Looking more natural

[Kate Simmons]

I was looking at some women and wondering how we could look more like natural women ourselves while en femme. One thing I noticed is that with makeup, less is more, so I think one goal would be to use makeup in a way where it looks like we are using little to none as women are naturally beautiful and the makeup mostly serves as an enhancement. Any other ideas or suggestions concerning this?:)

[linda allen]

I think if you look at GGs's faces, much of the time they are smiling. They will usually smile and say hello if they pass you on the street. Guys don't do that. They have a serious expression on their face. GGs show their teeth. Guys don't.

[STACY B]

I agree ,,I like to show my teeth too ,, Always when I smile ,,,, No matter what I am wearing ,,It's a Girl thang ,,,LOL,,,,

[suzy1]

I think the most important part of the face when it comes to make up is the eyes.
A little eye liner and eye shadow applied in the right way is the key to a feminine look.

Next are the eyebrows. If you can thin and shape them [not difficult] then again, it makes all the difference.

The other very important item is the hair [wig] and so many of us think we will look sexy and cute with long flowing hair when all we need is the right hair for us. Sometimes just shoulder length or less and framing our face is all we need.

Have fun and stay gorgeous Kate,

SUZY

[Beverley Sims]

I always find a nice smile is the most disarming thing you can use.
A light touch of makeup is helpful if you have the face for it.

[kimdl93]

I do agree that less is more...to a point. None is not more than some. But often CDrs get a little heavy handed with makeup. Subtlety with make up is a matter of practice.

Of course, its not all about the face. Appropriate foundations are a must if one wants to achieve something resembling a feminine shape. I also think that one needs to size breast forms to complement one's stature....and resist the DDD temptation unless you're really a big girl.

Another suggestion - in my view at least - and for people my age (very very late 40s ;) we look more natural if we choose outfits that are age and situation appropriate. I like to watch what women are wearing wherever I am, make mental notes and try to fit in when I'm dressed. Of course, I always take cues from my wife...whatever she wears in a situation is a reliable guide to what will blend in.

As for teeth...I wish I had a pretty smile, but I don't. So, while I agree with Linda on this, I can't put it into practice. When I smile, I look like a circus geek!

[Sara Jessica]

Funny, I asked myself the same exact question when I was out last Friday in my own quest to be more natural and find that inner grace that might go further to disarm others from reading me as anything but just another woman out & about.

Makeup, less is truly more. But there is so much more that goes into being a natural as a female. Unfortunately, much of what many in our community does to enhance a feminine presentation is counterproductive to being "natural".

Wig, not natural.

Breast forms, not natural.

Padding about the tush & hips, not natural.

And the worst of all, having innate masculine mannerisms & gait.

None of these things even speak to the fact that we often overdress (not natural) and have other traits that simply cannot be overcome (size, frame, etc).

Any combination of these things I speak of inflict each of us in some way. You might be lucky and only have to compensate for one of them while others might have to contend with all of them. This is not an easy lot that we've drawn, is it?

[Ericaxd]

You are right about makeup. It really takes a lot of practice--at least it did for me. And of course, we have the added problem of hiding that underlying beard. I've seen a lot of tricks over the years--use red or orange lipstick under makeup to counteract the blue tone of most beards, use beard covers or specialty makeup like Dermablend. They all work to a degree.

The point about clothing is also right on. If you're not a teenager, you shouldn't dress like one. Some GGs do that, and even they look bad when they try too hard to look much younger than they are.

[stephNE]

I too think about this a lot. If I could change my features, there are a lot that I would change.
As we speak about feminine manerisms, I wonder how many are natural, and how many are learned starting as children.
One of the things I miss (regret???) is that I was not able to grow up a girl, and now am in a struggle to learn to be a woman.

[Inna]

Well, I shall speak from extensive experience on makeup technique. Appearance of less is more is truly the key, however, do not misunderstand word LESS isnt describing actually less, but that which is invisible, toned to the face!!!!!

Colors are out, and this seems like OMG for a crossdresser, "No Blue and Green" exactly, just shades of your own skin tonality.

I refer to TG makeup as camouflage, which it really is. Shading areas of the face to achieve shadow versus light, plumpness versus depression.

No one does it better then DragQueens for shading, except their color galore pallet isn't exactly there for looking like a GG, but to make a satirical reference to womans appearance, I do not suggest such approach.

