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I’ve yet to even buy my first lipstick or any other makeup item. Looking at some of the many videos and tutorials for trans women, there seems to be a lot of work involved here. How much is the absolute minimum to briefly pass without close inspection out shopping? Lipstick, eye shadow, foundation, concealer…? The list is quite long and involves a lot of practice. I know not all women wear much at all but, obviously, they have the genetic advantage.
Hi Julie, I agree with Celeste. My wife never wears any makeup. And many, many other women in my community never wear makeup. I have more makeup than my wife which I seldom wear. But I can pass without wearing any makeup – that however is just the luck of my genes.
Like my Mom always told me, I should have been born a girl. Physically, I have no adam’s apple, little facial or body hair but lots of hair on top of my head, youthful round face shape, not very tall, thin wrists. My voice can give me away at times though it is in the alto range which can be either male or female. It doesn’t take much effort for me to talk a little higher with more of a lilt.
Sorry, I digress, back to your makeup question. It all depends on what nature has given you to start with. Heavy beard, then a lot more makeup to cover it. But the secret of passing it NOT to go heavy on makeup. Then you start to look like a drag queen and that will just give you away (unless of course you are going to a drag bar then you’ll fit in quite nicely).
My suggestion is to just play around with it – you’ll find what works best for you. And it will be fun. Oh, one thing, don’t use expired makeup, I had a very negative reaction from using old makeup and unfortunately I’m still dealing with the consequences of that.
Have a lovely rest of the week, All the Best, Hugs, Krista.
Julie,
I’m certainly not an authority on what it takes to pass, so take all this with a grain (or full shaker) of salt. I know that for me looking in mirror, there is a sort of ‘minimum’ transformation that has to be there to convince me that I’m no longer looking like my male self.
Perhaps the biggest thing there for me regarding makeup is beard shadow cover (I use theatrical makeup for this, the orange coloured stuff from Ben Nye – “Five O’Sharp”) and then foundation over that sufficient to remove any indication of facial hair around my mouth and chin. The other big one is to change the appearance of my face shape and for that I use a contour pallete from NYX, and their highlighting pallete (but there are dozens of them that I’m sure work equally well) to try to disguise my square jaw and forehead primarily. I found contouring and highlighting to be the hardest thing for me to learn and I still don’t do it all that well, but it’s one of those things that I think you really just need to practice a bunch. With my face ‘reshaped,’ facial hair covered, and skin tone all evened out, I’m sufficiently transformed in the mirror to reach that ‘minimum’ point in my mind anyway.
But who can stop there……..and why on earth would you want to with so many great lipstick choices to pick from 🙂
Marcellette
I also have yet to do makeup. The picture of me on my profile is me without makeup. I have no idea why I’m hesitant in doing this and maybe it’s because I work too much or I don’t have panties yet or maybe stressing about something else 🤷♂️.
I have an ex girlfriend who is helpful but not helpful when it comes to crossdressing. I have another lady friend that she says she is a horrible source on makeup. I just need to have a day to myself and practice.
I agree with what Celeste said in that conversation the only advantage that women have is no facial hair. Anyone can look pretty just with h a little makeup here and there. One disadvantage I do think that most men have is looking too manly with manly features.
I’ve learned that less is best! 🍀💜 especially foundation, just a very lite amount .. 🌸 just to even out skin tone. Then Bring the glam to the eyes and lips! 💋🍭🎀🧚♀️🦋
Hi Julie! I am no expert either, but I would take a few pictures in a well lit bathroom (hopefully with daylight lighting). If you see a 5 o’clock shadow you will need beard cover and probably foundation, possibly concealer. If you have real “masculine” (angular) features, you may need to contour to soften those, but sometimes hair can be styled to help soften features. Sunglasses can be used to cover masculine brows and eliminate the need for eye make up. Hugs!🤗
Hi Julie. Lately for myself I have been experimenting after the moisturizer and primer just enough foundation to cover what little of the beard is still visable. Works for me since my beard is not very heavy. For me that with a little lipstick and then my now shoulder length hair gets me close to where I want to be for everyday. If your beard is heavy a more heavy coverup may be nessesary.
