Our campaign #seetheUinbeauty was created to expand the beauty to space to men, and eventually, overall inclusivity in the BEAU major at SCAD. Often we think that beauty is only for women — but that’s not the case. We want to showcase the beauty space, and especially in the BEAU major, we value everyone’s perspective, thoughts, and ideas — whether they come from women, men, or non-binary people. Everyone is valid, and beauty should be the place where people can express themselves freely.
Professor Stephen White
Professor Stephen White teaches FASM and BEAU classes at Savannah College of Art and Design. From working at Kiehl’s to owning a small business in Savannah called Rat on Bull and redesigning what we know as Yaupon Tea Company, he is an avid beauty lover and candle fanatic. We have interviewed White to get his perspective on what it’s like being a man in the beauty industry.
What attracts/attracted you to the beauty space?
For the most part, it’s packaging and product design, but also the fact that beauty is such a personal, solution-driven industry.
What has your experience been as a man in the beauty industry?
I think most products in the men’s beauty space are designed to be easy for guys (because men are generally lazy when it comes to self-care, skincare routines, etc.)
In the last couple of years, what campaigns or brands have you seen that have been more open to men in the beauty space?
I worked at Kiehl’s, which drove a lot of my experience with the men’s beauty space. But honestly, I think some of the significant moments in the industry that have piqued my interest are happening in the shaving/body hair space. Manscaped is a hilariously clever company to watch.
What advice/thoughts do you have for the men wanting to enter into BEAU major?
We need you. We need men in the industry who can both challenge and uncover what the needs are for men and how we can educate them to become more involved in their beauty routines and help invigorate the diversity aspects and bridge the gender gap spectrum.
Where do you think men’s beauty will be in five years? Ten years?
Hopefully more inclusive. I think inclusivity is the biggest issue to tackle at the moment. I’d love for beauty not to have gender attached to it, but biology (not to be confused with gender) makes specific categories in beauty more difficult, purely based on pH, genetics, etc.
Follow Professor White’s candle company on Instagram @ouruncommonsense
Storm Dorris
Storm Dorris is a senior at Savannah College of Art and Design, studying the business of beauty and fragrance. He is creating his senior capstone – a sustainable skincare line. We interviewed Dorris to learn about his BEAU major experiences, being a man in a predominately female-dominated major.
What attracts/attracted you to the beauty space?
SCAD announced the beauty major, and I knew nothing about it. I have a fashion background and knew more about fragrance. It was a whole new world that I could learn so much about. I was fascinated by how much everyone knew about beauty and the industry.
What has your experience been as a man in the beauty industry?
It’s interesting that you think it is a predominantly women run. For the most part, it is, but it’s all men when it comes to CEOs and higher-level positions. I think the industry has a positive perception of men. Many people ask for advice and opinions, and there is a slight bias that can be worked on but still a good perception.
In the last couple of years, what campaigns or brands have you seen that have been more open to men in the beauty space?
Dior (male models), Chanel (boy de Chanel), and Tom Ford, towards the men’s market. Luxury brands are pulling men into the target audience. Gender norms and stereotypes are being pushed around, and we’re beginning to see the transition.
What advice/thoughts do you have for the men wanting to enter into BEAU major?
Be open to new information. It’s okay to challenge what you thought was one way, but it’s different in reality. Language skills are so critical, especially marketing language for a consumer and opening up to feedback.
Where do you think the beauty major will be in five years? Ten years?
I think it will GROW and definitely be one of the top majors. Being apart of the first class of beauty and seeing the reception and feedback from projects has been incredible. There’s been a lot of interest from CEOs and the companies that have come to SCAD. Companies will pull students to work for them, whether it be the marketing and management side or the science/technology side. There will be more classes about actually making products.
Follow Storm on Instagram @stromdorris
Sean Willis
Sean Willis is a senior at Savannah College of Art and Design, studying the business of beauty and fragrance. He is creating his senior capstone – creating a vibrant color cosmetics line. We interviewed Willis to learn about his BEAU major experiences, being a man in a predominately female-dominated major.
What attracts/attracted you to the beauty space?
It was playing with makeup in middle school and trying on this one lipstick. It changed the game. I loved Halloween because I could go crazy with my makeup looks without being asked about it. There is a sense of creativity ingrained in playing with makeup; it creates energy that I can carry into other parts of my life.
What has your experience been as a man in the beauty industry?
To be honest, it hasn’t been weird at all. I am a very extroverted person, and I love learning and taking in everyone’s ideas. I like being apart of the beginning of BEAU. I love seeing it grow to what it is now, and I can’t wait to see what it’s going to be in the future.
In the last couple of years, what campaigns or brands have you seen that are more open to men in the beauty space?
Within the last couple of years, inclusivity has been a big thing. I think Rihanna had been a catalyst for celebrating gender and sexual expression within her products. Allowing men to show their feminine side, blurring the lines of gender overall; it’s amazing to see. For a campaign, I would have to say Patrick Starrr’s One Size Beauty. He states that “Makeup is one size fits all.” Also, I think influencer brands overall are targeting a beauty niche to specific audiences. Like Nikita Dragun, she targets the trans community. And don’t get me started on Gaga.
What advice/thoughts do you have for the men wanting to enter into BEAU major?
My advice is don’t be afraid. You’ll be overwhelmed at first, but remember that nothing is wrong and nothing is right, and it’s okay not to know everything. I have learned so much about myself within the past two years — professionally and personally. I feel like I have the brains to back up what I am talking about, and I’ve learned a lot about balance. You don’t have to be gay to be in beauty; beauty has no box. We are all a family, and we all support each other. Again, don’t be afraid to be yourself, and don’t be scared of criticism.
Where do you think the major beauty will be in five years? Ten years?
I see the major being HUGE, top 5, along with Animation and Fashion. There will be more shared knowledge for the future of beauty from a technological standpoint, collaborations from unexpected companies, and growth for everyone.
Follow Sean on Instagram @_seannnnn
Make sure to follow @ScadBeauty on all social media platforms to stay up-to-date with all #seetheUinbeauty content and the SCAD BEAU major.
Interviews conducted by Bianca Maregatti
Graphic by Bianca Maregatti