I am a transition life-coach and teach makeup besides other things, I may one day post a vid on makeup specific to TG community. It is hard to find a good vid as most go fo the evening, club look, way heavy and mostly for 1% of the most passing within the community.

Also it is extremely tough to have one specific way of makeup application because of so many different face structures.
I do one on one, and could not teach a successfully if just through one video.

[kimdl93]

I am a transition life-coach and teach makeup besides other things, I may one day post a vid on makeup specific to TG community. It is hard to find a good vid as most go fo the evening, club look, way heavy and mostly for 1% of the most passing within the community.

You're absolutely right. Daytime makeup, which is what I mostly strive for, has to be toned down. I would love to see that vid...looking forward to it!

[Tina B.]

Kate, unfortunately for some it takes a lot of makeup to cover the beard cover. Beyond that I agree with it all, oh, that and don't over dress for where your at, and the time of day tour out there.

[~Joanne~]

I am far from looking natural. A few friends gave me some great advice on some of the things that I should look into changing to get a more natural look. Look more my age than trying to push for a 20ish look. To be totally honest, I would like to achieve this look so I can go out more BUT I love my 5=6" heels and short skirts for around the house ;)

[Kate Simmons]

Kate, unfortunately for some it takes a lot of makeup to cover the beard cover. Beyond that I agree with it all, oh, that and don't over dress for where your at, and the time of day tour out there.I know Tina, I got a lot of experience with this when I was cross-crossdressing as Eric with my persona Ericka as a transgender male. I had to make it appear as if I had no beard shadow but was attempting to make it look as if I were a girl attempting to dress en homme. Takes some technique to say the least.:heehee:

[Mikaela]

Makeup, less is truly more. But there is so much more that goes into being a natural as a female. Unfortunately, much of what many in our community does to enhance a feminine presentation is counterproductive to being "natural".

Wig, not natural.
Breast forms, not natural.
Padding about the tush & hips, not natural.
And the worst of all, having innate masculine mannerisms & gait.
None of these things even speak to the fact that we often overdress (not natural) and have other traits that simply cannot be overcome (size, frame, etc).
Any combination of these things I speak of inflict each of us in some way. You might be lucky and only have to compensate for one of them while others might have to contend with all of them. This is not an easy lot that we've drawn, is it?

Good points Sara, but I think it is a matter of degree.

Halloween wigs, big 'model' style pageant hair, wigs with bad hairlines, hair color that doesn't compliment skin tone are all in a category of their own. Not to mention many men who have spent their lives with short hair (or shaved heads) have no inkling how to style the wig. On the other hand, a natural wig doesn't look like one and lots of women need them. Not to mention all of the celebrities that use them, both on and off screen.

Breast forms fall into the same category. We're often guilty of too big, too round, too high. Combine that with our larger shoulders and top-heavy is a major give away shape. I started with 40Cs and when I lost weight to fit a 38 band, I dropped to a B cup form (so, 2 cup sizes less in volume). I love having the smaller boobs and they are much more complimentary. At Disney World, I didn't even wear the full forms, just some cutlets and it was fine.

I've never worn butt or hip pads. I know some of my girlfriend's clients do, but that's not something on my agenda, even if I do have a flat ass.

So yeah, some things I can't control (height - now less of an issue, feet size - grrrr, lack of natural hair, etc) but at least I can try my best at the others.



Kate, unfortunately for some it takes a lot of makeup to cover the beard cover. Beyond that I agree with it all, oh, that and don't over dress for where your at, and the time of day tour out there.

Yeah, this is a bitch. So many women get by with a light cover, or just powder. Even on such a close shave that I draw blood and feel like i had a fight with a cheese grater, I need to use concealer and full foundation, but I do love the mineral powders.

[Kaz]

For me... beard cover is the biggy! I need a ton of make-up! Though it is getting more white now, so maybe there is hope in the future! :)

[kimdl93]

For me... beard cover is the biggy! I need a ton of make-up! Though it is getting more white now, so maybe there is hope in the future! :)

I am very fortunate in that respect at least. As a natural dishwater blonde, I have been blessed with very light facial hair and even lighter and less on my arms, chest and legs. I don't have to worry much about concealer as a result.

