While I don’t usually talk about press releases of upcoming products (I’m never sure if anyone is really interested – if you are, tell me!), one just dropped into my mailbox that I was so intrigued by, I had to share it, because I’m curious about what you might think of this upcoming makeup release too!
I invite you to feast your eyes on this gloriously aesthetically pleasing range of makeup by Chanel. It is the Boy de Chanel makeup collection, and I am positively smitten by it! I mean, look at that beautiful matte finish, that eye-pleasing midnight blue shade that is so understated, yet so eye-catching.
For once, the boys have it better than the girls, I swear!
Did I say “boys”? 😀
Oh yes I did! The Boy de Chanel makeup collection is a very special makeup range, because it is made for men. Chanel calls it its first makeup line for men, but I’m racking my brains here thinking of another brand that has makeup just for men, and I can’t think of any right now!
Borrowing from the very comprehensive women’s range of makeup, Chanel has distilled the essence of makeup for men into just 3 products – a lip balm, a brow pencil and a foundation.
The Boy de Chanel Matte Moisturizing Lip balm protects, moisturizes and hydrates while imparting a matte finish. I know of any number of men who surreptitiously slick on lip balm now and again, but wrinkle their nose at the glossy finish that lip balm imparts. A lip balm with a matte finish will serve this purpose.
Brows are the frames to the windows to the soul, and while I appreciate a good brow on anyone, I must confess I don’t know many men in my life who’d voluntarily trim or shape their brows, or shape them with a brow pencil. The Boy de Chanel Eyebrow Pencil looks absolutely stunning!
I love the whole aesthetics of it, and it comes in 4 shades – 202 Light Brown, 204 Grey, 206 Deep Brown and 208 Black. For the record, I love the Chanel Stylo Sourcil Waterproof Brow Pencil and if the formula is the same, boys, know that you are in very good hands! To be honest, I might even pick one up for myself because a) I love the aesthetics and b) the formula is a great one and c) the colour selection looks promising! 😀
And the final item in the trifecta is the Boy de Chanel Le Teint Foundation.
Again, I think the aesthetics beat the women’s foundation flat! This reminds me of Chanel’s le Lift range of skincare, having similar aesthetics.
According to Chanel, the Boy de Chanel Le Teint Foundation promises a lightweight texture that is hydrating all day long. It also contains antioxidants and sun protection. The finish is light, imperceptible and shine-free. Ideal for the man who wants a touch of complexion correction, but without it being too obvious. Few men want the glowy, dewy finish that women crave.
Again, I can safely say that none of the men in my life will wear this foundation LOL! I know of men who do wear foundation or tinted bases, but most of them work in the beauty industry and are therefore more open to trying new things. But the man on the street I fear, will make a face at the idea of putting on makeup, unless it is required for stage-work.
I might even be interested in this one, except for the fact that I fear the lightest shade No. 20 Light might be too dark for me. This of course, is going by the fact that I usually wear a No. 10 in Chanel bases.
You know what? I’m intrigued.
I’m intrigued to know if the Boy de Chanel range will herald a new shift in makeup choices, or even an appreciation for makeup by the men in our lives, although I’m also not sure if that’s a good thing 😛 I mean, one vain person cluttering up the dresser with her lotions, potions and creams is enough right? 😛
The Boy de Chanel makeup line debuts in South Korea in September 2018, online at Chanel’s website in November 2018 and thereafter in all Chanel beauty boutiques in January 2019 (yes, even in Malaysia!).
I’m not surprised that Chanel is releasing Boy de Chanel in South Korea first. Men in Korea have been wearing makeup for a while now, and I think, are much more receptive to the idea than most men elsewhere who still put up a show of bravado and machismo, not even deigning to wash their face with anything other than soap, or to even wear sunscreen 😛
Chanel also came up with a tagline for the Boy de Chanel range – Be yourself. Only Better. Be Only You.
Truthfully, I think they should use that for the women too, because really that’s what this is all about. Being ourselves, just better 🙂 Let not the men be coddled 😛
What do you think about the Boy de Chanel makeup line?
Personally, I’m interested to see how it’ll develop. I think it’s a brave new step from Chanel and I’m really intrigued at the idea that it’s Chanel leading the charge! And I have my eye on that brow pencil. Man, it looks amazing! 😀
Paris B
Maja says
I’m curious about the pricing. Usually, in cosmetics the men’s line is less expensive because they aren’t as willing to dole out much money as we are. 😉
Paris B says
I fully agree Maja! If the pricing is any better, I’d just switch my brow pencil to the men’s version only because it looks so much better! 😛
Evan Chang says
YASSSSS!!!! Finally my thesis made a difference in the cosmetic markets!!
My thesis was about the use of cosmetic products by men! Finally some changes in the market. Oh I’m so happy!
Paris B says
Woohoo! That’s a cool topic for your thesis Evan! 😀 I do think there isn’t a big group of men using makeup out there for the most part, but I love that there is now a whole dedicated line so men can wear their makeup and have some really cool looking packaging to boot!
Julia says
Meanwhile, I have to remind my husband several times to put on sunscreen, or smear it on him myself even.
Paris B says
LOL! Men eh? They think they’re stronger than the sun!
Nicole says
I know my man won’t be interested. But I know of some who would. So, I think it has a market place here. I love the packaging too. Why is it only for men? 🙁
Paris B says
I’m thinking there’s a bigger market out there than we realize! I’m sure Chanel must have done their market research and realised that there are men who want just light touches of grooming. I know most men in my life won’t mind that lip balm though they might not want to pay for it LOL!
Angelina says
Their tagline resonates well with South Korean people.
Paris B says
To be fair, it resonates very well with me too! 😀 And I think should be a tagline for Chanel in general because that’s what makeup really is all about 😀
Jan Kelley says
Oh my! I would definitely love to have one of the brow pencils. I would even be interested in checking out the foundation. The aesthetic is breathtaking. I do believe Tom Ford has items for men but not so clearly delineated. As usual your post does not disappoint. Thank you.
Paris B says
Hi Jan, if only Chanel treated us women with such beautiful aesthetics as well, right? 😀 I’m guessing their male line will sell out and they’ll think that it’s doing really well when it’s actually the women buying up everything in sight LOL 😀
Z says
Hmm..I think Korea has makeup targeted towards men, right?
My friend’s husband, lol, even bought a men’s bb cushion when they were in Korea.
Paris B says
I think they do, but they don’t really market it overseas. I think even in Japan they do too. Japanese men were wearing eyeliner and brow pencil long before this but they don’t really talk about it as a marketing tool. They were using skincare long before this too. But Koreans sort of made it sexy. I always say the Koreans are masters at marketing their beauty industry. The Japanese, despite having a longer history and in many ways, better products, have lost out in that.