Susan's Place Transgender Resources

okay. so im super pale but in that red faced way. and i feel like its going to be incredibly difficult to get the hang of makeup. and i dont have any experience except with eye makeup and lipstick and i need advice on buying and applying makeup. how do you know what colors work how many different layers do women typically wear. for that matter what layers are there


i just want to make my face look softer and prettier and cover up the color from my beard. how do you do these things. i can pick eye shadow colors. but combining them with foundation and blush and whatever else. im overwhelmed. what do i do.

Two words baby! "Girls Magazines". Sounds too simple, but they are a compendium on the subject. Experimentation is the second solution. You can't help but feel female sitting in front of a vanity mirror and applying and correcting for hours.  :) You will figure out your needs soon enough. The biggest lesson I learned was moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! That, and plenty of water!  :) Good luck.

but what about brands and shades and all that. trial and error? how do you look at a product and go thats it.

i mean. i can tell someone that im buying the cosmo and glamour magazines for  someone else and pull it off. but its a lot harder for makeup to pull off if youre buying a lot.

the one time i did the girl at the register goes 'gettin all prettied up tonight?' and i wasnt in a great mood so i said in a monotone not tonight no. i really dont think she had any idea if i was joking : p

point being. is it really as simple as a cosmo magazine and a vanity mirror?

nonameyet,

I called around and then went to a beauty parlor that would apply make-up.  It was $45.00 plus tip and three hours.  When we were done, I had a list of types, shades and other things to buy.  They also showed me how to apply it and then let me practice, correcting me as needed.  We tried all sorts of color combinations.  There were three women involved, two of whom only gave opinions. 

Worked for me.....

Hugs,

Jen

that actually sounds like a lot of fun. thanks.

im gonna have to try that.

45 is probably less than id spend on trial and error and i can get tips and such from cosmo and whatnot once i actually know whats supposed to be happening.

also @ jessica i get what you mean. theres a definite sense of girlyness in front of a mirror.

for me my SO is helping me find the right shades and how to apply the make up right. and when she cant, its my best friend, gurl she's a make-up goddess lol.

Quote from: Jessica Merriman on December 26, 2013, 10:20:56 PM
Two words baby! "Girls Magazines". Sounds too simple, but they are a compendium on the subject. Experimentation is the second solution. You can't help but feel female sitting in front of a vanity mirror and applying and correcting for hours.  :) You will figure out your needs soon enough. The biggest lesson I learned was moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! That, and plenty of water!  :) Good luck.

also Youtube is a fantastic resource for makeup tutorials. so many beauty gurus @ 3 @

Girls magazines are a good source, even the professional is a good idea.


My roommate taught me about makeup, she showed me how to apply it.

The first thing i learnt was women wear more makeup at night than during the day.

I don't really wear that much makeup, but I do wear it most days. I only really do my eyes (eye liner, eye shadow and mascara) and I wear lipstick.  Darker colors are better at night and lighter colors for the day. 

Start with cheap stuff to figure out what works and what doesn't, then buy some nice stuff.

The internet is your friend. I bought lots of stuff from amazon. Though I generally do not give a damn about buying stuff in shops nowadays. Who I am buying stuff for is no business of the cashier and if they give me trouble I will give them trouble with their managers.

I found some great books at the library, including one by someone named Bobbi Brown. My library carries books on makeup, fashion, and hair. They've been very helpful, albeit a bit overwhelming. We have self-checkout here in the Lou so no awkward moments :).

I also know some Mary Kay professionals are trained as consultants. Maybe you have a friend you are out to who does that or knows someone who does?

Quote from: Seras on December 27, 2013, 06:55:49 AM
Start with cheap stuff to figure out what works and what doesn't, then buy some nice stuff.

The internet is your friend. I bought lots of stuff from amazon. Though I generally do not give a damn about buying stuff in shops nowadays. Who I am buying stuff for is no business of the cashier and if they give me trouble I will give them trouble with their managers.

Check out Serena Lynn's videos on makeup.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KngKgqX7PaI   
She's here on Susan's, and when I was trying to figure out what to do last year she gave me the link.  I quickly picked up basics from her then toned it down because I'm old, and at my age less makeup is needed because age made me a little androgynous.

Anyway, buy cheap makeup at Wamart, and once you're comfortable with it get something more expensive.  I moved on to more expensive stuff, then went back since the cheap makeup was almost as good for my needs.  However, cheap means less variety, and it doesn't last as long.   

And if your worried you'll draw attention in a big department store stop into a chain drugstore that has a cosmetics girl.  They're usually very polite and help without questions.  When I told a Walgreen's girl I was trans and I needed help, and she almost couldn't stop giving me advice.  It shocked the hell out of me how helpful the girls there have been since then.  But Walmart is still my first choice for inexpensive makeup.