[Sally24]

I think the most important part of the face when it comes to make up is the eyes.
A little eye liner and eye shadow applied in the right way is the key to a feminine look.

I have to agree that the eyes are very important. One thing I do every time I go out now is use false eyelashes. If you pick the right style that just increases your natural eye lashes without looking over the top, apply them very carefully to blend in with your own, and then put a little mascara on them, they make your eyes look tremendously more female. Just this one thing and a little makeup added can really be a good daytime look.

[Diversity]

Unfortunately, I lost my shoulder and height trimmers. When I find them I will be able to look more like a natural woman.... :)
Keep going, Kate. You look great! On a serious note, I agree with you that using light makeup as an accent is the way to go and giving our skin a soft and smooth appearance is essential. Eye makeup is, in my opinion, the most important feature and must be done correctly (not over zealously). The right style and color of wig is also a must, and I believe the style should be in keeping with our age.
Di

[windycissy]

A lot of it is the luck of the draw - some of us are blessed with skin and body shapes that are easier to feminize...I agree that less is more with makeup, one trick someone taught me is to blend a little red lipstick over your "mustache and goatee" area BEFORE you put on your foundation (I know, it sounds crazy, but it really does make your beard disappear so you need very little makeup over it) and I also agree that smaller is better in the boobs department, and that wearing what women about your age in similar situations wear is important, which sadly means no nylons most of the time!

[I Am Paula]

I'm sooo glad that my Lappland heritage manifested itself with- Almost no beard, if I don't shave I get white peach fuzz. I shave my legs bi monthly and my arms in spring. Where it failed me- no eyebrows. I have to draw them on (I use Sephora's stencils. Perfect symetrical eyebrows every time.) Speaking of natural, I used to use perky forms, with quite alot of projection. When I turned 50, my fitter showed me Camp supersoft forms, that actually sag a bit, to mimic older breasts. Who'd have thought I'd buy saggy boobs? They are very real looking. As I got older, the heels got lower (flats before 5 p.m.), the waistbands a little higher (love my skinnies, but not going to show any butt cleavage), and my make up more muted (tho' the SA at clinique told me it's perfectly OK to wear red lipstick over 50). The big drawback of being over 50- No miniskirts. Shortest thing I can wear is a short sweater dress (just above knees) with leggings. I grew out my own hair, cause I never thought my wigs looked natural. I think I appear much more 'natural' than I did in my twenties, when my skirts were too short, and my tops too shear, and my heels too high, even for a similar age GG. Trying to age gracefully-Celeste

[docrobbysherry]

In my case, it doesn't matter if I dab a little lipstick on the pig. Or, trowel it on!:brolleyes:

It's still a tired, old, male pig looking out of my mirror.:sad:

When I can, I simply switch to Sherry mode. :battingeyelashes:

No makeup necessary and her pretty face is on in 10 seconds flat!:D

[linda allen]

........................ When I turned 50, my fitter showed me Camp supersoft forms, that actually sag a bit, to mimic older breasts. Who'd have thought I'd buy saggy boobs? They are very real looking. ..........

I did a web search on those and found nothing. Do you have a link or another name for them? I need "granny boobs" as well.

[Kate Simmons]

Of course as a Green Lantern, I can always use my power ring to look more natural but that would be cheating and Hal Jordan doesn't use his to look more masculine.;):)

[I Am Paula]

I did a web search on those and found nothing. Do you have a link or another name for them? I need "granny boobs" as well.

Linda- I looked on the box 'Camp naturalwear harmony triangles'. They're not 'granny boobs' they just settle in an underwire bra more like mature boobs. If you lay one flat on a table, it sprawls out. Unfortunately, I had never noticed how much I paid for them $358 each! Next time I'll ask. They are the most realistic ones I own, although Amoenas are easy to find, and very soft, at just about any lingerie store, and can be had for about $500. Hope this helps-Celeste

[SheriM]

About the smile and women showing their teeth more. Most women have a smaller upper lip and thus the teeth naturally do show more. It's one of the curses and difficult hurdles to cross (requiring surgery) to fix.

[Sara Jessica]

Thanks for taking it that step further Mikaela. Yes, I was being overly simplistic but there's something else that I forgot to mention. To me, natural is also equating to effortless. I hate the effort it takes to present half decent. This is where my head is at when I observe other women out there...

