Makeup? Fashion? Where do I start?

[justarandomname2]

When I present female, I don't wear any make up other than falsies and lip gloss and just dress in a plain shirt,  skinny jeans, and sneakers.  I have no idea how else to dress, I have like almost no fashion sense and the amount of fashion advice is insane.

I'm lucky enough to pass without makeup but I want actually be able use the stuff to enhance my look.  Only thing is, the  few times I've tried it, I actually ended up looking ridiculous and just wiped everything off. Maybe I just can't pull off using make up, I don't know.  I've seen so many videos on youtube and many of them are too over the top for me.  Some are decent but I feel like my face is so different from many of those make up gurus. Any sites or videos that teach beginner make up tutorials for a soft and natural look? I remember someone telling me a long time ago that the secret to make is to look like you aren't wearing any.

Also, fashion other than skinny jeans? I'm in my late 30's so I would like to dress in age appropriate stuff. 

[steph2.0]

That's a lot to cover! Considering I'm almost 60, I keep things simple. I'm developing my own style with clothes, and use minimal makeup. As you say, the youtube videos go way over the top with contouring, etc. I leave that to the younger crowd.

With clothes I have a few simple rules, due to my inverted triangle shape (wide shoulders, narrow hips). First, no spaghetti straps. Go for a scoop next or v-neck on the tops. While it's not extremely important, I try to go with dark colors on top and light colors on the bottom. If I have a narrow top, I go with a wide bottom (pleats, fuller cuts). With narrow bottoms (skinny jeans, etc.) I go with flared tops. With dresses, fit and flare or form-fit top and gathered skirt work best.

For makeup, I also go simple and easy. I start with the lip color. Then the eyebrows, coloring them in lightly, then using a clean brush from old mascara to brush them out and distribute the color evenly. Then a very light line of eyeliner, on the outside half of the lower lid only. Then mascara on the upper lashes, and maybe touch the lower lashes a little. Then a very light wipe with foundation to hide beard shadow or other imperfections. Some matte powder to set everything. Very light blush on the apples of my cheeks. Then a quick wipe over my skin with a tissue to remove excess powder and finish blending everything. I've been complimented that it looks natural while doing a little enhancement. That's good enough for me. I can get it all done in five minutes. I spend more time on my hair than I do on makeup.

If you're passing already, that may work for you if you just want some subtle enhancement.

Stephanie

[justarandomname2]

wow, thank you so much!

Yeah, I can definitely see the no spaghetti straps thing, I think you really need to have a long neck and slim shoulders for it.  I do like the idea of scoop necks and tops, and I totally love the idea of dark colors, I usually only wear dark colors myself.

Do you like skirts and dresses?  I personally am not a fan, I feel like my body doesn't work well with it since I'm built like a 2x4 with arms. What styles do you usually wear, buy, etc?

Wow, lol, that does sound like quite a bit of work for make up, I guess I hate the hassle of it.  How long does it usually take for you to get ready with makeup and hair?  I would like to enhance the look a bit but I'm not sure what to start with or buy.  I would hate to buy the wrong stuff. 

I'm not sure how to contour the cheeks, maybe do more with my eyes, things like that. What would you recommend? I'm really an amateur with this stuff and I feel like my lack of make up skills is one of the reasons I would rather go out in guy mode.

[Shy]

With makeup I'm definitely a less is more girl. My routine is almost identical to Steph's, I mostly want to blend in more than stand out. Fore evening wear I'll add some eye shadow to the list, but always subtle and matt.
For clothes I just have an assortment of leggings, skirts, jeans and tops and tend to go for neutral, natural materials preferring accessories to add a splash of colour. I see the clothing as a canvas and the accessories as my creative palette.
The important thing is that you are comfortable in your choices. Some days I can be more adventurous other days I prefer something neutral and subdued. My mood varies daily and it tend to reflect in the way I present.

Peace and love and all that good stuff,

Sadie

[vickijonesuk]

Hi Sadie,

I can't see where you're based (probably due to my incompetence!) but for make up go to your local MAC counter and ask for a make up masterclass - they gave me mine for free (2 hours with the head make up artist) and MAC are incredibly trans friendly.

If you don't fancy that most self employed make up artists will be more than happy to help and its really time well spent

[MicheleAdams]

I've had good luck with Sephora l, but it's not quite a MAC class. It's no extra charge if you'll be buying a certain amount of their stuff. 

In general, emphasize the best (your picture shows you have good natural instincts with your face) and deemphasize the not as good. A hair clip for me adds, but loud nail polish draws attention to my oversized hands (not only am I trans, but I have a syndrome that includes big hands). Google out you good stuff

[MicheleAdams]

Figure out.... I just love spell check.

[MicheleAdams]

Google out you good stuff

Make that Figure out.... I love spell check lol.

[Harley Quinn]

Oooo! I love this stuff!  Lets start with the most important step. 

1.  What would make you feel comfortable.  Some girls like low key, some fun and playful, others like flashy, and a for others skin is in.  There is also any combination of the above.  For me, I like to leave a bit to the imagaination.  So my clothes are more full coverage.

2.  Find an era that you adore.  For a lot of girls, modern fashions are the go to.  For some it's goth, rock, punk, teen, bohemian, or retro.  I personally love everything about the post WWII era.  Simple and sexy, leaving a bit to the imagination while presenting a very polished appearance.  Granted it will grab attention, but you can take a slightly more modern approach by ditching a crinoline, or leaving out a few of the accessories and it can easily become low key.

3.  Body type.  Pick your favorite feature and accentuate it.  There's no easy way to explain what you need to do.  The best way is to try it on and look in the mirror.  If you love it... own it.  If its just ok, then leave it for another day.  If you hate it, then you know what doesn't work for you and you move on.

4.  Accessorize.  Take the clothes that you like with you when shopping accessories.  The ladies at the store will be able to help you match things up.  Although bags in stores is somewhat frowned upon, many of the ladies that work there will understand and know that it's required to have the clothes present to properly complete the outfit.

That's all you really need to do, in a nutshell.

Makeup Makeup gets a little more intense, but there are plenty of aestheticians that can knock out a look for you with no effort.  It's best to have your daily wear closet figured out and be wearing an common look from your closet when you go to see them.  They'll see exactly what you are going for.  Sephora is a great starting place for help with makeup because they carry a large variety of cosmetic lines and can mix and match to make it work for you.  That will build your base for what works.  Then the fun of trying new things to see if anything works better can begin, but only after you have your basic go to's.

I have found no replacement for professional help.  Many women have had 20-30 years to evolve and perfect their style.  Most trans women are really behind the power curve in that respect.  Specialists are handy for accelerating the process.

So what is your fashion goal?  What looks excite you?