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 have been shaving with a Mach III razor in every direction, everywhere. It takes all the hair off (because hair grows in whorls,not straight) and it keeps my face smooth enough so I can go 3 or 4 days, but I will shave a few times more if I plan on going out or meeting someone. That way my face is as smooth as a baby’s skin, and a little smeared blush will conceal any beard. But using a bright lipstick that speaks for itself on your mouth is a need, not an option. Not only does it ditract, as the article mentioned, but it also makes your lips look bigger and poutier. I prefer colored lip gloss because it is easier to outline and shape the area around my lips than with a lip pencil, and because it stays put.
Good luck and XOXO,girls.
I’d like to add on to what is said here, and this will help even more.
While Lucille has given us some really good info here, I would like to take it 1 step further.
Before you apply your makeup, you will want get a very close shave, but not so much so you irritate your skin.
I then use oil free foundation, pat it on, and then use a powder over the top that is just a smidgen darker than the foundation that I use and then pat on the powder.
My beard is concealed for the rest of the day.
The trick here is to get a foundation that is already as close to your natural skin color, then use the powder to blend in the darker spots on your face.
And, I am going to agree to disagree with Lucille on the lipstick. Hooker red only works in the movies. Try to match and go a little darker or slightly lighter than your own natural lip color so it looks natural. The more natural you look, the more feminine you will look and feel.
Thanks again Lucille!
Marianne
Hi All, I wanted to reduce the heavy oily based makeup I wear since my skin is pretty oily to begin with so here’s my solution..
I used the red lipstick early on, now after 3 years of hormones I dont need it anymore
then i still use cover girl concealer stick over the light beard areas
followed by max factor pan-cake base
add you fav eyeshadow, mascara and lipstick
(I like sparklies!)
and your finis!
this face got me a fab job too! This was taken on interview day 3 years ago! and i hadnt changed my name or my DL yet either.
GO FOR IT!!!!
Sammi G
Good tips. Another tip is to use a product called “clown pink” as a base. It works much better than red lipstick and a $5 container will last years of regular use. I also have recently discovered colortration makeup. I don’t need the clown pink anymore with this makeup as a cover, and I have a dark beard shadow. Also, Max Factor Pan-Stik is no longer being marketed in the US and is hard (if not impossible) to find online. Colortration or dermablend are great alternatives to this.
Great tips, Heather! Thanks!
Hello everyone here is what I do for best results.
Wait a day with out shaving. Then an hour before getting ready wash face with warm water and face soap, rinse with cold water (closes pores back up), then shave with a triple blade safety razor using gel or a a cream (to get as smooth as possible go in down and in up directions). After use an after shave. Wait to dry then use a light cream as heavy ones will look greasy. Or if you can find it (I know you can as I have one) use a light cream after shave. Then use a primer all over face. If you have the blue black beard use a red color cover cream but don’t over do it or you will have to use too much concealer over it. Use a concealer lightly on places you need to like beard area and under eye and on blemishes (your concealer should be one shade lighter then you skin tone). Again lightly use a foundation (same as your skin tone). Then you can put on the rest of your make up.
However if you can and want to use less makeup (it will look better) go get laser hair removal (lasts like 6 years) or electrolysis (lasts forever).
There is no doubt that the “prep” work is very important. The shaving is critical and the quality of the cosmetics is vital.
I have tried many and have found that FX is the best for me. From the prep to the concealer and the the foundation and powder, I love them all. And, they are reasonably priced.
Samantha
I have bought and tried many types of razors. I have found the sharpest and less friction, cleanest, smoothest shave that can be had next to laser and electrolysis. The Schick Hydro 5. Period!