. SandySamantha’s Easy 10 Step Make-up Routine
People have ask me how do I apply my make-up and what products do I use when I apply it. So here is the easy 10 step process of MY makeup application routine, I know everyone has their own way, and I may be applying my makeup 100% wrong, but once again this is what works for ME. I will do my best to explain all MY steps, and the products/brushes I use in the best detail that I can.
Face Prep: I wash my face really well, and shave with a fresh sharp razor. We want a fresh clean oil free platform to work with. So lets begin the show!
Step 1: Start with a basic pore filling primer. I just use my finger to apply the pore filler around/on my nose, forehead and cheeks. Pretty much anywhere my pores are huge is where I apply the pore filler! (Product: Maybelline: Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer)
Step 2: False Lashes. I glue my false eyelashes on at this time, this allows me to fumble around with them and not mess up my makeup. Use a small amount of lash adhesive on the false lashes, wait about 30-60 seconds then apply them to you eyelids. Sometimes I’ll use the back of a small brush to push the false lashes into place on my eyelid. (Product: MAC: 33 Ingenue lashes, Kiss: Ever EZ Lash Adhesive)
Step 3: Foundation. Apply the foundation with a basic egg shaped Sponge Blender. The foundation should be applied lightly all over the face and applied thicker around the beard area of my face. Concealer is also applied lightly under eyes and heavy around the beard area. Make sure that the products blend well, you don’t want to have streaks on your face. (Product: MAC: Full Coverage Foundation NC35, MAC: Studio Fix 24-Hour Smooth Wear Concealer NC25, Basic Egg Sponge Blender)
Step 4: Powder and bronze. I Lightly dust loose powder all over my face and neck with a large powder brush. Then I add bronzer to the outer edges of my face using a contour brush. Don’t go crazy this is just to contour a little bit. (Product: MAC Studio Finish Face Powder, Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer, Brushes: Tweezerman iQ Powder Brush, Urban Studio kabuki contour brush)
Step 5: Blush. Smile and very lightly apply on the “apples” of your cheeks. Don’t put too much or you’ll look like a clown. I sometimes will just finish with one to two light brushes on the nose too. (Product: MAC Mineralize Blush, Brush: Tweezerman iQ Blush Brush)
Step 6: Eye brows. I draw a nice arch for each brow with a small sharp angle brush using dark powder, then go back with a light brown to blend the two colors. (Product: WetNWild Ultimate Brow Kit, Brush: MAC 263)
Step 7: Eye shadows! I love them, I use three different brushes when I apply eye shadow, one brush for each shade. I start with a dark shade of eye shadow on the main part of the eyelid. Then apply a darker shade than the first one used in the crease of the eyelid. After this I use a light shade on the brow bone area. Next, I layer and blend the shades to get the colors to my liking. Last, I use a small brush with a touch of pure white in the inner corner of my eyes this just makes the eyes “pop” Don’t believe me? Try it! (Product: MAC Pro Eye Shadow (Pro Palette Refill Pans, Brushes: MAC 239/219/224)
Step 8: Eye liner. I start by pulling the outer corner of my eye with my finger then draw a small width line on each I use a liquid liner. I only do the top lid, do the bottom if you like, I do not. (Product: Clinique: Pretty Easy Liquid Eyeliner Pen)
Step 9: Mascara. I use light strokes and not too much mascara on the wand, I don’t want clumps on my lashes. Just coat the lashes, top and bottom, remember it’s not a race, take your time. I sometimes will do the blink trick to apply: hold the wand close to the underside of the lashes and then just slowly blink your eye. I use two different products, both work well. (Product: MAC: In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash Mascara/ Clinique: High Impact Mascara)
Step 10: Lipstick is last and ALWAYS is for me. Start at the bottom lip apply to the middle blot then reapply blot again. Fill in the missing areas. Make sure you don’t go all the way to the corner of the mouth or you look like the Joker. I match colors depending on the outfits. I use a few different products (Product: MAC Liquid lips, and standard MAC lip stick)
Double check everything, you may want to add a little powder here and there, but looking in the mirror….You’re amazing!
Aftermath: So we NEVER sleep in our makeup ladies….EVER!
