Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I am looking to start the learning process of wearing and applying makeup, unfortunately I am not sure where to begin...

I know the basics, which include lipstick/lipgloss, mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, blush, and foundation, but I know there is so much more and not sure if I should worry about anything else right now or just stick with the basics...

I am also wondering where would be the best place to get some alright quality makeup that is not extremely expensive as I am sure I will be wasting quite a bit why I learn. I currently still live with my parents, who know I am transgender but are still at the point where they don't see me as being it, or just don't want to... So wearing it around the house is not possible and would most likely be a "wear in private" kind of deal...

Also, has anyone had any experience with a Sephora Makeover, the one where if you spend $50 or more you get a free Custom Makeover? I have been real curious about that since I heard about it and just wonder what exactly it is like.

If anyone has any advice or tips, I would greatly appreciate it as this is completely new to me...

Lesson number one:  healthy skin.

Lesson number two:  balance.  Specifically, one errs most frequently by trying to do something with every feature simultaneously.  The result is garish eyes, cheeks, lips which only convinces the viewer that the person uses a ton of makeup, inelegantly.  Pick a feature--your best feature if you are able to discern what it is.  Play that up.  The rest stays low key in the background.

Incidentally, you shouldn't ever have to pay outright for a makeover.  Go to a professional counter.  I preferred MAC at the time, although I realize now that they cater to a more garish, arty look that doesn't suit me.  If you're trying on one or two things, you are no different from the next person in the chair.  If you get a full face done, you might want to purchase the more workable elements of that face.  Either way, you learn. 

By the way, buy brushes before you buy makeup.

My best feature would definitely be my bright blue eyes. So stick with just learning mascara/eyeliner/eyeshadow for now? I have also got quite long and thick lashes.

Quote from: MrTravisL on June 13, 2017, 11:03:58 AM

Also, has anyone had any experience with a Sephora Makeover, the one where if you spend $50 or more you get a free Custom Makeover? I have been real curious about that since I heard about it and just wonder what exactly it is like.

Been there done that.  My avatar photo is from right after. 

The $50 purchase can be a gift card.  They didn't make me pay up front and I'm sure that's because they will want you to buy all the products they use on you.  Be careful, their products are great but they are not cheap and it can add up fast. Remember  they are trying to sell you stuff also, pretty sure they work on commission.  If I had bought every thing they used it would have run me about $600.

  They will show you and with a full make over there is a lot stuff they do you probably won't remember everything. They also offer some 15 minute mini makeovers for eye and lip etc.

They were very helpful but unless you have a lot of money to spend, try to stick to the gift card or  like some one mentioned get a good set of brushes with the $50. 

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

I did the full session at Sephora, which went well over the 90 minute mark. Everyone was very helpful, and I got quite a few people to stop, and watch. I was a bit nervous at first, but it was a great experience in the end. Sadly I was so excited, I purchased way more than I planned. Final total was just over $400, and I could have easily spent more. I did end up with some great makeup, but I probably could have done with much less. One negative (besides the cost), there was way more than I can remember, and I have trouble with some of the steps. They were great in giving me drawings, but it's still a lot. My suggestion would be the shorter session, or take advantage of the 15 minute quick demos where they show you one thing, like eye shadow. Visit during off-hours, and you will get much more attention, since they are just waiting for their shift to be over.

Did a full session with MAC nearly 2 hours in the chair..in total male mode walked out with the best make up job I have ever had along with a large amount of cosmetics...they are high quality, look different on and go on to your skin differently,                                                                                                          than many of the cheaper brands. I haven't been able to wear that much makeup recently while I get this facial hair thing sorted but we are not long now till the majority of that is out of the way...I hate the hairy makeup look and feel, so just avoid it...that mean I don't get to wear that much.

I have started with trying to get the basics right.

Skin prep, Foundation, lippy, eyeliner and mascara...I use mainly these during the day for a more natural look. When I feel I have got this working for me which I am fairly confident I have become competent with then I will add another couple of elements. Eye colour/shadow is going to be the next think I work on as I have some lovely palettes I have been given to work with. Will most likely add some cheek blush as well. Today of course being the day after Electrolysis I won't be wearing any foundation and then tomorrow when I could I have another session so then its Sunday before I can wear any  but I am already 3 days into 5 days growth for Tuesdays session... so we start again...the last of these in the last week in July so not long to go.

