72% of Young US Men Wear Makeup: What this Means for Queer Male Beauty Influencer Christian Aguilar
While the media frenzy surrounding male beauty influencers the likes of James Charles and Jeffree Star may have subsided sometime ago, the rate of males wearing makeup hasn’t slowed down even a little bit. A recent survey found that 72% of US male consumers between 18 and 34 use some form of makeup.
Even though the rate at which guys wear makeup has been increasing, that hasn’t had much of an effect on how society views the “boys in makeup” phenomenon. A quick google search of “Men wearing makeup” reveals the first few results lead you to articles and forum topics that treat the idea as more of a novelty than a regular habit, or, at the very least, a conversation in its infancy.
And moreover, most products beauty companies seem interested in selling to male consumers, like concealers, moisturizers and face peels, are meant to go undetected. However, for many queer men interested in beauty, the last thing they want is to go undetected. Queer men everywhere view the act of putting on blush, lips and lashes as something meant to reveal, not conceal. Case and point, Christian Aguilar (@reignbeauty87), a longtime lover of all things fashion and beauty, found his true self, and his calling, when he finally got the courage to pick up the brush. Now, embarking on his journey into the world of beauty influencing, he reflects on his lifelong obsession with beauty, what being a BIPOC creator means to him and how the pandemic of all things led him to his newfound purpose.
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♬ Pretty girls here - Jaz
1. When did you discover your love of fashion and make-up?
I have always been into fashion, I think at a very young age. I wanna say maybe around the age of 15. Although, during that time, like any teenager, you’re still trying to find your own style. As a teen, I’d find myself loving to look in fashion magazines and always tell myself 'one day I’m gonna have the confidence to wear something like that.’ It’s kind of a small dream of mine to walk my first runway one day. As for makeup, I didn’t really know makeup would be my saving grace until the pandemic really hit. However, I’ve always been around those that love makeup just as much as I do now. My mom was the first to show me what makeup was when I was 5! That iconic ruby red lipstick from MAC that she’d always wear is something I’ll remember forever as my first experience of how makeup could make a person feel, and I definitely see it in her smile even till this day!
2. Do you remember the first time you wore makeup in public?
The first time I wore makeup in public I think was about 8 or nine years ago. Like anyone's first time in makeup, it was definitely not the best! Haha but it was definitely super scary! However, I don't remember anyone saying anything negative or cruel about me doing so.
3. How did makeup actually get you through the pandemic?
During the pandemic, like many, I experienced job loss and I took it upon myself to find a new career path. As a child, I used to draw a lot while growing up. It wasn't until the pandemic hit, I decided to dive deeper into the artistry world aka beauty world. Knowing that it was definitely possible to move my drawings from paper to face was super exciting for me. From there I decided to take a leap into showing my artistry, that I had practiced for months by putting my looks onto social media. Yet, it wasn't just that, I wanted to show my passion for sharing my knowledge on how products work and the different techniques you can do to achieve that perfect makeup you've been dying to try. So, in a way the pandemic allowed me to tighten up my skills also while allowing me to stay authentic and build confidence within myself. Also, that this is what I'm meant to do.
4. When did you decide to begin sharing your sense of style online?
I would say, when I started to realize that I'm not getting any younger and that times have changed! Wear what you wanna wear. Put that face on because the only person that's stopping you is you! I wanna say, people love when you're super sincere and AUTHENTIC! I was clear with my followers that I'm no model and no seamstress but finding pieces that work for you and building up from the bottom without breaking the bank is just so real to me. You don't need to spend so much to prove that you're fashionable. Fashion changes all the time. People love when you're being REAL with them! Period.
5. How has being BIPOC influenced how you represent yourself in the beauty space?
Well, being a BIPOC influencer, especially when you've immersed yourself within the beauty community, has a big role. I'm representing not just the Hispanic community but the Black community as well. Both of which are not the fondest when it comes to seeing a male in full makeup or androgynous fashion. It's allowed me to speak out loudly! Unapologetic, but staying true to the goal. Which is to prove that what I do is for EVERYONE. No matter the race, background or ethnicity. I have a voice to be heard, specially for those that feel like they can't, but you CAN. You TOTALLY CAN!
6. In your work as an influencer and beauty professional, do you have any insight regarding Gen Z and Millennial males' embrace of makeup?
I think it’s amazing honestly! When we’re looking back at history, males actually wore makeup more than women. So, in a way it’s kind of like history is repeating itself. Although makeup has no gender or age preference, I feel that Gen Z is influencing the millennials to start wearing makeup a bit more. They give off the sense of not caring what others think while millennials can come across as a bit hesitant, it’s rubbing off on them in a good way. It's like Gen Z is saying it's OK to show more self expression either it be in makeup or fashion. The macho aesthetic is changing.
7. Any advice for guys thinking about makeup but who have questions or reservations?
My advice would be to just go for it. You're only on this earth once, and to give yourself some grace. The beauty community always makes space for EVERYONE. Don't be afraid to be authentically YOU! You deserve to feel beautiful and confident. Always!
