Hi,
I'm looking for ways to conceal my facial hair stubble. I noticed my facial hair is pretty aggressive. It gets pretty clear when I shave in the morning, but it slowly returns with a vengeance by the time its evening. I'm planning to get a wax at some point. But in the meantime, shaving is my only bet.
Does anyone have any tips to hide the stubble/shadow?
Beware on waxing aggressive thick facial hair. It's not like getting your legs or arms waxed. The hair is much deeper rooted and OMG does it hurt coming out. I found this out personally lol. For me, a good brush set and the right combination of a super close shave (against grain is your best bet) good foundation and concealer will help the most. My profile picture was taken about 15 hours after a super close shave and there isn't much beard shadow to be seen
Quote from: Sky1090 on December 02, 2018, 08:48:20 AM
Beware on waxing aggressive thick facial hair. It's not like getting your legs or arms waxed. The hair is much deeper rooted and OMG does it hurt coming out. I found this out personally lol. For me, a good brush set and the right combination of a super close shave (against grain is your best bet) good foundation and concealer will help the most. My profile picture was taken about 15 hours after a super close shave and there isn't much beard shadow to be seen
Ohh, I'm going to remember that! Thank you. Should I look for a specific razor? I use the Gillette Venus Spa disposable razors atm
Quote from: veronicashannon88 on December 02, 2018, 09:53:07 AM
Ohh, I'm going to remember that! Thank you. Should I look for a specific razor? I use the Gillette Venus Spa disposable razors atm
I used those for a while but found they were irritating my neck too much. I switched over to a men's cartridge razor. I use a cheap one from Harry's that I got at the local Walmart. I've honestly started using it on my legs too. Knicks and razor burn are a thing of the past lol
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I think the best way is to have a good quality razor and good cream and learn to shave carefully. To have a smooth look all day, though, you'll have to shave more than once a day. I recently switched to Cremo brand cream, which comes in a squeeze tube and goes on very thin. I prefer it over the old foam type. You can actually buy shaving creams with anti-androgynic properties that supposedly retard facial hair growth over time. I haven't tried one, yet, myself, though.
When shaving I try to gradually move the blade over the skin in different directions for maximum hair removal. First down at a left angle, then down at a right angle, then up at a left angle, then up at a right angle. This seems to result in the smoothest shave, though I have some difficult areas on my face that require more effort.
The only ultimate solutions seem to be laser and/or electrolysis treatments. Laser doesn't work for lighter hairs, so most people start with laser, then go to electrolysis for the rest. Some people here have had luck with DIY laser gadgets like those made by Tria, but I'd imagine you'd want to be very careful with something like that.
Quote from: Lyric on December 03, 2018, 11:09:39 AM
I think the best way is to have a good quality razor and good cream and learn to shave carefully. To have a smooth look all day, though, you'll have to shave more than once a day. I recently switched to Cremo brand cream, which comes in a squeeze tube and goes on very thin. I prefer it over the old foam type. You can actually buy shaving creams with anti-androgynic properties that supposedly retard facial hair growth over time. I haven't tried one, yet, myself, though.
When shaving I try to gradually move the blade over the skin in different directions for maximum hair removal. First down at a left angle, then down at a right angle, then up at a left angle, then up at a right angle. This seems to result in the smoothest shave, though I have some difficult areas on my face that require more effort.
The only ultimate solutions seem to be laser and/or electrolysis treatments. Laser doesn't work for lighter hairs, so most people start with laser, then go to electrolysis for the rest. Some people here have had luck with DIY laser gadgets like those made by Tria, but I'd imagine you'd want to be very careful with something like that.
I'm so glad my hair doesn't grow too fast. I can go 24 hours before that pesky stubble gets too crazy. It will be nice to have electrolysis done.
You make a very good point. Make sure you shave in multiple directions. Feel for which way the grain goes and shave against it. Not all grain goes one way. I probably make 4 or 5 passes to ensure a perfectly smooth face
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Quote from: Lyric on December 03, 2018, 11:09:39 AM
When shaving I try to gradually move the blade over the skin in different directions for maximum hair removal. First down at a left angle, then down at a right angle, then up at a left angle, then up at a right angle. This seems to result in the smoothest shave, though I have some difficult areas on my face that require more effort.
