Curious about something

[Jill]

I don't wear makeup when I dress, or a wig, for that matter. I tried putting on my sisters makeup when I was a teenager and it was a disaster. But what I am curious about is, what all do you need in order to do your makeup? There seems to be so much of it, I have no idea what you need or don't need in order to really do the makeup. Would someone kindly fill me in?

[Jill]

I want to add a second part to my question. For those of you who do wear makeup, do you enjoy it? Is it as fun as wearing skirts, heels and hose?

[ReginaK]

I just stick with the basics. Just enough to cover male flaws and add a bit of definition: Foundation, lipstick, brow pencil, and mascara.

I don't really care for eyeshadow and blush. It looks a bit campy to me. I'd wear eyeliner, but it turns into a disaster every time.

And yes it's fun. Perhaps the most fun. To me, it's the line between "a guy in a dress" and a crossdresser. I know a lot of people won't agree with me on that.

[Julie Avery]

It's more of a pain in the neck than dressing, but a very satisfying part of the transformation when I have the time and opportunity.

[Laurie Ann]

It helps complete the illusion that I am a woman. I do enjoy wearingit and applying it. Like hose and heels its another part of the desire.

[Eugenie]

I'm not a specialist of makeup so I won't answer your first question. I'm doing my best at observing how my wife does and I try to immitate her... Eye liner is the trickiest for me...

For your second question, yes indeed there is a great pleasure with wearing makeup. It makes one feel more feminine, it softens the traits of the face and all in all it is putting a nice finishing touch to being "en femme". It hides most of the gray colour of your beard which is always there even when you shave as closely as possible.

I like the feel of the foundation product (I use a stick) on my face, then of the powder brush on my cheeks. Most powders smell great and that is part of being a woman...

Putting on the leap stick is also a fabulous feeling. I pay a lot of attention to my choice of lipstick, using a color that isn't too showy but still well contrasted with my skin. In addition I want it to tastes and smell good... Lipstic definitely changes your face and make it a lot more feminine looking.

I'm sure you will find a friendly GG to explain the basic makeup skills the rest is a matter of practice...

Love.

Eugenie

[sharifemme]

Jill...

I don't just enjoy it, I LOVE IT! I feel naked without makeup when en femme (and en homme, too! LOL!). I love buying it, using it, and seeing the final effect.

I like the Bare Minerals foundation, mineral veil and highlighting colors best. They are easy to apply, cover well and you don't look like you put it on with a trowel. For everyday though, I use liquid foundationapplied with a damp sponge, powder, and powdered blush - it's cheaper!

I also use brow gel and powder, eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara. If you are having trouble with eyeliner, try the new wet n wild retractable pencils and start at the OUTER corner of your eye and work towards your nose, staying as close to your lash line as possible and using a full stroke. The other end of the pencil has a rubber dealy that you can use if you want to smudge the line a little and a sharpener in case you want a really fine line.

And Shari never goes out without lipstick!

I don't do wigs much anymore now that I am getting better at styling my own hair.

Sharifemme




I want to add a second part to my question. For those of you who do wear makeup, do you enjoy it? Is it as fun as wearing skirts, heels and hose?

[sherri]

I think you might be astonished by the transformation. The first time you successfully apply makeup, and then slip on the wig ... it's like a new person emerges from the mirror. As many here have testified, it can be a revelatory experience.

[Jill]

I appreciate all the responses so far, but my main question is what makeup is most essential and what are all of them for? Can anyone help me with that?

[KimberlyS]

I don't wear makeup when I dress, or a wig, for that matter. I tried putting on my sisters makeup when I was a teenager and it was a disaster. But what I am curious about is, what all do you need in order to do your makeup? There seems to be so much of it, I have no idea what you need or don't need in order to really do the makeup. Would someone kindly fill me in?
I want to add a second part to my question. For those of you who do wear makeup, do you enjoy it? Is it as fun as wearing skirts, heels and hose?


Jill, for me personally, when I am wearing just femme clothes, no wig or makeup, I am dressed en-femme. And when I am at home that is how I am usually dressed unless I am doing pictures. And I would like to be able to daily dress in a mix of mens and womans clothes, but always presenting my male self.

But I also know what this small town would make it like for my wife and kids. And I am not going to put them through that. So I have told my wife, until the time comes that her and our town can accept a guy in feminine clothes, that I will go out as presenting either a male or female that society can relate to. So for me the makeup and Wig are a mask that allows me to out in society.

To answer your second question, yes I do enjoy wearing the makeup and wig, but more from the side that I can be out in society wearing femme clothes. My guy side shows through, as makeup and wig are a hassle and too much work. I just want to throw on some clothes, male or female, or mixed, and go.

I hope that this answers your questions and does not confuse you even more. As I am a bit different than many cders, as I do not feel girly or like a woman. I always feel like my male self just in different clothes that some people wear.

KimberlyS - CD

A guy in feminine clothes

[steffie39]

Hi Jill,

Makeup for me is as fun as pantyhose or heels. :)

I'm no expert but what I do is first put on eyeliner on the bottom part of the eye (the part just above the lower lash). I use black or brown (because I have brown eyes).

