Using male sex appeal to sell lipsticks

This entry is inspired by Paris Beaverbank’s earlier post about Beauty Credit – where men advertise beauty products. 

I remember leaving her a comment that the trend to use men to endorse beauty products really started in Japan, when Takuya Kimura, who happen to be my all-time favorite artiste was used to endorse lipsticks for the Kanebo Testimo II range way back in February 1996.

It’s rather unthinkable but if you watch the video, you’ll understand the appeal, more so if you’re a huge fan of Takuya Kimura like me.   And you might also like to know that the campaign was a huge success, as the posters of him smeared with lipstick were reportedly stolen everywhere and Kanebo’s sales figures nearly tripled within a single month.

Another example is Won Bin, a popular Korean actor who appeared in a sizzling hot sexy  Missha commercial for their lipstick.   

While it is kind of strange that these companies use men to sell women’s products, but if you think about it, it’s all about sex appeal. 

Both are essentially pretty boys, looking androgynous especially with their long tresses and yet possessing masculine qualities.  Plus, the women were still indispensable in both commercials.   

Well, if you ask me, I say these ads are definitely refreshing and many times better than using naked women to sell.  Yes, I’ll buy these lipsticks.  I most certainly would.

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About Sesame

Blog editor of Viva Woman, Sesame is a skin care addict who is fond of using natural & organic beauty products. She also enjoys ogling at handmade jewelry & cute stationery.