You said you have a red complexion? Go to the Bobbi Brown counter(Or any brand really) and ask the girl to find your shade. Tell her its because you hate the red and want to even it out. Try for tinted moistorizer or really light foundation. If need be get a cover stick for nose/cheeks. Some make green/yellow tinted bases to help with the red. The other option is to guess and buy from the drug store/online.

I think less is more with make up. For every day, some tinted moisterizer, lip gloss, and a little eye make up.

Fair skin comes with challenges.. pick through it on the internet. MAC has a great foundation... Studio Sculpt I use NW15... Which is, I've found the lightest shade for that particular line. It still seems a tad dark for me. MAC has really nice coverage and is useful in cutting out any shadow on the face. It doesnt work entirely, but its the best one I've had yet.

For redness, NYX makes a nice Primer, Called Photo loving primer.. It has a green undertone to it, and after foundation is applied, it really chills out any redness appearing in the skin.
If you're light skinned get a few pinkish blushes from them too.. and one in Taupe which I've somewhat succesfully used for contouring (I dont wear makeup daily) Im also a huge fan of their studio eye liner. It goes on really dramatically for me.

And if you're sensitive skinned.. which fair skinned people are.. I reallllllly wouldnt use any tinted moisturizer.. I have had.. awful, awful, awful, awful breakouts in reaction to trying them.

I kind of want to keep an eye on this thread as well.  To me, without starting hormone surgery yet, getting feminine clothing and makeup is not a high priority.  Yet I still wanted to kind of start, to at least get into practice, or see what it would be like.

But I was feeling very overwhelmed every time I strayed into the makeup aisle- it's a tendency, when provided with a lot of unfamiliar choices, to balk and not make any decisions.  I don't know the first thing about makeup, or what the various names for everything are, the benefits or one over the other, what color to use, it's maddening!

But just today I looked at the local Welcoming Project website for beauty salons or so on that were LGBT friendly, and found an Avon store listed.  So I went in there, and said basically, "Good afternoon, um, this is probably the weirdest thing you're going to get today, but I'm a transgender person and I was looking for some help with makeup."  While she didn't give me a full-on makeover, she was very nice and helpful, and gave me a sizable amount of free samples to play with and suggested the Youtube makeup tutorials.  So, I still don't know what's in all the little packets, or how to use them other than some basic steps, but it's a start. :)

Sephora has a great deal of how to on their website.

So, basically, there's a lot of information out there in books, online, and in magazines. There are cosmetologists who are trained in this kind of thing that you can go to (Ulta does free evaluations and consultations in store) and they're a nice help for those who need it.

Ultimately, you need to at least know a little about color before going out and playing but, really, the only thing that will serve you well is *practice* and lots of it. Your first few attempts will take forever and generally look like hell but really look at other girls out in the world who are around your age range and see what they're wearing. I'd recommend that you try emulation before innovation (mimic current trends before trying stuff yourself) and take your face into account.

If you're on HRT, things will go a lot easier as estrogenized skin has a translucency that can't be emulated with any amount of cosmetics.

General tips:

• The moisturize/water thing? Yeah, that.
• LESS IS MORE
• Choose a tone that has complimentary coloration (you're red faced so choose the 'warm' powders/concealers/foundations.
• Be careful with eye shadows, generally they're a problem for a masculinized face due to the lower brow.
• No, seriously. Less is more.
• Day to day best friend combo: Eyeliner, mascara, translucent powder.
• The sooner you can start electro/laser, the better. Beard shadows and the indentations that the hairs leave are the #1 giveaway and also just can't be completely removed with cosmetics.
• Use blush only at night and even then only sparingly.
• Have fun with it at home but, again, less is more out in the world.

My final bit of advice is twofold: First, get a friend who you trust, knows your secret, and has good taste and have her* look at you every time you can talk her into it. She'll call you down for looking silly and that's worth her weight in gold. Second, practice every day. HRT will change your face. Electro/Laser will change your face. You'll want the practice at getting in and out of makeup because speed is key if you want to have a life. Everyone here who wears the stuff went through an "OMG THIS TAKES FOREVER" phase but most girls can get their face on in about five minutes after practice.

*Sorry, gay boys are great for glam as a rule but generally like a bit more over the top looks than is likely to be what you're looking for.

P.S. - Regarding the facial hair: try to look past it until you can get it gone. You'll still want the practice but I remember that it can be very disheartening when all you see is the marks where the hair comes in. It'll go away in time and, provided that you keep your face healthy, your skin will look smooth and flawless with maintenance and care.

P.P.S. - In case you missed it earlier: Less = More

Hhhhm it actually took me years to be able to do a decent make up...literally  :-\

youtube videos helped a lot and practise of course , it was and still is really hard for a person like me whose hands arent really that steady when it comes to detailed work like this....

