I tried a dedicated men’s makeup and skincare line and absolutely love the results

I know what you’re thinking. I’m a biological female and identify as a woman, so why am I trying a men’s makeup and skincare range? Well, the beautiful thing is that anyone can use Shakeup Cosmetics products. And they’re genuinely fantastic.

In this Shakeup Cosmetics review, I share my honest thoughts on the brand’s tinted moisturiser, under-eye concealer, and setting spray. Keep reading to find out some of the key differences between men’s and women’s skin too!

What is Shakeup Cosmetics?

Shakeup Cosmetics is a men’s makeup and skincare line with a “skincare first” approach, meaning all products are designed to support the skin. The brand challenges gender stereotypes, rejects hypermasculinity, and looks to break down stigmas surrounding men’s cosmetics. The products are innovative, easy to use, and effective.

We know that for most male cosmetic users, subtlety is key. The ideal is to look fit, fresh and healthy in as natural a way as possible.

Shakeup Cosmetics

Shakeup Cosmetics offers a range of hybrid skincare-makeup products. Some of the brand’s bestsellers include the Hydrate in a Hurry Moisturiser Stick, Let’s Face It BB Tinted Moisturiser, and Lip Life to the Full Volumising & Moisturising Lip Gel.

What are some of the key differences between men’s and women’s skin?

According to the brand, some of the key differences between men’s and women’s skin are that male skin, on average, is 20-25% thicker than female skin due to testosterone stimulation.

Male skin is usually oilier than female skin, which means their skin can look shinier and be more acne- and breakout-prone. Because of this, men can often have more and larger pores than women. I’ve got oilier skin, so this line is a good fit for my skin type.

Shakeup Cosmetics adds that male skin can be more sensitive due to frequent shaving.

What Shakeup Cosmetics products did I receive?

For this Shakeup Cosmetics review, I received the following 3 products:

1. Let’s Face It BB Tinted Moisturiser
2. Eye Eye Captain Under Eye Concealer & Moisturiser
3. Set & Done 3-in-1 Facial Spray

Read on for my honest thoughts on each product, a look at the INCI lists, and a makeup look using the products.

1. Shakeup Cosmetics Let’s Face It BB Tinted Moisturiser

£25

Product claims

The Shakeup Cosmetics Let’s Face It BB Tinted Moisturiser promises to moisturise and brighten the complexion while covering blemishes. With SPF25, the tinted moisturiser claims to hydrate and cool the skin. Colour correcting technology helps to even the complexion and cover a broad range of skin tones with 4 available shades. Suitable for all skin types, this formula is vegan and cruelty-free.

Key ingredients

Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients on the INCI list are:

• Dimethicone: a gentle emollient (softens or soothes skin) with a silky, non-greasy texture
• Glycerin: hydrates the skin
• Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate: protects the skin from UVB rays
• Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol: provides broad-spectrum protection from UV rays
• Nylon-12: an absorbent and texture enhancer

See the full INCI list below:

AQUA, DIMETHICONE, GLYCERIN, ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, METHYLENE BIS-BENZOTRIAZOLYL TETRAMETHYLBUTYLPHENOL (NANO), NYLON-12, C13-16 ISOPARAFFIN, OCTOCRYLENE, POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE, PROPANEDIOL, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, GLYCERYL STEARATE, HEPTYL UNDECYLENATE, BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE, PHENOXYETHANOL, PEG-100 STEARATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, OCTYLDODECYL PCA, MENTHYL PCA, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, VP/ACRYLATES/LAURYL METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER, DECYL GLUCOSIDE, SODIUM ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ISOHEXADECANE, DISODIUM EDTA, CHLORPHENESIN, SODIUM MYRISTOYL GLUTAMATE, XANTHAN GUM, POLYSORBATE 80, STEAROYL GLUTAMIC ACID, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, POLYGLYCERYL-3 DIISOSTEARATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDES, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-4, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, MENTHA PIPERITA OIL, EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS LEAF OIL, BHT, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, STEARALKONIUM HECTORITE, TRIHYDROXYSTEARIN, ISOPROPYL TITANIUM TRIISOSTEARATE, TRIETHOXYSILYLETHYL POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE, PROPYLENE CARBONATE [+/- CI 77492, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77499, CI 77288]

Review

The Shakeup Cosmetics Let’s Face It BB Tinted Moisturiser is honestly fantastic.

