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
Absolutely loving your page Lucille. Here is a YouTube channel that really helped me with this subject. I have always loved using makeup even as a guy. I use it for my stage shows with bands I’ve been in. I used to do Gothic make up for school when I was in high school.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC255iTGVmvApdxyACyp87Hg
Hi Lucille
I am transgender woman and have been for a quite awhile but never really got into into it until a year ago but now im coming out more and buying more and more women’s appearal. Im going more out in public as a woman and even going to church dressed in women’s clothing. I do wear make up from Mac Make-up i also have a make up artist at Mac Make-up. I have been reading your emails. But i have not got any breast forms or a wig yet. I do get my fingers and toes done
I get French Manicures on both, what is opinion on French Manicures. I get the gel which last longer than arillic polish. I do not get the fake nails i use my natural nails. The next thing I want to do is to get eyelash extensions. Should I get them permanently or go back and do the refills. Im 40 years old and i started wearing women’s clothing at the age of 7. I used to get my sister’s mothers aunts clothing and put them on. Actually step mothers and step sisters clothing sorry. They used to dressed me up in their clothing. My transgender woman’s name is Whitney Nicole. Please give me your feedback
I also get my eyebrows wax at the nail salon i go to
Hi Lucille,
I appreciate your wealth of advice regarding make up. It’s an ongoing challenge for sure.
I wanted to comment on something simple that worked for me regarding eyebrows. About 2 years ago I started to go to a nails and waxing salon and asked them to thin out my brow. After a few visits I aske the one of the girls at the salon to shape them. After a few more visits I told them to shape them to look more feminine. I go every 2 to 3 weeks and the cost is only $5, ($8 with tip). No one will notice the gradual change over several months.
At this point all you need is a brow pencil to draw and color your desired look.
Jamie
Hi Lucille honey Goodness Girlfriend where is everyone guess I’m the only one in the closet again today well I just want to thank You again honey I’m feeling so feminine anymore my breasts are really filling out I just can’t believe it almost seems like a dream at times I always knew this was my true self Goodness I Love You Lucille Sweetheart I Love the woman I’m fially becoming I never knew it would feel so wonderful it’s amazing to me honey I’m still having trouble accepting myself at times I still need so much work but I’m sure looking better daily Love MJ
Hi Lucille honey Girlfriend I really try to stay away from the drag queen look it’s one reason I don’t do my shadow it always looks drag Queenie so I skip it sometimes I’ll go with a brown shadow but mostly none I need help here I watched Chris on my program but it still frustrates me I need new shades all I have is ancient Greek or something Lol&loL I’m getting better at the rest I saw oh how I Love the fiber mascara sweetie it really brings out my feminine side hehehe Lol&loL I just need to stay this way I Love being myself as much as possible for now it’s most of the time but not always well except for wearing my panties that’s always now and needing my bras more and more as I fill out I think I’m a Bcup now could be a little fuller but getting there goodness I Love my breasts more than anything else wow that’s just so fulfilling for me I Love You Lucille Sweetheart I’m so grateful beyond words Honey and all my sister’s out there too Love MJ
Hi Lucille honey Girlfriend oh I Love that fiber mascara sweetie I can’t wait to try it again Goodness I think it makes a big difference wow I like oh it feels so good being myself I just can’t get enough of it at all your tips are so perfect for me everything I try works so well I feel so natural so feminine I hope I get to go to a salon someday or a spa whew would that be nice to get pampered and be as feminine as I can I can’t even imagine it really even with your hypnosis sessions about the closest I’ll get to it I think I’m gonna get in the shower now and be myself as usual now I Love You Lucille Sweetheart You brought to Life honey I think we all look amazing with Lucille’s help I know I do Love You all Love MJ or Maria
Hi Lucille – another great article for us women. I can only agree that practice is the best way to go and if you can add practical lessons from a beautician you are on the way. The beautician I see says that “less is more” and the minimal application of a good foundation is the best way to start. Thanks again, Christine.
Hi Lucille
I am really pleased to have found this website. Everyone’s story is a bit like mine. I wish I was able to be femme 24/7 so that I can feel natural and right all the time. I have felt this way for over 40 years. I like the tips on what to wear and why. Especially shapewear. It’s very hard to buy a dress that fits on mail order. Ideas on that would be useful. My shape is a male shape and so a skirt and blouse is what I wear usually. I just yearn to wear a dress that fits me and is flattering. Ladies shoes in my size, mens size 9 are also hard to get. They look big and clumpy. All that I wish is that I had the chance to be made up professionally as I look at the pictures here and feel quite envious. You look so good. I live in New Zealand so that is not so easy. Keep up the good work. Love to everyone, Belinda xx