Reducing/removing beard shadow

[Jora]

Hi,

I'm an androgyne and therefore want to be some sort of half-crossdresser. I have no intention to pass, but I want to add a noticable feminine touch to my appearance, with which you here should probably be able to help.

My biggest problem (besides my strong eyebrows, but that's for some other time) is that I have quite strong hair growth and when I shave in the morning, I would have to do again in the evening and even after that, I still have a noticable beard shadow.
My father was always a beard-wearer, so I have no experience with wet shaving whatsoever (I heard it's better?).

Have you any hints or advice how I could at least reduce or even remove a beard shadow? As I'm interested mostly in solutions for everyday use, less effort comes before greater efficiency. But I'd be glad to hear of more complicated methods for special occasions, too.

[Kate]

Dermablend.

It's a coverup makeup found in nicer (aka more expensive) drug stores, etc. It's meant for covering burns, scars and tattoos. Not very comfortable to wear, but it works well.

~Kate~

[Just Mandy]

What Kate said   You can also use a product by Mac Cosmetics called a "Paint Stick" in
the color orange. The color orange somehow hides the dark hair better. It's a Pro
product so you cannot buy it from the Mac counter, you have to find a professional
makeup artist to get it.

http://www.macpro.com/templates/products/sp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY15114&PRODUCT_ID=PROD3180

Mac also has a foundation called "Full Coverage" that is sold at the Mac counter (or online) that is lighter
than Dermablend and works almost as well. It feels and looks great. You can also try "Studio Tech" which is
about the same but photographs better. Both need to be matched to your skin tone and coloring.

Amanda

[Chrissty]

Hi Jora, I have used a number of products and methods to remove/reduce the appearance of beard shadow.

Firstly, without close shaving no cosmetic product will work very well....

In terms of shaving, we all have different levels of beard growth. I found that wet shaving was the best solutiion for me. The routine I developed was as follows with a twin or triple balde safety razor:-

1) Apply shaving cream and shave normally down your face with the hair growth
2) Wash off and scrub with a fine skin exfoliator (the anti-spot cleansing type with small beads is best). This prepares the skin and helps stop nicks and cuts.
3) You can either leave the exfiloator on, or re-apply shaving foam as you preffer 
3) Carefully (and I mean carefully), with short upward strokes, shave up the face against the hair growth with light downward pressure on the razor. Initially you may get some redness, but with practice this will go away and you can increase the downward pressure with care.

You will probably still have to shave twice a day but the the hair will have been cut clloser to the skin.


In terms of cosmetics....

I agree with Amanda that an orange/red colour can be good at disguising a dark shadow.

I also agree with Kate that a common solution is Dermablend, but I also it is very hard to wear for long periods. If you have a heavy dark stubble then this is probably the only product that will work as it is a thick theatrical style oil colour. However please note the following hints:

1) It is quite expensive and you may struggle to find the right colour for your skin
2) You need to by the Dermablend Fixing powder to go with the colour to fix it
3) If you have greasy skin it tends to make your skin sweat underneath
4) Invevest in a good make up remover, this stuff can really clog your pores and cause spots if not cleaned off properly

BUT.... If you have perfected the art of shaving closely, or have finer facial hair, there is a really great product in the "Rio" Brand called "Skin Camoflage". This retails at about £30/$60 and is a complete kit complete with instructional DVD.

The kit contains a set of colours to blend at home, brushes, pads and fixing powder. Because the kit has multiple colours (4) you can even contour the shape your face with the product. Dont worry if the tubes look small, the coverage is fantastic from only a small blob on your finger.

The result is half way between dermablend and a normal foundation, but it can be worn all day, and is resistant to water. The only thing you need to ensure is that you have a good make up remover, as it will resist soap and water (and clubbing ).  ..and no I don't work for Rio... See link....

http://www.riobeauty.com/index2.htm


Chrissty

[annajasmine]

You might want to one of these shaving creams "Noxzema Hair Minimizing shave gel with capislow" or "Aveeno active Naturals positively Smooth Shave Gel with natural soy" this give you a little more time(for me about 6 hours) between shaves. I think the Noxzema works better and longer. I know this probably won't help with the shadow but I thought it might help in some way.

Anna

[barbie]

Have you any hints or advice how I could at least reduce or even remove a beard shadow? As I'm interested mostly in solutions for everyday use, less effort comes before greater efficiency. But I'd be glad to hear of more complicated methods for special occasions, too.

My solution is using a home laser hair remover and tweezers together. As hair roots there are so deep, I think laser would not penetrate deep enough. It is time consuming but plucking with tweezers is one of my everyday jobs.

Barbie~~

[BeverlyAnn]

When using a razor before going out, it's best to use a blade that has been shaved with at least once.  This takes that really fine edge off and makes it less likely you will nick yourself.  Also I use a Venus Vibrance because the handle is bigger/easier to hold but use the green Mach 3 blades for the men's vibrating razor.  Finally, I shave in the shower to get the beard as soft as possible.

Beverly