Removal, I start with removing the fake lashes first. Next, make-up removal wipes to remove the bulk of it. After that, I use round cotton pads with miceller water. Once everything is pretty much gone I finish with “take the day off” to totally remove the makeup. Now that you have all that makeup off, use a nice face cream to protect that pretty face of yours. (Product: Neutrogena: Ultra-Soft Makeup Remover Wipes for Waterproof Makeup/Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water/ Clinique: Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips)Hi Julie You are right there is a lot to learn. Do not forget our cis sisters have been practicing forever and they do have many more feminine features that only have to be high lighted and we will need a lot more make up. Practice, practice, spend time and practice. Getting rid of the five o clock shadow is a great beginning. Creating pretty eyes can be so much fun also. Make up is the fun part of being a girl so enjoy it.
Luv stephanie
Very true, Jim!
I’ve frequently gone without makeup – but it’s fun and artistically challenging to create a look, whether it’s a “natural” look (it never is!) or a Drag Queen look, an alien look, or something that stretches the limits, like a temporary tattoo on the face – it’s fine without, and fun with, in my opinion.
Love Laura
I compliment you on your excellent instincts for starting with this question! Rather than having it slowly dawn on you after years like me. Aside from not touching my hair every 30 seconds, toning down makeup was important to me personally to get the level of confidence I needed to out somewhere feeling like I could get by. There is always a tendency to take that one last stroke to make it perfect and before you know it…
One of my self tests is to put my face about six inches from the mirror and ask myself if it still looks like skin. To get to yes on that, I have reduced my use of concealer or full coverage products to only where absolutely needed (for shadow) and otherwise I use BB cream or once in a while just powder, which lets more natural color come through. Then I can go lighter applying a little bronzer and blush. I’ve also found that no matter what I do to my face, it is irrelevant without eyeliner, mascara (I have no lashes otherwise) and lip color. Point being its the details and figuring out which ones to emphasize for yourself individually that will carry you. Setting a clock helped too–with the pandemic, my girl time windows were cut to a few hours, so I had to simplify and get faster. The time consuming contouring techniques that the online tutorials showcase aren’t at all what make or break a look.
Ive always found the old addage less is more so i dont use much but just enough to look femme
I used to pile it on but as ive got older I’ve found just a little bit is enough as ive got very dark lashes too so that helps too
When I was younger used to pile it on but now these days find just need a tad of eyeliner mascara and a touch of blusher to make my cheeks rosy though plenty of foundation as dont like the 5oclock shadow look
Impossible to pin down a correct answer.
Way to many variables from person to person and as we age needs change.
IMO, if you really want to know you need to spend the money on a professional makeup artist who will look at your skin and features close up, then decide and actually do your makeup. No online help, must be face to face.
You absolutely cannot believe the difference correct makeup (products and tones) will make.
If you’re a stay at home person maybe you don’t want to do this but if you are serious I feel this is a “Must”.
Ask anyone who has had professional help (if that pro did a good job) and I’m sure they will validate my opinion.
Proper makeup will not look like you have much on as it is Natural looking which is what I want.
I honestly don’t like to look at myself wearing a wig without makeup it makes so much difference.
Makeup is one of the most critical steps I believe. The cost-does not matter but you get what you pay for.
Sandy
Hey i like a heavier makeup look personaly because its fun for me.
First you need to put some moisturizer on your face and maybe some primer.
I would say you start with covering your beard with an foundation.
Then i would use a concealer to cover up any dark spots arond your eyes.
Next i would use a eyeliner around your upper waterline then some mascara.
After this you can use a lipstick and if you want you can then use some bronzner and highliter.This is a quick and easy look witch you can always expand upon.
Glad you pointed out the moisturizer, Marie. Skin care is very important. I called a beauty consultant and explained what I wanted to accomplish with my regimen and she recommended products for me to get and use. She was very helpful. A nice clean, smooth, moisturized palette can make the world of difference.
The amount of makeup products out there and the brands can be are very intimidating. It takes patience and time to research the various products, etc. to find the right mix. A bit of trial and error. Add to that the skill that it takes to put on the makeup and it can be a chore….. but a FUN chore. I just love doing my makeup and am looking forward to a professional makeover at a CD boutique in June.
