e.l.f. Discovery

Men’s Makeup Guide: Subtle Ways to Wear Everyday Makeup

At e.l.f., we believe that makeup is a tool for self-expression that knows no bounds – it's an art form, a confidence booster, and a tool for self-care that belongs to everyone! Whether you want to subtly enhance your natural features, create bold artistic looks, or simply cover up a sleepless night, makeup is there to serve your personal needs and preferences.

If you’re a beginner or unsure where to start, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! This simple makeup guide for men is designed to help navigate makeup basics and seamlessly incorporate it into your daily routine. From selecting the right products to achieving a natural look, we’ll break it down step by step. And remember, makeup is all about tapping into what you like and having fun—highlighting what you love and embracing the features that make you uniquely you.

Skin Care for Men

The secret to a flawless complexion before makeup starts with skincare that hydrates, protects, and adds that perfect natural glow. First, we recommend prepping your skin with a hydrating moisturizer. Using a lightweight moisturizer can help the appearance of skin look less dry, creating a silky-smooth canvas for makeup.

Next, protect your skin with sunscreen! Using a clear sunscreen stick before makeup application is an easy way to help ensure your skin is protected from harmful UV rays for up to two hours (we recommend applying every two hours for optimal skin protection).

To finish it off, don’t forget to reach for hydrating drops and bronzing drops. You can quickly grab both in this duo set . The bronzing drops deliver a customizable glow, while our hydrating drops help keep skin looking plump and refreshed throughout the day. Together, this powerhouse duo can be worn alone for a clean, glowy finish or can work well as a priming prep step if you want to go in with a little more makeup.

Face Primer, CC Cream, and Concealer for Men

Our Poreless Putty Primer has revolutionized the way we think about mattifying primers. Its unique putty-like texture melts seamlessly into the skin, creating an ultra-smooth canvas while strategically absorbing excess oil throughout the day. Unlike traditional silicone-based primers that can leave a heavy or white cast, this primer applies almost transparent, making it perfect for all skin tones and those who prefer a natural, "no-makeup" look. The formula's velvety finish helps fill in the appearance of pores and fine lines without feeling heavy or greasy, while its grip technology ensures your makeup stays locked in place.

A CC cream and a concealer are the ultimate duo for achieving a radiant, flawless complexion. CC cream is key for creating all-over brightness, evening out your skin tone, and delivering a healthy, luminous glow. It’s lightweight, buildable, and ideal for achieving a natural finish while covering up redness or discoloration. Plus, many CC creams come with added skincare benefits, like hydration or sun protection, making them a must-have multitasker. Our Camo Hydrating CC Cream SPF 30 is your go-to for brightened, evened-out skin. Packed with skin-loving ingredients and SPF 30, this cream not only smooths over imperfections but also hydrates and protects.

When it comes to brightening specific areas, like under the eyes, concealer is your secret weapon. A good concealer can help disguise dark circles, blur blemishes, and bring a touch of light to tired-looking eyes. To go the extra mile in covering dark circles and blemishes, go for our Hydrating Camo Concealer. This creamy formula works wonders on dark spots, brightens under-eye circles that fake a full 8 hours of sleep, and blurs blemishes like a dream. Lightweight yet full coverage, it blends seamlessly into your skin for a natural, luminous finish. Together, this dynamic duo is all you need for a complexion that’s as fresh as it is flawless!

Decrease Shine With Setting Powder

Lock in your look and keep shine at bay with the perfect finishing touch: powder. Whether you're aiming for a soft matte finish or just want to tame oily areas, applying powder over your base makeup is a must. Start with the Halo Glow Setting Powder—this lightweight, silky formula blurs imperfections and adds a soft-focus glow to your skin while keeping oil under control. It’s the secret to a flawless, airbrushed finish that stays fresh all day.

For a little extra coverage, the Halo Glow Powder Filter is your go-to. This versatile powder can be used on its own or over your base makeup to mattify shine, smooth your complexion, and enhance coverage without looking cakey. Together, these two powders work like a dream to give you a shine-free, picture-perfect finish that feels weightless and looks seamless.

