Jan 25, 2008, 7:35 GMT
Boy George claims make-up gives him "magic".
Irish pop-singer Boy George performs during the gala of Mr. Gay Europe beauty pageant in Budapest, Hungary, 04 August 2007. EPA/ZSOLT SZIGETVARY HUNGARY OUT
The openly gay 'Karma Chameleon' singer feels prettier with a fully made-up face and thinks he has a better chance of attracting other men.
George, 46, said: "I just think I look prettier with make-up on. I've got some magic, I pull when I've got make-up on.
"Why should I not wear make-up? People should have got over it by now. At this stage of the game, it's not about shocking people.
"I'm not going to dismantle myself just to prove I've grown-up."
The former Culture Club singer - whose real name is George O'Dowd - is determined to put his past scandals behind him in a bid to be taken seriously as an artist when he re-launches his music career.
George, who is about to embark on his first UK tour in 10 years, said: "I feel as if I'm starting from scratch. But I don't want to go, 'Hey, George is back!' because I haven't really been anywhere. I'm not trying to have a pop career - I just want a bit of credibility."
Boy George was charged with false imprisonment after chaining a Norwegian sex escort to a wall in his London home. He was released on conditional bail and will stand trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court on February 25.
Last summer, he was sentenced to community service sweeping sweets in New York after falsely reporting a burglary in his Manhattan apartment.
When police turned up to investigate the report, they found a stash of cocaine under the singer's bed, resulting in a drug conviction.
(C) BANG Media International
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