Makeup

[ricki4678]

Really really really want to transition into wearing makeup. I wear lipstick but want to do more with my face. Interested in eyeliner, eyelashes, eyebrows, eyelids, base, power, color, etc

My PRIMARY concern is I live in the straight world as a straight male and if and when I start using makeup in my personal life, it will not all come off when I am finished with it. I am concerned about traces being left behind for my straight friends, family, and co-workers to notice.

Looking for advice, experience, suggestions.... what to do?

[Guest Kaylee]

Hello Ricki,

I honestly wouldn't imagine that to be too much of a problem if you are aware of checking there is no remnants of makeup on your face after washing. As a habit, you want to make sure you wash it all off, and moistureize before going to bed. Leaving it on over night can lead to other issues, as well as just making you look much older in a day.

As a note, when I first began transition, I started to wear very light eye makeup, even while working. I didn't come out to anyone, but for 6 months I wore very thin eyeliner, curled my lashes, and mascara... being sure not to allow any clumps. I also cleaned up my eyebrows a bit. I got lots of compliments on my eyes, brows and lashes over that time in public... but no one ever said anything or seem to have suspected at work. It was a victory for me... and a step in the direction I was heading.

As a note though... people don't generally seem to notice little things like smudges on your eyelid, or conclude that a "guy" is wearing makeup. They are just not as observant as we would fear when showing our true selves.

Hugs

Kaylee

[Autumn]

My experience, just starting out using makeup myself, is that most people either don't notice or don't comment on it. I've not experienced funny looks when wearing makeup in public. And at times I've mentioned it, to close friends I have asked the question "Can you tell I'm wearing makeup?" and they say "Really? I couldn't tell." Genuinely suprised with no sarcasm. Foundation and concealers are all I'm using at the moment, but I intend to step up to doing something with my eyes at some point, a touch of eyeliner, and shadow, and mascara perhaps. We'll see.

[tracy_j]

I have generally found that no-one really notices or comments on my makeup, even when in male mode. Women at work who I see a lot do notice but (apart from good comments / discussion) seem to like. It really depends on your environment and people. You will find it is women who are more likely to notice as men seldom look that closely at other men.

Taking off makeup is fairly easy if you are methodical and use the right cleaners plus moisturisers. Waterproof mascara (for instance) can sometimes be a bit more difficult. Look for eye makeup remover that specifies this. I use the gentle type for sensitive eyes.

The thing to watch, if you use it, is nail varnish / polish. Dependent on what colour used it can be very vivid so even a spec can be obvious, but you should see that yourself.

Tracy

[Guest Faith gibson]

Hi,

I wear make-up daily. I use make-up remover wipes and make sure I wash my face really well with a facecloth and soap. After that I moisturize my face really well. It is possible to miss things though, especially eyeliner. My daughter has been very observant and has questioned me twice, and people at work have talked about me amongst themselves because of things they notice. I do lots of other thingsthoguh , like gel nails, so I do stand out a bit. Thing is, I am caring less and less about people noticing. You do get better at removing make-up and applying it. Everything is a process. My days of hiding are getting closer and closer to an end.

Faith

[ricki4678]

thanks for the advice and more is welcomed. What made me ask the question is that I notice men in public that appear as if they have been wearing makeup. Its just something about their appearance that screams at me "this man has been wearing makeup"

[tracy_j]

I think we sometimes look for in others what we are afraid of ourselves, particularly in the early days

Tracy

[Guest trudy]

I know for a period of time, I was using makeup like crazy, and sometimes I would remove all colored makeup, like eyeliner, eyeshadow, and lipstick with the makeup remover wet wipes, but I would leave the foundation. Considering in my business, I'm tops in sales, it would seem they are more worried about my numbers, than they are whats on my face. I think the ladies in the office may be the only ones that have noticed, because when I walked in the office, they kind of giggled like school girls, but won't outwardly say anything to me.

[VickySGV]

Men do wear makeup these days for a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with Cross Dressing or being TG and people are not making a deal of it. I do remember the anxiety of my CD days about getting the most minute particle of foundation off, and actually nearly outed myself to one person when they noticed my skin was hyper pink from having just washed off the makeup.

Start with a basic skin care regimen for a while, and as your complexion clears out, as people see the better looking overall skin they less likely to see even left over heavy gunk on you. I use good old Noxzema cleansing cream schmeared all over my face and neck, and a warm wash cloth to take off make-up. Funky but it works.

[Guest AshleighP]

Like so may others here, I wear light makeup almost every day, even to work. As has been mentioned, most people don't even notice the subtle difference. Only once or twice has someone said anything and I just brushed it off.

Finding the right shade of foundation, blush, eyeshadow, and lipstick is important. Confidence helps greatly as well. I used to try not to make much eye contact with people when I first started wearing makeup daily. I think that actually drew more attention to me than being sure of who I am and acting totally "normal". Baby steps will help too. Making small changes will most likely go unnoticed. Bets of luck and enjoy the experience.

[Guest DianeATL]

My hairdresser wears a little bronzer all the time.

As others have said just use make up wipes, moisturize, and be diligent about details and you will be fine. I started wearing clear/light pink nail polish when I first started pushing the envelope.