These gender-neutral beauty brands are for anyone who appreciates great skin

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19th Jun 2019

Once upon a time, Tom Ford’s Bronzing Gel for Men was one of beauty’s best-kept secrets, privy only to artists, experts, and beauty editors. The consistency was a honey-hued gel, so light and fluid it felt like nothing on the skin. The real kicker though, was because it was designed with the male complexion in mind, the colour payoff was – according to Mr Ford himself – akin to “a few minutes spent in the sun”, rather than three days of baking sans SPF, like many female-targeted liquid bronzers were at the time.

Traditionally, male-centred beauty products have been few and far between, and gender-crossover taboo. Remember when a pre-skincare tycoon Kylie Jenner posted about her undying love for a male-specific Nivea moisturiser? The internet lost its mind. 

Fast forward to 2019, and the idea that beauty products belong to females of a certain age or income bracket is dead and gone (and rightly so). Instead, there’s been a seismic shift towards gender-fluidity; no more, ‘for him’ and ‘for her’ but just for you, or us, if you’re sharing your bathroom with the opposite sex. It’s off the back of the idea that anyone and everyone can enjoy the expressive ideals of beauty. Also, really, really good skin is an object of universal desire, right?

There are a stack of new and old brands that are doing gender-fluid beauty in a sleek, stylish and efficacious way, without scrimping on formulations or the coveted top-shelf aesthetic. The best part? It means you can split the bill at Mecca Cosmetica. Read on for a few of our favourites.

Hunter Lab

Hunter Lab hits all the markers of a successful brand in 2019; clean, unfussy formulas, a thoughtful approach to sustainability, and a strong stance against animal testing. The products are staples with a twist: think natural deodorant, an SPF 50 sunscreen stick, and pinot body scrub (yes, as in wine). If you’re results driven, fear not. The Peptide Anti-Ageing Elixir is loaded with niacinamide, peptides, and antioxidants in the form of shiitake mushroom.

Aesop

A gender-neutral trailblazer, Aesop has always championed minimalistic, deliciously herbaceous products with universal appeal. Add a touch of luxury to your bathroom with hand wash, shower gel, and other superlatives from the brand. The formulas are clean, and packaging so chic, you’ll want to keep refilling.

Escentric Molecules

Fragrancephiles may already be well-versed in the idea of pheromones – a chemical substance released by humans and animals that essentially drives the social response of those around them. As humans, we like to think we’re more civilised than basing our relationships on another’s subconscious smell, but the truth is, no matter how many times we swipe right or Insta-stalk, biology is always going to play some part in reproduction. Loved up? There’s a huge chance you’re intrinsically drawn to your partner’s pheromones (think of the warm, fuzzy feeling you get from the smell of their worn-sweater). Escentric Molecules capitalises on this phenomenon, using a molecule known as Iso E Super – a deep, velvety aroma that interacts with the user to create a bespoke, can’t-put-your-finger-on-it scent. It’s not floral, fresh, gourmand, or even oriental, but rather a league of its own; like the smell of skin, but infinitely better. Unisex by their very nature, Escentric Molecules fragrance can be used by anyone, and still remain individualistic. Science-y in the best possibly way.

Necessaire

Body products have long garnered themselves the short end of the beauty stick, but new venture Necessaire had something else in mind. The US brand currently boasts four products: a sex gel, body lotion, body wash, and the same wash in a sandalwood iteration. Everything is free of nasties like silicones, sulphates, parabens, phthalates and petrochemicals, and appeals to anyone who values body care as self-care. The sex gel is especially interesting, given beauty products designed for sex and intimacy have always been heavily geared towards gender stereotypes, or are lacking when it comes to quality formulations. This product however, is unassuming, minimalistic, and chic enough for the bedside table.

Lululemon

Lululemon have a monopoly on our gym apparel, so it only makes sense that the active wear brand is about to make its way into our post-gym primping kit, too. It’s been recently announced that dry shampoo, moisturiser, lip balm, and deodorant will make its way into the ranks – all developed for fitness enthusiasts, no matter their gender.

Milk Makeup

Milk Makeup made waves in 2017 when they released an incredible campaign featuring talent of all gender identities. The brand, which focuses on make-up products and a few key skin-specific items, explores the idea of beauty for anyone and everyone – essentially, whoever wants it. It’s hard to come by in Australia without exorbitant shipping costs, but should you find yourself in the states, the Hydrogrip Primer and Lip + Cheek Stick would make welcome additions to any make-up kit.

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