If you have facial hair, then you know how hard it can be to hide a beard shadow – and how much it can detract from your feminine appearance.
Transgender women and crossdressers are often told to use heavy concealer, but this is totally wrong!
Thick concealer creates a heavy, cakey look that can draw even more attention to the areas you want to hide.
So what’s a girl to do? I’m glad you asked! In this post, I’ll share 4 beard cover makeup items to use in place of that heavy concealer.
I also share a step-by-step video tutorial on how to hide your beard shadow with minimal makeup for a natural, feminine look.
Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Pink or Red Color Corrector
The first piece of beard cover makeup you should own is a color corrector. This is the #1 secret to hiding a beard shadow. By neutralizing the bluish tint of the beard shadow, you can achieve a natural look with less makeup.
Choose your color corrector based on your skin tone:
- Use a pink color corrector if you have a light skin tone.
- Use a red color corrector if you have a darker skin tone.
While your best bet is to use a color corrector specifically formulated for the face, another option is to use a matte pink or red lipstick.
Apply it: Use a small makeup brush to stipple a light layer of color corrector over the areas you want to disguise.
2. Medium Coverage Liquid Foundation
The next must-have item is liquid foundation. Choose a medium coverage foundation rather than a heavy formula. It’s best to apply several thin layers to build coverage rather than using one thick layer of heavy foundation.
Apply it: For pro results, apply with a foundation brush instead of your fingers or a sponge. Brush on a light layer and allow it to try. If you want more coverage, go back and stipple additional foundation over the areas of concern. (See the video for a demo!)
3. Loose Powder
The third item you’ll need in your beard cover makeup arsenal is a loose powder. Choose a powder with pigment as opposed to a translucent version.
Apply it: Use a large powder brush and dab on a generous layer of powder. Don’t use stroking motions or you’ll streak your foundation. Once everything has dried, you can brush off the excess powder with soft strokes.
4. Powder Foundation
If you have a light beard, the previously mentioned items might be enough. If not, the final step is to get an additional layer of coverage by using a powder foundation.
You can find powder foundation at any drug store or makeup counter. This is a great option for areas that need extra coverage.
Apply it: Using a makeup sponge, press on one or two light layers of powder foundation over any remaining visible imperfections and voilà! Your transformation is complete.
Be sure to watch the video below to learn exactly how to apply your beard cover makeup.
Tutorial: How to Conceal Beard Shadow with Beard Cover Makeup
With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to master these techniques to achieve a natural and feminine look without wearing tons of heavy makeup.
Enjoy! And as always, I’d love to know what you think.
Love,
Lucille
P.S. If you liked this tutorial, you will LOVE The Makeup Magic Program! Learn all the essential male to female makeup tips you need to know to achieve your prettiest, and most feminine look ever!
I’m fortunate in having vurtually no beard! But what I do have (can’t call it a beard really) I’ve had IPL on, which has helped both skin rejuvenation and retard hair growth. I want to have another set of sessions when I can afford it to hopefully slow down (stop?) growth even more.
I’m not sure if you’ve covered this subject before, but some thoughts and opinions would be welcome.
Thanks for all your help and advice! xxx
i wax my face to remove my beard i am looking into laser. my question is being a male how can i make my face look sleek or thinner similar to a natural females face.
Here is how I do it: First start with a VERY close shave (use a blade instead of an electric, at least for the final pass). Then use Ben-Nye Beard concealer (I don’t have it in front of me – I think it’s FS1 or FS3) over any place your beard grows. This stuff has an orangy color that will help neutralize the blue-black beard shadow that just always seems to show through. Next, powder over that and then apply your regular foundation and go from there. For me, this technique even works when using a powder foundation such as Bare Minerals. I personally don’t have a really heavy beard – though what I do have is dark, and this method lets me go out without feeling like I’m wearing a latex mask. YMMV, but by using the neutralizing concealer first, an overly heavy foundation isn’t necessarily required.
Concealers:
My favorite is Covermark, that was recommended to me by Muriel Olyve that ran Femme Fashions in NYC. Muriel was hired as a consultant for the Tootsie movie. She was a very gracious and caring GG who ran a Park Avenue foundations shop and eventually opened a separate TG boutique. She was one of the early day classics. Old school fashion glamour.
Bev Borden
@Josie – the one thing to watch out for with clown white is that it REALLY shows through in flash photography. Take a picture of four or 5 t-girls standing together, and you can always pick out who has clown white on. Outside of that, I know people who swear by it.
Robin
Another good alternative is Ben Nye, which is theatrical makeup (but every town has a theater-supply store, or you can get it online). They do several shades of Mellow Orange (and Mellow Yellow) which counteract even the darkest beard shadow. Apply that lightly then cover with a liquid foundation, and you’re all set for the day!
Robin
Hello Lucille,
Thank-you for the information, it’s greatly appreciated.
I have been using makeup forever or vichy lately, and the translucent powder to finish off. Both are excellent products.
Before the foundation, I use the Estee Lauder product called Idealist, it makes my face look smooth and radiant (shrinks pores) and I also use their moisturiser.
Regards,
Wanita
Believe it or not, I have come to swear by Physicians Formula concealer. It is reasonably inexpensive and covers quite well without being thick or feeling like stage makeup.