Itching :[

[CelestaT]

How do you all deal with skin irritation with the massive amount of makeup needed to cover up a facial-hair shadow?

[Jeneva]

Laser/Electrolysis - 

I only have ever used a "normal" amount of liquid foundation with a touch of powder in the worst places and I have fairly light skin with dark hair.  Maybe you can experiment with other brands?  The only time I really have problems is a day or two after laser when I have tiny swollen circles around each hair.

[Steffi]

You may also be having an allergic reaction to your particular foundation - it is not at all uncommon even among cis-women, that is why there are anti-allergenic products.
You could also try a soothing barrier cream as an undercoat.

One clue to a bad reaction is pore size.  Examine the size of your pores carefully - if they appear to open up and look larger when you put your foundation on then that is definitely not right.  Also itchiness is a bad sign even if only slight.

[Re: Joyce]

You are probably getting an allergic reaction, I agree.

       You shouldn't need or want to wear heavy makeup.  Foundation makeup is the most important of all.   That's why they call it foundation.   

       Call a nice dept store that sells Estee Lauder cosmetics.   Tell them on the phone that you are transgender, you're under medical care and you are beginning your transition.  Tell them you would like to buy some foundation and ask them if they'd be willing to help you.  Tell them if they are in any way offended, you'll be happy to go away and try another store.

        I'm certain that you won't have to call too many places before you get a very sympathetic ear and someone with expertise in makeup who is very willing to help you.

        You want to buy Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation.   It will cover virtually anything on your face, it will literally wear all day long and you'll look terrific.   It costs about $50 a bottle, but it lasts forever.

        The single most important thing about foundation is to match it to your own skin tone.  If it matches, you can't tell you're wearing it.   You can buy cheap stuff all day long and end up spending a lot more than just getting it right once.

         I ride a bicycle in the Summer and I've had sweat running down my face, where it was difficult to see and when I was done, my Double Wear was still there.   I just went swimming and it survived nicely.

        Not too long ago, I was at the cosmetics counter and the lady asked me if I was wearing foundation makeup.  Then she said, "oh, no, you're not wearing it today.....   are you?"     Yes, I was and I was blown away by how good it is.

        Walgreen's drug store sells makeup remover wipes in packs of 25 that will take it right off at the end of the day.

         My points are simple--it's not against the law to shop for, and buy, cosmetics.   Many of these women professionals will love to help you.   Calling ahead will help you set up an appointment, so the fear can be reduced.   The only way to get good foundation is to have a pro match it up for you.

         You may need to also buy a concealer if your beard is super heavy.   

          We want to hear your success story.

[spacial]

The suggestion of an alergic reaction is almost certainly hitting this nail squarely, another point occurs, the nutrition of your skin.

Firstly, I have to qualify myself here. I won't claim to be any sort of skin expert. I have used observations of skin in diagnosis though.

Skin can be in poor health for a number of reasons, sunlight, especially those with pale colouring, worry, lack of sleep and diet.

I really hope you will look at your brands first.

Most of these are fairly obvious. But nutrition, if your diet is generally good, might be helped with a short course of multi vitimins, bought from a reputable outlet, which should have experts to advise you. No decent advice, then go somewhere else!

Do be careful with these though. They can have benefits but taking too much, is always a really bad idea.

[Tazia of the Omineca]

I can'y say I have ever had this problem, listen to some of the other girls. :U

[lilacwoman]

I'm able to take 45 minutes swimming lessons in ordinary foundation..probly the only glamour babe in the pool (pretty in pink swimsuit among all the drabs is good)
good shave about half an hour before making up to allow skin to settle down, light nourishing cream, then just enough foundation to cover the darkness and then light powdering.