Shane Warne, Prateik cool about wearing girlie make-up

The glamour industry may make our macho heroes use make-up, pluck eyebrows, apply blush and gloss, but not many take it beyond their reel life. Of late though there are some who are set to break the norm.

Cricketer Shane Warne’s shining pink lips and near-perfect eyebrows have caught the attention of many. And on desi turf young actor Prateik doesn’t mind being snapped with kohl in his eyes and darkened eyebrows. Some even suspect seeing a hint of foundation and a tinge of gloss on his lips and think it is a bit much.

But how much is too much when it comes to men? Says fashion designer Rajat Tangri, “Internationally there is an entire line of make-up for men available by fashion brand Jean Paul Gaultier. So obviously there is a huge market for it. I think it’s completely natural for men to indulge and experiment. Having said that, it’s a complete put-off if the make-up shows. Prateik carries off the Goth look very well, so I’d give him a thumbs up.”

Designer Anupama Verma is all for men getting in touch with their feminine side. “It is a question of cultural adjustment and in my profession it’s a common sight. Darkening their eyebrows and using concealers is the most common thing… it’s all a part of urbanization. The sooner we lose our hang ups as women, it will be easier for men to be themselves. But lipstick and foundation is still a bit much and somehow it gets on to my nerves to see men go overboard,” laughs Anupama.

While Rajat and Anupama are all in favour of women losing their hang ups when it comes to men applying make-up on a daily basis, designer Neeta Lulla says that she’d prefer the conservative man any day. “Historically men (like in the Egyptian culture) have been known to apply kohl and the like since ages.

Tweaking eyebrows and shaving body hair is okay, but I can’t relate to men who go beyond that,” she smiles.