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Gay man’s guide to radiant skin
18
items I find that often, skincare lists and suggestions are too involved, unhelpful, or insanely expensive. This list is here to counteract that. From K-beauty barrier heroes to queer-owned glow boosters, this list merges skincare science with my own fab f...
Sections
6
Clean Beauty Staples
K-Beauty Heroes
Sun-Protection
Quick Fixes
Body Teaaaaa
Queer-Owned Glow
Clean Beauty Staples
Tiktok-worthy skin without the 10-step routine
Doubles as primer/highlighter – swipe on pre-gym or pre-club for a sheen that ‘almost’ replicates facetune. It's sweat resistant, and I find it does a very good job of hiding pores - really perfect for nights when I know I'll be sweating a lot.
$15 - Saie Glowy Super Gel | SAIE
Blurs pores in 2 swipes!!! Niacinamide controls oil during sweaty dancefloor sessions and works great as the ‘one' item I'm likely to take with me on a night out.
$48 - Skin Rewind Complexion Stick - ILIA
I personally love the kale + spinach cleanser because it cuts through any ‘date night’ grime without stripping moisture. It makes you feel whole again. This brand is quietly gaining traction on TikTok for good reason - and ALL of their products smell...
$48 - Superfood Face Cleanser | YTTP
K-Beauty Heroes
For the guy who knows glass skin > six-pack abs on insta
It can be hard to cut through the noise of korean skincare - but this product has over 10,000 5+ star reviews and for good reason. The main selling point is what it does for your skin barrier - you'll never look back, I promise.
$24 - ATOBARRIER Cream | Aestura
This is like 8 glasses of water on your face. It's a moisturiser, but won't leave you feeling sticky. The squalane's effect is to plump… which might be ideal just before that gym pump selfie.
$15 - Aqua Squalane Moisturizing Cream | S Nature
Great for that particularly sensitive skin. Razorburn, for example - the Heartleaf soothes redness and anger - if you suffer from acne or you're pro to breakouts - you're welcome for offering a genuine solution.
$20 - Heartleaf 77% Toner | Anua
Sun-Protection
For the person who needs to feel fab on long, intense days
No ashy SPF here! This sunscreen has a STUNNING pearly finish that will genuinely make your skin pop. HOT tip: Collarbones were made to glisten, babe.
$25 - Glowscreen | Supergoop!
Rice + probiotics that soothe sensitive skin. No white cast if you're a naturally darker person (or you're aiming to be!) It's a natural, organic sunscreen that goes a long way.
$15 - Rice + Probiotics (SPF50) | Beauty of Joseon
If I'm at a festival or a beach party, one thing I don't want is to re-apply sun screen. This spray is weightless, effective, and works well over body glitter… the cooling effect is a nice touch but not really the point, for me. Solid pick.
$20 - Classic Body Spray - SPF 50 | Coola
Quick Fixes
For those of us who have better shit to do
I know, this is a makeup product, but hear me out. It's a fantastic little blush/blur that acts more like a matte tint than anything else. It offers that “I just slept for 8 hours” vibe that some of us desperately need after a long weekend.
$16 - Blurry Pudding Pot | Fwee
I find a lot of acne patches suck. These ones don't. Patch one on at night and the acid will work overnight. Simple!
$15 - Acne Dots 20 Pack | Peace Out Skincare
These act almost like reuseable seals for any moisturisers you'd typically use under your eye. The gel de-puffs your eyes, which can be ideal for days you're working with a headcold or a hangover.
$25 - Forever Eye Mask | Dieux
Body Teaaaaa
For those who never skip chest day
Good exfoliation is the hack you didnt know you needed, especially during summer months. This product providers chemical + physical exfoliation for pool-party-ready shoulders (I should know!)
If you're the type to use self-tanner, use this product first to prevent streaks.
If you're the type to use self-tanner, use this product first to prevent streaks.
$30 - The Body Exfoliator | Nécessaire
I have bumps around my triceps, and have a history of some neck acne as well. This was the only thing I found that would get rid of them, and I feel great wearing it. Silky smooth skin - tick. Smelling like a brasilian sauna - tick.
$37 - Bom Dia Bright Body Cream with AHAs & Vit C | Sol De Janeiro
This is another exfoliant, but if you're a big gym-bro then you'll want this one. It's designed for the sweatier guy to reduce back and chest acne, and is one of the ‘few’ products that even the most DL guy won't be self-conscious using. Hate the bot...
$30 - Dry Erase Scrub | Jack Black
Queer-Owned Glow
Support your community while serving CVNT!
Founded by gay skincare guru Hyram (remember that one Tiktoker with the perfect skin?!) . Great for the night-before a big day like Pride.
$10 - Retinol & Rainbow Algae Repair Serum | Selfless by Hyram
Non-Binary Brand. Acts sort of like a micellar water, really the only thing I've found that actually picks up glitter. It's a gel-to-foam formula, perfect if you're wearing tons of makeup.
$15 - Cosmic Dew Water Cleanser | Good Light
Trans-owned. Shea butter + vegan wax in gender-neutral packaging. Great brand with a really cool ethos. I'll be honest, I like the brand more than this specific product, but it's good stuff. I'm sure you'll be able to find something of theirs you lik...
$15 - Fluide Universal Balm | Boxwalla