Transgender, Getting It Right!

Society has come a long way, these days regardless of colour, sex, sexual orientation and preference we are a very varied and accepted race. Things are no longer hidden behind lock and key and we can express ourselves quite openly who ever we are and what ever we choose to be. Many people are now able to make the changes in their lives to allow them to be the person they should be and this is where this section will come in to play. Throughout my life I have worked and socialised with many people, many different types of people. Whilst there are many forums and support areas now for Transgender individuals there are very few on helping with the cosmetics side of a Man becoming the woman they should or wish to be, or Woman becoming the Man they should or wish to be. I am not a plastic surgeon so i cannot help with making you look like David or Victoria Beckham but I am a qualified make up artist and have worked for many houses over the years, my final years being spent with Versace. Through the sections in this category listing I hope that I can help to give advice that is useful and appropriate. As always if you have specific requirements or questions you are very welcome to email direct . Hopefully this will help you to “Get It Right” alleviating the concern of facing someone directly this is discrete and anonymous and hopefully beneficial! Enjoy!

Written by Peace Lily on 2007/12/14 | Permalink to this article

Basic Principles

Right regardless of your sex or whichever you aim to be the basic principles apply! The articles that I have already written in the other categories such as Choosing your foundation , Colours etc all apply so give those a read first. There are some major differences, and those I will cover individually in order for you to get the basics under you belt. Its about getting colours right and application spot on, far too many end up looking like a drag king or queen. This is nothing against them but most transgenders are trying to be accepted in to the community for who they are to live a normal life, and ultimately just look like a man, or woman. You will be very surprised just how the right hair and make up can make a huge difference! So here goes!

Written by Peace Lily on 2007/12/14 | Permalink to this article

Skin Preparation

It is very important that before you aplpy make up that your skin is properly prepared, think of it as painting and you need a nice smooth and clean canvas before you can apply your paint!!

• Shave – For male skin to apply make up a close shave is very important, see my article in male grooming on The Perfect Shave. allow the skin time to calm down after shaving before you apply make up.
• Cleanse – Clean your skin with an appropriate cleanser be that cream, face wash or good old soap and water. If washing remember to pat the skin dry with a towel do not rub!
• Tone – This to me is an optional although most beauticians and beauty companies say its a must, personal preference. Having looked after my skin for all of my adult life I have at times used a toner but tended to find that it makes my skin quite sore after shaving so i dont tone anymore, cold water after shaving seems enough for me!
• Moisturise – Very important bit this for more information on moisturisers check out my article in skincare. Once you have applied your moisturiser go and make a cuppa so that the moisturiser has time to be absorbed by the skin. If you fancy a moisturiser with a difference then check out the recipe for making your own.
• Eye Cream – My very favourite skincare item, always apply an eye cream, it will really help when applying a concealer to the eye area. Again there is a recipe for eye gel in my skincare section! Tip less is more when applying this and remember to pat gentley around the orbital bone do not rub.
  Thats it your skin is now ready for the next step!

  Written by Peace Lily on 2007/12/14 | Permalink to this article

Applying Foundation

• Liquid Foundation – You can apply this with a damp sponge but my preferred option is to use your fingertips, make sure you hands are clean and washed. Applying a small amount to your fingertip and starting at the centre of your face smoothing evenly outwards, make sure you blend towards the hair line and ensure that you go down over the jaw blending to the neck. If you have picked the right colour foundation for your skin you should not see where it is blended.

• Powder to liquid/cream & mousse – In compacts that look like powder usually, use your fingertip and apply in exactly the same wasy as you would liquid foundation.

• Stick Foundation – This solid block of foundation should be gentley rubbed on to the skin and blended with your fingertips.

• Powder Compact – Using a decent brush load with the powder foundation, not too heavily and gentley sweep across the face again making sure that you blend towards the hair line

Remember the perfect colour match and applied foundation is not noticeable and will provide a flawless finish to your skin. Always remember if you are going to be wearing lipstick and eyeshadow to apply some of your foundation to the eye lids and lips.
Finish off with a light dusting of transparent pressed or loose powder or a colour that matches your foundation.

Written by Peace Lily on 2007/12/14 | Permalink to this article