We’re not saying you need to start contouring or wearing foundation, unless you want to, but a few well-chosen, subtle makeup products can go a long way in making you look cleaner, fresher, and more put together without anyone guessing you’ve got anything on your face. Here’s a guide to the makeup essentials every guy should have on hand this festive and wedding season. Think of them as the secret tools to help you look sharp without trying too hard.

Primer

A pore-minimising primer smooths out your skin, blurs imperfections, and keeps oil in check, especially useful if your face tends to look shiny under lights. Apply a small amount after moisturiser and before anything else. Go for a mattifying one if your skin is oily; and a hydrating one if it’s dry or flaky.

We recommend: HUDA Beauty Easy Blur Primer

Concealer

Pigmentation, under-eye bags or an unexpected breakout, there's nothing that a concealer cannot hide. You just need the right shade and formulation. Mind you, concealer is not about changing how you look but making the skin even and hide any imperfection. Use your fingertip to dab it gently under your eyes or on any spots, just blend it gently and remember, a little goes a long.

We recommend: M.A.C Studio Radiance 24HR Luminous Concealer

Brow Gel

It's a multi-purpose product, a brow gel in a natural shade helps keep the brows in place, can cover greys in your moustache or beard and set unruly facial hair in place. Look for a small brush applicator and just comb it through lightly. No one will know, but everyone will notice.

We recommend: Benefit Gimme Brow+

Mascara

We’re not suggesting you go full glam  but a light swipe of black or clear mascara on your lashes can subtly open up your eyes and make you look more awake. Again, you can use this to set your brows, beard and moustache while covering the gaps. Choose waterproof if you’re likely to sweat.

We recommend: Maybelline Sky High Lash Sensational Mascara

Translucent Powder: Bye-Bye Grease

A shiny nose, forehead, or chin can ruin a perfect look. Keep a translucent powder handy to dab away oil without making your face look powdery or made-up. Just a quick sweep with a brush or puff and you’re back to matte, fresh-looking skin.

We recommend: Kay Beauty Matte HD Translucent Loose Powder

Lip Balm That Doesn’t Look Like Lipstick

No one wants dry, cracked lips, or wrinkly lips. Pick a hydrating balm with a matte or non-glossy finish, if you don't want it to show. Look for ingredients like shea butter, SPF, and no fragrance. Pop it in your pocket and reapply as needed.

We recommend: Vaseline Lip Therapy

Setting Spray

Think of this as the final mist that seals the look while also refreshing your face quickly. You can go for a matte-finish or hydrating one, as you like. It keeps you looking fresh for hours and prevents shine without making your skin feel dry or tight.

We recommend: Fenty Beauty You Mist Makeup-Extending Setting Spray

Kaajal

You might want to apply some with your traditional outfits, it looks nice while accentuating your eyes and making them look bigger. Traditionally, even men used to put dark black soorma, a part of their identity and guess what, it does make a difference.

We recommend: Simply Nam The Ultimate Kajal