I next use orange flip lipstick and put on my face as stripes and rub in (purpose is to help conceal 5:00 shadow). Next I put on foundation (Revlon beige) (a drop or so over each area) and blot it with a pad (not rub). I then spread it all over my face, on my nose, and work my way down my neck (to blend in with your skin that shows above your blouse or top). After it dries, I then use a bronzer powder all over (# 3) (I use a brush to apply) and I then use a pad to wipe of the excess. Next I use a neutral eye-shadow (beige or brown) on my eyelids. I don't use as much blue or green anymore like I used to. Finally I use neutral lipstick (not as much red as I used to) and then I apply blush lightly to the "apple: part of my cheeks (below eyes). Next I paint my nails (color varies) as well as toes. Lastly I spray on perfume and then I am ready to get dressed and complete the final transformation to Steffie.

There's illustrations in the beauty section here as well as from other places on the Internet).

Steffie

[KathlyLC]

MOst times I wear makeup. Here in ther south wearing makeup in the summer months can be a real challenge, but still doable. I used to have problems when I used to have to sneak it on and the times between using it was fairly long time frames.. Since I dress 24/7 anymore, it takes only a few minutes time to apply a casual look or a more refined elegant look.Application comes with practice........I can even beat my wife a lot of times........Wearing makeup is a personal choice even with women as lots do not wear foundation and some that don;t really should.......same thing applies to a CD.

I will say there is a difference in drugstore cosmetics and dept store cosmetics......I used to go through lots of cheap makeup, now I use name brand dept staore and it works so much better and lasts a lot longer.....Nothing more exciting than a makeover at the cosmetic counter by a Estee Lauder or Clinique girl and beand her ear for tips etc.........most times you leave those cosmetic counters with a lot of free giveaways and samples as well..

[CharlaineCadence]

poppit,
all you need to get started with make up is the following

1. Foundation that matches your skintone
2. Either tattoo cover, or a dark pink lipstick for beard cover.
3. setting powers in a shade you like
4. light blush
5. lipstick
6. a good set of makup brushes
7. silk sponges
8. good lighted mirror

if your really interested in make up buy the book makeing faces its great.

hope it helps
kiss kiss
Char

[Karren H]

Well, get you purse out because it costs a fortune!!! hehehe Get a good makeup book from Borders or Barnes and Noble. Then head to the super market or walmart. I use mainly L'oreal products because the are good but expensive. (BTW "I'm worth it!!") lol I use the one step foundation...it's a paste and goes on nicely. Then mascara get the self curling type and not the water proof...easier to clean up. And eye liner - start with a pencile, liquide takes lots of practice. Next eye shadow...use the 3 matching colors with lightest on top gradeing to darkest on the eye lids. Eye brow pencile and use a clear mascara to hold the eyebrows in place. Blush to define your cheek bones, face powder if you need it. Lipstick, the L'oreal tastes the best btw!!! Makeup brushs are a must too!! Can't think of any other necessities but my makeup bag is hugh and I practiced every morning before work for almost 2 years to get where I am today. Sooooo start practicing NOW!!!! hehehe

Here are some examples - http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/karrenhutton/slideshow?.dir=/2d87&.src=ph

Love Karren

[Emily1]

one good place is - Yves Rocher.com - who do lovely make up by mail order and send regular catalogues... Their perfumes are lovely too and they send you gifts if you keep buying their stuff ... what do you need ? you need it all honey ( dont we all ? ) :)

[unclejoann]

Does anyone use the virtual makeup software at beautyriot.com? It's free, you can post your own picture, and you can try lots of colors of lipstick, eyeliner, wigs, and all that. I found it easy to come up with some looks that I don't want to do for real, it will help settle what effect you are really after.

[DonnaT]

I only wear a wig and apply makeup when going out.

Essentials:

Concealer
Foundation
Eyebrow powder
Eye color
Mascara
Lip liner
Lipstick
Blush
Face powder

[Maria-Christina]

I have just revamped my look since buying my new wig at the weekend.

My makeup routine is as follows:

1. Beard cover
2. Concealer blended in under the eyes.
3. Foundation
4. Light shade of eye shadow to eye lid and darker above that to eyebrow, blended in.
5. Mascara
6. Blusher to cheeks
7. Eyeliner pencil just below lower eyelash and outer corner of the eyes.
8. Lipstick with excess taken off with kitchen roll
9. Small amout of powder to lips to give a matt finish.

Is it worth it? You bet your boobies it is. A GG woman would not be seen dead without makeup and nor would I. But it is fun as well.

Maria

[Vannacd]

Hi.

Make up is used to maximize your good points (beautiful eyes, full lips, etc.)

If you're not sure about it, try some mascara, lip stick and blush. These are pretty basic supplies. But be careful, mascara and some lip sticks leave stains if you are not diligent in removing them, leaving you worried about being read the next day at work. Teen girl magazines and on line sites are loaded with make-up tips, so use them as resources.