Quote from: Sky1090 on December 03, 2018, 12:24:11 PM
I'm so glad my hair doesn't grow too fast. I can go 24 hours before that pesky stubble gets too crazy. It will be nice to have electrolysis done.
You make a very good point. Make sure you shave in multiple directions. Feel for which way the grain goes and shave against it. Not all grain goes one way. I probably make 4 or 5 passes to ensure a perfectly smooth face
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I JUST TRIED THIS AND IT WAS THE SMOOTHEST, CLOSEST SHAVE I'VE EVER HAD! THANK YOU! Now to play around with make-up! <3
A close shave certainly makes a difference. I prefer to use cheap disposable non-pivoting twin blades. The less blades makes for a thinner head which is great for close to the nose and below the bottom lip.
And because it doesn't pivot, I can control the angle to get the closest cut. As said above, figuring out your grain and going against it at multiple angles is key.
I like to see my skin and what is going so I don't shaving cream, but my own thin lather from pure goats milk soap.
Be prepared to cut yourself when figuring out the best angles and direction for yourself. And never try for a super close shave when in a rush. Blood and tears will surely follow.
If I have special long event, I get a fresh razor from the packet so I know it is the sharpest it can be. And the razor I was previosuly using gets demoted to duty on my legs and arms. (Always keep the freshest razors for your face.)
The ones I buy are like a packet of 18 for not a lot of money.
For the makeup side, I use BB cream following with mattifying powder for the areas around the chin, the corners of my mouth, and above the lip. Traditional foundation, I find too heavy for my taste.
Veronica, have fun experimenting.
~Dee.
Thanks so much for the tip @dee82 ! It's made me more aware of a razor's life expectancy. I often do the same with mine, using older razors for my body.
These tips are going a long way. How often do you guys shave? I tend to skip out during the weekends, when I'm just home.
You're welcome Veronica. On the weekend I don't shave in the morning, and will put it off until an hour before going out, if that is in the afternoon or evening.
During the week usually only once per day, but if i have something special on in the evening I might shave a second time.
I am doing laser hair removal (only 4 appointments so far) so some weeks I get minimal dark hair growth, and only a quick second shave is needed to get rid of the grey/white hairs to be smooth again for fresh make-up.
Other times, the laser treatment (depends on the hair growth cycle, so I am told) seems ineffective and getting rid of the shadow is really hard... and I feel a little depressed. Of course, those are the times when I shave too aggressively and ending up cutting myself. What's worse a shadow, or blood and nicks from cuts?
~Dee.
Way back when I tweezed my face bare. Waxing was quicker but it was too much pain at once but tweezing while watching a movie helped.
However nothing beats good old electrolysis.
Hi Veronica,
All the other recommendations you have received are great ones. Ultimately, you'll have to choose a shaving method that works best for you. You might also consider a good quality conditioner, the kind for hair, as a shave cream. I have tried dozens of shaving creams, lotions, and pastes, but none of them have worked as well as conditioner for a close shave. I use a Gillette Mach 3 razor on my face. It is more expensive than the disposable ones, but it does a super job. I have a different razor for my legs. One last thing. You might also consider using some beard camouflage underneath your foundation. Since beard shadow is blue, it is best to conceal the beard area with a red or orange correction concealer. Orange is best for concealing beard shadow and red is next best. It really works very well.
Hugs,
Sally
I'm very new to makeup and have only tried applying it a couple times. I've tried applying some orange concealer or red lipstick to my beard shadow before applying foundation, and it hasn't really hidden anything. Is there some trick to this?
Quote from: Lucca on December 17, 2018, 07:54:42 AM
I'm very new to makeup and have only tried applying it a couple times. I've tried applying some orange concealer or red lipstick to my beard shadow before applying foundation, and it hasn't really hidden anything. Is there some trick to this?
You have to shave really close. Foundation can only conceal the hair if the hair is cut down to the surface.
