8 years ago, Braven Yeo was dealing with a pimple.
Feeling self-conscious while out in town, he asked the girl friends he was with to help cover the blemish. They all went to a MAC boutique together to buy some concealer for Braven, who then realised that the product could make a world of difference. Fast forward to today, the 28-year-old actor and influencer has a makeup, skincare, and grooming regimen that would put most of us to shame.
Like Braven, many men worldwide are realising the benefits of taking grooming seriously. In Singapore, men spend more each year on their appearance, with skincare leading the charge. And yet, despite all this interest in caring for one’s looks, makeup remains the one terrain many men are apprehensive about.
Even though regional notions of masculinity have become more fluid—especially in Japan and Korea where makeup on men is normalised—Singapore is still fairly conservative in comparison. For men, putting makeup on day-to-day is not usually seen as a form of self-care and self-expression, but effeminate or queer.
There is, of course, nothing wrong with being effeminate or queer, but the idea that wearing makeup can somehow compromise one’s masculinity needs to be laid to rest. For Singaporean men who are interested in adopting better skincare or makeup habits but afraid of social critique, let Braven’s grooming journey be your green light.
If we’re sticking to mainstream ideals of masculinity, Braven is textbook. Heavily tattooed and built, with conventionally good looks, the actor is, in his own words, “just a very typical guy”.
And yet, you won’t catch him using body wash as a facial cleanser. Far from it, actually. Speaking to him reveals an impressive depth of knowledge about skincare ingredients and grooming tips that he has picked up over time, shaped by a need to manage his acne and oily skin.
He has a multi-step skincare routine each day, which he supplements with monthly pico laser treatments to reduce acne scars. Investing this much time and attention to his appearance is all part of the job, given that he’s in front of the camera all the time. Men interested in skincare don’t have to do like he does, but can take small steps to take better care of their complexion.
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“If you still want to look good when you’re old, then skincare is the way to go. There are plenty of examples of men who never wore sunscreen ageing very badly, and that should be enough to scare you into a routine,” he jokes.
When it comes to building a skincare routine, Braven encourages men to do their research. YouTube is one of his go-to sites for skincare advice—he notes that many dermatologists have their own channels where they dispense evidence-based information for free. Doctorly, a channel run by two male American dermatologists, is one he highly recommends.
A skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Braven built his own routine by breaking down exactly what his skincare needs were, figuring out the kinds of active ingredients that would help, and shopping for the products after. These products don’t have to be expensive either. His own routine is relatively affordable, with products from brands like The Ordinary and The Inkey List. These two brands are known for their ingredients-led formulations, minimal packaging, and budget-friendliness.
Some of Braven’s favourite skincare products (L-R): The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser ($27.35), The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin + 2% HA Serum ($26.49), Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water ($25)
Every day, he uses a cleanser with salicylic acid, which helps manage his blemishes. Then, he follows up with an essence, before rounding off his routine with a couple of serums. If he’s going out during the day, he adds sunscreen.
“For guys that really don’t want to bother with skincare, I would recommend at least a cleanser and sunscreen,” he suggests.
As we all know, facial sunscreen is key to anti-ageing. UV rays accelerate your skin’s age, especially in a country like Singapore, where the sun is out for blood for most of the day.
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Braven has noticed men in his life becoming more interested in skincare and makeup as well. Over the 8 years he’s been investing in grooming, he’s observed less of a stigma overall. But still, he does encounter naysayers, from both men and women.
Some women say they would prefer if the men they date not wear makeup, because they find it to be “not super masculine” too.
“For people who still have this stigma, makeup doesn’t have to be for you. You’re free to do whatever you want, but at the same time, other people are free to do whatever they want too. I don’t think someone wearing makeup should bother you because you’re not the one putting it on,” he said.
Some of Braven’s favourite makeup products (L-R): Rare Beauty Always An Optimist Pore Diffusing Primer ($26), Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer ($47), Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation ($90)
Braven’s regular makeup regimen results in barely-there look, so much so that people rarely clocks that he has makeup on anyway. Currently, he uses a primer, foundation, concealer and a setting powder, then locks it all in with a setting spray. When he’s going for influencer events, he dials it up a notch with a bit of contour and some eyeshadow to make his eyes look more defined.
Ultimately, he regards makeup as genderless and sees it as a means to enhance one’s looks and express oneself.
“I don’t think it’s that serious of an issue, for men to wear makeup. If Dwayne Johnson, who is jacked as hell, can tolerate makeup on his face when he’s on set, so can you!” he jokes.
So, dudes, if you’ve ever contemplated trying on a bit of concealer, adding a new serum to your routine, or even both, don’t let social norms get in the way. Braven doesn’t, and he’s all the more celebrated for it.
Just don’t forget the sunscreen. P.S: Braven uses the cult favourite Beauty of Joseon sunscreen.
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All images courtesy of Braven Yeo (@bravenyeo).
Labubu has our vote.
Did somebody say 20% off?
"Thank you for saving my life :')" "I'm literally just an Urban Decay setting spray."
Maybe it's Maybelline.
Another reason to cross the border.