I have read many sites on how to choose the correct type of make-up for your self.  The problem I am having is choosing the correct make up for your skin tone.  What I mean is, how do u choose the correct make up for skin tone?  Some sites suggest pinching the skin under the arm where the skin don't shine, most woman have a "yellowish" color, etc.  How do you determine skin tone?  I could just walk up to cosmetic counter and ask, but a little shy in doing this, hehe.  I have put on make-up before (took some of my sisters and applied it, but it didn't hide the 5 clock shade) used a foundation, blush, no eye shade, did use lipstick, etc.   When applying make up how much should be applied and where?  I would like to do this to see how I really look with make up on and how pretty.  I don't have no one to help me do this.  I am kind of a closet crossdresser trying to get out.  Advice is welcome from anyone.

Hi, and welcome to Susan's!

I am no expert, but I will give you my 2 cents.  Skin tone is one of those really difficult things to do.  Unfortunately, though there are tricks, the only way to really learn what looks right on you is through trial and error.  Some shades look good, but then don't last.  Some last but uggh!  Some blend well into your natural skin color without the opaqueness you will need.

My suggestion is to find a way to do a makeover.  Be sure and ask lots of questions.  I was lucky to find someone who took me under her arm and showed me how to get a good look using off-the-shelf Cover Girl stuff available at Wal-Mart.  She was really good and I would not trade that experience for anything.  She gave me my colors and she was right.  Yes, it did cost, but it more than made up for it in the amount of stuff I would have wasted otherwise.  Plus the confidence of looking your best is worth every penny.  I use some nicer stuff now, but I know how to work the cheap stuff too.

I did start with going to a dollar store.  I got a bunch of cheap colors of stuff for a buck apiece and began to experiment, figuring that I would get the best color in a decent brand when I graduated to bigger and better things.

One other thing that will help you is to learn to shave very closely first.  It is a lot better than trying to hide any shadow.  In short, exfoliate your skin first, so that it will be its smoothest.  Then get a good multi-blade razor.  I like the Gillette Fusion, but this is a matter of personal taste.  I also like to use Noxzema Hair Minimizing shave gel.  It really does work and helps keep your shave close for longer.  Be sure to use a good moisturizer afterward.  I like Aveeno Positively Radiant with sunscreen.  Again this is a matter of your personal choice.

In short, smooth face, right color, and the rest will come.

I hope something in this makes some sense to you.

Best Wishes,
Kristi

Trying to determine skin tone was hard for me, but I had a makeover from a lady that deals exclusive with the TS/TG community.  And from there I just started getting different colored foundations.  Sometimes it was way too light, too yellow, too red.  But through trail and error, I found my shade.

Check with a local TS/TG support group and find someone to do a makeover, and ask them for a lesson.

Good luck on finding your shade and remember it can change come Summer.  And use SPF.  The last thing you want is to have a good tone for Winter and it turn out too light for Summer.

If you don't know anyone that does makeovers. How do you go about finding one ?

Great advice.

Considering this was to be my next question.

Hugs...Michelle.

when trying to cover your shadow, don't try to match your skin tone. you want to cancel out the blueishness of the shadow with a yellow shade. the darker the blue, the brighter the yellow. I use the stuff for under your eyes since the dark bags are similar colors to beard shadow but any good concealor will work.

you'll look really goofy, but once you apply your foundation that matches your skin tone you'll find a more flawless base

---

Post Merge: March 18, 2009, 09:31:12 PM

---

Quote from: Brianna on March 18, 2009, 04:18:57 PM
If you don't know anyone that does makeovers. How do you go about finding one ?

most department stores will have someone at the counter that can do quick makeovers and match some colors. other than that you can try some salons and beauty colleges. the transformation services and image consultants that cater to the TG community on the other hand, vary depending on where you are.