Instagram account FYI Beauty revealed that ‘Boy De Chanel’ – a makeup range especially designed for men – is coming, and it includes foundation, eyebrow pencils and lip balm.
While some people were quick to praise Chanel for acknowledging the male makeup movement, “yesss i hope more companies do this as more guys are getting into makeup and grooming”. Others weren’t so sure, as one commenter put it, “I’m very confused why makeup is gendered”.
The campaign is fronted by South Korean actor, Lee Dong-Wook and is expected to launch in Korea in November, before rolling out globally in Chanel boutiques, from January 2019.
While Chanel aren’t the first brand to start a male makeup line – Tom Ford already has one – the last few years has seen an increase in the visibility of men wearing makeup. This movement is down to social media influencers, and brands like L’Oreal Paris using men to front their campaigns.
Maybe, just maybe, there’ll be a future where ‘steel grey’ shower gels aren’t targeted to men.