Synovate survey scrutinizes male Filipino vanity

MANILA, Philippines - Leading global market intelligence company Synovate recently released its findings on male vanity from the AsiaBus market survey showing that most (91 percent) Metro Manila males admit that looks are indeed important to them, although a smaller proportion (38 percent) would consider themselves as sexy.

With data like these, it comes as no surprise now that men are now less likely to gauge their masculinity based on the use or non-use of beauty products. Seventy percent disagreed with the contention men who use beauty products are not as masculine as men who do not. Also, 66 percent disagreed with the statement that men are made fun of if they spend too much time on their appearance.

Looking young

Based on the results of the survey, the standard of men’s looks in the Philippines lies in maintaining a youthful look and in having good hygiene.

The features that were identified as the absolute requirement before any man can be described as good looking were good hygiene and fresh breath, selected by 59 percent of respondents.

In addition, virtually all men and women interviewed said that they preferred the look of a clean shaven face.

Meanwhile, asked if a man’s appearance improved with age, only 35 percent of both the male and female population agreed.

Men’s beauty products

Still, while the majority have accepted that the use of beauty products does not make one any less of a man, Filipino male’s use of these products is still limited to a select few.

The commonly used products are perfumes and colognes (81 percent), deodorants (79 percent), mouthwash (57 percent), hair conditioners (53 percent), hair spray and hair gels (47 percent). Conversely, only a small part of the total population have admitted to the use of products such as facial moisturizers (12 percent), lip balms (11 percent), oil control films (nine percent), facial masks (7 percent), and pore packs (3 percent).

Also, there are not very many men who are willing be caught with these products when they go out. Only 26 percent admitted to bringing their grooming products outside the home; the majority prefer to keep the battle for vanity limited to only the home front.

For whom are the Filipino men of today making an effort to look good? 72 percent of Filipinos say that they try to look good for themselves, while 24 percent say that they try to please their partners, and 4 percent say that it is for their friends. It is more than a mere quest for vanity, it all about taking better care of themselves, to look good and feel good.