Start with a couple of the basics and then practice until you are happy then add another product and so on and so on.

Hope that helps

PS Baby wipes are great and cheap for cleaning up your messes (including brushes as you go) not only on your face but in the area you are working.

Thank you gals for all the help! I think I am going to start off with my eyes for now, since I have always loved them. Now I must get some Makeup and brushes... Has anyone had any experience with Walmart makeup? I would prefer to get some from there as it is easy for me to get it there, 7:30 is dead in there and that is when the self-checkouts open, so I don't have to deal with anyone as I am full male, apart from the few people passing by, which I can handle. I think I am just going to start off with a simple nude eyeshadow pallet, liquid and pencil eyeliner, and some black and brown mascara to see what looks good on me. I actually already have an eyelash curler that I bought either on Amazon or Walmart that I love! So that's one less thing I need.

As for the Sephora/Mac makeover, thank you for all the stories and experiences with them! I would love to go get one done but feel that's still a ways away as I would be way to nervous walking in there right now!

Forgot to mention...check out some of the utube channels that deal with cheep makeup...I watched one the other day about foundation brought from Target for $4 and the girl using it was raving about how good it was compared to some of the really expensive brands...I was amazed at just how good some of this cheaper stuff was.

Quote from: MrTravisL on June 13, 2017, 05:55:08 PM
Thank you gals for all the help! I think I am going to start off with my eyes for now, since I have always loved them. Now I must get some Makeup and brushes... Has anyone had any experience with Walmart makeup? I would prefer to get some from there as it is easy for me to get it there, 7:30 is dead in there and that is when the self-checkouts open, so I don't have to deal with anyone as I am full male, apart from the few people passing by, which I can handle. I think I am just going to start off with a simple nude eyeshadow pallet, liquid and pencil eyeliner, and some black and brown mascara to see what looks good on me. I actually already have an eyelash curler that I bought either on Amazon or Walmart that I love! So that's one less thing I need.

As for the Sephora/Mac makeover, thank you for all the stories and experiences with them! I would love to go get one done but feel that's still a ways away as I would be way to nervous walking in there right now!

I used to think the same thing back in my 20's. I remember going to Palm Springs and needed to stop off for some makeup. I was scared. Then I realized, the clerk will never see me again. She knows nothing about me except I bought some mascara. I really don't give it much thought any more.  If you have light hair, go with the brown. I use it and my hair is gray. Also go easy on the brows. I know it is popular to over do them right now. Dang Kardashians. Same with the eyeliner. If you have brown hair and blue eyes it really makes them pop to use the brown. I have also found lining under the top lash line and into the lashes is preferable to putting a thick line above the lashes. But I admit I have old droopy eyes. As to the lower lid I suggest only lining between the edge of the pupil to the outside of the eye. My Walmart has separated the cosmetics from the rest of the store and you now have to checkout with the dept cashier.  One place that I have found easy to visit is Ulta. I was surprised last time I went in, there were actually more men than women shopping. Remember "eyes are the portal to the soul."  Go for subtle for 95% of the time.

I would love to try a makeover like Mac does but I'm afraid I would look stupid.I doubt the girls there have ever done a makeover on an albino. I absolutely love ulta . I can get lost in there. They have everything but they are kind of expensive. I've had good luck with buying makeup at Walmart. They have a good selection and they are reasonable. For special makeup try Kryolan. This guy I work with does drag sometimes and he has a dark heavy beard. He uses a foundation stick from Kryolan and it totally covers it . You can't see his stubble at all.

I have got dark blonde hair and bright blue eyes, so I will keep that in mind! That is how I feel about my Walmart. I have recently moved back to Michigan, and have changed my look quite a bit so no one I know from years ago recognizes me, and being Walmart I don't care who sees me in there, and then the self checkouts help a ton! I have bought shirts, pantyhose, panties, stockings, nail polish, tights, leggings, and even some flats from there just because it is so easy for me to go in there and grab whatever and not care what people think of me why I am browsing around, especially in the panties aisle, lol! But thank you so much for the makeup tips! I have always heard brown would be better for me.

Quote from: Julia1996 on June 13, 2017, 07:20:11 PM
I would love to try a makeover like Mac does but I'm afraid I would look stupid.I doubt the girls there have ever done a makeover on an albino. I absolutely love ulta . I can get lost in there. They have everything but they are kind of expensive. I've had good luck with buying makeup at Walmart. They have a good selection and they are reasonable. For special makeup try Kryolan. This guy I work with does drag sometimes and he has a dark heavy beard. He uses a foundation stick from Kryolan and it totally covers it . You can't see his stubble at all.

You do know that orange lipstick under the makeup reduces the visibility of a beard. And it does not have to be one of the expensive brands. Wet and Wild for a couple bucks will do the job.

No I didn't know that. That's interesting. It wouldn't work on me though because the hair is white. But I hardly have any facial hair anyway.

The lipstick trick works with black beards. Black hair has a fair amount of blue associated with it and the orange counters the blue. For other colors, showing through isn't as much of a problem and with my brown hair, a close shave and a base coat was sufficient.

Quote from: Dena on June 13, 2017, 07:54:27 PM
The lipstick trick works with black beards. Black hair has a fair amount of blue associated with it and the orange counters the blue. For other colors, showing through isn't as much of a problem and with my brown hair, a close shave and a base coat was sufficient.

I have a palette for this and the colours are

Mint Green: neutralises redness cover blemishes red blotches, broken blood vessels

Lavender: Brighten dull skin good for cover bruises (from facial injection s or cookies), dark under eye circles

Apricot: evens out skin tone and counteracts discolouration, dark spots, great for cover age spots and dark beard

When I am doing the whole full foundation thing I will use these and they work a treat

Quote from: ElizabethK on June 13, 2017, 11:57:18 PM


Mint Green: neutralises redness cover blemishes red blotches, broken blood vessels

Lavender: Brighten dull skin good for cover bruises (from facial injection s or cookies), dark under eye circles

Elf brand sells tinted primers in these colors.  Elf is probably the best value priced  line I've run across.  I know Target carries it and I've seen it at other places. 

There are also websites that will help you color match across different brands.  I love my $30 foundation from Sephora but can't pay that every time.  Found a decent match for about $10

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This was a freebee from DB Cosmetics called Colourfix concealer...I have plenty if sun damage and it works a treat...I know the orange/apricot works well to hide beard shadow

I have found orange concealer to work much better than lipstick to cover my dark facial hair. NYX Cosmetics has an orange, and it's cheap.

Quote from: ElizabethK on June 13, 2017, 11:57:18 PM
I have a palette for this and the colours are

Mint Green: neutralises redness cover blemishes red blotches, broken blood vessels

Lavender: Brighten dull skin good for cover bruises (from facial injection s or cookies), dark under eye circles

Apricot: evens out skin tone and counteracts discolouration, dark spots, great for cover age spots and dark beard

When I am doing the whole full foundation thing I will use these and they work a treat

Thanks Liz,

I was wondering why they had those different weird (to me) colors for concealers.

Hugs,
   Laurie

I'm just starting to learn about makeup myself, and I second the 'elf' brand. Picked up everything I needed to experiment with at Target for around $40 (including brushes, which were only $1-2 each). As I learn what I need & what I like, I'll look into higher quality brands. The corrector/concealer works really well for covering up facial hair (I have a shadow 5 minutes after shaving  >:( - I've started laser though!).

Quote from: Laurie on June 14, 2017, 09:56:19 AM
Thanks Liz,

I was wondering why they had those different weird (to me) colors for concealers.

Hugs,
   Laurie

NYK has cheap versions that work really well. $5.99 at Target

Quote from: Sarah_P on June 14, 2017, 05:39:07 PM
I'm just starting to learn about makeup myself, and I second the 'elf' brand. Picked up everything I needed to experiment with at Target for around $40 (including brushes, which were only $1-2 each). As I learn what I need & what I like, I'll look into higher quality brands. The corrector/concealer works really well for covering up facial hair (I have a shadow 5 minutes after shaving  >:( - I've started laser though!).

