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Make Up, What Do I Do?

Started by treebird, April 19, 2016, 08:40:54 PM

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treebird

Hey Lovelies

So I want to start getting good at make up, foundation, blusher, powder etc..to make my skin look nice :) However I have quite bad social anxiety so I don't feel comfortable enough going into a store to get advice. Also I'm really not social and feel threatened by friendships so going with a someone wouldn't help. I've been watching tutorials of people doing make up on youtube but it all so overwhelming, what product do I get? What's good for beginners? What's affordable and decent quality?

Any trans femmes got experience with this? What steps did you take? Do you have any good online resources I can look at for beginners that heaped you? I'm really stressed and keep putting it off day by day but I know it will really help me if I can start but i'm so overwhelmed. Help?? Any advice? I may sound really silly but i'm just so overwhelmed with the make up world and I don't know where to start!!!?????!!!
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Dena

The way I did it was my therapy group knew of a beauty store that was accepting. I made an appointment and they took me to the back of the store and went through the entire makeup procedure with me matching colors as they applied each item. When I was done, I wrote them a check for everything they used and added brushes and other tools I required. I shopped there for many years and they greeted me whenever I walked in the store. All you need to do is walk in the door and ask for help. If they don't accept you, turn around and walk out the door. I am sure that some shop would be happy to take your money.
Rebirth Date 1982 - PMs are welcome - Use [email]dena@susans.org[/email] or Discord if your unable to PM - Skype is available - My Transition
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cindianna_jones

treebird, these days, less is more. We used to use heavy foundations and all sorts of colors for cheeks, eyes, and contouring. Those who still do that draw much attention to themselves. Yes, that includes cis women. I'm not saying that you should not try. What I want to say is to start simple until you reach a point where you are comfortable with the way you look.

I haven't looked much at "the youtube videos" on the subject but I'd suspect they revolve around many expensive products. You don't need to spend a lot to look your best.

The first thing you need to do is figure out if you need a foundation. Foundation is a color that matches your skin and evens out the color on your face. Which one you choose (if you don't need it, don't use it) is up to you. Powders go on much more lightly especially when applied with a large brush. Cream and lotion types go on heavier and are more noticeable but do a better job at blending your skin tone. The wet types also can get all over your clothing and tend to make you sweat some (hence the need for facial powders to soak it up).

The word "makeup" is often used as an equivalence to foundation, so I'm not sure how much further to go with this, so I'll just end here and check back.

I'd suggest getting a cream and powder foundation to start with and see which suits you best.
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ToniB

Hi Treebird

I went to one of the larger branches of Boots here in the UK .and they have a scanner that helps select the best colours and shades for Your face .The assistant then went through the choices with Me and We picked out a selection of products that match and complimented each other and My skintone along with eye makeup .lipstick and other necessities .I was very pleased with what I got .I was made to feel very welcome and at home while they where dealing with Me .I was in quite androgenous clothing when I went in but was immediately identified as female after I left the shop that was a real boost I must say.
The girl inside is just as important expecially to Yourself :)
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treebird

@ToniB Hey love, Yeah i'm uk based and have been considering going to a store like boots to get help. However my anxiety, mental health is pretty bad. Hopefully in the future I'll be able to build up the confidence to go and get some help with make up.
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DawnOday

As with Basketball, practice makes you...Michael Jordan.
There is make-up for you. When you want to look your best Riri, before a selfie. This is your home look and is for you to enjoy. Then there is the I'm going shopping look. Not so flashy, not so bright. You cannot dress like the Kardashians and not expect closer inspection. Beside not everyone wants to be a drag queen, Please stop the letters, I have nothing against drag queens, but they are performers so they wear exaggerated make-up for the stage . If you think you have put on too much. You've put on too much. Night time looks for going clubbing is not the same as your daytime look or the look you wear for church. Subtle is what you are looking fo. Ever see the ladies in the Ralph Lauren commercials.  Timeless and classic. Save your RiRi look for home.
Dawn Oday

It just feels right   :icon_hug: :icon_hug: :icon_kiss: :icon_kiss: :icon_kiss:

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First indication I was different- 1956 kindergarten
First crossdress - Asked mother to dress me in sisters costumes  Age 7
First revelation - 1982 to my present wife
First time telling the truth in therapy June 15, 2016
Start HRT Aug 2016
First public appearance 5/15/17



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JoanneB

If you are a member of any sort of "Support" group, they are the best place to start.

If you are total loner like I was in my younger days, then .... Hate to say it, suck it up and just go out and buy 1 item you need. Most likely it won't be right for you. So welcome to the club! Women spend tons on makeup and clothes that "just isn't right..."

Once you realize the Earth did not open and swallow you up, nor a lightning bolt from the Heavens turn you into a charcoal cinder, you will probably try again. Choosing a bit more wisely. Perhaps even picking up a second item that will likely....

Such is the cycle of life
.          (Pile Driver)  
                    |
                    |
                    ^
(ROCK) ---> ME <--- (HARD PLACE)
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treebird

I went into boots yesterday and got some foundation as bb cream makes my face quite shiny so the foundation will take the shin off. :) It was a nice experience and the lady working there was super friendly and helpful :) Was a good experience. x
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Megan.

I used to be nervous about going into stores for makeup, but now I realise they just want my money, and they've always been very friendly and helpful. I also got scanned at boots for a foundation match, as this still seems like a dark art to me!
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treebird

Quote from: meganjames2 on April 23, 2016, 08:55:15 AM
I used to be nervous about going into stores for makeup, but now I realise they just want my money, and they've always been very friendly and helpful. I also got scanned at boots for a foundation match, as this still seems like a dark art to me!

