Indian male beauty influencers like Ankush Bahuguna, Siddharth Batra, Shakti Singh Yadav, Jason Arland and Zeeshan Ali have shown that makeup is not just for women. Through Instagram and YouTube tutorials, they have taken on trolls and pushed brands and audiences to accept men who enjoy beauty. In 2024, Ankush Bahuguna even walked the Cannes red carpet.
Makeup in India is still widely seen as a woman’s thing. Most people searching for tutorials expect a woman on screen. That is slowly changing, and social media is the main reason why.
Why male beauty influencers matter
From childhood, boys and girls are handed different rules. Blue for boys, pink for girls. Boys should not cry, girls should be soft-spoken. Makeup sits firmly on one side of that line, even though men have used it for thousands of years. Men in ancient Egypt, for example, lined their eyes with kohl.
Today, skincare for men is broadly accepted, as long as it does not look like makeup. Male beauty creators challenge that limit. Globally, the turning point came in 2016, when CoverGirl named a male creator as its brand ambassador for the first time. In India, a handful of creators started posting makeup content around the same time and found big audiences, along with a lot of abuse.
Quick facts: 5 Indian male beauty influencers
| Creator | Known for | Main platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Ankush Bahuguna | Makeup and comedy, Cannes 2024 | Instagram, YouTube |
| Siddharth Batra | #GuyBeautyVideos | |
| Shakti Singh Yadav | Beauty and Korean makeup tips | |
| Jason Arland | Makeup tutorials, fashion | |
| Zeeshan Ali | Bridal looks, viral photoshoots | Instagram, Facebook |
5 Indian male beauty influencers breaking the stereotype
1. Ankush Bahuguna
Ankush Bahuguna grew up in Delhi and first planned a career in architecture before moving into content. He started with comedy and writing, then became one of India’s best-known beauty creators with makeup videos on Instagram and YouTube.
He has spoken openly about trolling. In an interview with Brut, he said people were not scared of his eyeliner but of his confidence. In May 2024, The Statesman reported that he became the first Indian male beauty content creator to walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. His YouTube series Wing It With Ankush was made with an Indian beauty brand, and he has also acted in web series such as Joint Venture.
2. Siddharth Batra
Delhi-based Siddharth Batra began posting beauty videos on Instagram under the hashtag #GuyBeautyVideos. His first post asked whether anyone and everyone should use makeup, and answered with a firm yes.
Like most creators on this list, he faced a lot of hate in the early days. He kept posting anyway, and his videos made it easier for other young men to try makeup without hiding it.
3. Shakti Singh Yadav
Shakti Singh Yadav is a beauty and lifestyle creator who argues that makeup has no gender. He talks about how a simple routine can help men feel more confident and less stressed about skin issues.
His popular videos include Korean makeup tips and tricks to hide skin flaws. His approach is practical, which makes his content a good starting point for men who are new to makeup.
4. Jason Arland
Jason Arland has said his interest in beauty began when he was around 14. He grew up facing gender stereotypes about the way he dressed and styled himself, and turned that interest into a career in fashion and makeup.
He posts makeup tutorials and has appeared in magazine shoots wearing makeup. He has also worked with beauty brands, which shows how the industry has started to see male creators as a serious audience.
5. Zeeshan Ali
Zeeshan Ali left medical studies to pursue beauty, fashion and content creation. He went viral for a photoshoot recreating the red Sabyasachi bridal look Priyanka Chopra wore at her wedding, and the images spread widely on social media.
He has since featured in several magazine stories and posts makeup tutorials, mostly on Instagram and Facebook. His bridal looks are especially popular.
How men can start with makeup
If these creators have made you curious, start simple. These are the steps most beauty creators suggest for beginners.
- Fix the base first: A cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen do more for your skin than any product on top.
- Use a tinted moisturiser or BB cream: It evens out skin tone without looking heavy.
- Try concealer for dark circles and spots: Pick a shade that matches your skin, and blend well.
- Groom your brows: A clear brow gel keeps them neat.
- Experiment slowly: Eyeliner or kajal is an easy next step once you are comfortable.
Always patch-test new products, especially if you have sensitive skin.
The road ahead
Trolling has not gone away. Most male beauty creators in India still get abusive comments that question their masculinity. But they also have loyal audiences, brand deals and more visibility than ever. Every new face in this space makes the next one’s job a little easier.
For more stories on people breaking stereotypes, browse our celebs and listicles sections.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the most famous male beauty influencer in India?
Ankush Bahuguna is one of the best-known. In 2024, he became the first Indian male beauty content creator to walk the Cannes red carpet.
Is makeup only for women?
No. Makeup has no gender. Men have used cosmetics like kohl for thousands of years, and many male creators today use makeup for confidence and self-expression.
Which male beauty influencers are from India?
Well-known Indian male beauty creators include Ankush Bahuguna, Siddharth Batra, Shakti Singh Yadav, Jason Arland and Zeeshan Ali.
Do men face trolling for wearing makeup?
Yes. Almost every Indian male beauty creator has spoken about abuse and trolling, especially early in their careers. Many say growing support from audiences keeps them going.
Sources: The Statesman: Ankush Bahuguna at Cannes, Wikipedia: CoverGirl.