Is the Elf brand like the cheapest stuff they have?...the utube thing I saw had the girl just raving about how good the products were, they were the very basic brand, especially when compared directly to some of the far more expensive brands

Quote from: ElizabethK on June 14, 2017, 07:01:58 PM
Is the Elf brand like the cheapest stuff they have?...the utube thing I saw had the girl just raving about how good the products were, they were the very basic brand, especially when compared directly to some of the far more expensive brands

No the very cheapest is called Artmatic.  I've seen it in dollar stores. All the products I saw were $1.00. I don't know how good it is cause I've never used it before.

Quote from: MrTravisL on June 13, 2017, 11:03:58 AM
I am looking to start the learning process of wearing and applying makeup, unfortunately I am not sure where to begin...

I know the basics, which include lipstick/lipgloss, mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, blush, and foundation, but I know there is so much more and not sure if I should worry about anything else right now or just stick with the basics...

I am also wondering where would be the best place to get some alright quality makeup that is not extremely expensive as I am sure I will be wasting quite a bit why I learn. I currently still live with my parents, who know I am transgender but are still at the point where they don't see me as being it, or just don't want to... So wearing it around the house is not possible and would most likely be a "wear in private" kind of deal...

Also, has anyone had any experience with a Sephora Makeover, the one where if you spend $50 or more you get a free Custom Makeover? I have been real curious about that since I heard about it and just wonder what exactly it is like.

If anyone has any advice or tips, I would greatly appreciate it as this is completely new to me...

Hey,

I think having good skin will help a lot. If your skin is in order then that will make your foundation look 100x better and make the application better.

In terms of products i think it depends on your skin type as well; is it normal, combination or oily? They have different products that deal with these different types of skin. LA Girl orange concealer was something i used and it works wonders for covering blemishes or beard cover. One thing to remember is that there are dupes for nearly all of the high end products and a simple google or youtube search and there are compilations showing the cheaper products that work the same as the expensive ones.

Dupe website: http://www.temptalia.com/makeup-dupe-list/ (http://www.temptalia.com/makeup-dupe-list/)

I would also suggest checking out a setting powder, Coty airspun is a cheaper alternative to Laura Mercier setting powder. Mac have a spray that works on removing excess powder and gives your makeup a more fresh and dewy look.

I am sure you have heard this before but i think when it comes to makeup less is more, i've been guilty of using far too much foundation in the past.  ;D

Hope this helps a little bit  :)

hugs x

Thank you all for the help!

I have been looking around at Walmart (actually... On Walmarts app), and I have found that elf is quite cheap with quite a few people recommending it! It looks like I can get everything I need to start practicing for less than $60 ($57.08 to be exact). This includes:

Tinted Moisturizer
Clear Face Primer
Foundation
Concealer
Bronzer
Blush (4 shades)
Eyeshadow (4 shades)
Liquid Black Eyeliner
Pencil Brown/Nude Eyeliner
Black Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara (gonna have to wait for brown unfortunately :( )
Moisturizing Lipstick
Clear Lip Primer and Plumper
Lip Gloss
& a 13 piece Brush Set

Everything is elf branded apart from the Lipgloss (elf doesn't carry much Lipgloss at my Walmart apparently...) which is NYC and the Brushes which is SHANY...

At $60 I will keep them in my cart on the app for a while, until I can afford them and then stop in and grab them, or maybe just order them through the app and do Walmarts Free Pickup option... I am leaning more towards that as it would be less embarrassing than shopping through the Makeup aisle picking up 14 items... But then again... I get to go shopping in the Makeup aisle picking up 14 items, something I have never done before and sounds kinda fun! Lol! Anyway, Thank you all again for the help!

Edit:
I would also like to point out that I do know that Tinted Moisturizer and Foundation are close to the same thing, but for $3 a piece I would like to try both out to see what's the difference.
I am also not worrying about Contour right now as I feel that is a little to advanced for me right now...
I have also went with lighter colors (apart from the Liquid Black Eyeliner as I would like to learn the difference between that and Pencil, and the Black Mascara as I can not find any cheaper in Brown) as I was told they will go better with Dark Blonde Hair/Bright Blue Eyes. This includes Light Pink, Nude or Light Brown, and White.

