did you wear the makeup after the shoot?

I took it off shortly after going home only because I had a date with my favorite anime shows and couch that required a fresh face, sweatpants and takeout haha

How does the makeup feel on your face?

It felt nice and light. I forgot I had it on until I got home.

Did you take any makeup home with you? If so, what and why?

I definitely did take some home, not because I love free stuff, but also the products used worked really well with my skin.

Nate

What’s your name, and what do you do?

I’m Nate and I’m a lover. JK! I’m an artist and I sell wine.

What is your experience with makeup?

I’ve been in a bunch of theater since I was 12 and usually I’m in some make up for that. Last time I wore some was an Ariana Grande themed birthday party. I was also in a dress.

What’s deterred you from using makeup in the past?

I don’t feel anything deters me from wearing makeup. I’m just lazy. If somebody’s offering makeup when I’m getting ready, I’ll take a touch up. why not. I wanna be pretty just as much as the next guy.

Were you nervous about being photographed?

Yeah I’m nervous about getting my picture taken. But it’s easier if I’m wearing makeup.

How long did you wear the makeup after the shoot?

I went to chipotle in it and then fell asleep wearing it. I woke up looking like Julia.

How does the makeup feel on your face?

Makeup almost feels like a shield for my face. And I like that it might confuse somebody and make them wonder about life.

Did you take any makeup home with you? If so, what and why

I took a few pens with me and a thingy of concealer (I think it was concealer ?). I bet my life would get better if I started using it. Like, why should I go natural when I could use some cheat codes? JFK beat Nixon because he was wearing makeup.

Jack

What’s your name, and what do you do?

Jack Sasner, I’m a sound effect editor for a film sound studio.

What is your experience with makeup?

Very little experience! Really the only time I’ve worn makeup was for the past couple halloweens. Started with a kermit the frog, usually my girlfriend will do her own makeup and then figure out some sort of matching thing for me. I’ve never really done it on myself.

Were you nervous about being photographed?

I was! I’m not usually the one in front of the camera so it can be uncomfortable. The worst part is always the few moments before hand though, the shoot ended up being a really fun experience.

How long did you wear the makeup after the shoot?

I wore it for the rest of the day. After the shoot we just ran a couple errands and made a big dinner so I didn’t feel the need to take it off right away.

How does the makeup feel on your face?

It feels unusual for sure. I often kept reminding myself not to itch my face or rub my eyes so I don’t mess anything up.