A student campaign for Sephora reimagines masculinity through makeup, using historical icons to break beauty stereotypes and redefine gender norms.
“Real Men Don’t Wear Makeup?” Think Again
Sephora takes center stage in a bold student campaign from Miami Ad School Buenos Aires, challenging outdated notions about masculinity and cosmetics. Titled “Real men don’t wear makeup?”, the project flips stereotypes on their head by spotlighting powerful historical figures who embraced makeup.
From Pharaohs to Vikings—History Wears Eyeliner
The creative premise draws on leaders like Egyptian pharaohs, samurais, and vikings—warriors who wore makeup for status, power, or spiritual rituals. Through a series of printed visuals, the campaign uses irony to deconstruct the modern stigma and ask: if they wore it with pride, why can’t men today?
Beyond a Student Project—A Cultural Conversation
Though student-led, the campaign aligns with a growing industry movement: making beauty more inclusive. It reinforces the idea that makeup is not about gender—it’s about self-expression. And in a world still navigating traditional expectations, that message is more relevant than ever.
Irony, Identity, and Breaking Norms
The minimalist art direction and clever copy speak volumes. With each ad, the campaign doesn’t just sell an idea—it invites dialogue. Sephora’s inclusion as the hypothetical brand adds weight to the message: beauty is for everyone, no matter how history—or culture—has painted it.
