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!

[Dawn Kellie]

I recently went and had a color match. I was in man mode and the attendant at the Clinique counter was amazing. I found the attendants don't care as long as you are buying.
Good luck

[Stottie Girl]

Wow, colour me impressed! that's so brave! I wouldn't have the courage at the moment!

I love walking through those areas but I feel so intimidated. It's nice to know they are open to it. There is a Clinique counter at the Fenwicks department store near me. Always looked posh!

[Kristy7]

Less is more, that's my number one suggestion.

Go to a Macys type place ask a person at the makeup counters for their suggestion on concealer and foundation those are by far the most important makeup items to get right.

If your concerned which 99.9% probably are doing that, say you want this for a portrait.
They don't remotely care why it's for your benefit to feel better doing it, once you have your foundation down you can order mascara etc online.

Practice, again less is more!

[Charlotte_Ringwood ✅]

I used to use liquid foundation when my beard shadow was worse but now find that most days BB cream gives me the smoother slightly lighter look I'm after. I do apply BB with a brush as never found finger application smooth enough. I finish by brushing a very light layer of powder to set it slightly. The branded powder for me is definitely less cakey.

Sometimes add foundation if there's something to hide.

[Dawn Kellie]

Im waiting for my wife to.agree to removing my facial hair. Then I'm going to Ulta and having a make over. There is a trans woman there and I'm going to req6her so not only do I get my make over but someone that has gone through it will show me and give me pointers

[Lori Dee ✅]

When getting advice from people who sell makeup, pay attention to how they do their own makeup.

I sold candles and jewelry at various events, including fundraisers and state and county fairs. At many of these events was a woman who sold Mary Kay cosmetics. She was a very nice person, but I have seen drag queens with better makeup. Drag queens intentionally exaggerate their features for effect. This woman was like she was trying to demo every product she sold all at once on her face. It was not a good look.

Don't ask a stockbroker to cut your hair, or a plumber to fix your car. Take advice from people who know what they are doing.

[Stottie Girl]

The girls at the clinique counter (at least where I live) are stunning but it's a very valid point. Not all women know how to do good make up, some of them totally look like drag queens! Could be the look they are going for of course!