By popular request: check out our trialled & tested picks that will have your man feeling fresh (while still maintaining his masculinity)…  behold, the makeup that doesn’t look like you’re wearing makeup.

A dab of concealer, some tinted lip balm a flick of mascara and some eyebrow gel.

No, I am not describing your no-fuss Sunday beauty routine, but rather the elementary steps more and more men are taking in their pursuit of perfection.

No longer limited to boy bloggers who paint their own face for YouTube tutorials (oddly, I’ve never succumbed to this trend), I am hearing stories of boyfriends and gusbands alike getting their mitts on their girlfriend’s make up cases, with various results!

For some, it’s the draw of the practical – a blemish that needs to be concealed or a morning-after complexion that is enlivened by a cheeky sweep of rouge. For others, make up nourishes a desire to be more… pretty. A sheen on the lips, a sweep of contour and mascara on the lashes to make those features pop. Why not!?

So that he doesn’t gobble up all your precious cosmetics, here is a men-friendly makeup list that will go the distance for his preening needs – and feel just as at home in your own makeup kit for those sleep overs or long nights on the dance floor where a touch up is a must. After all, sharing is caring!

Cleanse – Clarisonic Alpha Fit

To wake skin up as the predecessor to his first foray into foundation-land, this lil’ beast gives the ultimate deep clean to remove dead skin cells and buff skin back to life for a more even, smooth and invigorated complexion. The key is to use the device in small circular movements to maximise cleansing – and get to the bottom of any dirt, unwanted oil and environmental stress. Tip: make sure he does his lips, neck and base of the neck too, as these areas are often exposed to the elements from the neck line of his shirt.

Conceal – Laura Mercier Candleglow Concealer

With seven shades to match any skin tone and cover any problem area, Laura Mercier’s Candleglow Concealers work on the base of attracting and reflecting light in those problem dark areas – instead of masking the area with a heavy concealer. It’s exactly why this product is perfect for men: it assures a flawless finish with a natural no-makeup look.

Bronze & Contour – By Terry Tea to Tan Face & Body Summer Bronze

Like a holiday in a bottle, By Terry Tea to Tan Face & Body Summer Bronze comes in one colour that suits all. No fuss, easy to use and effective, it’s the ultimate men’s bronzer. Pressed powders, both metallic and matte, can catch on facial hair, unlike this liquid spray formula that melts into the skin and around facial fuzz more seamlessly. Simply spritz directly onto the skin or on a large brush first for a subtle hint of colour. I just love the colour and how natural and buildable it is on the skin, so even first time users (ie, your conservative boyfriend), won’t freak out but still enjoy a tan.

Eye liner – Revlon Photoready Kajal Matte Eye Pencils

Man-liner is made easy with these matte eye kohls, which work both along the lash line, as well as in the water line with little to no effort. What makes them great for your beau is that more matte masculine finish, which you can relax further with the smudge sponge on the end. Simply tell him to run the side of the pencil through the lash line, squeeze your eyes together for five seconds and use the smudge sponge to get a smokey finish! My two colours of choice, depending on his skin and hair tone or how strong you want the look, are the Matte Expresso & Matte Charcoal (black).

Lips – Burts Bees Tinted Lip Balm

Men’s lips tend to get super-dry, and I love these balms for just a hint of colour and hours of moisture. The botanical waxes in these softly tinted balms will make his lips feel nourished and protected without the thick greasy feeling other balms can leave (so he doesn’t feel like he’s wearing lipstick). With six sheer subtle shades (including clear) to choose from depending on his natural lip colour, this is the perfect product for a bit of pep, without overdoing it.

Product Review: Max May | Words: Alina Berdi | Photography: Jordan Graham for maxmade.com.au | Grooming: Jenny Kim | Model: Phil at IMG Models