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  • Am I applying makeup properly?

    Posted by Anonymous on 04/04/2009 at 3:20 am

    Hi Olivia

    I don’t know about anyone else, but I find myself in the same situation that I have some cosmetics and no idea if I’m applying them properly or if they’re the right ones the me.
    So my question for everyone else how did you learn to applying makeup was it from a friend, or did you go to a beautician ?

    Penny

    Anonymous replied 15 years, 5 months ago 0 Member · 2 Replies
  • 2 Replies
  • Anonymous

    Guest
    18/11/2009 at 11:39 pm
    Quote:
    I don’t know about anyone else, but I find myself in the same situation that I have some cosmetics and no idea if I’m applying them properly or if they’re the right ones the me.
    So my question for everyone else how did you learn to applying makeup was it from a friend, or did you go to a beautician ?

    Penny

    Hiya Penny!

    My personal experience was having my lil sister go shopping weith me. Since we have the same skin/lips/face shape she would give me tips on what to buy. Of course she does not have a beard to cover so I learnt more drag-centric stuff from searching Youtube. Apart from that, practice, practice, practice…

    The key thing to remember is that a transwoman’s face is different to a genetic woman’s face. What works for them may not work for you. The basics techniques and theory do apply, but some things are different. For example, I cannot use the exact same foundation as my sisters because of my beard. I have to apply a cover (which for the perfect cover is a never ending quest so far). Then I have to consider the shade going on top of the cover and how they blend together.

    As for the colouring of lips, eyes, brows, cheeks etc, once the foundation is set, everything else is pretty much the same as what all girls do. Youtube and websites for makeup brands are usually packed with tutorials.

    Less is more is a great philosophy when it comes to all parts of dressing en femme. Take a close look at most girls out there in the real world and you’ll find they’ll often look like they are wearing hardly any makeup. Their lip colour doesn’t stray too far from their natural lip colour. Their eyes are simply fenced by some eyeliner and framed by mascara. The eyeshadow gives the contours around the eyes depth. The blush/bronzer highlights their cheek bone ridges. Using a little makeup to highlight the feminine parts of a transwoman’s face can make her disappear into the crowd. From this level she can build her look up for special events and not look like a man in drag.

    For the girls not out to atleast one girl, it can be hard to get another gal’s perspective and critique. But you can always practice and critique yourself. Cameras never lie about shades like your eyes can. Take a few photos in different levels of light and you’ll see some drastic changes. I have been doing this for the past year and have slowly practiced and honed my look to where I am happy with it.

    Lastly, AIM for a look. Your face is a work of art that puts you on display to the world. The scary part is that every other girl in the room is an art critic. So think of what you would like to present youself as, select the appropriate attire and accessories and then ‘paint’ your face to complete the look.

    Hope that helps Penny!!

    BTW In drab I’m a rep for a well known makeup company that does house calls (hint, hint). If any girls would like me to make a house call drop me a message. I am more than happy to share what I know.

  • Anonymous

    Guest
    20/11/2009 at 12:22 am

    Hi,

    I found going to somebody the best. I use Image by Design at Lemongrove, Chatswood. Talk to Vivienne Cable, very tranny friendly. They sell Napoleon Perdis, which is expensive, but good quality and they are no more expensive than DJ’s or Myers. They have a private area or you can sit on show and have a makeover. Expect to spend $300 to $400 for basics.

    Love Karen.