The world changed in quiet ways after the pandemic. Not just in how we work, but also in how we see ourselves in the mirror. Interestingly, one of the most surprising shifts is this: more men are now embracing skincare and makeup.
What once felt unusual is slowly becoming normal.
And if you look closely, you’ll see the influence everywhere—from Zoom meetings to social media feeds. Inspired by polished K-Pop visuals and driven by a deeper awareness of self-care, modern men are rewriting the rules of grooming.
But what exactly is happening behind this trend?
🌟 A New Era of Male Grooming Begins (Post-Pandemic Shift)
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, many people suddenly had something rare: time to notice themselves. Long hours at home meant more mirror moments, more video calls, and more curiosity about skincare routines.
According to reports highlighted by Mainichi, the number of men in Japan using cosmetics has increased significantly. Today, many focus on:
-
skincare basics
-
light base makeup
-
eyebrow grooming
-
lip care
In fact, the shift isn’t about heavy makeup. Instead, men are pursuing what Koreans call the “natural clean look.”
One compelling example is Shiyu Miyazaki, a 27-year-old sales employee at Japan Tobacco Inc..
Shiyu openly enjoys wearing makeup—both at work and in daily life.
His routine is simple but intentional:
-
base makeup with sunscreen
-
brown eyebrow mascara matching his hair
-
subtle red lip gloss
Moreover, he supports his skin from the inside by avoiding fatty foods and alcohol.
The result?
His colleagues noticed. Clients asked questions. Confidence grew.
As Shiyu beautifully said:
“Makeup is a tool that allows me to be confident.”
And honestly, that sentence explains everything.
🚀 Why More Men Are Turning to Professional Makeup Services
Now, here’s where the story becomes even more interesting.
It’s not just DIY grooming at home. Increasingly, men are visiting professional salons for expert help.
For example, Nagoya-based Atelier Haruka has reported a dramatic rise in male customers. Even more striking, eyebrow trimming services in 2025 jumped 6.7 times compared to 2023.
So, what’s driving men to salons?
✅ The top motivations:
-
business meetings
-
dating preparation
-
profile photo shoots
-
social media presence
-
remote work visibility
Interestingly, most male clients don’t want dramatic looks. Instead, salon manager Fumika Kusuda notes that natural makeup remains the most requested style.
Many even bring photos of South Korean idols as references.
Why?
Because K-Pop aesthetics represent something modern men crave:
-
clean
-
fresh
-
confident
-
camera-ready
Furthermore, remote meetings played a huge role. Seeing themselves on screen repeatedly made many men notice small details—uneven eyebrows, dull skin, tired eyes.
As salon PR teams explain, the journey often begins with one simple step:
👉 eyebrow grooming
But once men see the difference… the transformation usually spreads to the rest of the face.
And this is exactly where professional services become powerful.
If you’re serious about upgrading your appearance quickly and safely, working with trained makeup artists can save months of trial and error.
💡 Social Acceptance Is Rising — And the Opportunity Is Huge
The good news?
Acceptance is growing fast.
A 2024 survey by Intage Inc., involving 5,000 men aged 15 to 79, found that around 60% hold positive views toward men using skincare and makeup.
That number matters.
Because social comfort often determines whether a trend becomes mainstream—or disappears quietly.
🌍 What this means globally (including Indonesia)
Although the data comes from Japan, the ripple effect is already visible across Asia, including Indonesia. Social media exposure, K-Pop influence, and workplace competition are accelerating the shift.
In other words:
👉 well-groomed men now have a competitive edge
Whether in:
-
job interviews
-
client meetings
-
dating apps
-
personal branding
Appearance communicates before words do.
🔥 Ready to Upgrade Your Look? Here’s the Smart Next Step
Let’s be honest for a moment.
You don’t need heavy makeup.
You don’t need to change who you are.
You only need to look like the best version of yourself.
And that’s exactly why more men today choose professional grooming and light makeup services.
✔️ If you’re a beginner, start with:
-
professional eyebrow shaping
-
skin analysis facial
-
natural base makeup consultation
-
profile photo grooming package
✔️ If you want faster results:
Consider booking a men’s grooming or makeup service at a trusted salon. Professionals understand face structure, skin tone, and lighting—things that are difficult to master alone.
The truth is simple: confidence often begins with small visible improvements.
✨ Final Thoughts
The pandemic didn’t just change routines—it changed mindsets.
Men today are more open to self-care, more aware of their appearance, and more willing to invest in confidence. Inspired by K-Pop idols and fueled by digital visibility, male makeup is no longer a niche trend.
It’s becoming the new normal.
And perhaps the real question is no longer:
“Should men wear makeup?”
But rather:
“How much more confident could you be if you tried?”
✅ Want help choosing the right men’s grooming or makeup service near you?
Tell me your city and budget—I’ll recommend the best options for you.