Chinese men use makeup to avoid being single.

To increase their chances of success on blind dates, many single Chinese men turn to makeup services.

Xiao Dan, a makeup artist in Chengdu, Sichuan province, said that makeup fees have skyrocketed from 60 to 200 yuan (approximately 680,000 VND) for a single makeup session since the Lunar New Year.

Makeup services for men are popular not only in cities but also in rural areas – where blind dates take place almost constantly throughout the New Year holiday.

"Who wouldn't want to make a good first impression? That's why more and more men are liking my makeup services and booking appointments with me," Xiao Dan said.

She also mentioned that at many times during the month, her schedule is completely booked with male clients.

Many single men are starting to take an interest in makeup services before blind dates. (Illustration: Chinadaily) — Many single men are starting to take an interest in makeup services before blind dates. (Illustration: *Chinadaily)*

Coco, another makeup artist in Guangdong province, also had a busy schedule throughout the Lunar New Year holiday. In January alone, she received appointments from 36 male clients, and her schedule for February was also fully booked.

Many of Coco's clients have shared stories of being unable to attract women on blind dates. They turn to makeup services to improve their appearance, hoping to make a good impression.

"Makeup can boost men's confidence. Depending on the individual, they may want to focus on their complexion, eyebrows, or simply style their hair to suit their face," Coco said.

Wang, 31, a Coco client, admitted that she wasn't good at choosing clothes or applying makeup, so she sought the help of a professional stylist.

"These services are perfect for someone like me who isn't too concerned about appearance. Before winning someone's heart, the higher priority is making a good first impression," the 31-year-old shared.

Many single men believe that applying makeup will help them make a good impression on potential partners. (Illustration: Tang Xiaolan/Sixth Tone) — Many single men believe that applying makeup will help them make a good impression on potential partners. (Illustration: *Tang Xiaolan/Sixth Tone)*

The trend of men wearing makeup, which has flourished in China since 2018, has sparked controversy on social media. Some argue that men wearing makeup is effeminate and detracts from their masculinity, emphasizing that personality and talent are ultimately what matter most. However, there are also those who support it.

"This only proves that men are starting to respect women and know how to showcase their own beauty to society," one user wrote.

Data from China's National Bureau of Statistics shows that there are currently 240 million single people nationwide. The number of unmarried men aged 20 to 49 is higher than that of women. The lack of pressure to be the breadwinner has led many men to start taking care of themselves. This is also one of the reasons why the men's grooming market is growing rapidly.

Statistics also show that Gen Z has become the main force in the men's skincare and beauty industry, accounting for 47% of the group since 1995. Awareness of men's skincare is increasingly emphasized in first-tier cities. The men's beauty and personal care market has accelerated its expansion since 2017 with an average annual compound growth rate of over 20%, far outpacing the beauty and personal care industry.

Minh Phuong (According to 163.com, guancha.cn )

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