As I became more comfortable, I began to make inquires from various cosmetologists and discovered to my amazement that they are extremely helpful. After receiving help one must practice, practice, practice. The first step is finding the right colors, for the wrong color on the face can look worse than no makeup at all. Each of us has a unique skin tone and eye color. Therefore, it is impossible for the same shade of makeup to look flattering on all people. It is therefore, essential that one find the colors that complements this tone. Color plays a major role in our presentation, whether it be the use of makeup or in clothing selections. Color is magic and exciting and has the power to make one's appearance come alive.
Around Christmas time, I noticed many cosmetic companies were giving free makeup lessons and free makeovers. By this time, I was feeling very secure in myself, that I decided to go to a store to find out the correct way to apply cosmetics. Wig on straight and dressed nicely with a recently acquired shirtwaist dress having 3-quarter length sleeves, to distract any attention to my arms. I went to the store, which was offering free makeovers in private rooms. Very nervous at first, I calmed down as I entered the store, When the manager inquired what kind of look I wanted, I said my criteria was to always look nice, day or night. I was surprised, but heartened, as I perceived no reaction from her as to my appearance at this time. Yet, my emotions were unsettled. Should I indicate that I had made a mistake? Instead I stammered that I was unsure of how to apply makeup confidently. "Don't worry," she replied without hesitation, I would take care of it. So with matching of shades and skin color, she proceeded to apply moisturizer, foundation and powder. She explained every step as we went along. Foundation was essential, she explained, or the colors would run. She then colored my eyebrows, and using 3 shades of eye shadow along with dark blue eyeliner, enhancing my blue eyes. The final step was to apply brown/black mascara. I was told that for nighttime use, I should intensify the colors and use the eyeliner and mascara on the lower eyelashes as well. She further explained as she began using concealer and blush on my cheeks and the area under my eyes, that this was necessary to highlight the cheekbone and remove the dark shadows under the eyes. I noticed that in all these procedures, she was using sponges to smooth out the eye shadow colors and foundation as she blended everything together. I also noted during the whole process, that she always used a large brush for powder and a smaller brush for applying blush. She then finished by lining my lips with a darker shade of lipstick using a pencil for better control, and finished with a mauve lipstick. The total process took over two hours to complete. I learned a lot! Excited, I felt I had finally arrived! After acquiring the makeup kit on sale, I heard her tell her companion what a lousy wig I was wearing. Once again, I felt that I had failed again, as they knew I was a male and were laughing over the experience.
I realized then that if one wants to play the part, one must be real and use quality materials, and not settle for substitutes or fakes. Cheap wigs seem to advertise themselves as what they are and detract from the overall appearance In fact, they call attention to the wearer, which I tried not to do.The beginning in this psychological transition to femaleness is the use of makeup. It is quintessence of femininity. Smell the fragrance of perfume, and experience the caress of satiny lingerie as one begins the process of transformation as one is transported into the feminine world. The changeover is complete when the last vestige of superficial manhood is removed and the last bit of makeup is applied, whether it be eyeshadow or lipstick. As one proceeds in the process, each layer of manhood is stripped away only to emerge once again over that thin line that separates the shadow world of maleness and femaleness.
The magic begins with a stroke of a wand, and the first coat of paint, whether it be moisturizer or foundation. I sense the freedom of a butterfly emerging from a cocoon when I have shaved and put on the first layer of foundation, and the fears of passing are replaced by the pure pleasure of stepping out once again as an attractive woman.
Getting Started
This is a basic sequence that makes practical sense. You can certainly skip steps, if you want. And of course the amount of time you spend on each feature will vary according to where you want the most emphasis. Don't rush! When you work slowly, you can evaluate the effects of each step better
Step 1
Before you begin make sure you shave as close as possible, shave downward as whiskers for the most part grow downwardIf necessary prior to applying any moisterizer use a concealer such as dermablend or a red blend to hide any telltale shadow, then use a moisterizer and a lip balm to even out the application of the moisterizer, next pat on a translucent power to soften the edges and remove any shine . Use a large powder brush or puff to leave a sheen, cover the entire face
Step2
Now the brows. This is where the problems begin if you have thick bushy eyebrows. They need to be thinned to a light curved line beginning at the inside edge of the eye and extending to a line from the nose to the edge of the outer eye. The remaining hairs are filled in with a brow pencil (I use a taupe pencil for my brownish hair), using little feather-like strokes. Then brows are brushed through with a brow brush to soften the line.
STEP 3
Eyes and Foundation: To enhance the eye, use a taupe eyeliner for light colored eyes and then using a deeper color eye shadow use a brush and go from the lashline to the crease above the crease use a lighter color of the same blend and blend them both, For evening wear you can use a darker shade.Foundation should be a shade darker than your normal complexion again blending it well. use a translucent powder to smooth it and reduce the shine. if too deep as noted you can thus lighten the color.Blush can be applied at this stage with a brush on a line from the inner aspect of the nose to the edge of the upper ear.
to lighten foundation first blot the skin with tissue and then use your powder to blend the facial tissue and lighten the existing foundation.
In the case of lip color, Initially use your makeup foundation or lip balm to coat he lips to prevent it from spreadinginto the surounding tissue. I like to outline the edges of my lips and then apply an appropriate color, eithe a soft mauve or berry. Then blot gently and apply another coat.
Since these are only my ideas , for more professional appraisal on makeup application, I would refer you to "Make Up Your Life by Victoria Jackson.