Stick to the Basics

One of the greatest challenges to the crossdresser or transgendered person is how to actually look female.  After all, it is relatively easy to disguise your body shape and hide or remove body hair but the face is a real challenge.  Luckily, there are many products readily available to handle this and, with some guidance and practice, the desired effect can be achieved.  So, before you reach for that dress, follow these basic steps and you will be well on your way to achieving the perfect look.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to start.  Most of us are not rich and can’t afford to have a professional makeup kit sitting in our bathroom.  Instead, streamline your makeup bag and stick to these basics. A few brushes, like a medium-size dome brush, will help, but in most cases a cotton swab, makeup sponge or finger will do.

Mascara

No matter what your hair color, use black mascara. It will define your eyes and make you appear more wide awake.

Foundation

A full face of foundation can feel heavy, so instead of applying it all over, touch up only those areas where your skin tone appears uneven.

Concealer

Choose a concealer that’s long wearing or gives medium to full coverage in a shade that's close to your skin tone.

Blush

To choose the right color for a subtle look, find a shade that's similar to the inside of your lip.

Eye Shadow

A neutral shade acts as a base and will instantly brighten eyes. Use one with a bit of sparkle for a more festive look.

Lipstick

Try a moisture-rich formula so your lips don't dry out. (The inner-lip trick for choosing blush works for lipstick shades, too.)

First Things First

Before any great artist even begins a painting they have to start with a blank canvas.  So should it be with anyone who crossdresses.  That having been said, the first thing the CD or TG person must do is shave.  Amazingly, there are a lot of people out there who do not know how to do it properly so, we will start at the beginning

Wet shaving is recommended due to the fact that it exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells and allows the skin to breathe. The method also provides the closest possible shave with lasting results.

The first essentials to a perfect shave are water and warmth. When hair absorbs hot water it becomes softer and easier to cut, and with warmth the skin and facial muscles become relaxed, making shaving much easier.  Thus the best time to shave is after a bath or shower.  You can also wrap your face with warm, moist towels.  This also helps to soften your beard.

Remember there is an average of over 15,000 bristles on your face.  Use a gel or foam and with your fingers massage the gel or foam evenly over your face.  Using your fingers is a very successful way of preparing the skin and beard for wet shaving as well as revitalizing the facial muscles. The shaving foam makes the beard go harder and stand up and makes the shaving smooth.

On the upper lip and the chin it takes longest time for the lather to work and therefore you should shave these parts last.  Make sure you use a sharp blade that has been warmed in the sink or under hot running water.

Shave with the grain of your beard, or move the blade sideways across the growth in awkward areas such as the chin and under the nose. Never shave against the grain as this pulls the skin in the wrong direction causing small cuts and ”grazing” to the skin and is the most common cause of ”razor burn”, ingrown hairs and shaving rash.

Keep the razor well rinsed to avoid clogging the blade and apply more water if necessary, not more shaving cream. Rinse the face thoroughly with cool water to close the pores and pat the face dry with a soft towel.

If you are like me, you prefer to use an after-shave with alcohol. The problem is you don’t want to expend all the effort to look like Marilynn Monroe while smelling like Humphrey Bogart.  To prevent this, purchase some rubbing alcohol and use it instead.  If you find straight alcohol is too strong then you can “water” it down to your taste.  This gives an aroma free after shave and it also disinfects your skin.  You can also use an alcohol free after-shave, since continuous use of after-shave can dehydrate the skin.

You can choose from a disposable razor or a permanent razor with blades you change. I recommend permanent razor handles where you change blades. They give the right balance and a safer shave.  I also recommend some of the newer, multi-blade, razors for an even closer, and longer lasting, shave.

Take care of your razor! Bacteria can be transferred from one person to another. This is why you should not borrow someone else’s razor or razorblades.  When you have used the razor you should rinse it in warm water. This way it is always clean and hygienic when you use it next.  You can also disinfect your razor blades by simply pouring some after-shave over the blades