In 2024, masculinity is evolving. Gone are the days when being “masculine” meant rigid adherence to outdated norms of toughness, silence, and neutrality in appearance. Today, men like me—modern, confident, and unapologetically ourselves—are redefining what it means to embrace masculinity by integrating style, creativity, and personal expression.
At 52 years old, I’m a gym regular, working out five days a week. I sport a strong, muscular frame that easily fits society’s archetype of a “masculine” physique. But here’s the twist: I don’t shy away from adding boldness and beauty to my appearance. Jewelry, painted nails, makeup, and all—they’re as much a part of who I am as my gym routine and strong sense of self. And you know what? There’s nothing contradictory about that.
The Fashion of Men Wearing Makeup
Makeup for men has an extraordinary history. It might surprise you to know that in ancient civilizations, men were the original makeup trendsetters. The Egyptians, for example, used kohl eyeliner not only for aesthetics but also to protect their eyes from the sun and to ward off evil spirits. Greek warriors would use rouge to give their faces a flushed, healthy look, while in the Elizabethan era, powdered faces and elaborate wigs were staples for men of status and power.
Fast-forward to today, and makeup is making a huge resurgence among men—especially in the worlds of fashion and entertainment. Male celebrities like Harry Styles, Jared Leto, and Ezra Miller have embraced makeup as part of their public persona, whether it’s a pop of eyeliner, eyeshadow, or even a full face of glam. And why not? Makeup is art. It’s expression.
For me, makeup is about subtle enhancements. I’ll often wear eyeliner for a night out or a special event. It’s not about hiding who I am but highlighting my features and adding a layer of confidence to my look. It’s about celebrating what I see in the mirror, not altering it.
Men Painting Their Nails: Moving Beyond Black Polish
When it comes to nails, black polish has been the go-to for men experimenting with this form of self-expression. It’s edgy, classic, and still culturally “safe.” But why stop at black?
Personally, I rarely wear black nail polish. Instead, my collection is a spectrum of vibrant colors—blues, greens, reds, and yellows. The photo accompanying this blog post shows just a small part of my collection, which spans the rainbow and reflects my mood, creativity, and individuality. Nail polish, for me, is playful. It’s about enjoying the small details that make up an outfit or expressing a feeling I have that day.
Why limit myself to something as monotone as black when the world of color is so rich? A bold red can make a statement, a pastel blue can reflect calm confidence, and a bright yellow can inject a bit of joy into the day. And trust me, as a man fully secure in his masculinity, I find that expressing myself through color only enhances, rather than diminishes, my strength.
The History of Men Wearing Makeup and Accessories
The idea of men adorning themselves with makeup and jewelry isn’t new. History is filled with examples of men wearing eyeliner, elaborate costumes, and decorative accessories. Think back to the 18th-century French courts, where men wore powdered wigs, rouge, and embroidered garments adorned with precious stones and pearls. Or take inspiration from indigenous cultures worldwide, where makeup, body paint, and jewelry were often symbolic of power, community, and spirituality.
In modern times, we’ve seen trailblazers in the entertainment world bring these traditions back into focus. David Bowie used makeup and flamboyant fashion to redefine masculinity in the 1970s, creating space for individuality and art. Prince, with his perfectly lined eyes and vibrant style, showed us that femininity and masculinity don’t have to exist on opposite ends of a spectrum—they can coexist beautifully.
Jewelry and Personal Style
Alongside makeup, jewelry is another way I express myself. My personal collection includes pearl necklaces, brooches, and rings featuring precious stones. They add an undeniable sophistication to my outfits, blending traditional masculinity with softer, more elegant touches. There’s a sense of power in wearing something bold, something others might hesitate to try.
It’s not about standing out for attention—it’s about celebrating who I am, embracing the full spectrum of masculinity and femininity, and making the choices that feel right for me.
Masculinity and the Freedom of Expression
Being secure in your masculinity isn’t about proving anything to anyone. It’s about owning your identity, unapologetically. For me, expressing myself through nail polish, makeup, or jewelry isn’t about rebelling against norms—it’s about expanding them.
A man wearing makeup or nail polish doesn’t make him any less of a man. If anything, it’s an act of strength to step outside traditional boundaries and say, “This is who I am.”
So, to anyone who’s hesitant to try something new—whether it’s painting your nails or wearing a pearl necklace—my advice is this: Start small, if you need to, but don’t let outdated ideas hold you back. Life’s too short for neutral nails and unadorned outfits.
Final Thoughts
At 52, I’ve spent enough time on this planet to know that the most masculine thing you can do is be true to yourself. Whether it’s hitting the gym, wearing bold nail polish, or rocking a statement brooch, these are all parts of what make me, me.
Modern masculinity isn’t a box—it’s a spectrum. And within that spectrum, there’s room for everyone to explore, express, and evolve. So, paint those nails, wear that eyeliner, and step into the world as your most authentic self. After all, confidence and self-expression are the strongest looks of all.