My greatest joy is looking in the mirror and seeing a woman. That is why I apply make-up. I use blush to soften my jawline and a heavy foundation to hide my beard. Eyeliner sets my eyes off, and everyone knows what a gas lipstick is. Eyebrow pencils give my brows a nice, non-masculine arch and my wig tops it off.

If you are toying with the next step in dressing, first try the basics: lip stick, blush and mascara, and see if you get off on them or not. If you don't get into the total en femme feel that make up and a wig give you, you might just have a fetish for femme clothing and not be a cd.

Vanna

[suzanne claire]

The only way to dress is full,conservative makeup.I have been working diligently for over a year on getting the makeup correct to the extent of purchasing books and a DVD on the subject. I am going to post pictures in the near future of the results.:hugs:

[Amelie]

I use:

A liquid foundation
Then a loose powder over the foundation.
Then liquid eyeliner for the line around the eyes, this gives me the Cleopatra look.
Then a liner pencil to darken the eyebrows and to make a shape(arched, straight, or any shape you want.

Then eye shadow, a very light(white) shadow over the eyelids and a dark(black) shadow around the rim of the lid.

Then lipstick from a tube.

That's all I use. I buy most of my make-up from Rite Aid drug stores.

[btmgrl6]

I use a liquid foundation for night,powder for day. i don't use eye shadow unless I am really dressing up for an evening out. a little lipstck, a little blush for color.I am olive complected . I like that natural look. Mascara , and I don't usually use eye liner.
Don't buy cheap make-up
buy good brushes
experiment.
if I have a little shadow,i use dermablend. It covers well. You can get it on-line or JC Pennys

I got the girl at the make-up counter to help me find my shade. The first time was hard, but after that she knew what I was about and I felt comfortable asking her. Finding the right shade for your color skin is very important.
I even went back en-femme and had her do my make-up. She did it way better than I could... I still have a little trouble, but when you get it right..wooohhoooo

Steph

[Kate Simmons]

I pretty much follow the same routine as Maria-Christina. For some reason, for me at least, my lipstick is the last thing I put on (even after the wig). Just makes me feel more like a woman somehow. Ericka

[Clare]

... what I am curious about is, what all do you need in order to do your makeup? There seems to be so much of it, I have no idea what you need or don't need in order to really do the makeup. Would someone kindly fill me in?Hey Jill, ask to join the beauty club forum. There's plenty of advice and info there for you.

[Clare]

For those of you who do wear makeup, do you enjoy it?The strange thing is, you can't sense it on your skin after a while. Obviously you can see it and intially feel the makeup when first applied, but during the day, I can't feel the eyeshadow or foundation on my face. About the only thing I notice is the lipstick to be honest. Weird but true!

But just knowing that I'm wearing makeup gives me a sense of satisfaction!

[Nlenro-nu2]

Hey Jill, ask to join the beauty club forum. There's plenty of advice and info there for you.

Why not go to a Theatre Place where acting and costumes are common place. There you can learn alot about looking like a female? I'm Nlenro-nu2 and I Played Amelia in the Down and Out! I had to play the total opposite of what I be.. The Character Amelia is a female that was depressed cause she wanted to be male! That's a hard thing to act out when one is a male that really wants to be female! Because the play was
by the Canadian Mental Health Association it didn't deal with the feelings in the proper way. This was about 22 years ago. But at least I learned alot about makeup and you can get stuff at theatres too! I also played a unique version of Macbeth at Cambrian players.. they had Macbeth protrayed as female instead of Male.. Who know that could be what the true Macbeth was!? Some say Jesus is a female name for Jessie and that Jesus was a female who lived as a male! Who knows that could be true!
Well there's many places to learn to use make up.. Go to one of your local
high schools or colleges. You inquire about make up courses or just tips of make up from the teacher of make up use! OUC is a good place in Canada for this! My favourite place for changing from male clothes to female clothes is the Handicapped Washroom.. it's more private and it's marked
for both genders! So know one will bat an eye seeing someone come from their dressed as female. Also I find a College or School is a good place to test out your looks. Myself I don't want a male for mate though! I dress more for comfort than anything else.. I'm obsessed with comfort not looks!
I'm more comfortable in female mode, I'm Nlenro-nu2

[Marlena Dahlstrom]

It can be a pain, but for me it definitely makes a difference when I look in the mirror. With make-up and a wig, I'm no longer a "guy in a dress."

As far as what all the different products do, other people have covered the basics, so I won't repeat what they've said. Probably the best way to learn is to get a make-over yourself. I realize Utah probably isn't the most t-friendly of states, but there is a TG group (http://www.geocities.com/westhollywood/castro/6809/) there and they probably can help find a place where you can get it done. If you're really motivated there are TG salons in Denver, Reno and Las Vegas.

You can also check out articles online or books (typically aimed at teenage GGs -- who also have to learn how to do make-up) and there are also couple DVDs and books specifically for CDs. (Kalina (http://www.transvamp.com/videos/index.shtml) has a good one.)

Like anything, it takes some practice, but it's not that hard.