This lightweight BB tinted moisturiser provides buildable light-medium coverage. The colour correcting properties help create a smooth and even complexion so that the appearance of blemishes or redness is diminished. I’ve got the shade Light, and it blends in with my skin tone.

I’m obsessed with the finish of this tinted moisturiser. It’s a satin finish that looks just like skin with a slight glow. The formula melts into the skin seamlessly for a ‘your skin but better’ effect. It’s ideal for everyday makeup looks as it’s natural and lightweight. You can hardly tell you’re wearing any product!

I can also vouch for the skincare benefits. This BB cream is hydrating and refreshing. It’s like adding a light layer of moisturiser to your skin, so that’s something to bear in mind when doing skin prep. If you’ve got particularly oily skin and use a dedicated SPF, you might choose to skip a moisturiser altogether, as the Let’s Face It BB Tinted Moisturiser is moisturising.

I’ve been reaching for this tinted moisturiser so frequently since getting my hands on it because it’s wearable, versatile, and feels great on my skin.

Rating: 5 stars

I love this tinted moisturiser. It excels in every area and lasts all day too!

2. Shakeup Cosmetics Eye Eye Captain Under Eye Concealer & Moisturiser

£20

Product claims

The Shakeup Cosmetics Eye Eye Captain Under Eye Concealer & Moisturiser promises to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. Containing SPF25, the brand says this concealer provides 24-hour hydration. The concealer also claims to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

It comes in 4 shades with colour correcting technology to suit a wide range of complexions. Suitable for all skin types, the formula is cruelty-free and vegan.

Key ingredients

Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients on the INCI list are:

• Polysilicone-11: a silicone that leaves a smooth feeling on the skin
• Dimethicone: a gentle emollient with a silky, non-greasy texture
• Propanediol: offers moisturising properties for a smooth, dewy finish
• Hydrogenated vegetable oil: an emollient that enhances hydration
• Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate: protects the skin from UVB rays

See the full INCI list below:

AQUA, POLYSILICONE-11, DIMETHICONE, PROPANEDIOL, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, GLYCERIN, METHYLENE BIS-BENZOTRIAZOLYL TETRAMETHYLBUTYLPHENOL (NANO), POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, OCTOCRYLENE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, BISABOLOL, BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE, NYLON-12, PHENOXYETHANOL, PEG-100 STEARATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, SODIUM ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, OCTYLDODECYL PCA, DECYL GLUCOSIDE, MENTHYL PCA, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ISOHEXADECANE, SODIUM MYRISTOYL GLUTAMATE, DISODIUM EDTA, PANTHENOL, CHLORPHENESIN, XANTHAN GUM, LAURETH-12, POLYSORBATE 80, ESCIN, BARIUM SULFATE, POLYGONUM FAGOPYRUM SEED EXTRACT, SODIUM CARBONATE, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, RUSCUS ACULEATUS ROOT EXTRACT, STEAROYL GLUTAMIC ACID, POLYGLYCERYL-3 DIISOSTEARATE, AMMONIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDES, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-4, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE, HYDROLYZED YEAST PROTEIN, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, CALENDULA OFFICINALIS FLOWER EXTRACT, SODIUM CITRATE, EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS LEAF OIL, BHT, MENTHA PIPERITA OIL, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, STEARALKONIUM HECTORITE, TRIHYDROXYSTEARIN, ISOPROPYL TITANIUM TRIISOSTEARATE, TRIETHOXYSILYLETHYL POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE, PROPYLENE CARBONATE [+/- CI 77492, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77499, CI 19140].

Review

I really like the Eye Eye Captain Under Eye Concealer & Moisturiser.

Same as the tinted moisturiser, I got the shade Light in the concealer. When pairing these 2 products together, my base looks completely even and feels hydrated.

I prefer using a lighter concealer shade under my eyes for a brightening effect, so if there was a slightly lighter option, I’d probably go for that. But the colour correcting properties are fab if you want a completely even complexion.

I’m not a huge fan of the packaging. A lot of product tends to come out of the tube, and because there’s no applicator, I think the rollerball area will become messy. Very quickly. I’d prefer a standard doe-foot applicator or squeezy tube over the rollerball.

This concealer definitely helps to hydrate and conceal any dark circles under my eyes. As it provides buildable and blendable coverage, the concealer helps reduce the appearance of any fine lines under my eyes too, which I love. I’m not convinced the Eye Eye Captain Under Eye Concealer & Moisturiser reduces puffiness but few products do in my experience.