Eyebrow Gel and Brow Pencil

Arguably the most game-changing feature of men’s makeup is a really well-groomed brow. Shaped and defined brows give structure to your face and can pull your whole look together. Whether you’re keeping it natural or aiming for a more defined finish, the right tools can make all the difference.

For an effortless, low-maintenance look, brow gels are your go-to. Try the Brow Laminating Gel for a clear, long-lasting hold that tames unruly hairs while keeping your brows in place all day. If you’re looking to add a subtle hint of color, the Wow Tinted Brow Gel enhances your brows with a natural-looking tint and volume—perfect for filling in sparse areas with no extra effort. For more precise shaping, a brow pencil is key. The Ultra Precise Brow Pencil lets you fill in your brows with short, hair-like strokes for a natural finish. Focus on shaping the arch and filling sparse spots, and your brows will look perfectly polished yet effortless!

Clear Brow and Lash Mascara

Adding mascara to your lashes is the easiest way to make your eyes pop and instantly look more awake. Whether you’re going for a subtle enhancement or bold definition, the right mascara can transform your look in seconds. For a natural, no-makeup vibe, Clear Brow & Lash Mascara is perfect. It lifts and defines your lashes while keeping them soft and polished without any color.

If you want to take it up a notch, reach for a tubing mascara. This game-changing formula coats each lash in rich, smudge-proof color—choose black for maximum drama or brown for a softer, more natural finish. The tubing technology ensures long, lifted, and separated lashes that add definition and make eyes pop.

Keep Your Lips Hydrated

Healthy, shiny lips are really the secret to tying an effortless no-makeup makeup look together, and keeping your lips exfoliated and hydrated ensures they look and feel their best—no matter the season. To give your lips some extra T.L.C., begin with Sugar Lip Exfoliator in Brown Sugar to gently buff away dry or flaky skin. This sweet scrub smooths your lips and preps them for hydration, leaving them soft and supple in just seconds.

Next, lock in moisture and nourish your lips with a hydrating lip balm. Packed with hydrating ingredients, this balm keeps your lips feeling pillowy-soft while adding a subtle, glossy sheen. Use it alone for a natural glow or as a base under your favorite lipstick for a smooth, flawless finish. Together, this duo is your secret to perfectly prepped lips that are always soft, healthy, and radiant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mens Makeup:

Q: Should Men Use Foundation or Concealer?

A: Whether men should use foundation or concealer is entirely up to personal choice. These products can help anyone, regardless of gender, even out skin tone, cover blemishes, dark circles, or other skin concerns they may want to address. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your choices about wearing or not wearing makeup. There's no universal rule about who should or shouldn't use makeup products.

Q: What Makeup Should a Man Wear?

A: The amount and type of makeup any person chooses to wear is entirely personal, but here are some common starting points for men interested in makeup:

For a natural look:

Tinted moisturizer or CC cream for light, even coverage
Concealer for specific spots or under-eye circles
Clear brow gel to groom eyebrows
Tinted lip balm for hydration with subtle color

For a more defined look:

Foundation matched to your skin tone
Bronzer for warmth and subtle contouring
Setting powder to control shine
Clear mascara to define lashes

Q: Should Men Powder Their Face?

A: Face powder can be useful for anyone, including men, who wants to:

Control shine and oil throughout the day
Set other makeup products in place
Create a more matte, even skin appearance
Reduce the appearance of pores

If you're interested in trying powder, consider:

For everyday use:

Translucent powder is the most natural-looking option
Focus on oily areas like the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
Use a light hand - too much powder can look cakey
Consider pressed powder for easier application

For special occasions:

Tinted powder can provide extra coverage
Setting spray on top helps prevent a powdery look
Powder can help control shine in photos

The choice to use powder is entirely personal. Some men prefer a more natural dewy look without powder, while others enjoy the matte finish and oil control that powder provides.

Q: How To Apply Foundation For Men?

A: Here's a step-by-step guide to applying foundation for men:

Prep Steps: