13 Essential Makeup Items For Transgender Women

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When I came out as transgender, the last thing on my mind was makeup. My concerns laid with how my close family would react and the thought of what I might be putting on my face (aside from eyeliner, which I was already using!) didn’t really enter my thoughts….

Once everyone knew (and began to accept) how I was to present, my makeup regime became more of a priority. Read on to find out more about the products I use, transgender makeup tips, and what I recommend for other transgender women.

13 Essential Makeup Items For Transgender Women

In the beginning I was trying a number of different products for many different reasons. I knew that I had the old ‘5 o’clock shadow’ issue, as many trans women do, and even though I was shaving every morning (sometimes twice a day) I needed a product that would help hide the shadow as best possible. When it comes to transgender visibility, I want to feel confident when out and about, and this area was my first main concern.

Base

1. Primer

A key item that a lot of people overlook with makeup is their primer. When it comes to transgender makeup options, I love the E.L.F Poreless Putty Primer because it isn’t runny or too thick, it’s really easy to apply and (for me) it’s great that you can see how much is left!

2. Corrector

After doing some research and watching a few tutorials I knew that I needed to find something to counteract the blue-grey skin colouring brought on by the roots of my facial hair. All the tips point you to the colour wheel and advise that you find a colour that’s opposite to that of the shade you need to hide, so in this instance it would be orange.

Different products were suggested, ranging from liquids to creams and even matte lipsticks, and I swear it felt like I was trying them all and getting nowhere! I found that the liquids and creams, like NIP+FAB’s colour corrector were thin and easy to wipe off which defeated the whole point for me personally. Also, sticks like E.L.F’s colour corrector stick seemed to sit on top of my skin and didn’t feel natural enough.

I also battled with the shade of orange. I thought I needed a really bold orange to ensure the hair was hidden, but this meant I had a bright orange lower face (and ended up with the complexion of an umpa-lumpa!). On top of this, I needed another layer of foundation to cover it up and it just mixed together, thinning the orange cover up and revealing the hair beneath and leaving an orange wash across my face! Ohhhh no, no, no no….

I finally discovered (after probably 12 different products and at least 5 months of testing) a product that worked for me, and will hopefully work for you also!

After a lot of trial and error, I now use a dark circle concealer from the NYX range (DCC03 medium) which is a dense, creamy kind of product in a medium orangey-peach colour. Granted it is meant for the concealing of dark circles under the eyes but it works wonders on my shadow without feeling too heavy on the skin, and it lasts all day. It is also a fairly good match to my skin tone (once blended) which means that I no longer have to cake layers of foundation over the top. This means my skin feels lighter and don’t run the risk of washing off the concealer with another liquid product.

3. Foundation

Aside from the corrector, which in my eyes is probably the most important element in my makeup bag, I think finding a good foundation is also key. I have tried a number of different foundation products, ranging from runny liquids (that don’t seem to do anything other than leave streaks across my face) to all-in-one powders that I found I needed to pile on to get any kind of coverage. Honestly, right now I am still figuring out my 100% go to foundation. I know I need full coverage, as I use it on my neck to help blend the orange of the concealer into my skin tone, and then a small amount around the rest of my face just to even my skin out a bit without rubbing too much onto the concealer section. I’m currently using another product from the NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop range, with their Full Coverage Foundation (CSWSF01.5 Fair). I’m finding it pretty good, especially with how it blends and matches my skin tone and I don’t need to use too much of it as it goes pretty far. I have also used L’Oreal True Match Foundation, and E.L.F’s Flawless Foundation which are equally good and don’t cost the earth.

4. Concealer

I always add a little concealer after my foundation just below my eyes, on my brow ridge, nose bridge and any blemishes. I will also sometimes use it across the eyelids as a primer for my eye shadow. (check out NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Concealer)

After a few minutes of ‘dry time’ (putting the kettle on, taking my meds etc) I move on to powders…

5. Powder

The thing I have figured for myself is that I hate being caked with makeup. I honestly cannot wait until the day that I no longer need to pile on the colour correctors and layers of foundation and I can wear minimal makeup and feel confident in my skin. Even now I try to limit how much makeup I wear, as it can be draining being beneath a thick mask all day.

After a primer, corrector, a light dose of foundation and a little concealer under my eyes, I use a basic powder to ‘mattify’ my skin and again even out some of the skin tones. I use a Stay Matte powder from Rimmel (003 Peach) which is light but efficient. I can still see my skin beneath the powder and I still get enough coverage, it feels like my skin can still breathe.

6. Contouring

I’ve experimented quite a bit with contouring which has resulted in some… let’s say…. interesting finishes! I’ve tried a few different dark contour powders and have currently settled for a Matte Base Powder (P13) from Revolution, which is quite dark but the way I use it means that I only need a small amount. I blend it twice (once when it’s first applied, then again with the setting powder) before I am totally finished so it doesn’t stand out as much and (to me at least) looks pretty good!

I have used various contouring kits like the Chisel Cheeks powders or creams from Barry M, but found that there are sections I don’t use for different reasons, and being able to get the elements I want separately means I can get the shades and products that suit me without creating waste.

7. Blush

Now it was Kelly in the early days who would encourage me to get some blusher on, and for that I thank her! Without a bit of blusher (bearing in mind my face is now beneath a couple of layers of product which makes my skin entirely one-tone) I look a bit washed out. Blush adds a little warmth and cheekiness back into my face. Personally I don’t like to spend more than I have to on makeup, except for the important base products so I picked up a blusher (Carnival) for £1.50 from Primark… Boom! It’s a pretty bold shade so I only need a little, and once it’s blended in with the finishing powder it works a treat.

8. Setting Powder

Now you can decide when to apply your setting powder/spray, at the very end of your makeup routine, or as I do, before highlighting. I use it to help blend the contouring and blush as well as set a little. I will sometimes add a spray at the very, very end if I am going on a night out too! I like to use a mattifying finishing powder, like the Ultra Fine one from MUA.

9. Highlighter

My final bit of face makeup (before I hit my eyes) is highlighter. I like my cheek bones and nose bridge to shimmer a bit, so I brush on a bit of sparkly highlighter. I love the range of highlighters from MUA and currently have the Shimmer Highlight Powder (Iridescent Gold) and love it! It’s a bit battered from being thrown into my makeup bag daily but it’s still great. Sometimes if I’m going to an event or out for the evening I’ll also use some highlighting drops like Barry M’s Liquid Chrome Highlighter Drops or the highlighter Jelly from Rimmel just to give that extra sparkle!

Eyes

My penultimate area is my eyes where I have been (and still am) developing my bold look since I began this journey. In the early days I would be trying out all sorts of different eye shadow colours and blends which led to buying a multitude of palettes (much to the joy of Kelly!), which now means we have a butt-load of choices when it comes to eye makeup.

10. Eyeliner

Eyeliner wise, I have stuck to a beautiful pencil from Rimmel (Exaggerate 263 Starlit Black) which is a screw-as-you-use thing with little sparkly bits amongst the black. Liquid eyeliner is great and really bold, but it can be unforgiving to the inexperienced. Practise when you can and once perfected it will truly rock, otherwise you can use pencil based liners which are easily rubbed out or blended when required.

11. Eyeshadow

For the sheer range of colours and varieties, I love the ranges from Revolution like their Flawless Chilled palettes, which is sooo bold and GREEN. I also love getting palettes from NYX as not only do they have bold colours, but they apply and stay really well.

12. Mascara

Mascara is a great finishing touch for the eyes, helping them to look bigger and truly stand out. Just like with a lot of my makeup elements, mascara is an ongoing test for me and I still haven’t found my go-to product yet, I currently use Scandal Eyes from Rimmel but it can sometimes get clumpy, which I like and hate depending on the day! Haha!

Lips

Getting your lips right can once again add another feminising level to your look. I am a culprit for not putting enough lipstick on and always get the right kind of advice and encouragement from Kelly. Draw your lips on first with a liner if you have one and exaggerate the shape and size to make them look even more fuller and voluptuous! Truly kissable lips! xxx

13. Lipstick and Gloss

Finally I pop on some lippy, with mine and Kellys’ favourite being the colour changing range from Barry M (Unicorn being my colour of choice) and if I can be bothered I will lay some gloss over the top!

I have already used countless products over the first year of my transition and I’m sure there’s many more I’ll try out over the years. I also use other bits and bobs every now and then depending on what I’m up to that day including brow pencil and brush, lip liners, and sometimes an additional highlight for my cheek bones to help them pop on nights out!

My top 13 most essential makeup items for transgender women

1. Primer – an important initial item, it will help to smooth out the pores and lines and prep the skin for the makeup.
2. Colour Corrector – experiment with creams, sticks etc to find the right match for you.
3. Foundation – again find the right colour for your skin and watch plenty of tutorials on Youtube to help with application. Some like to brush, others like to use a foam tool.
4. Concealer – this is great for under the eyes and a start for contouring.
5. Powder – a magnifying powder will help take the sheen off the foundation and will also help it set a little.
6. Contouring – try kits to start, but try to find another single colour powder to save money.
7. Blush – blush doesn’t need to be expensive but will bring your face tone to life.
8. Setting Powder/Spray – this will help the makeup to stick and stay for longer throughout the day.
9. Highlighter – highlighting will make the right parts of your face pop! Try additional drops or jelly for bigger nights out.
10. Eyeliner – try liquids for bolder looks and pencils for softer looks that can also be blended. Liquid is not forgiving if you make a mistake, PRACTISE!
11. Eye shadow – Palettes, palettes, palettes! Shop around and experiment, it does not have to cost the earth. Be subtle, be bold, the choice is yours.
12. Mascara – this will make your eyes look bigger and really help to feminise your look, try out different brands and see what works best for you.
13. Lipstick/Gloss – this will be the finishing touch to your look, giving you truly kissable lips!

You can download this helpful printable PDF Checklist to get you started:

Transgender-Makeup-Checklist

Overall thoughts…

For me I think the important thing was the colour corrector, once I had sussed that I found the layers on top were more enjoyable and makeup was less of a chore and much more fun.

I would advise you to find the right product to cover up the shadow first (if you need it), and then just enjoy experimenting with different things. Watch tutorials, try contouring and blending but remember… less is most definitely more! If you pile on loads of makeup you will not only feel heavy and potentially greasy (depending on the products you’re using) but you could end up looking over the top and may draw unwanted attention to yourself (plus you risk covering your clothes and anyone you get too close to with layers from your face).

Just remember, have fun and be you. You are beautiful.

I hope you have found this post helpful, and hopefully you’ll find these products useful for your daily makeup routine. You can also check out 5 Ways to Look More Feminine as a Transgender Woman or our Lush Makeup post.

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