Oh, Boy de Chanel

Makeup for men has been a thing for a very long time, but it has never really made a big splash. Until now, perhaps, when Chanel is introducing its first color cosmetics line primarily for men.

Photo: Chanel PR

The collection includes a light moisturizer (untinted), fluid foundation in eight available shades, concealer available in eight shades, eyebrow pencils in four colors, eye pencil/liner in three colors, and a matte moisturizing lip balm. The star of the collection is no doubt the shades of nail polish - natural and black - which is a first for a men’s line.

As such, men’s makeup is nothing new. Tom Ford has a few cosmetic products as part of their men’s skincare line, and Jean Paul Gaultier launched a limited edition color cosmetics back in the early 2000s. Those two examples are also good examples of how makeup for men just hasn’t hit the mainstream - but that could be about to change with Chanel.

First of all, the brand itself holds a certain luxury appeal that transcends gender. Although just a few percentages of Chanel’s entire portfolio are dedicated to men, almost entirely focused on fragrance, both men and women recognize the universal elegance and style of Chanel.

Even from the very beginning, Mademoiselle Coco Chanel borrowed elements from the male wardrobe to remake them in a feminine way, and when she introduced her first perfumes, the flacons where void of curvy and floral embellishments, and the iconic Chanel no.5 was poured on bottles that were stringently broad and square almost to be confused with the after shave bottles at the time.

And don’t even think that the collection uses the word “boy” at face value - in fact, the Boy de Chanel refers to her lover and muse Boy Chapel, whose square, tailored is said to have inspired Chanel to create her signature Chanel look.

So, as with so many other elements of the Chanel universe, there is no absolutely feminine or masculine prerequisite - it is simply a matter of personal style.

LOVE THE LOOK!