I should just go to an Ulta or Sephora and have someone give me a makeup lesson. But I’m chicken.
Yes skin care is a important part and i agree that its overwhelming at first. Once you get the hang of it’s starts to make fun.
I personally would say you don’t focus on witch exact products you use instead you focus on witch product type you use and how.
This is a big problem when you watch YouTube videos for instance many tell you witch exact product they use and wont explain the basics.
When you get more comfortable in what every product does you can buy better ones. I for instance startet out with a makeup set for 20 bucks with a lot of stuff in it. After i got better with it i bought better products and expanded on my inventory.
Thanks for that useful guide. What’s the “upper waterline” around the eyes? I’ve not heard of that term.
Im hoping that im allowed to post a link here.
https://www.newsnetnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Upper-waterline-1.png
That should explane itI dont use this style anymore i use gel eyeliner and draw a line above my lashes. it looks a bit like this and it took me more practice to get it to look good.
https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.7cvG1tS-eRVzZ2RZsPEn8gHaE1%26pid%3DApi&f=1
I am sort of reminded of Mlle Gabrielle Chanel’s principle. Before you go out, look in a mirror and take something off. I guess the fact that something may seem to be ‘missing’ attracts attention.
I would think that, in the matter of cosmetics, a similar principle could be applied. Look in the mirror and, next time, try to use less. Not every time, of course, but the idea would be to resist the temptation to overdo it to the point of caricaturization; unless that is the effect you want.
Of course applying cosmetics is in many ways an art form in which you learn not only technique but the aesthetics that best apply to you. Beginning with healthy, pleasant features is big element and perhaps the desired result should be not so much to conceal as to accentuate and reveal.
Araminta.
I think the answer varies depending on a few things. I use myself as an example, and maybe it proves useful:
- Which traits to tone down (in my case, my nose and brow)
- Which traits to amp up (eyes and lips)
- Skin color and tone, eye color, etc. (I’m fair with warm tones, with blue eyes)
- Context (glam or casual, for instance)
- Comfort (I hate a lot of smack)
For me, my objective is to look my age (52) and look as natural as possible. I have blonde and gray hair mix, so this works to my advantage in terms of beard cover and eyebrows (which are essentially transparent). I do wear false lashes routinely, as frustrating as they are, because I have stubby lashes – but I use the type that look natural, because I don’t want to look like Betty Boop.
I aim to keep foundation relatively light, followed by powder to add translucence and reduce shine. I add blush, but only enough to accentuate my check bones a bit, sometimes with a touch of shine for a dewy aspect. I do not contour as this looks fake, even on GGs.
I amp up my eyes as this is my best feature, usually with browns and a very dark blue.
I use a lip pencil and gloss, not too much, and I don’t go outside the lip line. I use natural colors and ignore advice to match lip color with outfits 😀
As for the wig, which completes the look, I want something that rounds out my blocky head. Reddish hues contrast nicely with my blue eyes. I need bangs to cover a little a deep furrow between my eyes and a style that cuts along my jawline to reduce the appearance of my thick neck.
That’s about it. I do moisturize my face each morning after shaving, and that helps. I accept my wrinkles and so forth – covering or masking these is a waste of time. Keeping my weight down helps, and I don’t smoke. Finally, I keep out of the sun (being fair, this is wise).
I recommend going to MAC’s or Sephora’s. Both believe that makeup is for everyone and you can book a tutorial to go through makeup steps and applications.
I suggest that you buy drugstore makeup to keep costs down. But if you can buy better than average brushes. Good tools make all the difference.
We put makeup on for different reasons than women. Meaning they for example contour to enhance a cheek but we contour to create a cheek.
The basics….moisturizer, primer, foundation, contour palette, blush, highlighter, eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, a very simple eyeshadow palette, lipstick, bronzer…
Makeup can be challenging but at some point it will be fun and a great way to express yourself.
Please reach out to me if I can help.
Tennison
Depends on what you want to be doing with it. I have a crazy amount of make up but this is because I love making tons of different looks. I even now still get amazed at how different I can make myself look by trying different looks. Maybe some day decide enough is enough but today is not that day.
Charlotte Xxx
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