Style: The makeover
"Passing in our society is now less of a problem as the gender presentation is ambiguous. We note with uncertainty any ambiguity of someone walking down the street, especially in this day and time of longhaired males and woman in ostensibly male clothing. With this in mind, as clothing is not the only issue, you should consider some other options before attempting to pass in the public eye. It is of utmost importance to become aware of the messages you give off. You are constantly sending signals - some conscious - some unconscious about you. For instance, when you're speaking to someone, you are being perceived not only by what you say, but also by the way you look, the way you are dressed, your mannerisms, gestures and posture. Another big chunk is the tone of your voice - its decibel level, modulation, inflection and most important pitch.
The Makeover:
Let us begin, with the face. Many books and articles have been written on makeup. In general, men do not wear makeup. Appropriateness for the time of day and occasion is extremely important. For crossdressers, a primary consideration is covering of facial hair. Shaving is best accomplished with a razor as electric razors do not shave close enough. For those with light beards, light makeup coverage may be sufficient; for others, creams or pancake makeup is essential, making sure to match skin tones around the beard area and then blending into the rest of the facial features. Those with darker beards, can use an orange coverstick by Cover Girl and which can eliminate the bluish cast a beard can show under makeup.
When using foundation, one should be sure to match skin tone and blend in well, incorporating minimal eye shadow and blush. The same applies to the use of mascara which should be based on or near your hair coloring, preferably without an eyelash curler, as eyelash curlers cause rubber contact dermatitis, and nickel dermatitis if the rubber tip wears away. A translucent powder will blend it all in and remove any shine of the cheeks or nose. One need not bother with facial sculpturing during an average day outing, as these tricks are generally appropriate only for evening wear. After all, few women except those in the business world, concern themselves about elaborate makeup during the day. Many wear only mascara and lipstick. The average woman's cheekbones are somewhat more prominent , so in general, one may need to use a lighter shade of blush under the eyes with a deeper shade in the hollow of the cheeks to give the illusion of higher cheek bones. The same is true with the lips. Woman's lips tend to be more lush, so one may need to widen the lip line with a lip liner pencil to prevent bleeding of the color into the crevices around your lip. Since eyebrows are generally higher in women, plucking the lower border may be necessary, as bushy eyebrows never appear on women. This will also give a softer appearance to the face. Makeup can, unfortunately, be a catch 22, for the crossdresser for the more makeup needed to register less maleness, the dressier the clothing needs to be, and the more liable the crossdresser is to be "read."
Of ultimate importance is an appropriate hair style, which does so much to frame the face. It can lengthen, broaden and enhance the outline of your face or in reverse make you stand out and be recognized instantly. Even if you love the shape and drape of long hair around your neck, it may lengthen your face and scream "man in a dress!". So consult a stylist or if you are fortunate to have a interested mate, ask her opinion. The difference the right wig style makes is terrific. I love long hair, but was "read" quite often. So my mate and I consulted a stylist and after spending an afternoon in a wig salon. We came out with one that did wonders for my appearance.
This attention to details also relates to the color of your hair as my mate adroitly pointed out, wigs that are too blonde for certain facial features leaves one washed out looking. In my case, she stated a darker color such as a brunette was better, but as an ash blonde I would look terrific. I trusted her and she proved it. I now felt alive with the clear warm colors but not those that were too vibrant or tight.
If you notify a competent stylist of your needs, she will take you into a back room for fitting. Now you can relax and enjoy the whole feminine experience for your ease and comfort. Take it from me, it is worth the effort and money. Men, on the average, do not spend an eighth of the time women spend in caring for her hair. Above all, do not succumb to the lure of cheap wigs, as they advertise themselves as wigs and you again will be "read.." A wig properly styled does wonders for your possibility.
Now you can relax and enjoy the whole feminine experience for your ease and comfort. Take it from me; it is worth the effort and money. Men, on the average, do not spend an eighth of the time women spend in caring for her hair. Above all, do not succumb to the lure of cheap wigs, as they advertise themselves as wigs and you again will be "read.” A wig properly styled does wonders for your possibility.