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Face Makeup

A mysterious art...

Makeup skills take time to develop and do not come naturally to many crossdressers.  I started relatively late in life and didn't apply makeup until I was in my 30s.

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Good makeup skills can appear like alchemy or magic to many of us when we first start and we face a bewildering array of products and techniques.

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The main problem is that the most valuable commodity in developing makeup skills is one that eludes many of us:  Time.  We simply lack the time to practice or are unable to relax and work on our skills in a comfortable environment.

Skin Tones and what works

I wasted a lot of money on foundation etc. that just wasn't right for my skin.  I had no idea how to colour match myself, particularly when shopping online.  That's why I would recommend taking one of three steps...

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Get colour matched - Go to a department store or makeup store and ask them to colour match you.  You will of course need to explain your requirement and choose a brand first.  I like MAC but maybe you fancy something different?

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Get a Makeover - An ideal way to achieve many things at once.  If you go for a makeover, make a note of the Product and shade used, particularly if you are happy with the result.  Ask about alternative shades for other Products.

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Online - There are foundation guides such as this one from Charlotte Tilbury which can be helpful.  Having said this, I have tried these myself and I still can't decide with certainly on a colour.  It will however help you avoid something that is blatantly wrong for you.

Brands - who to trust?

Choosing makeup is a mine-field.  There are so many options on the market but many of us simply don't have the room or budget to experiment with many different brands or products.

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No matter where you go or who you speak to, you are going to come across Kryolan at some point.  As a brand, Kryolan has been a staple of the crossdressing community for years.  I use several products including TV Paint Sticks, Ultra Foundation and Derma Color Camouflage Creme.

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Branching out however, I have gravitated towards other brands with MAC being a particular favourite.  If you have the confidence to do so, visit a cosmetics store in person and ask for advice.  You'll be surprised at how your custom is equally as welcome as any woman's.

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NYX is a Brand which I have recently dipped into for items such as lipsticks.  I typically find them to be comparable to MAC but not to the point where I would switch my buying habits.

The Face - My Essential Products

  • Foundation - Kryolan TV Paint Stick - £17.20 (I use 4W and 5W)

  • Contour Kit - All in one kit such as these on Amazon - £10

  • Setting Powder - Coty Airspun - £10 on Amazon

  • Bronzer and Blush - Anything you like - £10

  • Brushes - Any set of cheap brushes including a powder brush - £10

  • Makeup Sponges - Cheap triangular ones - £3

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Total = £60.20 for easily 100 applications

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Expect the Foundation to run out first and need to be replaced, the rest will last for longer.

The Face - My Full Routine

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Total = £211

 

Foundation will again run out first but you'll get perhaps 20-30 applications here.  The rest will last for ages.

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