How did you learn how to apply makeup?

[Stottie Girl]

@Anne_lifetrip - Well if that's you in your pic I'd say you've nailed it!

I've learned mainly from you tube or just observing women and deciding what I like and don't like. I think the best way is to look at women around your own age group if you want to pull off a good look.

I have hooded eyes and have found that for shadow, all I need is a thin line of high shine or glitter shadow colour just above my eyeliner. Works a treat for me! Eyeliner was a bit of a challenge for a while but I think I've gotten the technique mastered now.

I have tried and tried with foundation but I just can't get away with it. It's definitely better if I moisturise beforehand and use a primer but I just don't like the look on me. looks dry and cakey and strange. Annoyingly, it seems to look great on everyone else! Luckily I'm fair haired and dont suffer from five o' clock shadow (can go for two days at a push without a shave).

I've come to the conclusion that for me, a concealer in key spots is enough. Less is more as it were.

I'm loving playing with bronzer and blusher combinations now and I think it really helps my look. As has thinning and shaping my brows a bit.

My biggest problem is eyelashes. I have annoyingly straight downward pointing lashes and haven't yet worked out a good, lasting way to curl them. everytime I try to use curlers I nip my eyelids ouch!

There is so much to learn and so many styles and products to try out, I love experimenting.

[Lori Dee ✅]

Avoid powder foundation. It will produce the cakey look. Use a liquid and a very light touch with a cosmetic sponge. Rub it in well and see if that works better. I have large pores, and powder gets caught in them, making them look awful.

[KathyLauren]

A friend from the trans support group showed me how to apply it.  I don't like a heavily made-up look, but I did get pretty good at hiding my beard shadow.  I usually just applied a bit of foundation, with some setting powder and a little bit of blush.  Although my friend had shown me how to do eye liner, I never really bothered much with eye stuff.

I stopped using makeup during covid.  I didn't go out much, and when I did, I wore a mask, so makeup was pretty pointless.  By that time, I'd been doing electrolysis for several years and there was less need for covering beard shadow.  So once life returned more-or-less to normal, I just never started up with makeup again.

I am of an age where many women don't bother with makeup, so I don't look out of place.

[Stottie Girl]

Thanks for the advice.

I've used a few brands but most recently I've been using L'Oreal True Match liquid foundation as the concealer is fab. I've tried the sponge but I prefer a foundation brush (which I also use with concealer). I can get a reasonable finish if I moisturise and use a primer but I honestly prefer the no foundation look on me. Plus it's a lot easier clean up! I might keep trying though.

Interesting you say that about powder foundation, I use setting powder, bronser and blusher and it looks fairly flawless on me, is powder foundation the same or is it different? tbh I have no idea if I have large pores or not! ha ha!

[Stottie Girl]

A friend from the trans support group showed me how to apply it.  I don't like a heavily made-up look, but I did get pretty good at hiding my beard shadow.  I usually just applied a bit of foundation, with some setting powder and a little bit of blush.  Although my friend had shown me how to do eye liner, I never really bothered much with eye stuff.

I stopped using makeup during covid.  I didn't go out much, and when I did, I wore a mask, so makeup was pretty pointless.  By that time, I'd been doing electrolysis for several years and there was less need for covering beard shadow.  So once life returned more-or-less to normal, I just never started up with makeup again.

I am of an age where many women don't bother with makeup, so I don't look out of place.

I haven't reached the point where I find it a chore yet! I imagine the appeal will wear off over time!

[Lori Dee ✅]

Interesting you say that about powder foundation, I use setting powder, bronser and blusher and it looks fairly flawless on me, is powder foundation the same or is it different? tbh I have no idea if I have large pores or not! ha ha!

I mostly noticed it on my nose and to the sides. From a distance, it looks fine. I noticed it when I went to put on eyeliner and was using my magnifying mirror. Yikes!
No one probably would have noticed it, but I did. 

[Stottie Girl]

I'm going to be obsessively staring at my nose in the makeup mirror next time!