A More Feminine Face

Techniques and Tips

from "Chrissy_L"

It isn't only crossdressers who have problems like blue beard shadow. For centuries, women have had to hide excess facial hair and - sadly - bruises and similar dark marks, by using makeup.

The steps involved are actually fairly simple, but you must follow them carefully. You must also practice them regularly. Applying makeup is just like everything else in that practice makes perfect.

To begin with, you will need to accumulate the following supplies. I'm going to be brand-specific because I want you to get the right thing, but what you do with the information is up to you.

Finally, a disclaimer: If you haven't tried cosmetics before, there is a very small chance you might be allergic to some of these products. Use them at your own risk. Likewise, if you get caught by someone you didn't want to know about this, that is your problem too. I'm just passing along information from a real makeup artist for you to do with as you will.

Concealer. I recommend DermaBlend, which can be found at any JC Penny store (their official outlet) or at better cosmetic stores everywhere. Dermablend comes in "Chroma numbers" Chroma 1 is a light beige, Chroma 1.25 is a medium beige. If you cannot find Dermablend, us Pan-Stik as your concealer, which is available everywhere.
Cheap RED Lipstick. You won't be using this on your lips. A good one is "Wet And Wild" in the shade "535A." You can see the displays of Wet and Wild lipsticks in little racks at the ends of cosmetic aisles in most drug stores.
Foundation. I have a few choices you might want to consider:
- Revlon ColorStay. This stuff really has staying power. Once it dries (in about 60 seconds) it won't come off till you scrub it off with facial cleanser.
- Max Factor Lasting Performance. This is fairly opaque and tends to stay on well.
- Almay Sports Formula Tint. This only comes in three shades ("Light" will work for most of you) but it has the advantage of being sweat-proof. Scrubs off with soap and water. This is the one I use most.
- Revson's Ultimate II Ultimate Coverage. This is the most opaque of all the items in this list and is recommended for problem faces.
Loose Face Powder. Coty "Translucent Medium" will work for most of you. Be sure to pick up a good powder brush too! :)
Max Factor "Pan Stik." Some of you will need this. We will use this if you have a serious problem with dark facial hair shadows even after shaving.
A nice Lipstick (this one is for your lips).

Once you have assembled your supplies, we can get started!

Start with a clean-shaven face. I know that should go without saying, but it is very important. Use a good double bladed razor like Gillette Sensor Excel. If you are using an electric, it is time to convert! Wet face thoroughly and use a facial scrub sponge (the rough side) to losen hairs. Use a good Gel shave cream and shave carefully.
Make sure your face is completely dry. If necessary, use an astringent such as Witch Hazel to make sure you have removed all oils from the surface of your face.
Start with your concealer. Put a few dabs on your cheek and blend thoroughly with your fingers, using circular strokes. This, as with all makeup items, should be a thin coating. Continue to cover the entire beard area in this same manner - one section of face at a time. Like every technique you see here, this takes practice.. lots of practice. If you are in a big hurry you might want to consider having a transformation session done by Chrissy ... this will help you understand makeup application much more clearly.
Take the cheap lipstick ("Wet and Wild") and dot your face lightly over the beard area. It will look a little like a case of the measles. Blend this into the Concealer with your fingers. When done, you should have a slight sunburned look to your face over the beard area. If it is too red then you over did it and will need to put a bit more concealer on to even out the color. This is not a joke. The secret is that the red of the lipstick cancels out the bluishness of beard shadow. Women have used this trick to hide bruises and such for many many years. It works.
(Optional). Pan Stik. If you have a bad problem with blue shadows even after shaving, you will want to apply Pan Stik at this point. Make several streaks with the stick over your beard area and blend with your fingers to an even coloration. If you use this step, you will now need to wait about 5 minutes for the Pan Stik to "set" before moving on to the next step. If not go directly to applying foundation.
At this point you shouldn't have any blueness from your beard showing through. If not, keep working at it, it just takes some practice.
Apply liquid foundation. Again, dot lightly on one section of your face and blend with your fingers to obtain an even color. Don't overdo it. This will give your skin an even, natural tone... assuming you selected the right shade to start with. Wait a few minutes for your foundation to set before proceeding.
Optional Apply loose powder. Powder takes off the shine from your skin and "locks in" the makeup you have applied. Do NOT omit this step! Dot powder on your face with powder brush and blend in to an even texture.
Apply lipstick to your lips according to your desires.
At this point you may choose to apply mascara, shadow, or whatever you enjoy.

There you have it! You now know how to make yourself more beautiful, and more feminine! This is the "bare-bones" of getting a feminine-appearing face. If you don't get it right the first time just remember that you will get better with practice. It will work once you get the hang of it. A faster way to learn is to schedule a transformation session with me. You may see my transformation services page at http://www.eskimo.com/windance/. - Chrissy_L

***** NOTICE *****