Naturally effortless is not worrying about whether one of your breasts might shift on you.

Naturally effortless is being able to wear little or no makeup when going out if you choose.

Naturally effortless is simply running a brush through your hair before leaving the house, not worrying about a shifting wig or whether a windstorm will play havoc on your tresses.

Naturally effortless is throwing on even the most casual of clothes and still being unmistakably feminine.

Naturally effortless is pulling all of these things off while gliding gracefully through whatever the day throws at you.

Naturally effortless to the point where the trans doesn't matter in the least bit.

I guess I'm dreaming of taking this whole thing to another level. My moments of being now demand more of me before they reveal themselves. I know where I want to go but it may remain forever elusive, getting closer & closer but perhaps never to really get there. Such is one of the challenges of remaining on the path I'm on.

[I Am Paula]

Sara Jessica- You hit the nail on the head. 'Natural' is a state of mind.-Celeste

[linda allen]

Linda- I looked on the box 'Camp naturalwear harmony triangles'. They're not 'granny boobs' they just settle in an underwire bra more like mature boobs. If you lay one flat on a table, it sprawls out. Unfortunately, I had never noticed how much I paid for them $358 each! Next time I'll ask. They are the most realistic ones I own, although Amoenas are easy to find, and very soft, at just about any lingerie store, and can be had for about $500. Hope this helps-Celeste

Thanks. I'll search again.

[Jana]

Well, I'm afraid it's not that simple for a very simple fact: we are not GGs. Our skin texture is different, our facial geometry is different and we have facial hair. Unless you are one of those blessed souls that has no beard and a delicate face, you are going to need some makeup, first, to disguise your masculine traits and create a somewhat androgynous face; second, to simulate feminine proportions, such as high cheek bones, large eyes, smaller brow ridge, etc.

That being said, it's also important to consider the ultimate goal of makeup. Do you want to blend in? Do you want to stand out? What's the occasion? What's the attire? Personally, I always strive to blend in. That means going with what GGs are doing. If it's an evening event, generally it calls for makeup with more contrast. Conversely, a daytime outing at the mall would call for a more subtle production (obviously after hiding 5 o'clock shadow).

My two cents.

[darylinb]

Take a look on ebay for breast forms. They have all kinds, sizes and shapes. I've bought a couple pair and have been very satisfied. Some are silicone others are a weighted foam material but both are nice and warm to the body. The silicone seem to give the little bounce better but both look and feel fine. They run anywhere from maybe $50 on up.

[SherriePall]

Unfortunately, many of us start off at a disadvantage facewise. We just feel we need to pour on the make-up to cover our maleness.
I once had a department store SA for Prescriptives (don't go looking for them -- they are no longer) tell me that a heavy foundation cover makes one look like a crossdresser! When she did my makeover, she used a foundation brush on my face. Gives an even light cover. I used to love to stop and talk with her (en drab or femme) because she understood us (she had worked and socialized in NYC with Devine and Warhol's Candy Darling among others).
She, too, endorsed the less is more. But it's so hard to do....

[DebbieL]

I was looking at some women and wondering how we could look more like natural women ourselves while en femme.

There are entire books, in fact dozens of books on this topic. There are the physical appearance things, and there are the subtle voice and even little clues. For example, when a man walks down the street, he makes eye contact and nods his head. It's a very subtle "bow" honoring each other. It's something that is almost obligatory, because when a man does not do it for another man, it can be taken as disrespect, which at times in a man's life would lead to violence. The subtle nod establishes mutual respect and acceptance of each other's status.

Women, do not do this. They do NOT look directly into men's eyes, they keep their eyes front and then look to the side when they want to observe the reactions of others. When a woman looks directly at a man eye to eye, it's considered flirtation, and the nod is actually a dismissal, it is very jarring to a man, and will trigger scrutiny that will eventually. lead to being recognized as a man.

Men rarely complement each other's clothing or ask other men for fashion advice. Women on the other hand regularly compliment each other's clothing and jewelry, and sometimes even make-up. Men tend to spend too much time looking at a woman's chest, women look each other in the eye, usually one eye. Men often make the mistake of complimenting physical attributes which are an accident of nature. Only a woman who has had breast implants would be complemented by a remark made about her breasts. Same is true with legs, but, or any other physical attribute. A man will see that a woman has beautiful eyes, a woman will see that a woman has beautiful eyes that have been enhanced with the best combinations of eye shadow colors. A woman will notice that a woman has a nice figure, and complement the other woman on how her wardrobe shows that figure to her best advantage.

