When most of us talk about beauty, the focus is usually on the feminine. The thing is beauty is for everyone, as we’ve seen the community become much more inclusive in recent years. But whether it’s because of gender stereotypes or just a general lack of awareness, we think many of our dads might’ve missed the memo. Sure, they have a few shave products and maybe cologne lining their medicine cabinets, but there might not be much else stocked inside. Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed the talents of amazing male makeup artists and hairstylists and learned so much from them, including how important pampering your outside helps to take care of your inside as well. So to celebrate his big day, I’ve rounded up a few pearls of beauty wisdom to pass along to our dads to help them to look and feel amazing like they deserve. Happy Father’s Day, and if you can, give your dad a big hug for me!
Everyone Needs to Be Pampered Sometimes
Many of the beauty treatments we see available are marketed to women, but that doesn’t mean Dad can’t try them out for himself. Spending some time indulging in a mani-pedi with clear polish (or color if he’s comfortable with it), a massage, or a shave and a haircut can do much more than clean up his look. It also gives him a way to relax and feel like he’s taking time for himself. After all, self-care is important to our well being. In fact, one of my most memorable Father’s Day gifts was a gift certificate for a premium shave at The Art of Shaving. He loved how great he looked and how felt afterward that he told his friends about it and even had a few group trips to the shop to get groomed.
Skincare Is Essential
If you’ve ever watched any of Dr. Pimple Popper’s video clips (and likely marathoned hours of extractions), you’ll notice that many of her patients are older men with clusters of blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts that have often been there for years. Many men might feel that once they’re past their teens, they don’t have to worry about their skin anymore. But clearly, that’s not true. Cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing are key to keeping skin clear and healthy, regardless of gender. While a cleanser formulated with salicylic acid can kill two birds with one stone, a little moisturizer can also go a long way, especially one with an SPF which leads us to…
Sunscreen Is A Necessity
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to chase after my dad to apply (and reapply) a broad-spectrum sunscreen during a day at the beach. Besides blocking sunburn-causing UVB rays that could leave his entire head red and sore, it helps stop UVA rays that can cause premature aging and sun damage. And if wrinkles and uneven tone are already a concern, a serum will help undo the damage, but the sunscreen will prevent it from becoming worse as well as reduce the risk of skin cancer.
A Little Coverup Never Hurts
Just like the rest of us, Dad wants to put his best face forward. But I’ll admit, there’s still a lot of stigma attached to cis-gender men wearing makeup, but the great thing about it is that everyone can find a balance and discover what works best for them. Dabbing a bit of stick concealer over dark circles, blemishes, or discoloration can even out the skin seamlessly with just a dab. And if shine is a concern but he’s not keen on putting on a powder, pressing a clean napkin over extra shiny spots will soak up the oil and give the skin a matte finish without feeling like he’s wearing much.