Backyard Bill

Given the current social climate – an elected black President, a woman as his main political rival, gay characters in soap operas and a married cross-dresser winning the Turner Prize, it’s surprising that the subject of men and make-up is still somewhat taboo.

Beauty treatments have long been deemed the preserve of the homosexual – even as far back as the 17th century. Today, however, thanks to the likes of forward thinking performers such as Gary Numan, David Bowie and Adam Ant's Prince Charming, public opinion on the subject, finally, seems to be mellowing.

Backyard Bill, the alter ego of model-turned-photographer William Gentle has more than a passing interest in the subject. His obsession with beauty products started at an early age. As a teenager, William suffered with problem skin, which led to him becoming extremely self-conscious. Eventually, his mother Linda coaxed him into her local beauty salon. It was a breakthrough. Under the watchful eye of his beauty therapist, his skin quickly cleared and so began a long-term love affair with male grooming. A newly confident Bill had discovered the basics of good skin, and is now on a mission to change perceptions of male grooming through his ongoing photography series – focusing on skin, rather than fashion.

More recently, the high street has seen a surge in male grooming salons. London groomers, Whole Man, attribute the shift to a newfound respect for men’s skin. “It's all about re-education,” says manager Michael Williamson, “it's more about what is good for your skin, and not just reaching for the first item in the bathroom cabinet - which can invariably be more detrimental to the skin”. 

“It's good to let the experts prescribe a good skin care routine. 'Whole Man' is a discreet body maintenance spa that offers a wide variety of grooming services”. Selling a range products including ‘mens make-up’ – cleverly merchandised to appeal to the discerning gent. Surprising, Biotherm bronzer is what men seem want this season, with each order flying off the shelves.

Other products that are floating our boat right now include;

 www.clarksbotanicals.com. The packaging is simple and accessible to both men and women - exactly as it should be! Sizes are generous, and though the price point is slightly higher than most high street alternatives, these products are well worth it. Personal favorites include; Skin Clearing 'Face and Body' and the smoothing 'Marine Moisturizer'.

Freeze 24-7 Ice Crystals, an unbelievable face scrub, and Eminence Sugar Plum Whip Moisturizer, both come endorsed by Backyard Bill himself – and feature as regular fixtures in his grooming routine!

GB.