The first thing people notice about you is your face. That means your makeup can make or break a feminine first impression.
No matter what your skill level, there are a few key tactics that can take your MTF makeup skills to the next level.
In this post, created specifically for transgender women and crossdressers, I share my top 6 makeup tips to transform your face.
Read on to learn more!
1. Invest in good makeup brushes
Quite simply, it’s impossible to apply masterful makeup without the right tools.
Forget about the tiny, cheap applicators that come packaged with most makeup. Upgrading to high quality brushes will give you much more control, immediately upgrading the look of your makeup.
Here are the basic brushes you should own:
- Foundation brush
- Concealer brush
- Powder brush
- Blush brush
- Flat eyeshadow brush
- Eyeshadow blending brush
- Lip brush
2. Use color correctors
If you have skin issues like a beard shadow, blemishes, or dark circles under your eyes, the solution is NOT to bury them under thick concealer. Your makeup will look much more natural if you start with a color corrector.
The idea behind color correctors is to use a complementary tone to neutralize imperfections. This will allow you to achieve beautiful skin with less makeup.
For example, you should use a pink or red corrector to neutralize a dark beard shadow – or a green corrector to neutralize redness.
You can find color corrector tutorials on YouTube. Or, get more in depth training from makeup artist Chris Scott in Makeup Magic: The Ultimate Male to Female Makeup Program.
3. Don’t ignore your eyebrows
The eyebrows are one of your most important facial features. In fact, they have the power to completely change the look of your face.
That’s why I say to give your eyebrows as much attention as your eyes, lips, and beard cover!
To learn more about eyebrow shaping and makeup application, be sure to check out my article on MTF Eyebrows | How to Feminize Male to Female Eyebrows.
4. Practice, practice, practice
Makeup is like any other skill – the more you practice, the better you get. And the better you get at putting on makeup, the more attractive and feminine you will look as a woman.
A fun way to practice is to find makeup tutorials on YouTube that you can follow along with. Below is a great one featuring Casey Blake demonstrating daily makeup for trans women:
5. Book a lesson with a professional makeup artist
If you struggle with your makeup skills, one of the best investments you can make is a lesson with a professional makeup artist.
A good makeup artist will teach you proper makeup application techniques, help you find your best colors, and ensure that you are applying your makeup correctly. This is important because all the practice in the world won’t help if you are only reinforcing bad technique.
6. Take good care of your skin
Your skin is literally the canvas for your makeup.
Proper skin care can go a long way towards improving your skin’s texture and appearance. Not only will this make you look better, it’ll help your makeup go on smoother and last longer.
Here are 3 simple skin care tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid using harsh soaps on your face. Use gentle facial cleansers only.
- Apply facial moisturizer daily.
- Use a face mask at least every other week. (This is a great ritual for pampering your inner woman!)
Ready to learn more?
Check out my article, How to Feminize Your Face Without Surgery (MTF Transgender / Crossdressing Tips), for more male to female makeup tips and techniques.
Or download Makeup Magic: The Ultimate Male to Female Makeup Program to learn all the essential makeup skills every trans woman and crossdresser 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? What is the #1 makeup tip or trick you’ve learned?
Please share in the comments below!
Love,
Lucille
I’m in the beauty and I’ve seen a lot of mistakes that my sisters make out there and being Trans myself i just want to give them tips of the bat and what you’ve given there is pretty good for beginners and if they want better results and are not shy to go to make up workshops that are held by some make up company’s like Mac are very welcome to do so and Motives are another one that will help too and they can also help you make money of the products you use.
Lucille,
I agree with it all 🙂 I shave closely, then cleans, tone and moisturize with the set from WalMart called Simply. Then I use an all in one correction by Stila called “one step.” It actually has all three correction colors in one creamy pump. Finally, I finish with a tinted moisturizer by Aveeno. Once I have prepared my skin I go get dressed. I have found that when It is time to apply the makeup, I use much less of the expensive Bare Minerals products because of the well prepared pallet 😉
Brushes are the Key!! Get good ones and take care of them. Oh, and don’t share them either ewww.
I have to admit, I have not indulged with the mask nearly enough! There is my New Years Resolution !!
And Last I have to agree with you and Dana, Get to the make up counter!! Its exciting, and it is Soooo necessary to get the foundational knowledge you need to build on!
Hugs,
Krystol
If I’m unable to afford a facial mask, and proper cleansers for my face, what should I do to try and maintain it? And is there a difference between a facial moisturizer and lotion that I’ll get from Bath and Body Works?
I found my makeup mentor at MAC he has made all the difference. Once I got confident I moved on to air brush and hired a makeup artist who does wedding to give me some tips. using a silicone base air brush makeup is great for more mature skin.
Dear Lucille,, Thank you so much for the make up tips,, as always you are there to help all of us… I now live a a female 24-7 as of about 6 months ago,, and I am guilty as well of forgetting my eyebrows many a times..lol.. Please let me take this time to wish you,your family,and all your staff a most joyous holiday season,, xxooxx ,Joslin
Lucille Sorella wrote: “A mistake I see many crossdressers and transgender women make is leaving the house with ungroomed eyebrows.”
Guilty as charged. I do keep falling into old habits of not spending enough time on grooming. Even without makeup skincare and ear and brow trimming should get much more attention.
Thanks for the tips.
Steve 🙂
2014 New Year’s Resolution
To take your advice and improve not just my look, but my attitude and self esteem.
Thanks for being here for us.
Lucille
Thank you so so much for all you have done for me. This year I made myself a commitment on Jan 1 to really start becoming the woman inside me. I went to an Ulta store to get started and the girls there welcomed me with open arms. One in particular watches out for me when I come in and hurries to greet me with a hug. She has given me lots of free samples to try out and advice. So girls, if you can muster the courage to entire this woman’s domain I urge you to with confidence and nothing exudes womanly like confidence.
Dana
That’s wonderful, Dana! Isn’t it great to find out how supportive most people are? I agree that nothing exudes womanly like confidence.