Beyond the Brush: Men, Makeup, and the Lessons of Embracing Femininity
As a young boy, I was told that makeup was strictly for girls. It was a world I was restricted from exploring. As a result, thoughts of makeup rarely crossed my mind during my formative years. I simply assumed it was a tool reserved for girls and women to enhance their appearance.
However, everything changed when Netflix released the show called Glamorous. The series revolves around Marco Mejia, a young gender non-conforming queer man who defies societal norms as a talented makeup artist working for Madolyn Addison, a makeup mogul. Out of curiosity, I decided to watch the first episode.
In the first episode, Marco explains his relationship to makeup to Madolyn by saying “When I do my makeup in the morning, I’m not some boy who lives with his mom and can’t get a real job. I get to be a star, a diva. I get to be anything that I want to be. It’s therapy in a tube. Magic in a jar.”
That moment completely changed my perception of what makeup was and could be. It showed me that makeup isn’t exclusive to any particular gender. At its core, makeup is a collection of ingredients that enable artistic expression. It’s a form of self-expression. It transforms people’s confidence.
In a way, people who use makeup are akin to artists, just like painters. Both groups take various ingredients and skillfully craft something beautiful. Curiously, we don’t discourage young boys from pursuing their dreams of becoming painters. So, why then do we raise eyebrows and express skepticism when young boys display an interest in extending their artistic brushwork from the canvas to their own faces?
As I continued to watch the show, I came to the realization that Marco was teaching me about masculinity. Embracing one’s true self and defying stereotypes requires immense courage. Marco’s unapologetic authenticity serves as a powerful reminder that genuine masculinity lies in the freedom to express oneself fully, without the fear of judgment.
Men who embrace their femininity are revolutionizing the traditional notions of masculinity by embracing a fluidity in their gender expression. We can learn from individuals like Marco who blur the lines between femininity and masculinity. They inspire us to question the behaviors we uphold because we feel obligated to, versus those we embrace because they genuinely resonate with who we are and what we believe.
As a society, we have come to recognize and denounce the destructive behaviors that stem from toxic masculinity. We stand united on a mission to expand our understanding of masculinity itself. What does it truly mean to be a man in today’s world? Can we embody empathy, embrace emotion, seek support when needed, and genuinely respect others as a part of our masculine identities?
For many men, navigating this path can be daunting. Society has taught them that these qualities are somehow incompatible with masculinity. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that showcasing feminine traits can play a vital role in a man’s journey toward a more empowered and nuanced sense of self.