Quote from: Lucca on December 17, 2018, 07:54:42 AM
I'm very new to makeup and have only tried applying it a couple times. I've tried applying some orange concealer or red lipstick to my beard shadow before applying foundation, and it hasn't really hidden anything. Is there some trick to this?
There is a lot on line about using pinks to cover your shadow, but I like you am very new to applying make up. (Other than a bit of lipstick)
I suppose it is a matter of experimenting until you find what works best for you.
Quote from: NatalieRene on December 17, 2018, 07:57:18 AM
You have to shave really close. Foundation can only conceal the hair if the hair is cut down to the surface.
I shave close enough that it feels completely smooth. I use an electric razor, but usually after showering, cleaning my face with some cleansing gel formulated for shaving prep, covering my face in "Shave Secret" oil, and then using shaving soap. I've never been able to shave very close with a cartridge or safety razor. The hairs just won't cut close no matter how many times I pass over, what direction I do it in, or what level of pressure I apply.
How do you know if it's close enough?
Quote from: Lucca on December 17, 2018, 09:01:31 AM
I shave close enough that it feels completely smooth. I use an electric razor, but usually after showering, cleaning my face with some cleansing gel formulated for shaving prep, covering my face in "Shave Secret" oio, and yen using shaving soap. I've never been able to shave very close with a cartridge or safety razor. The hairs just won't cut close no matter how many times I pass over, what direction I do it in, or what level of pressure I apply.
How do you know if it's close enough?
Smooth skin is a good indicator. From there you need to figure out what color will work well for you.
If you are open to plucking you barely need any foundation at all.
After my last laser appointment, all my dark hair is gone. I am blessed with a very slow growing beard, and can wait 3 to 4 days between shaving. I have the best results and the least cutting into my skin with the Gillette 5 blade cartridges. when I use this, It takes at least 2 days until I get the sandpaper feel in my face.
But I feel the only real solution for the removal of the dark beard shade is laser treatment!
Quote from: Dietlind on December 17, 2018, 12:34:25 PM
After my last laser appointment, all my dark hair is gone. I am blessed with a very slow growing beard, and can wait 3 to 4 days between shaving. I have the best results and the least cutting into my skin with the Gillette 5 blade cartridges. when I use this, It takes at least 2 days until I get the sandpaper feel in my face.
But I feel the only real solution for the removal of the dark beard shade is laser treatment!
Laser will help but take it from a fair skinned dark haired person, in the end you will need electrolysis. In my experience you might as well skip right ahead and get it done.
How much concealer should there be before putting on foundation? Should it be a thick layer, thin layer, darker, lighter? Should the shadow be totally hidden before putting foundation on? Last time I tried I think I had too much and it mixed with foundation and made it orangey. But some shadow was still visible.
Quote from: Lucca on December 18, 2018, 02:27:41 PM
How much concealer should there be before putting on foundation? Should it be a thick layer, thin layer, darker, lighter? Should the shadow be totally hidden before putting foundation on? Last time I tried? I think I had too much and it mixed with foundation and made it orangey. But some shadow was still visible.
It really comes down to the individual. I found Revlon Colorstay combination/oily was decent at hiding a shadow before I had the vast majority of my facial hair removed. I still have a few persistent hairs that I pluck every few days. They are getting less and less as time goes on.
Right now I use Tranluscent Perfect light Pressed Powder from the No7 product line to mask blemishes.
Quote from: Lucca on December 18, 2018, 02:27:41 PM
How much concealer should there be before putting on foundation? Should it be a thick layer, thin layer, darker, lighter? Should the shadow be totally hidden before putting foundation on? Last time I tried? I think I had too much and it mixed with foundation and made it orangey. But some shadow was still visible.
There are lots of YouTube videos where they use a thick layer, but the dilemma I have is that I don't like wearing thick make-up. So while the YouTube how-to videos are certainly effective at concealing the shadow, the amount of makeup required leaves me feeling depressed.
All I can suggest is always go for thin layers. You can always add another layer the next time you try and do extra powder on top of the foundation.