Men tend to describe THINGS and EVENTS, women tend to express feelings, and how things seem to them. Men control their pitch, knowing that raising their vocal pitch could be perceived as a sign of weakness, and dropping it too low could be perceived as a threat. Women on the other hand, use a wide range of pitches within phrases to express their emotional state, especially excitement, admiration, and affirmation. A monotone compliment is actually an insult.


One thing I noticed is that with makeup, less is more,

This is often an illusion. Some women will NEVER go out in public without make-up. The trick is to use layers of foundation, powder, blush, and shadow to make the make-up appear as natural as possible. Good make-up is an art form. Very often women will go to department stores and have their faces done by the clerks at the store, who will pick colors that LOOK natural. Part of teh deal is that the women buy the makeup and the artist shows them exactly how to apply it. Girls practice make-up at slumber parties, doing each other's make-up, and later doing their own. They watch their mothers do make-up, and their mothers often inspect and correct make-up. If the make-up is too trashy or obvious, they might even be sent back to their room and told to do it all over again.

I've known many women who always seemed so beautiful, but when I would meet them first thing in the morning, I'd find out that they had very red blotchy skin, dark circles under their eyes, and even had puffiness in jaw. They had so mastered make-up that they could make it look as if they had no make-up even when they had layers of it. Girls start to play with make-up when they are 10-12 years old, by the time they are 22, they have had 10 years of practice to perfect the art.


so I think one goal would be to use makeup in a way where it looks like we are using little to none as women are naturally beautiful and the makeup mostly serves as an enhancement

My wife has natural beauty. She has natural blonde hair, blonde eyebrows, and pale skin with pink cheeks. She doesn't need any make-up at all. She also doesn't pluck her eye-brows, but she does have to pluck facial hairs regularly. Keep in mind that she is also size 26 and usually wears pants, and blouse over camisole to avoid showing cleavage. Women also study each other's make-up, which is a good practice when you are transgender. Soon you will notice the little imperfections, the acne covered up, the blemishes, the circles being hidden, and the wrinkles being concealed.

When I do my make-up I look as much as 15 years younger than I do in male face, especially when I take off my glasses. Heels force me to walk with better posture, which means I have fewer back aches. It also makes my butt look toned and my thighs look lean and muscular. It's mostly illusion. In addition, it's important to "blend". If I'm the hottest looking girl in the shopping center, I'm going to be noticed, women are going to be checking me closely, and men are going to want to make a pass, until I give them the instinctive nod, or they notice that I'm over 6' 2 inches in 3 inch heels.

The short skirt, dark hose, heels, and satin blouse with nice jewelry would play well in a club, and with a jacket, in a work situation or restaurant, but in a shopping mall, I would be overdressed and would attract too much attention. If instead I wear leggings and 2 inch heels, and a shorter wig with dark roots (to match my eyebrows), and keep the make-up shades subtle, then I can shop the entire afternoon without even being noticed. I'm just another old lady shopping for bargains at the local mall.


Any other ideas or suggestions concerning this?:)

Details matter. Women practice noticing the details. They may shop at Nordstroms or Lord & Tailor and never buy, but they are observing cuts, patterns, textures. They can use this knowledge to buy realistic looking knock-offs, but they also use this knowledge to be able to tell the difference between the real article and the knock-off.

[noeleena]

Hi,

So i must be the natural one as i dont use makeup, & i dont need it, apart from cant be bothered to tell the truth, Lippy is all id use , except i use eye brow liner because as is known of being burnt on my right side of face, & a scare .

I do have lovely skin olive with very few lines & even Jos has things to say about my ...lovely ... face.... well come on...
iv got to have something right. dont have the looks, so.....

...noeleena...

[MssHyde]

power tends to make wrinkles show up. some concealers make you look nasty do to the texture change of your skin.

after I put makeup on, I put moisturizer over it.

[Sara Jessica]

power tends to make wrinkles show up. some concealers make you look nasty do to the texture change of your skin.

after I put makeup on, I put moisturizer over it.

