Makeup can have an amazing impact on your appearance – IF you apply it correctly.
Many crossdressers and transgender women tell me they struggle with this skill, and that’s okay!
You deserve to feel like your most beautiful, feminine self. To get started, it’s important to avoid a few common male to female makeup mistakes.
In this blog post, I’ll share the mistakes you need to avoid – and what to do instead!
1. Wearing Too Much Makeup
Wearing too much makeup is an easy mistake to make. Makeup is meant to enhance your best features while minimizing any perceived imperfections.
When you overdo your makeup, you end up accentuating EVERYTHING. This isn’t a flattering look, so remember rule #1: Apply your makeup with a light touch.
2. Applying Full Coverage Foundation on Your Entire Face
Even if you have problem areas you want to hide, you should avoid covering your entire face with a thick foundation. Heavy foundation can give your face a cakey and mask-like look.
Instead, opt for full coverage makeup in areas that require it, such as the beard area, and use a lighter foundation on the rest of your face.
3. Using Poor Makeup Application Technique
When it comes to makeup, technique matters. Some common examples of poor makeup application technique include:
- Clumpy mascara
- Mismatched foundation
- Harsh lip liner
- Overdrawn eyebrows
- Cakey concealer
If your makeup skills are lacking, look for makeup tutorials on YouTube or check out my free Male to Female Makeup Mini Course.
4. Not Selecting The Right Makeup Shades
Choosing the right makeup shades is just as important as your makeup application technique.
In fact, the wrong colors can give you a harsh and masculinized appearance faster than anything else.
The most important thing to consider is your natural coloring. For example:
- If you have lighter hair and skin, opt for low-intensity colors like soft brown, blue, pink, or coral.
- If you have darker hair and skin, go for high-intensity colors like deep brown, black, blue, or red.
Candis Cayne – Low intensity colors
Janet Mock – High intensity colors
In addition to your natural coloring, think about the occasion and time of day when selecting your makeup. Typically, higher-intensity makeup works better for nighttime when the lighting is dim.
Finally, your makeup shades should complement the colors of your clothing for a cohesive and polished look.
5. Not Taking Good Care of Your Skin
Think of your face as the canvas for your makeup. If your skin is dry and rough, it’s going to be noticeable.
Keep in mind that male skin tends to be rougher than female skin due to lower estrogen levels. This means that good skin care is critical.
Care for your skin by using a gentle cleanser, moisturizing daily, using sunscreen, drinking lots of water, and getting enough sleep.
Ready to learn more?
Check out my previous article, How to Feminize Your Face Without Surgery, for more male to female makeup tips and techniques.
For more in depth training, consider The Makeup Magic Program to learn all the essential makeup skills every crossdresser and transgender woman should know.
As always, I’d love to hear from you. Do you struggle with makeup or have you mastered this skill? Please share in the comments below!
Love,
Lucille
i use medium tan color foundation or make-up for my face with touch of red or pink for rouge kinda bright pink lipstick still bit lost what use for eyeshadow growing out my hair again although probably need buy a wig get tired of having brown hair all time
I do moisturizing 2 per day and I use a facial mask too. My facial skin looks so soft that even some cis women are jealous to me. I getting positive comments about my care of skin
Dear Lucille: I have had minimal time, until recently, to practice and hone my meager makeup skills. I learned early on that less-is-more, but developing the skills of application take time and practice. The help of professionals at a variety of local establishments has been a big help. (I am even having my meager brows micro-bladed. Huge help.) What I am getting to, DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK THE PRO’S FOR HELP. Most are more than happy to share their knowledge. It does, however, take time and practice. Luv, Sandy
Had to learn make-up many years ago and still have to learn new techniques as times change. But I’ve always had my basic look…
I do well with foundation, brows and lips. I struggle with lashes and eyeliner. My skin is fine as I will only wash my face with Olay beauty bars. Thanks for the nice tips Lucille!
I really need help,in make up,and getting myself shaped better, I need people to see me as a real woman.
These are wonderful guidelines for us TG girls who did not experience growing up with a learning experience by sharing with girlfriends. I just love my new life and living full time with the guidance of Lucille.
This is so true. I have been fortunate to have a wife who is a cosmetologist and a Younique makeup presenter. I love makeup days. You can too. lovethemlips.com has a bunch of absolutely great makeup.