Makeup for Men...I Mean, Grooming for Men

Almost one third of my jobs every month are corporate client jobs such as real estate companies, banks, law firms, computer and tech savvy companies. Many of these companies require head shots. The vast majority of the employees are everyday men.

At first, most of the men are reluctant and adopt the ever so popular macho attitude and refuse any makeup. The thought of any cosmetic products makes them shiver in fear. So I smile and say: "I can either do it here at my makeup station in private or I can do your grooming (makeup and hair for men) on set right in front of everyone. I promise I won't make you look like a drag queen." Needless to say, they chuckle and give in and when it's time to leave, I offer them makeup wipes, about 98% of the men decide to keep their makeup on, they love it!!!

                                                                         (photographed by Rick Day, grooming: Maria Ortega)

Now, I could be lazy and just slap on some powder on their faces which have been exposed to the ever so pure air of NYC, but I really like to give my clients an experience they won't forget. So I usually cleanse their face, use a toner and apply an eye cream as well as a moisturizer. If needed, I use a little concealer under eyes to cover dark circles and depending on the individual, either a pressed color powder or a translucent pressed powder to eradicate shine.

How can the everyday man use makeup? Well, for starters, having a skin care routine is an excellent start, using a face wash daily, a toner and moisturizer day and night. If you want to get fancy then an eye cream can be added into the mix. Even if you don't want to invest in expensive skin care, any drug store brands will do the job. They have plenty of economical options catered to men, specifically.

The Non Visible Makeup Routine for men:

*Face wash
*Toner, Witch Hazel or an Astringent applied with a cotton ball or cotton round
*Eye Cream
* Moisturizer- an Oil Control one for oily skin or a super hydrating one for dry skin
*Concealer under eyes if you have dark circles and you can apply this on the side of nose too
*Skip the previous step if you have flawless skin, you can apply to blemishes too
*Apply translucent (no color) powder to forehead, nose and chin with a sponge or powder puff
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Below are some of my favorite products for men:

Face wash: Cetyphyll can be bought at any pharmacy or Wal*Mart/Target

Moisturizer: Murad Oil Control Mattifer can be purchased at Sephora (Neutrogena makes an oil free moisturizer that can be purchased at any pharmacy)

Eye Cream/Eye Gel:
Nivea Eye Roll-On reduces puffiness and dark circles. It's inexpensive and makes you look well rested. Purchase at your local pharmacy.

                        Concealer: Splurge: Veil Cosmetics Illuminating Complexion Fix can be used under eyes, to cover blemishes and around nose. This is worth every penny! It has a natural finish and I use this on set when I do grooming on men. You can't tell the men are wearing makeup. Can be purchased online here.

Concealer on a budget:
Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch sold at drugstores.

Translucent pressed powders: MAC Prep and Prime  (on the left) and a more economical one found at drug stores is: Neutrogena Shine Control Powder (on the right)

These are the sponges you can use to apply the powder. Use for up to a week then throw away and use a new one. (You can buy these at any pharmacy or dollar store near you).

Gentleman, I hope this post has been a little helpful. Although you may not want to use the makeup, a good start is the skin care regimen. This is also  good for any woman who refuses to wear makeup as well. Some concealer to erase dark circles and blemishes and translucent powder to keep away shine make anyone look very polished! Hope you venture into the concealer for special occasions!!! Real men wear makeup too. 

Super Model Ollie Edwards photographed by: Joseph Sinclair, Hair: Andrita Renee, Makeup by Maria Ortega for ADON 

*Opening photo: Actor Nico Tortorella photographed by Greg Swales, Grooming by: Maria Ortega for ADON)

Sleeping with Makeup can Make Your Worst Dreams Come True

After a long, tiresome day of work or a night out having fun, running to bed and jumping under the covers seems like the best idea in the world. However, before getting some shut eye, it is of utmost importance to remove makeup and wash your face. Of course, an occasional falling asleep with makeup is not harmful. However, if you develope a habit of sleeping with makeup on you run the risk of facing some undesireable side effects.

Pinkeye is usually thought to only be obtained by sharing eye makeup. Well, if you sleep with makeup on you may cause conjunctivitis (pinkeye) on your own because rubbing against your pillow can cause makeup to go into your eyes as you sleep and thus cause an infection.

Sleeping with your makeup on can also cause clogged pores and breakouts. Resting your head on your pillow can cause your makeup to be pushed into your pores and allows bacteria to grow, thus making it oh so easy to clog your pores, get black heads, blemishes and in extreme cases: acne.

As we sleep our skin goes through a process that can benefit the skin's complection and appearance.
"During deep sleep, the skin's metabolic rate speeds up and many of the body's cells show increased production and reduced breakdown of proteins.
Since proteins are the building blocks needed for cell growth and for the repair of damage from factors like ultraviolet rays, deep sleep may indeed be beauty sleep" -Angela Epstein for the Daily Mail UK

Night time is usually the best time to apply serums, treatments and heavier moisturizer or creams. How will this be posssible if you fall asleep with a day's worth of cosmetics on your face?

Indeed, taking a few minutes to remove makeup and washing your face before bed is definitely worth it. I prefer to use Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil to breakdown makeup, then I wash my face with my Clarisonic and Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel. If you don't have the time or desire to do a multi-step process, opt for a all in one cleanser that removes makeup, tones and cleanses such as Sephora Collection, Supreme Foaming Cleanser.

Remember to wash your face and remove makeup before sleeping and you can rest assured that you will be doing your skin a favor and avoid any harmful effects sleeping with makeup can cause. Sweet Dreams!

*Image obtained from Getty Images.