Susan's Place Transgender Resources

How did you learn how to apply makeup?

Do you have it down (about right) now?

How long did it take to get to that point?

I'm trying to figure it out. Wasn't getting it, got discouraged and quit.

The Salon I go to for my eyelashes and brows is an LGBTQ Salon and they will teach you makeup as well. They will teach by appointment and have held classes in the evening on occasion. I think that was more directed towards trans youth though. Look for a similar Salon or even group in your area.

I watched a LOT of YouTube videos.

Tried different things with horrifying results. Then I bought a makeup mannequin head and practiced on her.

I look carefully at pictures of women's faces that I think are beautiful. I studied how they did their makeup. Then try to achieve the same effect.

One thing I learned is that the whole "smoky eyes" look does not work on me.

It took me a couple of years to perfect it, but only a few months to get the basics.

I have had compliments, so I think I did okay with it.

Some of you have seen my pics, so I'll let you decide.  ;D

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on January 20, 2025, 03:43:50 PMHow did you learn how to apply makeup?

Do you have it down (about right) now?

How long did it take to get to that point?

One day in the mid 1990s, I walked into the makeup department of the Robinson's May Department Store in Canoga Park, California. I walked up to the Clinique counter and told the young woman working there, "I'm a cross dresser, can you please help me pick out makeup?" She stared at me for about 30 seconds, then snapped out of it and did a full make over on my face even though I was in boy mode. She explained what she was doing and how to recreate the look on my own. She then sold me a couple hundred dollars worth of cosmetics. After that she was always happy to see me walk in the door because I was an easy sale.  Asking for help and guidance at Clinique and MAC counters became a regular habit for many, many years after.

The woman who first helped me at that Robinson's May all those years ago later told me that the reason she stared at me for a long moment the first time I approached her is because the store is across the street from a high school, and she thought I was a high school student who came in to prank her. Once she realized that I was serious, she got excited for the challenge and for the big sale.

Now I'm getting old, and 2 years of Covid lockdowns completely broke me out of the makeup habit. Anyway, I'm just as cute without makeup; my wife says so. 🥰

❤️
Miharu

Quote from: Miharu Barbie on January 21, 2025, 04:36:45 PMOne day in the mid 1990s, I walked into the makeup department of the Robinson's May Department Store in Canoga Park, California. I walked up to the Clinique counter and told the young woman working there, "I'm a cross dresser, can you please help me pick out makeup?" She stared at me for about 30 seconds, then snapped out of it and did a full make over on my face even though I was in boy mode. She explained what she was doing and how to recreate the look on my own. She then sold me a couple hundred dollars worth of cosmetics. After that she was always happy to see me walk in the door because I was an easy sale.  Asking for help and guidance at Clinique and MAC counters became a regular habit for many, many years after.

The woman who first helped me at that Robinson's May all those years ago later told me that the reason she stared at me for a long moment the first time I approached her is because the store is across the street from a high school, and she thought I was a high school student who came in to prank her. Once she realized that I was serious, she got excited for the challenge and for the big sale.

Now I'm getting old, and 2 years of Covid lockdowns completely broke me out of the makeup habit. Anyway, I'm just as cute without makeup; my wife says so. 🥰

❤️
Miharu

You do look cute!

Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on January 21, 2025, 05:24:22 PMYou do look cute!

Chrissy

💋

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on January 20, 2025, 03:43:50 PMHow did you learn how to apply makeup?

Do you have it down (about right) now?

How long did it take to get to that point?

My mom taught me the basics and then I just watched a lot of YouTube videos. I think I have it down now, but I don't really wear it bc a dude with a full face isn't what I'm going for. I think it took me maybe 3-4 years to get it down. Now I use my magic skills to get rid of my no sleep look.

After earlier years of starts and stops exploring my identity,
I then very seriously began my transition journey and started HRT
when I was 35 years old in early March 2015.

I was very fortunate to have a few very accepting cis-girlfriends that
provided me with great advice and assistance, not only with makeup, but
also other grooming details such as nails, hair, and clothing choices.

Both of the cis-girlfriends were about my size and build and we had a lot
of fun times with me exploring how to dress... we swapped outfits frequently.

I had so many questions and it was nice to have the answers and advice
from those that stood by my side as I went full speed into my journey.

Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Probably one of my favorite books on makeup techniques is "Making Faces" by Kevyn Aucoin. While it was originally published in 1997, the information is still relevant today. Many different looks and styles.  It is available for free download here:
here:
https://oceanofpdf.com/authors/kevyn-aucoin/pdf-making-faces-download/

Just click the PDF icon at the bottom of the page. They request a donation but it is not required to download. I think you can find it used on Amazon for around $15.

YouTube is another great resource for makeup techniques. And then I recommend three things...
Practice, Practice and Practice!

Practice. Lots of  it. I only did my eyes and lips when I finished electrolysis. Got the time  down to  15 minutes. 
I stopped  using  it while  working  as a cleaner and I became  allergic to it . I'm 67 and prefer the natural  look haven't  touched  makeup for over  10 years and can't see myself  wearing  it again