My stubble always ends up being foundation colored.Is that the point of foundation on a beard? I tried a orange concealer NYX brand and my face looks so horrible when I put foundation on. I need to many layers. I need advice on how to blend makeup better. That stuff feels like clay on my face. I almost like a small amount of foundation and powder with noticeable beige stubble.
Lucca,
You'll have to experiment until you find what works for you. I use orange concealer, applied with a small stippling brush. I work the concealer into my skin by stippling and rotating the brush left, then right to work it into the pores. I use only enough concealer to to neutralize the blue beard shadow. Apply it in layers until you only see orange and there is no blue. Then I let the concealer "cook in" to my skin for about 15 minutes before covering with foundation. The cooking in step is pretty important, so don't discount it. Cooking in simply means that you are letting the concealer settle into your pores. Then, I use full-coverage foundation, but I apply it in very thin layers and stop as soon as the orange shade disappears. I have found that by applying foundation too heavily, you can end up with a shadow that looks much like beard shadow, kind of defeating the original intent. The bottom line is to use only as much foundation as is absolutely necessary. Finally, carefully blend your foundation so it appears uniform in shade and looks evenly distributed across all of your facial features.
Practice, practice, practice should be your mantra, because perfecting makeup application isn't easy. Best of luck,
Sally
I have a question, why would one want to use foundation, what is it good for?
My wife never used the stuff, and neither does any of my female friends. Every female I know seems to b anti foundation and they tell me that i on't need it. What is the scoop with that stuff?
There are so many different reasons someone would want to use foundation, which might include: to even out uneven skin tone, or to cover flaws or discolorations of the natural skin. I do agree, however, that using foundation is not necessary if you like the way your complexion looks without it. Bottom line, it's a personal choice. For me personally, it's a no brainer. My complexion looks so much better with properly applied foundation, and because I need coverage to hide my male oriented facial flaws, like beard shadow.
Hugs,
Sally
Quote from: sally0196 on December 24, 2018, 10:53:17 AM
There are so many different reasons someone would want to use foundation, which might include: to even out uneven skin tone, or to cover flaws or discolorations of the natural skin. I do agree, however, that using foundation is not necessary if you like the way your complexion looks without it. Bottom line, it's a personal choice. For me personally, it's a no brainer. My complexion looks so much better with properly applied foundation, and because I need coverage to hide my male oriented facial flaws, like beard shadow.
Hugs,
Sally
Thank you Sally, now I understand why I don't need it. I never got adult skin, because of my condition, and have not to cover anything (just old age wrinkles), and my beard growth is so minimal that I need to shave only every 3 or 4 days.
Merry Christmas and hugs
Linde
Have any of you used facial hair remover, such as those under the brand names of Avon, Sally Hansen, or Olay? Do they work well for facial hair removal?
Chrissy
Quote from: ChrissyRyan on December 24, 2018, 11:19:31 AM
Have any of you used facial hair remover, such as those under the brand names of Avon, Sally Hansen, or Olay? Do they work well for facial hair removal?
Chrissy
How would they work? You would not want anything harsh on your face! I did not even know that they exist. If they do work, I might not need to do electrolysis, because I do not have that much facial hair. I have to take a lock at them!
Thanks for bringing this up! I can always relay on you to bring hot topics into a discussion!
Thanks again for being you!
Linde
Linde,
I do not know how they work. I would not use Nair hair removal on the face but these cosmetic company facial hair removers are designed to be used on the face. Let me know what you find out.
Oh, there is a nice line of lace nightgowns I wanted to share information about with you, but I will start a new thread under Fashion so this thread here is not hijacked.
Chrissy
I tried facial hair remover once, but I think it is designed to be most effective on finer, typically feminine hair. My hair is thicker, so I had to leave the remover on longer, which burned my skin. That was the last time I ever used facial hair remover.
Hugs,
Sally
I read the Avon description, and the comments, and I don't think it is what I want. It just removes the above surface hair, which means, you will get a beard shadow again once the hair grows back! I may as well use my trusted Gillette shaver, and keep those nasty chemicals off of my delicate skin!