Ummmm, your moisturizer goes underneath your makeup. :eek:

[MssHyde]

Ummmm, your moisturizer goes underneath your makeup. :eek:

you judge, I'm 60, the lower picture is current, I use primer first.:brolleyes:

even with my dslr camera, it shows it works. (close up ready)

riding my harley in the wind and sun takes its toll on the skin.

drinking a lot of water helps too.

I have used vit E to set the make-up and make my skin look healthy too. http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af73/xHDrider/Brandi/11-4-12084.jpg

[kimdl93]

You look pretty darn good ...whatever your age!

[Acastina]

Another lucky one here with minimal facial hair to begin with. Ten minutes a day in front of the magnifying mirror with tweezers pretty much keeps it free of both fuzz and shadow. A larger issue for me is keeping it smooth and moisturized. Scrubbed at least daily and a good wrinkle cream. Exfoliate with acid pads a couple of times per week.

As for makeup, I'm going more and more with just powder, a little blush and shadow, and tinted lip balm, even in boy mode (although usually skipping the shadow). Going totally bare is fine for GGs with good skin, but we need to tip the balance a little. It's a fine line and different for each individual, but look around in everyday settings and see how few GGs use much makeup. Think Baby Bear's porridge, just right.

Sadly, many of the things we crave the most, like skirts and hose, are only occasional wear in the real world...

[Tracii G]

I use a moisturizer everyday so maybe that helps but as far as make up I try to go as light as I can.
First use a lifting serum (some use prep H) then a primer.After that a concealer and light amount of foundation.
Next a light amount of liquid make up get it even then a refiner to blot and smooth it all out.
I'm 60 as well.
Here is a close up and a pic of the refiner I use.

[Kate Simmons]

Wow, I think you are one "hot tomato" Cheyeene.:)

[Jorja]

Yes we have beards, rough skin, wrinkles, and two dozen other faults. Makeup is just a tool. You learn to use the tool for your application. Most CD/TG/TS think they need to trowel it on. Nothing could be further from the truth. A little goes a long way. Learn to apply it properly and when to apply what. This is what the cosmetic stores like MAC are for or a makeup artist friend. Take full advantage of them. I hear some say (GG's included) "I don't use makeup because I don't need it". Great, if that is your personal choice. However, they would be surprised at how much better they could look with a little makeup properly applied.

[Kathleen Ann Trees]

My list of goals when dressing to blend in:
- shave as much as you can get away with, on my arms I just use trimmers to thin it out.
- use a light touch on the make up. I like natural tones around my eyes, browns with maybe a light rose, and a lip gloss rather than a deep colored lipstick
- I do use a little rouge to highlight the cheeks
- I haven't thinned out my brows professionally, but I do try to keep them trimmed back with a little arch
- I find I like my eyes better if I go easy on the mascara too. Too much, is too much for me.
- I keep my nails comfortably long for men, but with a more pastel color and shiny top coat, they look fine
- Nothing I can do with my man hands, but keep the hair off the knuckles
- Use jewelry with a light touch. I remember the hint, put on what you want, then take 2 or 3 things off
- Age appropriate and fairly conservative clothing. I love skirts and dresses but they always make me feel showy. I tend to stay with slacks, jeans, and capris.
- I don't really go over 3 inch heels. I don't like wedges because they feel clunky. I stay away from gladiator styles, platforms, or too gaudy of a shoe. I've found sandals and flats to be very comfortable and always look better than I expect. Can't beat a nice black pump.
- I try to get the best wigs I can afford. I like them to have variation in the color. It seems like many women like a little highlight in their hair. Shoulder length
- Speak slowly and with a softer volume. Don't try to talk like a girl.
- Back to the hands, I find when walking around I keep my hands on a purse strap, whether on the shoulder or at my side. It kind of hides their size. I always look manly if I hook the purse on my forearm while walking.
- B cup bra and forms
- slow everything down
- knees and elbows in
- smile
- my glasses and sunglasses are pretty conservative too. I don't use the jumbo oversized ones
- I love when I can make a clip work in my hair. It keeps the neck cooler and is very common.

[Angela Campbell]

I would love to get to a natural look, but it is just not natural for a 55 year old man to try to look like a lady. Oh well I am learning.