Fashion, Lifestyle, Opinion

Chanel Releases Boy De Chanel Makeup Line for Men

0 1427

By Shawna Healey


Chanel have received an influx of attention in the past week with the release of their Boy De Chanel makeup line, which is marketed specifically towards men.

This makeup line has been long in the works, with news circulating since 2018, but has only been released recently. Whilst arguably revolutionary due to the fact that Chanel is one of the first Western brands to create a makeup line specifically for men, some are criticising the line, saying that it’s ‘pandering’ to male makeup consumers.

The line has also been criticised for using the slogan “beauty knows no gender” whilst simultaneously marketing the  makeup solely towards men.

However, while this a valid point of view, it is important to acknowledge that outside the world of YouTube and RuPaul’s Drag Race, it is uncommon to see men wearing makeup, and they certainly don’t have products marketed specifically towards them. A significant aspect of contemporary makeup culture is a sense of community and inclusivity, yet men remain a largely neglected demographic.

Beauty YouTube guru Patrick Starr’s slogan is “makeup is one size fits all”, which is a nice thought, but its factuality is sadly questionable. The Boy De Chanel makeup range, however, is a step in the right direction.

While YouTube gurus such as James, Manny, Jeffree are all making waves in normalising the idea that boys can wear makeup, they present their makeup in a feminine way, and Chanel’s marketing is also groundbreaking in its neutrality.

Some men may feel more comfortable covering their dark under-eye circles or spots, but might not want to have winged eyeliner or contour, and this is where Boy De Chanel comes in. It’s going to be part of the process of normalising makeup for men, much in the same way as skincare is increasingly becoming integrated into men’s routines as a result of societal normalisation.

Chanel is a luxury brand with a luxury price tag, and tests on animals, so this line is certainly not without its flaws, but hopefully it will trigger a trickle-down effect to more affordable brands with wider market appeal.

About the author / 

Shawna Healey

I'm Shawna, 21, and Welsh studying Geography at MMU. I have varying interests and opinions but usually its all things feminism.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • Bakar @ Albert Hall live review – Bakar dares to dream big 

    Featured image and gallery: Georgina Hurdsfield The gloomy refrain “I hate the facts, I hate the situation” echoes affirmatively among the gothic furnishings of the Albert Hall. The fact is that 5000 fans have converged under the ornate roof; the situation being the first of Bakar’s two sold-out shows in Manchester. The aforementioned lyrics couldn’t…

  • Of Mice & Men @ Rebellion review – metalcore masters tear it up

    Featured image and gallery: Ameena Ceesay So-Cal band Of Mice & Men have spent the better part of a decade rising through the metalcore ranks. A couple months from the release of their 8th studio album, Tether, and as part of their UK and Europ…well, Germany tour, they grace the Rebellion stage and proceed to…

  • Anne Marie @ AO Arena Manchester review – A perfect and unexpected theatrical experience

    Featured Image and gallery: Ben Redshaw From West End childhood star and karate world champion to BRIT Award-winning popstar, Anne-Marie arrives at the AO Arena on the back of her third studio album, Unhealthy.  Leah Kate, an American singer best known for her post-heartbreak songs, is the opener. Kate tells the story of sliding into…

  • Manchester creatives celebrate identity, community and queerness at the 2023 Bound Art Book Fair at Whitworth Art Gallery

    Featured image and photography: Anna Klekot The Bound Art Book Fair returned to The Whitworth art gallery this month, featuring over 65 exhibitors showcasing a range of creative work including zines, books and posters. The gallery was filled with independent publishers and artists showcasing creative projects, and featured free artist talks open to the public,…