The finish is also gorgeous. Again, it’s satin and helps to add some luminosity to my skin. It’s very natural looking.

The concealer breaks up faster than the tinted moisturiser and has a slightly oilier texture, so people with oily skin might want to set their under eyes with a setting powder to reduce the chances of the product breaking up throughout the day.

Rating: 4 stars

I like the concealer and will continue to reach for it. I particularly like using this if my under eyes feel a bit dehydrated, as the formula is nourishing.

3. Shakeup Cosmetics Set & Done 3-in-1 Facial Spray

£22

Product claims

The Shakeup Cosmetics Set & Done 3-in-1 Facial Spray promises to be a multitasking primer, setting spray, and refresher. Use before or after makeup to help lock makeup in place with a matte finish. The formula promises to keep skin feeling moisturised and hydrated too. It’s vegan and cruelty-free and claims to instantly absorb into the skin.

Key ingredients

Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients on the INCI list are:

• Alcohol denat: a solvent and penetration enhancer. However, it can be very drying and irritating
• Propylene glycol: a humectant (retains or preserves moisture) and can enhance the delivery of key actives into the skin
• VP/VA copolymer: a film former
• Phenoxyethanol: a preservative
• Caprylyl glycol: a humectant and skin-conditioning agent

See the full INCI list below:

AQUA (WATER), ALCOHOL DENAT., PROPYLENE GLYCOL, VP/VA COPOLYMER, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE POWDER, DISODIUM EDTA, NIACINAMIDE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, LAURTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE.

Review

I absolutely love the 3-in-1 Facial Spray. Although it contains alcohol denat, which can be very drying and irritating, I get on really well with this product.

Admittedly, I’ve only used this as a setting spray and not as a primer or refresher. I don’t particularly like using primer sprays; I much prefer the typical primer formulae for prepping my base.

The way I use setting sprays is after I’ve applied my foundation and concealer but before any setting powders and other products. This really helps keep the base in place, as you want to create a barrier between your base products and the other products to stop your makeup from breaking up. I have Robert Welsh to thank for this setting spray tip as using it in between my makeup steps seriously keeps my base in place.

If I’ve got a really long day wearing makeup, I’ll set my makeup in place at the end of my routine too to provide extra budge-proof power.

This setting spray does an excellent job at keeping makeup in place. Although this isn’t a radiant setting spray, it doesn’t make your skin look flat like some mattifying products can. I can see why oily skin would love this spray, as it helps makeup last longer. Drier skins would likely want something that adds more moisture to the skin.

Rating: 5 stars

The 3-in-1 Facial Spray genuinely helps makeup last all day.

Makeup look using Shakeup Cosmetics products

To show you how the Shakeup Cosmetics products look on my skin, I created a makeup look. I opted for a natural-looking base with a slightly bolder eye and a nude peach lip.

My skin still looks like skin, but the products have helped even out my complexion and added some radiance. They feel hydrating and refreshing. I really love how the products make my base look and feel.

Overall Shakeup Cosmetics review

My overall review of Shakeup Cosmetics is a very positive one. The products all make sense; I can see why they’ve all been created and what they’re trying to achieve. For anyone looking for products that don’t obviously look and feel like makeup, these are great choices.

I also love the brand’s messaging. Breaking down stigmas around men’s beauty products is a message I wholeheartedly agree with. After all, taking care of your skin and wanting to enhance your features with makeup shouldn’t just be reserved for women!

The packaging is fantastic. It looks modern, the logo stands out, and it’s not in the typical pink or white packaging that’s present in many beauty brands. Even the packaging is breaking down stereotypes!

Shakeup Cosmetics has done a great job at creating makeup-skincare hybrids. The products make my skin look and feel great. I love that the tinted moisturiser and concealer help even out my complexion, add some buildable coverage, but still make my skin look like my skin.

Each product sits between the £20-£25 mark, which I think is very reasonable for the quality. These products feel more high-end and well thought out than many drugstore beauty products, so I think the prices are spot on.

Overall, I totally love the Shakeup Cosmetics I’ve tried. They all work really well!

Favourite product?

Shakeup Cosmetics Let’s Face It BB Tinted Moisturiser.

Sarah Sarsby is the owner of A Woman's Confidence. With over 6 years' experience of writing in the fields of beauty and lifestyle, Sarah is passionate about all things content, makeup, skincare, wellness, and lifestyle. She has oily skin, is obsessed with lip gloss, and loves cookie dough.