When I see the term passing, I wonder does this mean in public everyone thinks I am actually a biological woman or that they accept who I am without questioning “why is that man dressed like a woman?” Certainly we do have the desire to pass some sort of mythical test to blend in and to have everyone identify us as female. Not only is it about our mannerisms being feminine, dressing appropriately, and our perception of ourselves; makeup is a key factor in helping us achieve our confidence as well.
Something I picked up from my daughter-in-law that really made me think. She passes time – you know those bored moments when there’s nothing going on and nothing to do –by watching makeup YouTube videos and trying out the techniques and looks that she likes. Sometimes she will do 2 or 3 different looks in one sitting.
So that got me to thinking, how do biological girls get to their signature look, or say their everyday look? I’ve discovered that it is all in practice and peer reviews. Most girls start at around 12 or 13 (some earlier), parent approved or not. They learn from one another, and critique one another. By the time they hit their 20s they’ve pretty much nailed down the signature look and by the time they hit their 30s their makeup style and technique are pretty much second nature. This phenomenon is not limited to the internet YouTube generation. This has been going on since the advent of the modern teenage girl. I remember my mother talking about when she was a teen in the 40s. So my guess? Since the popularity of girls wearing makeup.
The difference for many of us in the transgender/CD world, is we don’t know where to start, we don’t know what might look good, and many of us start much later in life without that female influence. What we need is trial and error time, critiques from our peers and women who’ve been at it a while, with lots of practice to get to the point where it becomes second nature. It’s much like dressing, we find what fits, what styles look good, and discover that while heels make us look very sexy, they’re not practical for everyday use. Makeup is really no different; there’s the day look (you’re everyday look), out clubbing look, the sexy sultry look, the possibilities are endless. But like all girls we need to figure out what look is appropriate for the occasion, so you’re not sticking out like a sore thumb by looking sexy and sultry at the grocery store.
I’ve been trying my daughter-in-law’s technique for about a year now, granted not diligently. However, more recently I’ve been experimenting with eye shadow almost every night. The look I have on my profile picture took a lot of doing, but now I’m much faster and getting better at it. Still can’t do eye liner worth a dam, but it’s best to tackle one thing at a time.
My daughter in-law came over to hang out the other day, so I decided I’d do some makeup and see what she thought. Before she got here I put on foundation, a little blush, and did a simple day makeup look I got from a Lancôme video. I had no wig, and was dressed in my male attire. Much to my joy she was very impressed with my look and said I look very nice.
So there it is ladies, if you can impress the girls, you’ve got it down. The key to success like any art is practice, practice, practice.
I love doing my makeup. I’ve tried all sorts of looks. I do my lipstick last just to see how it pulls everything together. I’m working on my Rockabilly Girl look. I know it’s mot practical but I just the look of “Hey. I’m all woman" it gives me. Female Pride I guess. But I truly love being a feminine woman in all ways.
Jane
Makeup & feminine manerisums are the hardest parts to master for me–
Wife Tries to help—But she grew up in a highly religious home & has never wore much makeup(she was one of those kids that didn’t sneak behind mom & dads backs to learn with girlfriends)—So–knows little more than I do-
It has & is a struggle learning this stuff—Watching(& understanding ) the stuff online (So far) is not helping-
Jane–London Ontario
Very true Darcy, practice, feedback and revision. What sort of feedback is also important. We need honest feedback but that doesn’t need to be brutal. For example, I’d prefer “What sort of concealer do you use?" to the “You ought to try using a concealer." that I got from a so-called transgender ‘friend’. My wife is the Mistress of Subtlety (or the iron fist in a velvet glove) so she lets me know what looks good and what doesn’t. She is getting less critical these days which I take as a good sign. Practice, practice and more practice – and… Read more »
JAne-your wife sounds like she was a lot like my mom was! Could tell you go to hell while making you look forward to the trip! She always told me that the best “insults/criticisms" are the ones where the person doesn’t even realize they are being insulted/criticized) but she was also the kindest sweetest woman I knew!
Cyn
It seems to me that some days are better than others when it comes to applying my makeup. Sometimes after I have applied it and I look at myself I know that I’ve nailed it perfectly. However there are other days when no matter what I do it just doesn’t seem right. As far as I’m concerned makeup is the icing on the cake when it comes to passing as a female. When I read your article on makeup I couldn’t agree more with you about practice practice practice. The more you do the easier it gets at least I… Read more »
Yes I agree my make up looks second rate and I have decided to go to a professional make up artist to get help if anyone has a great you tube site where I can learn the craft it would be most appreciated have a great day looking forward to hearing from the community Danni
Darcy-lovely article from a truly lovely woman! I have a fairly minimalist look which I dress up or down depending on which colors I use for the eyes and lips. So wish I had learned all this when was a teenager though-along with styling hair as well!
Cyn
Great article Darcy. The makeup is an integral part to dressing up for me.
I’m always looking for tips and tricks to make it look better.
I hope one of these days I’ll have it down to 20 minutes & done.
Hugs…
Thank you ladies for your kind words. Reading the comments, I see I may have left a few gaps (only so much you can say in 700 words 😉 ) So I’ll try to fill the gaps with a few tips. 1. YouTube videos – look at the ones from professional artists, especially those from product manufactures. Yes they are selling the product but also showing you how to look your best. 2. Brave out to the dept. store makeup counters, such as Macy’s. Look at MAC, Lancôme, Bobby Brown, etc. – Yes the are more expensive than drug store… Read more »
Very nice article Darcy. Practice, practice, practice. It’s how you get better at everything (as long as you get honest critiques)! I’m still looking for a “signature style", but I know I won’t get there without putting in the time.
Keep writing!
April
I was extremely shy about doing my makeup and terrified I would look like a clown or look ridiculous . I started out by letting my wife do my makeup and only carrying lipstick in my pocket or purse . Later I did makeup at the Estée Lauder counter when they videoed it and learned to practice at home . I watched a lot on YouTube and came eventually to DOUNG my own makeup as a natural part of being femme . I had to overcome being afraid of some commenting on my makeup . I like to tell everyone… Read more »
Karyn thank you very, very, very much for so much sharing with us and for your very wise advice! You are very inspiring and…..stunningly gorgeous!