MAYBE it starts out with a beard and brow enhancer, and progresses to a bit of concealer and lip balm for a confidence boost, but Nik Studio says guys like make-up, too.

Nik, together with co-founder of Tinboy Cosmetics Mario Agostini, has created a range of make-up for men and they say it’s perfect for those who have been secretly pinching things from their girlfriends’ make-up bag.

“Guys are more into grooming than ever, and why not?” says Nik.

“It can be used to feel better about ourselves, or to look better on social media. None of us are perfect, but it’s okay to be you, and we’re here to help.”

Mario says there’s not much make-up available for men that isn’t outrageously expensive, so they created a simple range including moisturising BB cream, concealer, mineral powder and amplifier – a more manly way of saying mascara.

“It’s a fun product and designed not to come off during sports or swimming, we don’t want it to spread or slide off, around the eyes especially,” he says.

“Boys like to keep it quiet, they want to look good but not necessarily broadcast that it’s make-up.”

Since starting the company more than two years ago and working with a team to create the product, Mario and Nik are still based out of Canberra, where they met as kids.

“We love Canberra and as much as possible we use local models and photographers, there’s so much talent here,” says Nik.

With a background in fashion, hair, cosmetics, photography and modelling, Nik also models for the website as the face of the cosmetic line. He says he and Mario designed the product to appeal to both men and women.

“It doesn’t have to be just for men, though it gives men their own product, rather than using make-up that might be packaged or presented in quite a feminine way,” he says.

“What we’ve created is a range that’s ultimately for anyone who wants to look and feel good. I think there’s a fear that make-up for men takes away masculinity, but we don’t agree,” he says.

“Men have been wearing make-up for centuries, and we say embrace it and enjoy it.”

tinboycosmetics.com