million men in Britain wear make-up

It seems blokes are becoming as aware of their appearance as women. More than three million men in Britain have confessed to wearing make-up, a new study has revealed.

According to the study, one in seven men -- self confessed " metrosexuals" -- use a variety of female cosmetics such as eyeliner, nail varnish and anti-ageing creams.

And, of those who wear makeup, more than one in four claims they do so at least once a week -- the same number who say they would not feel comfortable going to a pub without any on, the study found.

The study, among 1,800 men by Opinium Research, also found that more than a third of those wearing makeup borrow cosmetics from their wives or girlfriends -- with 40 per cent of the women helping them to put it on.

The most popular products for men are hair dye, eye creams, anti-ageing products, eyeliner and fake tan. But they also admit to using concealer, face powder, nail varnish, lipstick and mascara, the 'Daily Express' reported.

However, they still take less time to get ready than women - an average of 21 minutes for a night out rather than 41 minutes for the average woman.

James Endersby, of Opinium Research, said: "Male celebrities are seen wearing 'manscara' and 'guyliner' and everybody thinks it's normal."