I know I don't pass in these pictures.  What I want to know is, could I pass with a better wig and/or better make-up skills?  Would hormones make a difference, or would I need FFS at the very least?

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af289/karlieann2016/try1_zpslpiw9jzj.jpg

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af289/karlieann2016/try2_zpsyrnb1f7r.jpg

Very much so... going a little lighter on the hair color will help a bunch. Dark wigs like that tend to wash you out. E will help some (cheek bones, and jawline), but don't overlook the magical powers of makeup! Contouring does so much I can't even put into words!

I think you have potential to pass, and from your pictures, it doesn't look like you need major FFS (a profile picture would allow us to see if you have a lot of brow bossing, however, I think that an upper lip lift would be beneficial.

Hi. It looks like you have a 'pear' face shape, which a lot of AMAB people have. I think the vivid lip colour is drawing attention to the lower part of your face, so you could maybe tone it down a little. Perhaps shorter hair with more volume around the upper part of your face and some bangs around forehead and jawline might suit you better. You will just have to experiment and see what works for you!

I agree you have potential. The wig and the lip color are issues especially the lip color. As others have noted, it is drawing to much attention to your lower face. it's better in your case to draw attention more to the eyes. Hugs
Mariah

Absolutely what Mariah said. Maybe a touch of mascara would be good. Also, it looks like you've done a fairly good job with covering up beard shadow, but the overall effect might be a bit too pale. I think you need a slightly darker foundation that matches your skin tone more closely.

Hmm... Passability..... Makeup, wigs, stealth.....
First off even in na military theres NO such thing as stealth. Reduce yer radar signature to low profile.
Indeed hon work yer craft, but perhaps see things a mite different.
First off we have na 10/10/80 rule. 10% of folks will like or love you fer a particular or no particular reason. !0% of folks will dislike or hate you fer a particular or no particular reason. 80% of folks really don't give a ->-bleeped-<-te.
People can often act like herd animals. They look to each other to see how to react. This is fact.
People look at YOU to see how to react to YOU.
Iffin ye look out of sorts, nervous , scared, or like yer totally uncomfortable with yerself sharks will pounce. If ye look confident an comfortable with yerself, as ye belong doing what ye ar where ye ar an how ye ar, folks will see ye as odd but whatever.
I'LL forever quote mi Trans mentor, I call this " Ashley's Mantra",
"Transition is NOT about makeup, clothing, an hormones, Transition is about SELF ESTEEM, CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS, an CRITICAL DECISION MAKING SKILLS"
Indeed work yer craft love, but remember, na most difficult an important work is inside.
much love all

I don't understand why you would seek your answer by posting a query on this website. The real answer will come when you get all dolled up and get out in public. I think you will quickly discover if the world sees you as woman or man in a dress.

Na answer to that q is simple an complex....
Validation. We do all need that to a point.
Fear.. We all feel this.
Comfort
Advice from experienced peers, best to crash an burn bifor ones whom care than those whom don't.
Community.
We all mae have come here fer different reasons, but we all stay fer na same ones hon, Love an acceptance. Were all different, some strong some weak some pretty some not so much. But were all here to belong. hugs

Yes, absolutely! Anyone can pass. But like the girls said, try to blend in. Choosing the right wig could be a little tricky at first. The best ones are quite costly. A low cost option would be a kanakelon wig. Those are not "shiny" giving the feel of artificial stuff on your head. Maybe a short hair kanakelon wig with bangs to cover up your forehead will be a lot better for your facial shape.

Ring a dermatologist and see if they can recommend you a skin care treatment instead of FFS.

Quote from: Rhonda333 on November 24, 2015, 09:15:41 AM
I don't understand why you would seek your answer by posting a query on this website. The real answer will come when you get all dolled up and get out in public. I think you will quickly discover if the world sees you as woman or man in a dress.

She says she already knows she doesn't pass in the photos. She asked if better hair and makeup might help. I'm just thinking maybe there is something constructive we can can suggest to help her out?

FluffyPunk, I think I understand what you're saying. A lot of work has to come from within, self acceptance, confidence etc. So, yeah, passing isn't eveything.

Don't get mi wrong, its wonderful to bi able to go to na market without some jack arse hollering vile crap at ye across na parking lot (ya it's happened), but it will happen from tyme to tyme. It is vital to blend in, but mor so to accept arselves as well as learn to deal with na vile crap, as that's na only thing as really matters.

FluffyPunk, I'm totally with you on that

I agree that cofidence, etc., is key.  But for example, no amount of confidence is going to make someone with a 12 inch beard look like a woman.  So I'd like to make it easier by looking as much like a cis-woman as someone AMAB can.

Well don't give up and make sure you let us know how you're getting on!

Sarah

Quote from: Karlie Ann on November 24, 2015, 12:20:50 PM
I agree that cofidence, etc., is key.  But for example, no amount of confidence is going to make someone with a 12 inch beard look like a woman.  So I'd like to make it easier by looking as much like a cis-woman as someone AMAB can.

When I put mi foot down an committed to mi transition, I put on a skirt, an boldly marched cross na road innit, shaved head an all, to na market I went to everydae an faced na folks whom all know mi I was a woman inside. I was a woman inside as a child, I was a terrified woman inside when I was at war, an m a woman now. Only difference is now others see it. M not perfectly passable, M no anime china doll, In fact a lot na tyme I flat out feel fek ugly. But m still a woman, an Iffin mi mano tells mi M a beautiful woman, whom am I to argue...

 Your eyebrows could use a little shaping and thinning.