:)
When I went in I said that I used light BB cream and she recommended this foundation for me. I haven't tried it yet but hope it's suitable for my skin complexion. I'm sure it is though :) By scanned what do you mean? What's does it involve?
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Megan.

The scanning involves a small hand held device, it analyses your skin tone (a few seconds & pain free), they can then tell you the best match foundation from the Boots no. 7 range. It's called their Match Made service. They also then have guides for lipstick and (possibly other) makeup that will go with that foundation. Given the bewildering choice, it gave me a ready start for a basic makeup set.
If you want to change brands the www.findation.com site matches across several brands.
Have fun!
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Feminator

Try Garniers Ultra lift skin enhancer. It goes on white and turns to match your skin color exactly. You can get this online or at Walmart, CVS or Walgreens. For Coverup I would use Amazing Cosmetics brand, you can get online at either ULTA or Sephora. It goes on easy and covers up under eye circles, acne scars, and I would imagine even bead shadow without looking to noticable. Skip the powder. The look these days is soft, dewy skin. 'Strobing' is what is in also, it is the act of putting hilighter on your face to draw attention to some features.  1)tops of cheeks and eyelids. 2) bridge of nose and 3)edges of mouth. I use Benefits High Beam liquid, for me, but their Watts Up! works for really fair or very dark skin. I would use a lip stain or stain gloss for my mouth, it is more natural. Stay away from the mat shades. Pretty much any mascara is good, if your lashes are thin use a volumizer formula, and if they are short, use a lengthening one. Also, get an eyelash curler to use before you use the mascara. Eye shadow.....if you are blond, use taupe, pinks and lighter colors. Brunette can get away with browns, grays and darker ones. Red heads, my youngest is one.....I got her taupe as well and copper shades. Eyeliner, don't do the black unless you want to do a cat eye look. Match your lash color., or a bit lighter. Its for making the base of your lashes look thick and for showing off the shape of your eyes. Liquid is the hardest to apply well, followed by Gel and the easiest is pencil. Start with pencil or even use the dark powder eye shadow color. Use a small brush that is wet and dip it into the powder and trace your lashes. You can also trace it on dry. You can get many cosmetics online easily so the above stuff can be gotten without going to the store. 

You can look  up good tutorials on You Tube as well, they explain a lot there. But again, practice makes perfect. I hope this helps a bit.
Do one good thing every day.
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ToniB

Hi treebird I am so glad my advice helped You You will only get the Colour match service at the larger branches of Boots but as meganjames2 said it does help to be shown the other things like lipstick, eyeliner , mascara etc that compliment your foundation it really helps narrow down your choices .Lady I saw gave me a makeover with the recommended items and that was enough for Me I bought the full set LOL and am still using them all today .even if you go in drab they can still do the makeover for You but just ask them to remove it afterwards that is what I had to do as I was with the Wife at the time and had just escaped for 10 mins LOL .I am on the South Coast in Portsmouth if You are in the surrounding Area maybe We could arrange a Meeting Yours Truly Toni B
The girl inside is just as important expecially to Yourself :)
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Fresas con Nata

Quote from: meganjames2 on April 24, 2016, 02:30:10 PM
It's called their Match Made service. [...] If you want to change brands the www.findation.com site matches across several brands.

Thanks for this! As I'm less and less fearful of shopping women clothing or make-up while in guymode, I think I'll be trying this Match Made service very soon, as in, maybe today :). I see that the service is available in the Boots shop at London Liverpool St Station and in the other very near one at Bishopsgate. I'm not missing this!
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Megan.

The Liverpool Street boots has a much bigger beauty section, it's the better of the two, although busier too.
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Rebecca

In all honesty I'd told myself I'm going to leave make up until the end but after reading about your experience in Boots I think it sounds like lots of fun so I'm in.

Depending on how they get on I just might change my mind for make up timing.

Thank you for posting about it.
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treebird

@Jerrica :) Hope it goes well for you. x
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gymrat93

Quote from: treebird on April 19, 2016, 08:40:54 PM
Hey Lovelies

So I want to start getting good at make up, foundation, blusher, powder etc..to make my skin look nice :) However I have quite bad social anxiety so I don't feel comfortable enough going into a store to get advice. Also I'm really not social and feel threatened by friendships so going with a someone wouldn't help. I've been watching tutorials of people doing make up on youtube but it all so overwhelming, what product do I get? What's good for beginners? What's affordable and decent quality?

Any trans femmes got experience with this? What steps did you take? Do you have any good online resources I can look at for beginners that heaped you? I'm really stressed and keep putting it off day by day but I know it will really help me if I can start but i'm so overwhelmed. Help?? Any advice? I may sound really silly but i'm just so overwhelmed with the make up world and I don't know where to start!!!?????!!!
I didn't get to use makeup on myself until 8 months because I lived among a bunch of college guys lol. Once I did get to learn makeup, though, I started off really light by wearing only foundation all the time. Later, I learned that concealer and eyeliner are good things to add too, and that's honestly where I'd start: concealer, foundation, and eyeliner. Brands don't really matter; it´s how you apply it. :)
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Fresas con Nata

Quote from: meganjames2 on April 25, 2016, 11:30:38 AM
The Liverpool Street boots has a much bigger beauty section, it's the better of the two, although busier too.

And in Bishopsgate the clerk that is responsible of that area leaves early—he/she's not there at 17:45.

In Liverpool St Stn I had a better experience, but not being a native English speaker has its drawbacks, I didn't understand all she told me and my general impression is pretty much meh. I want to go back but I'm embarrased to tell her "sorry can you repeat?" :)
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