It takes me like,,,10-20 min  used to take more ...

@Victoria
very useful post I agree that less is more , though I do have to use a lot  of foundation because of beard shadow  :(
so it cant be helped for now, cant wait for laser...
also for some reason I never use blush ... I dunno maybe it doesnt suits me,,,

If you're nervous of people staring, you probably should avoid open makeup sections at stores like Macy's. Go to an enclosed makeup store like sephora. Sometimes you just have to jump out of your comfort bubble every once and a while and take a leap of faith. I passed the store front like 20 times, but finally went in and choked out what I was looking for. The ladies inside were so awesome, they understood and referred me to a cosmetic technician. She was so nice and made it really fun, I felt like one of the girls. She explained everything in detail as well as how to apply. They have this electronic device that checks your skin tone and matches different brands foundations and concealers, then ranks them by price. Defiantly a shining experience getting a makeover in a store for the first time. I did get a few stares from other customers but they were all smiles and nods of approval, which surprisingly was such a calm feeling of wellbeing that I can't describe. They clean it off after so no risk of having to walk out into a crowded mall afterwards with makeup on your face, unless you want to of course. Pamper yourself, you'll be glad you did.

I had a few of my cis-female friends teach me about makeup before full time, and I still remember much of what they taught me.  As for how much women usually wear, that depends on the woman.  My friends all wear varying amounts, based on what works for them.  The best advice I can give is to find a makeup style that works for you - so if you don't like mascara, don't wear mascara.

Also, just in case the above post didn't hammer in the idea enough: less is more

practice, prctice, PRACTICE. That's the only way and makeup is expensive, more then 45 for the works. Much more. But honestly if you are having trouble purchasing female items, you better get used to it. If you transition, thaats all it will be. And unless ur lucky you won't pass for a bit. How are you going to trnsition if you can't tell people ur trans. Ur going to have to.

Just a small update, I just finished playing with the makeup samples I got from the Avon place (still sitting and typing here with the last combination on. :3)  Even though I don't really know the first thing other than one or two videos, especially about colors, I found that it was really easy to find what I liked or what worked on me.  So, basically, once you get some materials to work with, just go to town like a kid at her mom's makeup table, and you will be able to find a good look for yourself!

Quote from: nonameyet on December 26, 2013, 10:12:43 PM
okay. so im super pale but in that red faced way. and i feel like its going to be incredibly difficult to get the hang of makeup. and i dont have any experience except with eye makeup and lipstick and i need advice on buying and applying makeup. how do you know what colors work how many different layers do women typically wear. for that matter what layers are there


i just want to make my face look softer and prettier and cover up the color from my beard. how do you do these things. i can pick eye shadow colors. but combining them with foundation and blush and whatever else. im overwhelmed. what do i do.

Hey, I'm pale too! As the ladies said above, do not wear too much or others will suspect what you're trying to hide. So, I only wear a thin layer of powered foundation (along with a primer because it smooths out your makeup and makes your face look softer), mascara, eyeliner, a hint of blush, and lip gloss. That's it! Here are some links to what I use. They're cheap and not toxic like those in Walmart. Hope this helps.

http://www.iherb.com/honeybee-gardens-pressed-mineral-powder-geisha-0-26-oz-7-5-g/35155#p=1&oos=1&disc=0&lc=en-us&w=geisha&rc=1&sr=null&ic=1?rcode=ali873

http://www.iherb.com/reviva-labs-hypoallergenic-mascara-superlash-black-25-oz/16626#p=1&oos=1&disc=0&lc=en-us&w=reviva%20mascara&rc=2&sr=null&ic=1?rcode=ali873

http://www.iherb.com/reviva-labs-makeup-primer-1-fl-oz-29-5-ml/16611#p=1&oos=1&disc=0&lc=en-us&w=reviva%20primer&rc=1&sr=null&ic=1?rcode=ali873

Quote from: noleen111 on December 27, 2013, 01:13:21 AM

The first thing i learnt was women wear more makeup at night than during the day.

I don't really wear that much makeup, but I do wear it most days. I only really do my eyes (eye liner, eye shadow and mascara) and I wear lipstick.  Darker colors are better at night and lighter colors for the day.

This!  And Victoria's post is very on point, too.

What always helped me when I was first starting out, was to remember that everyone is generally focused on themselves, so it's unlikely anyone is going to give you looks for being in a makeup section.  And for a while (and kinda still), I could only do eye makeup.  I learned this by grabbing a cheap L'oreal Smokey Eyeshadow kit, and just playing around with it, as well as some eyeliner.  It felt like a good learning tool, since the kit only has 3 shades, and they all work together.

Iif there's an Ulta or Sephora near you, think about going with a friend.  They might know what to ask, and I know my friend was able to help break the ice with the girls there.

