Makeup Shopping Questions

[Guest Janice24]

I hope it's ok to start my own thread rather than hijacking someone else's.

I have really dark hair, so I always have a "beard shadow" after I shave. I want to get makeup, but don't know how to go about it. I'm guessing the best thing to do is go out to a store and buy some, but I'm afraid to do so locally because I live in a pretty conservative area. I could go down to LA (~1 hour drive) but I don't know one area from another, so I'm afraid of ending up in a bad place down there too. Probably a ridiculous concern, but one I have none-the-less.

Does anyone have any advice? What type of stores usually don't discriminate; like would a MAC or a Macy's be ok? Also what should I look for as a beginner: just one or two basic things, or a whole kit to practice with?

[JJ]

Another option is online. The mineral makeups cover better than anything else in my experience in my old life and you can buy starter kits on ebay for a lot less than a lot of makeup to experiment with in a store. One caveat is to do research on the brand. Some like Bare Essentials are great and some knockoffs are pretty much colored chalk and horrible. The fakes are a bit cheaper but trash is no bargain. Some even come with videos and brushes so you have all you need in a package that comes in the mail and so far every one I evr got was plain wrapped too if that is a concern

Johnny

[Guest]

Hi Janice,

Welcome to Lauras Playground!

For beard shadow, you will want a concealer. I have no personal experience, but do try searching our fashion and beauty forums for that word, it's got several good topics.

I am a low-budget girl, and use only three makeup items, all Loreal: Eyeliner pencil, mascara, and blush. I would like to use a general face powder, but have never matched my skin tone with anything. All of these items are available at the big box stores,like Target or Walmart, or even drug stores. In general, those stores are way less interested in your sex than they are your money, so don't anticipate problems that probably won't happen.

You can always say it's stage makeup, anyway!

Best of luck to you!

Love, Megan

[Guest Madison_Always]

Hi Janice,

I have a similar issue with my upper lip having a shadow even after shaving. What I do is like Megan said use concealer. I apply concealer on my face before I put on my foundation, then after blending everything so it looks even, then I apply concealer again on my upper lip. Then i do a little touch up of the foundation if it needs it. Hope this helps. If you have no makeup at all right now, I reccomend buying foundation, concealer, blush, eyeliner, and mascara. Eyes can take a little practice ao be careful =). As far as applying it there are a lot of really helpful videos on youtube. Just search what it is you want to do, or learn and youtube probably has a video for it. One last reccomendation is to uy it at a store that has a self checkout. I know where I live this grocery store Winn Dixie has self checkout. I did that for a while before I realized no one cares about what I'm doing lol.Good luck,

Madison

[Michelle 2010]

A friend of mine frequents a trans oriented store in her city. They can help with beard coverage using Derma-Blend type products. The stores will make you feel comfortable and you will get a good match for skin and beard issues. Many trans friends who are "out" simply go to MAC. They cater to our needs in a professional way. Just be up front with them and they will take care of you, though beard issues may be outside their realm.

Michelle