Makeup plays a big part in your feminine transformation. That means having a well-stocked makeup kit is a must!
Since I’m often asked about what makeup to buy – and since it’s easy to blow your budget on one Sephora shopping trip – I’ve put together a checklist outlining the must-have MTF makeup items for your collection.
I also created a downloadable shopping list that you can save to your phone images and take to the store with you. Download it here!
Makeup Brushes
First, a word on makeup brushes…
If you’re going to splurge on one thing, it should be a good set of makeup brushes. You’d be amazed how much better your makeup looks when you use proper brushes rather than the tiny applicators that come with your makeup.
You can find makeup brush sets at the drugstore or online for as little as $10-$20. Here are the brushes you should own:
- Angled eyebrow brush
- Eyeliner brush
- Flat eyeshadow brush
- Crease brush
- Bullet brush
- Foundation brush
- Concealer brush
- Powder brush
- Blush brush
- Lipstick brush
Supplies
- Q-tips – Use to clean up under the eyes
- Cetaphil – Use to clean up mistakes and remove makeup at the end of the day
- Cosmetic wedge sponges
Eyes
- Eyebrow pencil or powder – Note: You can also use matte eyeshadow as eyebrow powder
- Eyeshadow base (optional) – Use to neutralize discoloration in eye area and help your eye makeup last longer
- Eyeliner – Either a gel eyeliner or eyeliner pencil
- Eyeshadow – Get a palette with at least 3 colors: light/medium, medium/dark, and a highlight shade
- Mascara – Get black unless you are a fair blonde (in which case, go for brown-black)
- Clear mascara (optional) – Use to groom thick eyebrows
Skin
- Primer (optional) – Use to smooth out your skin and help your makeup last longer
- Color corrector
- Fair skin – Get a pink and green corrector
- Medium/dark skin – Get a yellow corrector
- Foundation – Get medium coverage foundation that matches your skin tone exactly
- Translucent powder – Get loose powder that is the same or slightly lighter than your natural skin tone
- Foundation powder (optional) – Use if you need additional coverage in the beard area
- Light/dark cream concealer (optional) – Use to contour the face. Get a concealer that is one shade lighter than your skin tone (to highlight the face) and a concealer that is one shade darker than your skin tone (to contour the face)
Lips
- Lip liner pencil
- Lipstick
- Lip gloss – Choose a thick clear gloss to seal your lipstick
Cheeks
- Contouring powder – Use to contour the cheeks, jaw, etc. Get translucent powder or a no-sheen bronzer that is one shade darker than your skin tone
- Blush – Choose a powder or cream blush
While this list might look long, the good news is that you DON’T have to go out and spend a bunch of money on expensive cosmetics. In fact, you probably already have most of what you need. And what you don’t have, you can find inexpensively in any drugstore.
Let’s talk makeup!
The great thing about makeup is that no matter what your skill level, there are always new techniques to try and colors to play with. And as Coco Chanel said, on a bad day, there is always lipstick!
So let’s hear from you…
What are your favorite must-have makeup essentials? Do you do most of your shopping in drugstores or are you a Sephora-kinda gal?
Please share in the comments below!
Love,
Lucille
P.S. While the right tools are essential, good makeup is all about technique. My FREE Male to Female Makeup Mini Course will show you exactly how to transform and feminize your face with makeup.
According to your list, mine is complete. I have more brushes than your list, including one for my back and two I can use in my body. Cosmetics are expensive but I think of them as a good investment. I am sure I worth it.
Your advices have been useful for me since I found your website many years ago. I am a big fan of you and I am very grateful.
Gisela
I have gotten okay with doing my make up. At least I’m surprised how fem and different I look. But there was something missing and that was false eye lashes. Once I added that to the rutine it was the finishing touch. It does take a little practice but it can make a big difference. Also highlighting the bridge of your nose, cheekbones and chin with a light color makes a big difference. I love being Richelle!
I’m an Urban Decay gal and love all of their makeup from primers to the finishing touches.
Thank you! I’m very much a checklist person. Could you do others, such as wardrobe, shaping, shoes, etc.?
Hi Andrea, from one checklist girl to another, I love that idea! I will do this! ❤️
A good concealer is a must have for my eyes. Other than that some foundation, eyeshadow, mascara and lip stain in a very minimalist application
Just have fun and play with it. You can only learn by trying it out and spending time in front of the mirror. Of course we all make mistakes but that’s thr way to learn.
Today’s look…
Oops. I lost the picture!
Just have fun and play with it. You can only learn by trying it out and spending time in front of the mirror. Of course we all make mistakes but that’s thr way to learn.
Today’s look…
Makeup is next on my list, I bought a cheap set to try and learn but it was too cheap and did not have all the products or brushes, I think I will be trying to find a local place that can help in person and give more specific guidance and advice on specific products for my skin