Don't be embarrassed to go to the makeup aisle in boy mode. Before I transitioned I use to look at makeup all the time and buy some as well. Not just at Walmart but at ulta and store makeup counters. No one EVER said squat to me. Yes I got stares but I think that was because I'm albino and not cause I was in the makeup aisle.  I say go into the makeup aisle and act like you own it. If by chance someone looks at you funny just smile and say hi. It's totally unlikely you will ever see them again anyway. And always remember that you have as much right in the makeup aisle as any other girl.

Doing the 90 minute sephora tutorial. Bought lota of stuff, learned lots of stuff, but whenever i try to apply it my wife gets frustrated that I'm so slow and grabs it out of my hand "let me do it!"

--
"You do realize, this means you get to do character creation & the newbie zone all over again? :D"

Quote from: Julia1996 on June 15, 2017, 12:01:13 PM
Don't be embarrassed to go to the makeup aisle in boy mode. Before I transitioned I use to look at makeup all the time and buy some as well. Not just at Walmart but at ulta and store makeup counters. No one EVER said squat to me. Yes I got stares but I think that was because I'm albino and not cause I was in the makeup aisle.  I say go into the makeup aisle and act like you own it. If by chance someone looks at you funny just smile and say hi. It's totally unlikely you will ever see them again anyway. And always remember that you have as much right in the makeup aisle as any other girl.

I have bought tons of clothes and no one has ever said anything. I even went to a store around here that has no self checkouts so I had to have someone ring me up. I bought 2 dresses, 2 skirts, and 3 shirts. All's the girl ringing me up had to say was "we don't sell many dresses or skirts around here". I just nodded and said "really?". Walmart I can walk right into the womens section without a problem, and even the lotion/skincare section, been in there quite a few times when trying to get my legs better. I guess now it's time for another step and into the Makeup section, which I am quite nervous but excited about! I always pass by it (especially when going to the skincare section) and just sigh...

Edit:
Quick update! I had went out and purchased a bunch of Makeup today after work! It was so much fun being in the aisles for the first time! And it was so easy, I wasn't nervous or nothing! I had a couple people look, which I noticed out of the corner of my eye, but I was so distracted by it all to even worry about them, and I also had a girl say "excuse me", I said "sorry, I'm probably in your way" she laughed and said "no your fine" and smiled, then went back to looking, it felt nice that she was so polite. I spent a good hour walking through the small 4 aisles looking at everything, what the prices of different brands were, and then of course grabbing some things :) I ended up with

1: Foundation Primer
2: Foundation (which I am so amazed by! I picked up the correct shade just from googling some pictures and finding out my skin tone)
3: Concealer (I have yet to try this but it is a tiny bit lighter than my Foundation...)
4: Four Color Blush Pallet (which are all light colors, I am not so good with colors but they look like bright pink, light pink, nude, and light red)
5: Clear Lip Primer and Plumper
6: Rose Moisturizing Lipstick (which is a lot darker than I wanted :( I will not be wearing it much probably, but will still keep it to practice applying with. Also I have had normal Lipstick before and it dries out my lips very bad! I usually keep my EOS Lip Moisturizer with me at all times which helps out a ton! That's why I wanted Moisturizing Lipstick)
7: Light Pink Lip Gloss (this is one of the few things that are no elf branded, it goes on nice but not a lot of shine, more glitter, which is alright for now)
8: Black Lengthening and Volumizing Mascara
9: Precision Black Liquid Eyeliner
10: Four Color Eyeshadow Pallet (comes with looks like nude, tan, light brown and coffee)
11: False Eyelashes (I seen there was a set for 0.93 cents and figures, well I gotta learn sometime...)
12: Blending Sponge (since I could not find any of the elf bronzer I wanted, I decided to pick up a blending sponge instead)
13: 11 Piece Brush Set (I didn't feel comfortable spending $2-$3 for a single brush when I have no clue the difference between them yet...)

I still have yet to find some brown mascara, nude pencil eyeliner, and bronzer, but that will come in time, besides it will be fun to go back in there and look around! :) I can't believe how many women came into the aisles to look around but not pick anything up... I guess there like me with my car parts, always want but know you probably shouldn't buy, lol :P Anyway, thank you all again for the help! I am going to start practicing soon hopefully :)