Makeup can have an amazing impact on your appearance – IF you apply it correctly.
Unfortunately, this is a skill that many crossdressers and transgender women tell me they struggle with.
You deserve to be your most beautiful feminine self. To begin your journey, it’s essential to steer clear of some 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 so little makeup that I usually do not apply foundation or powder, even sometimes when I should. It’s just eyes, including brows, and a touch of lipstick. Except party time, then look out! I have some trouble withn eyeliner precision due to poor near vision. Magnifying mirrors help.
Caffeine can cause red face. So does vitamin e oil, even though it’s beneficial on your skin (apply at bedtime). At least people do not expect much from an old lady face, so low-key works fine. Remember: a smile is still the best cosmetic to put on your face.
Hi girls!!!! I have been trying so hard to hide my beard… And i think ive finally got a routine that works…. Tell me what you think… My girlfriend loves it when i dress up…. And i have to say it really makes me feel beautiful and sexy!!!
I am not fond of makeup. I will wear lipstick and mascara. Skin care is an essential part of my everyday routine. A gentle exfoliating cleanser and a good moisturizer. I had concerns about beard shadow so I’ve had electrolysis. Hormones helped feminize my face and skin so makeup is not so much of a concern.
I am so jealous! I need a lot of makeup!
You are a natural beauty!
I always look forward to your posts!
XOXO
Nikki
I always enjoy reading your posts and seeing your picture. You radiate a wholesome, natural beauty. You could easily be in the Dove soap commercials. I love the style and print of your top. My best to you!
Hugs & smiles,
Jenny
How I wish I could get my make up to be just as nice as yours.
Hello , I have bee trying a more natural approach with my makeup I love seeing the final outcome
You look absolutely beautiful girl
Thank you marcy it’s nice to get such comments from other lady’s such as you all the best aj.xx
I do try to get my make up right a lot of girlfriend’s say I do it better than that I would love to know what you lady’s think so here is a pic of aj.
Love your outfit AJ! You look fabulous Darling!
Thank you marcy it’s nice to get such comments from other lady’s such as you all the best aj.xx
I have had professional makeup lessons and know what shades to use. I do not over do my makeup and just try to blend in and look like an everyday woman. I live as a woman and my fem appearance is very important.
I also very much value all the various articles on this site that help me to be the woman I strive to be. I live now since I’m retired pretty much 24/7 now as a woman. In addition to makeup and clothes, etc., I find it’s so important when I am out to be as feminine as I can when dealing with people. I am always treated as a lady and love it! Here I am yesterday getting ready for my day!
You look lovely Suzy! How are you doing in the dating area?
Hi Suzy,
Thanks so so much for writing! I think it’s great that you accepted the invitation from that gentleman and had a wonderful time with him.. He must have been quite enamored with you since he asked you are going out again after you told him your real gender.. You are very lovely! I want to know all about it! LOL
Hugs n Kisses,
Marcy
Hi Marcy! Actually I went to a party a couple of weeks ago with a female friend of mine. Of course I went as a lady. I didn’t know anyone at the party. And a gentlemen did ask me out for a date! I accepted! He took me out to a real nice restaurant last weekend. I wore a little black dress. I finally confessed my real gender, and he just laughed! It was so much fun. He wants to take me out again he said sometime in the future. We will see. How is your dating life? You look very feminine and passable as well. Talk to you later, Suzy