Lastly, my friend got me hooked on Bare Minerals for foundation, Urban Decay for eyeshadow.  The colors are great, but they also apply easier.  Mineral foundations have the benefit of having a very natural texture when applied.  But the selling point she made is that makeup will have long-term effects on your face.  Its worthwhile to study why some foundations cost so much more than others.  Oh- and if you're grabbing eyeliner, consider one that rolls on, and not a pencil that pulls at the corners of your eyes, which can cause wrinkles after long-term use.

Hope this is helpful!

I prefer pencil liner as it glides on my lower lids waterline easily. Still can't do the top too well but who can? A lot of people just use a eyeshadow brush to apply liner to the top lid. I just let it go and use a nice thick mascara. When I was new at makeup my BF thought I looked scary, so just because you think you look good, doesn't make it so. But now he's like wow your makeup is so much better. Howd that happen. Practice! But how do others apply liner to the top lid. I could use liquid and it works but I'm not a fan of it. Who is? Lol

I wish I could use a lot less as I haven't had laser. I can't wit my makeup will be fab then.

Quote from: noleen111 on December 27, 2013, 01:13:21 AM
The first thing i learnt was women wear more makeup at night than during the day.

At night, I am too busy having dinner and drinking together with my friends and colleagues. Even I do not have time to wash out my makeup before sleeping. Sigh...

I think eye makeup is the essence.

barbie~~

O.M.G. Barbie you have to wash it offf. It takes a minute. Last night it took two mins to was my makeup off, moisturize, and apply retin-a. I used to use retin a all the time prehrt but it barely worked and made my flake. Now, wow, a little flaking but my skin is feeling softer and it's only been a week. It takes six months. By that time, if I get laser, I'll befinally be completely unpassasable....as a boy. I'm nearly there now.

but wash off ur makeup. I can't stress this enough. You will ruin your face, permanently. If you can't, I would only use bare minerals as a foundation. And even then.

Quote from: Joanna Dark on December 29, 2013, 10:08:54 AM
O.M.G. Barbie you have to wash it offf. It takes a minute. Last night it took two mins to was my makeup off, moisturize, and apply retin-a. I used to use retin a all the time prehrt but it barely worked and made my flake. Now, wow, a little flaking but my skin is feeling softer and it's only been a week. It takes six months. By that time, if I get laser, I'll befinally be completely unpassasable....as a boy. I'm nearly there now.

but wash off ur makeup. I can't stress this enough. You will ruin your face, permanently. If you can't, I would only use bare minerals as a foundation. And even then.

Yes. Joanna, I have a bunch of retina A products, but barely apply them at night... I will try to drink less and not to forget to apply retina A every night!

barbie~~

Do clean off your makeup at night though, for reals :)

First, Barbie your absolutely gorgeous! Please wash it off at night as you don't want to ruin that face!

As for me, being Native American I watch alot of You Tube videos by Princess Jules. She, being asian (like you Barbie) has a complexion and a small oval face like mine along with the long straight black hair (I really need to post a photo here I know) like mine her techniques and pointers have worked well for me. But there are other trans women on there with different complexions and face shapes. Do a little searching and find a girl that looks somewhat like you complexion and face shape wise and do a little watching. If you have the ability (as I have) download the videos that are of the most help to you.

In addition, I agree with the statement about Walgreens. I found the girls there very helpful in getting me started with a good foundation, eyeliner, etc. Since I have that reddish olive complexion with myself less is definately more. However I do have some scars from my accident in 91 I do my best to cover up that I haven't quite mastered yet on the left side of my face. I just gave myself a laser treatment today so at the moment I'm all naturale, lol! ;)

There's some great advice here in this thread. I plan to follow it myself.

Quote from: Allyda on December 29, 2013, 01:35:15 PM
As for me, being Native American I watch alot of You Tube videos by Princess Jules. She, being asian (like you Barbie) has a complexion and a small oval face like mine along with the long straight black hair (I really need to post a photo here I know) like mine her techniques and pointers have worked well for me. But there are other trans women on there with different complexions and face shapes. Do a little searching and find a girl that looks somewhat like you complexion and face shape wise and do a little watching. If you have the ability (as I have) download the videos that are of the most help to you.

Allyda,

Thanks! But I am too old to look gorgeous.
Yes. I saw several people with heritage of native American. They usually have black hair, but it was difficult to tell any track.

I look anyway exotic in my own country. Flight attendants of Korean and Japanese airlines usually assume I am a kind of foreigner from South America and Southeast Asia, speaking to me in English. Some Korean attendants even speak to me in Japanese. And, some people think I am a native American, especially when my face is completely tanned in summer. Thus, I look exotic in any country.

Men at their 40s or 50s here in S. Korea are very busy working and socializing, having little time for taking care of their appearance. But young Korean men tend to invest more time and money to their beauty, probably No. 1 in the world.

barbie~~