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 alaways look too white to myself afyer I apply foundation. Maybe try a darker shade?
I alaways look too white to myself afyer I apply foundation. Maybe try a darker shade?
I want to know the difference between, day work make-up to day make-up for a day event like a wedding and then transition to the reception from the evening through the night. Finally day work
Make-up and then transition on to a night on the the town. I do my own make-up and I’ve been told by my Personal MAC Make-up artist, Farra Johnston on 10/31/14, that “your make-up was great”, thank God. So what I want is guidelines that I should follow if and when I decide to go Full-Time/ real time as a woman and eventually become the woman I could never get as a man and be the woman that I have always wanted to be,
Sincerely,
AnnaSofia Flores.
did make up a few time not that good but last week went to the mall and talked to one the make up people at macy’s adn she did my makeup and it great. need to get some good make up adn keep working at it . sigh.
1. How long can i keep using the same make-up item? Does it expire? I have been using some of the same products for a long time now and was just wondering if it is dangerous to apply “old” or “expired” make-up or if it even does.
2. I need some eye make-up tutorials. What are some good ways to apply mascara/eyeliner?
The only thing that doesn’t go bad is honey. Most makeups should survive a very very long time in cool dry storage but if moisture and bacteria can get inside it’ll ruin it. There’
(oops) There’s a bacteria to mess up just about anything.
As far as I know, makeup doesn’t “expire”, but also I won’t trusth it if it smells weird or different from what it smelt when new.
If you find some of your makeup smells weird, better buy new one.
from what been told some make up will go bad . foundation I think can go bad as i note i used some old cover girl and it felt like it was burning me. some of the eye make seem to be going as well.
I gotten some newer make up as well but need to spend the fund for some good brands not the cheap stuff.
I for sure need some advise on my make-up-any suggestions???
I have have a friend who was a studio makeup artist in Holloywood. She has been very patient with me teaching me styles and colors. I know I have been very fortunate.
But, in the end it. All boils down to practice, practice, and more practice.
I work hard at trying to get my make-up right, but there is still a lot for me to learn. I really would like for a make-up artist to give me a make over. I’m sure I would learn so much from that experience. Huggs….Teresa