In this hands on Stryx review, we’ll test out the concealer tool and tinted moisturizer to see how they work (and if they’re worth your money).
Stryx is one of the first corrective cosmetics brands for men. And yes, by “corrective cosmetics” I mean makeup.
Research shows that many guys have used or want to use makeup, but up until now they’ve had to buy products made for (and marketed to) women.
Stryx wants to make men feel more comfortable buying and using makeup. To this end, the branding and packaging is sleek and masculine, but not blatantly so.
The product design and application is intuitive, which makes sense because guys aren’t used to spending a lot of extra time applying makeup.
If using Stryx was a 7-step process, most men probably wouldn’t try it.
In this review, we’ll look at each of Stryx’s flagship products (concealer and moisturizer), and a TMM contributor will share his experience using them.
But first…
Should men wear makeup?
Some guys would never wear makeup. Maybe they think it’s too much work, or maybe it’s not in line with their idea of masculinity.
On the other hand, lots of guys already do wear makeup, most likely purchased from the women’s cosmetics department (think Sephora) or borrowed from a female friend.
Granted, men don’t usually talk about this. If you borrow your wife’s concealer to hide a pimple before a big presentation at work, you probably keep that between you and your wife.
Most guys probably haven’t thought about wearing makeup, but they’re open to the idea. If it was readily available and easy to use, they’d consider it.
I’m not here to wax poetic about the definition of modern day masculinity. I take a “live and let live” approach to these things.
But if you want to hear my thoughts on the subject, feel free to watch this video.
Since you’re here, I’m assuming you’re interested in men’s cosmetics, and Stryx is a pioneer in this uncharted space.
So let’s look at what they offer…
Stryx Products
At the time of writing, Stryx sells two products that are most effective when used together: the concealer tool and the tinted moisturizer.
Each of these products is available in three different shades – light, medium and dark – for different skin tones.
The Stryx Starter Kit includes both products and can be purchased for $48.
Let’s take a closer look at each product.
Stryx Concealer Tool
The Concealer Tool (a.k.a., Product 01) looks like a black pen and is about the size of a Sharpie marker.
It’s designed to hide pimples, red spots, razor burns, acne scars and any other blemishes on your face.
To use it, you pull the cap off and twist the bottom end to extend the actual stick of concealer (sort of how you twist deodorant).
At the time of writing, the Concealer Tool has 183 five star reviews. Purchased on its own, it will cost $29.
Stryx Tinted Moisturizer
The Tinted Moisturizer (a.k.a., Product 02) comes in a 1.76oz bottle with a pump action dispenser.
It’s designed to create even skin stone, hide blemishes and reduce shine. It also contains salicylic acid, a popular acne fighting active ingredient.
Purchased on its own, the Tinted Moisturizer costs $26.10. It can be used on its own or in tandem with the concealer.
If you use both, make sure to use the same shade. Apply the Tinted Moisturizer first, then use the Concealer Tool to touch up any trouble spots.
Does it actually work?
I asked photographer and friend of TMM, Anthony Bolognese, to try Stryx and report back.
This is a guy who’s developed a deep understanding of skin tone and beauty through countless portrait shoots and many hours spent touching up clients’ faces in Photoshop.
Here’s what he has to say…
Hands On Stryx Review
(Written by Anthony Bolognese)
As a photographer, makeup is a big part of my work life. Every headshot, every portrait, every time an individual client is in front of my camera, I keep makeup on hand to reduce glare and even their skin tone.
In the case of women, this is usually a pretty painless task. In general, women are more familiar and comfortable with wearing makeup on the day to day.
Men, on the other hand, not so much.
Sure, I can fix a lot of basic skin tone/complexion issues in Photoshop, but it’s difficult to remedy how uneven or even harsh the light can look on oily skin. I used many different cosmetic brands before learning about Stryx.
Stryx is a brand geared toward making men feel more comfortable with makeup. From its sleek matte black packaging to its foolproof design and usability, it certainly hit the mark with me.
I tend to only wear makeup for myself when I’m breaking out badly and have an important occasion, but the ease of use Stryx offers has motivated me to make it a more regular part of my daily routine.
I’ve also suggested it to several photo clients and gotten a lot of positive feedback after the fact!
In the only way I really know how to showcase what a skincare brand can do, I chose to do a before/after example with studio lighting, a backdrop, and my own face.
Luckily, I had just had a pretty bad breakout (first time I’ve ever said that) so it was the perfect opportunity to test Stryx’s concealer out on myself.
The Application
As I said, I’ve used makeup before, but Stryx’s product design is incredibly intuitive, which made it practically effortless to get the right results.
The concealer pen especially stands out. It twists out like a lipstick tube and offers perfect spot treatment for individual pimples or otherwise discolored spots.
Before & After
Here’s how I look without any corrective cosmetics or photo editing:
And here’s how I look after applying Stryx concealer and tinted moisturizer. These pictures are also unedited.
I’ll be the first to tell you that I’m no expert at doing a perfect job with concealer, but I noticed a huge improvement here.
Even though there is still some texture difference, the biggest benefit from a photo editing perspective is the even color.
It’s far easier to blend/remove blemishes in Photoshop with evenly toned skin than it is with the discoloration of bare acne/scars.
Pretty nice, huh? In my opinion, masculinity is a fluid concept, and I’m not at all against the idea of more men taking pride in their appearance.
It may take a while to convince some, but I’m sold on Stryx’s ability to make men feel better, look better, and reap the rewards of both.
Want to try Stryx?
If you want to try Stryx for yourself, I recommend buying one of the starter kits. That way, you’ll be able to use the concealer tool and tinted moisturizer in tandem, just like Anthony did.
Otherwise, just grab a Concealer Tool and see how you like it. It just might be a game changer for you!
Great Post! I don’t wear any make up though agree with views.
Awesome article, about time, and 100% correct about your comments in this article. Thanks