...but I am clueless on proper application of make up or how to do my hair.

When I transitioned I was 18 and could pass without makeup so only wore a minimal amount, and I just brushed my hair and blow dried it.  Since it has been 12 years since I detransitioned and stopped presenting as female, if I want to make my presentation better now, I really need to learn these things.

Any ideas?  There seems to be so many ideas presented online but none of them feels very authoritative on trans make up/hair and I don't feel I have the time (at least right now) to find the best bits of hundreds of videos.

Kate

There a lot of videos on YouTube, both by cis and trans women.  I have found some from drag queens useful too.

Forget the videos, go to a store like Pennys and ask for a makeover. They will do your make up, aid you in choosing correct colors and such as well as show how to apply it. All so that hopefully you will buy their products.

Baby, what is silly outside of here is our normal! 

Quote from: LordKAT on December 30, 2013, 11:26:16 PM
Forget the videos, go to a store like Pennys and ask for a makeover. They will do your make up, aid you in choosing correct colors and such as well as show how to apply it. All so that hopefully you will buy their products.

This sounds like a great plan but boy will that take some courage. Those makeup counters are on display for all to see. I don't own any female clothing to really present as female to do that. So maybe my first priority is to find clothing.

Maybe it is. Good excuse to go goodwill shopping. You could always tell them it is for a costume party. Or a birthday prank. or You finally found yourself and now want to show off.

They are a bit public. You may want to take a supportive friend a long. You can dress in fem clothes without going overboard and let them guess. Androgyny is becoming more common.

Hon,
They are professionals.

They will not embarrass you

You could pick up just the basics at the grocery store (mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, foundation, powder, lipstick, makeup removal pads) and practice, practice, practice. You don't need top of the line cosmetics while you are learning and experimenting so you can buy the less expensive stuff for now and step up later.

I've noticed that a lot of makeup videos suggest using a whole lot of different products at the same time and that can be overwhelming when you are just trying to learn the basics. Once you have a good grasp on the basics then you can get fancy. And often less is more with makeup.

I look at some early pics I took of me and think "clown makeup" but those early efforts were important; they taught me a lot about what to do and what not to do, and a lot about what I need and don't need.

I tend to buy makeup from boots online (UK), saves the embarrassment but makes choosing colours harder. I also found tutorial pages online, I find it harder to follow videos for this since at first it takes time. Good luck...

Quote from: LordKAT on December 31, 2013, 03:16:31 AM
Maybe it is. Good excuse to go goodwill shopping. You could always tell them it is for a costume party. Or a birthday prank. or You finally found yourself and now want to show off.

They are a bit public. You may want to take a supportive friend a long. You can dress in fem clothes without going overboard and let them guess. Androgyny is becoming more common.

Actually I'm pretty open and out about myself so the attendant knowing isn't the problem.  It is the fact it's in the middle of a public place (like a department store) where lots other other people are looking on.  I think I might attract a lot of unwanted attention.  I know most of us have to deal with that at some time, and I am no stranger to it having transitioned before, but it doesn't mean I want to invite it.

I don't really trust the at home cosmetic people like Mary Kay representatives only because all of my experience with them in the past has been less than professional.  I've seen them make women look like clowns.  That doesn't mean there isn't a good one in the bunch just that I'd hate to have to try to find her.

I do agree that getting professional help, especially the first time, would be my best option.  I don't really have any friends who I know would be able to go with me now so I may just have to brave it on my own.

I need to figure out where to get some clothes...  Goodwill perhaps...  any other ideas?

Quote from: Just Kate on December 31, 2013, 03:10:48 AM
This sounds like a great plan but boy will that take some courage. Those makeup counters are on display for all to see. I don't own any female clothing to really present as female to do that. So maybe my first priority is to find clothing.

Don't worry Kate, I went the first time in full male mode to Macy's just after opening when there are hardly any shoppers. I walked up to the Clinique Kiosk and a delighted young woman did my entire face, came up with compatible shades for my skin and gave me a great intro into how to apply makeup. I was a bit fearful initially, but it was fun.

Go to an enclosed store like sephora or ultra(?). Not open for all to see, and the ladies are super nice and make it fun (partly cuz they want to make a sale)

For what it's worth, MAC has a reputation for being particularly trans* friendly at least in my local area.  There are also day spas and the like that would do makeup lessons.  I know Red Door Spa, for example, offers them.  There are also make up artists who will do private lessons. 

I wouldn't hold my breath about finding anything definitive though.  There's no such thing.  That's why the make up artist is an artist instead of a scientist or a technician.  Like all art, it's very subjective, driven by personal taste, and there are a zillion ways of doing things.  So my best suggestion is to experiment and find what works best for you.

Less is more with makeup and Kaitlin4475 is right about Sephora they will do a full face tell them what you want and they will use products as well tell you how to apply it. As for clothing there are tons of online shops you can order from and they will ship it to your door. Just dress your age and you will do well.