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 be your most beautiful female self. The first step to achieving this is to avoid these common male to female makeup mistakes:
1. Wearing too much makeup
Wearing too much makeup is an easy mistake to make.
The purpose of makeup is to bring out your best features while downplaying your so-called “flaws.”
If you wear too much makeup, you simply highlight EVERYTHING. It’s unflattering and attracts the wrong kind of attention.
Rule #1 is to use a light touch when applying your makeup.
2. Applying full coverage foundation on your entire face
Even if you have problem areas you want to hide, there’s no reason to cover your entire face with thick foundation. Heavy foundation makes it look like you are wearing a mask, which is not a flattering look.
Instead, use full coverage makeup where you need it (like on the beard area) and apply a lighter foundation everywhere else.
3. Using poor makeup application technique
When it comes to makeup, technique matters. Some common examples of poor makeup application technique include:
- Applying eyeliner unevenly or too far away from the eyelashes
- Not blending your makeup properly
- Applying clumpy mascara
If your makeup skills are lacking, book a lesson with a makeup artist or look for makeup tutorials on YouTube. (Or for more specialized instruction, check out Makeup Magic: The Ultimate Male to Female Makeup Program.)
Either way, the REAL secret is practice, practice, and more practice!
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:
- People with lighter hair and skin look best in low intensity colors (like soft brown, blue, pink, coral, etc.).
- People with darker hair and skin look best in high intensity colors (like deep brown, black, blue, red, etc.).
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| Candis Cayne – Low intensity colors | Laverne Cox – High intensity colors |
Besides your natural coloring, you should also consider the occasion and time of day when choosing your makeup colors. Everybody looks better in higher intensity makeup at night when the lights are low.
And last but not least, your makeup colors should harmonize with the color of your clothes.
5. Not taking good care of your skin
Your face is literally the canvas for your makeup. If you have dry, rough skin, it WILL show through.
Also keep in mind that male skin tends to be rougher than female skin (due to lower estrogen levels). That means 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, for more male to female makeup tips and techniques.
Or download The Makeup Magic Program to learn all the essential makeup skills every crossdresser and transgender woman should know. Get instant access to 10 easy-to-follow video tutorials taught by a professional makeup artist Chris Scott.
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 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