Makeup has always been linked with women, but many are not aware that makeup was also popular with men before the Age of Enlightenment. Men typically used white face powder and a pink or red lip and cheek color as a sign of wealth, intelligence, and power. It wasn’t until the mid-1800s that makeup was relegated to one end of the gender spectrum. Men, who traditionally held the view that they were fundamentally superior to women, eventually came to dominate the realms of science and politics. As a general rule, women were thought to be superficial. This shift in thinking has been called the “Great Male Renunciation” by historians. Therefore, the view that men are too busy to worry about their appearance has become widespread. By rejecting stereotypical gender roles and paving the way for a fresh style, today’s men are asserting their individuality and reshaping the modern world.

One does not simply come to adopt this mentality. Leaders in the field, such as Derek Warburton, a worldwide entrepreneur and brand ambassador for FACE Stockholm, are what get people talking about the movement. The innovator’s career trajectory—from fashion expert to one of the world’s most-known media publishers and fashion stylists—demonstrates that there is more at play than meets the eye when creating a successful company. Although these famous people endorse various products, this is not another random picture-perfect photo. It’s the driving force behind a whole industry. Warburton’s distinctive brilliance has stood the test of time and earned him legendary status. After years of hard work, his career’s highs and lows have culminated in him becoming a household name. Derek’s unique world is a successful business model because of the honesty and enthusiasm with which he approaches his work.

Warburton, now regarded as an authoritative source of inspiration, had an unassuming start to a life that would eventually become rich with diversity and accomplishment. His early life as a homeless adolescent shaped his outlook and gave him a strong will to succeed. He used his early business savvy to adopt the infamous persona of Derek Fabulous, which helped him build a solid reputation as a go-to stylist for Hollywood’s A-list. His openness has grown due to his philosophy that beauty should be limitless and have no restrictions.

Warburton explains why the beauty star mogul and advocate proudly wears so many hats when asked what it means to be an icon worldwide. “It’s a person whose identity they’ve chosen for themselves. It’s been said that you’ve always stood out from the crowd and been the brightest star. I don’t believe that I have shined differently. I have just used my gifts as a storyteller to enhance others. When you dedicate time to developing in this way, it shows. So success comes to those who take the time to genuinely help others.”

However, this was only the beginning of his career as a prominent figure in international media; his expertise eventually led to a much larger platform. All along, he knew that the opportunity to build a media platform was made possible by his entrepreneurial skills and connections, whether presenting International Designer of the Year or serving as a style ambassador for Fashion Weeks across Europe.

This year, Warburton teamed up with FACE Stockholm, a European cosmetics and skincare heritage brand. Together, they set out to create the Equality Collection in recognition of Pride Month and the 40th anniversary of the iconic label.

When FACE saw Warburton being honored at the New You Beauty Awards in April of 2022 in Miami, Florida, they saw an opportunity for a merger between Warburton and the makeup house. After receiving the Style Icon Award, Warburton’s acceptance speech was one of the night’s most captivating moments. Onstage that night, he talked about being bullied, abused, and suicidal as a teenager. His words so moved FACE co-founders Gun Nowak and Martina Arfwidson that they collaborated with Warburton to create a comprehensive collection. They are helping student-led movements that fight against discrimination and harassment based on gender expression by donating all of the net earnings from the collection sales to GLSEN. Warburton adds, “I had to make amends with the kid I once was for the gift of life that allowed me to grow into the man I am now. I never want a child to go through hell because of their unique identity. I’m hoping that by doing what I’m doing, I will help to spark a chain reaction of generosity.”

Following the success of the Equality Collection, Derek Warburton releases the Boundless collection, which aims to celebrate self-acceptance, self-love, and freedom to express one’s true self. When asked about his new line, Warburton said, “We designed a collection that reflects the diversity of beauty and celebrates our personal decisions about how we portray ourselves and respect our appearance. I try to keep my head in the clouds as often as possible and spend my life in the light. Becoming immortal and young-at-heart is a goal of mine. Neither my gender norms nor my fears prevent me from being who I truly am, whether that’s more masculine or feminine. Timelessness and peak experiences of self-expression are what I combine.”

In recent years, men have been the face of household makeup brands like Maybelline and CoverGirl, who both used male spokesmen on social media. Even long-established companies like Chanel have begun catering to men with makeup lines and more welcoming marketing. The pop star, Harry Styles, has gotten in on the action with his fourth makeup line, Pleasing x Marco Ribeiro. The Derek Fabulous brand has embodied acceptance since its first collection was released, having founder Derek Warburton as the face of the brand.

The success of the Derek Fabulous Collection shows that the beauty industry is open to having a more diverse portfolio where everyone is welcome to express themselves. Derek Warburton aims to go beyond what is expected and break gender stereotypes. Everyone is free to be themselves and to express who they truly are no matter what their gender is and no matter what “normal” is considered to be. Makeup is a one-size-fits-all, and that is what the “Boundless” collection represents.

If this trend continues in the beauty industry, Warburton and anybody else hoping to be portrayed in a more diverse light have a bright future ahead of them. The media guru has said, “My hope for this collection is that it might start a dialogue about individualism. I think we have the power to become anyone we want to be. Everyone, regardless of gender identity or expression, deserves to feel confident in their look, and my collection is an open invitation to do just that.

For more information on Boundless by Derek Fabulous, visit: facestockholm.com/boundless-collection/.