Some of the most fabulous fellas we know can’t leave the house without a bit of foundation and maybe some guyliner.

We all get a confidence boost from looking the best we can be, but is makeup on men really necessary?

You guessed it. Male makeup is another thing gay workmates Jack Arthur Smith and Christopher Carroll disagree on…

Jack prefers a natural look for men. Why buy into the cosmetic industry when we don’t have to?

Like suits, tighty whitey undies or my bed, there are certain things men look fabulous in. Makeup, like wispy pubic moustaches (unless of course it’s for Movember) and high wasted Simon Cowell pants up to your armpits, does not make that list.

Don’t get me wrong, slopping on some slap can be useful. A huge puss-ridden spot or cold sore come morning is never a pretty sight and a subtle coating to replenish and revitalise a dull visage is acceptable if your hungover face really will scare children. But unless you’re a drag performer or suffer from an embarrassing skin disease, covering yourself in concealer, bathing in fake tan or plucking your eyebrows like a Christmas turkey ain’t pretty.

What happened to natural beauty? What happened to embracing the way we were born and learning to love that person no matter what instead of burying him under layer upon layer of BB cream? Which, by the way, has got to be some of the most pornographic marketing I have ever laid eyes on (haven’t these people ever used Google before?). And, what makes matters worse is that most of the guys who can be seen batting their fakies or flaunting their perfectly illustrated eyebrows are the lucky ones graced with good looks.

I’m all for individualism, and would never judge anyone who simply wants to throw on some glitter and be extra fabulous for the night, but there are far too many men and boys who think they need a fake face because theirs is ugly. No, what’s ugly is that in their lives, something or someone has made them feel that they need to hide beneath makeup to look beautiful.

No way. Men, looking like the men they were meant to be, are beautiful. Not to mention bonder-inducingly mouthwatering.

Like a little makeup? Do whatever it takes to make you feel flawless, advises Chris.

If we start buying into the mindset that men have to behave in a certain way (we can’t show emotion, we can’t appear effeminate and we can’t show a passion for the arts) then we’ve pretty much become our own Miranda Devine. And believe me, even on her best day Miranda Devine doesn’t enjoy being Miranda Devine (allegedly).

The best part about being gay is avoiding the ridiculous gender roles the straight community has trapped itself in. Not that we’re free from the nonsense completely (if I hear of one more gay guy seeking a mate who is ‘straight acting’ I will puke glitter everywhere), but we are afforded the luxury to be who we are wholly and unapologetically. And if that means we want to wear makeup – for whatever reason – so be it.

I was slapping on the foundation in my early club days, layer upon layer like a Sarah Lee cake. Now, a dose of tinted moisturiser is the extent of my beauty routine. But I salute any man who wants to improve the way they look – gay or straight – and if makeup is what makes you feel great, wear it.

As a gay community we need to stop with this masculinity obsession. So many of us seem to be battling so hard to hide our mannerisms and real self that one has to wonder if there is any point coming out of the closet if you’re emerging from it half-arsed with a feigned interest in footy.

Be you. If you’re fem, embrace it. If you love makeup, wear it with pride. And if you’re masculine, don’t begrudge a guy who chooses to walk out the door everyday embracing his love of aesthetic enhancement.

After all, it’s just makeup; it’s not going to cause a London riot now, is it?

The jury’s out – it’s time for you to decide. Who do you agree with? Jack or Chris? Or a bit with both? Let us know your thoughts on man-makeup below.