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
Great advice practice and great help at the make up counter is always a win.
Hi Kirra one at you sweetie and your very right honey we are the strongest toughest there are in my opinion as well we go through hell over this crap with ourselves long before we see tell a soul how we feel I’m so glad we have a place to talk here I Love every moment of my transition so far thanks for being here Kirra I’m very grateful to You sweetie I just Lost a girlfriend well she was nothing but lies in glad I told the truth it’s my policy really these days but it can really hurt at times but we can take it we get used to being dumped over our dressing habits I hope you see this honey Love MJ
Hi Mj your comment is exactly correct. You are looking beautiful. Are You Transgender?
Hi Jesin honey thank you so very much for the compliment I’m still trying to get used to those and well I’m working on the trans gendered part but yes I guess is the answer still early in transition though Love MJ
I have learned a great deal of helpful techniques from watching videos on YouTube posted by Denver Williams, He gives you a description of the products he is using as he applies them and even though I can’t afford those brands I have been able to find some inexpensive substitutions . Not trying to take anything away from Lucille’s program that I have not tried!
Just sharing a free resource that I found very helpful.
Oh, you are so right, I’m still learning this skill and find many good tips, especially in Woman’s World magazine, and the Make up channel available through ROKU. Now that I’m older, I have to take care of my skin, I use concealer and have a few different shades to blend, and not overdoing my eye makeup is key. I’ve been using a lighter almost nude shade on the bottom of my eyelids, it open’s up the eye’s instead of lining it with black all around. Thanks again Lucille !
Once again, your are “right on.” I always advise making a visit to a cosmetologist. It’s a great first step in makeup application and remember, they are there to help and our money is just as good, if not better, than most GGs. Good brushes are also essential as well as taking care of your face with lotions when not dressed. Keep up the good work, Lucille. Love, Carollyn
Practice does make perfect as previously said. The best investment as far as I was concerned was an appointment with a make up artist. Money well spent.
Practice Does make perfect! Take pictures of yourselves & videos too of yerself walking & moving. Imagine your lookin at someone else & how you would perceive out in the world, & you will begin to see, if not inantly, the things that still give you away to the public. Confidence is the biggest weapon to have! Not haughty arrogance, or over-sexed drag-queen ness! But a manner in which you carry yourself, letting the world know, ” don’t detain me at Your peril, unless you want to look like a fool, or have something nice to say!! Be that girl that you were afraid to ask to the school dance!
Closer than you think MJ.. There is No, I repeat, No way anyone would choose this lonely, scary, biggest struggle you’ll ever face in this life, over a normal life! Imagine just for a second,,,,,,,not having to even worry about for a second,,,,,,, this “thing”, that just consumes every waking moment of your exhistanceEven dreaming in yer sleep that your that woman, then you wake up to reality again!!! Its almost like a bad joke. I cant really go on now, cuz cryin all over my phone, lol, but let me just say , ” anybody that can make through this life the way We are, w/out blowin their brains out or takin a bottle of pills, are the Strongest people this planet will Ever see”! Sorry, Thats heavy stuff, but no, its not a choice or someone havin fun playin dress-up! I wish it were, I really do!! Yer not sweetness! (;
Kirra, you’re so right. I personally would not have picked being like this. But I have embraced it. I love it.
I meant, your Not alone sweetness! Heehee, sorry!