Making a difference for men and boys, in the beauty industry.
This year’s International Men’s Day is 19th November and theme is: Helping Men and Boys. Here at The Fragrance Shop we think it is important to discuss this topic within the beauty industry.
Men’s grooming products and gender-neutral beauty is, and has been, on the rise for some time now. More and more men are using makeup products to express their true selves and using skincare and grooming products to take care of the body they’re in, helping to be unapologetically themselves. This International Men’s Day, we want to look at how we can make a difference to men in the business of beauty. As perception of genders evolve, the division between men and women’s beauty and grooming is remorselessly merging together.
International Men’s Day stated that their aim this year was to ‘promote the need to value men and boys and help people make practical improvement’s in men and boy’s health and well-being.’ This goes not only for their physical health, but their mental health as well. This day, dedicated specifically to our male friends of the world, encourages men to lead by example and be positive role models.
Unfortunately, beauty has been linked to ‘masculinity’ with a negative connotation far too many times. However, the definition of the word, ‘masculine’, is rapidly changing. Gone are the days where being classed as masculine meant that you aggressively hid your feelings and lifted weights in the gym. Today, it means to talk openly, to be whoever you want to be every day of the week, and it means you should wear makeup if that’s what your heart desires.
Sadly, there is still such a stigma around men choosing to wear makeup, for whatever reason they wish to, and even around the usage of skincare and grooming products. We believe that men shouldn’t be slandered for taking care of their own skin and that such judgement can be the cause of so many mental health issues. The boys and young men of today need role models who demonstrate total acceptance and confidence.
What can we do to help? To begin with, claiming that beauty for men is ‘the next big trend’ needs to be modified, because it’s not just a hype that will come and go and it certainly shouldn’t be advertised as one. The beauty industry is expanding and progressing to be something much more than just some coloured liquid on your face. It’s becoming a means of expression and character, a safe place where you’re sole purpose is to acknowledge your true identity.
Making a difference for boys and men can mean a lot of things. Here in the beauty world, we believe that it means to eliminate judgement from our lives and promote fearless individuality. It means making a positive difference to their future by forcing a positive impact on it today. It’s about time that everyone began to perceive men and women’s beauty equally, and there’s no better time to start (if you don’t already) than on International Men’s Day!
Express yourself with our range of male grooming products available at The Fragrance Shop!
