Friday, October 4, 2024

Stuff: Makeup Lessons

By J.J. Atwell

Let’s Consider Makeup

It seems to me that makeup is one of those things that women love or hate. I suppose most GGs accept it as just part of life. They learned how to do it as they grew up. They continue to do it because it’s just what women do. Some enjoy seeing how makeup enhances their appearance. Others prefer not to spend the time doing their makeup and go natural. 

For CDs though, I’m not sure we have a choice. With very few exceptions we pretty much need makeup to look feminine. Since most of us don’t learn about makeup as we grew up, we need to learn about it as we embark on our CD journey. How do we do that? I’ll tell you how I did it. Actually, how I’m still learning to do it. 

The Internet

One of the first things I did when I decided I needed to learn about makeup was to search the Internet. Doing that resulted in many, many results. Some helpful. Some not so much. Some directly conflicting with others. It left me more bewildered than it helped me. But it also helped me to realize that no matter what works for an individual on the Internet, doesn’t mean it will work for me.

Why is that? It’s because I’m unique. …and so are they. ….and so are you, my dear reader. Even leaving aside the fact that I’m a CD, and you may be as well, there are other things to consider. Your face shape. Your basic complexion, The major features of your face. All of those affect what you need for makeup to look your best. So I plunged ahead trying to do it myself. Some attempts were more successful than others. But soon I decided I needed personalized help. 

The Professionals

Ultimately, the best resource I’ve found is to go to the professionals: the makeup artists (MUA) at the beauty store. I’ve gone to Ulta, MAC and Sephora to chat with them about my makeup needs. They gave me very good advice about the color and type of foundation I’d need and of course, showed me where the products were in the store. 

I did most of that in guy mode, so don’t be afraid to go ahead and own it. I had no bad or even odd reactions from the MUA when I explained that I was a CD and needed information about makeup to make my presentation more realistic. After several visits to my favorite Sephora store, I became comfortable talking openly to them about makeup. 

Sephora, like MAC and Ulta, offers makeovers. One day, I decided to go ahead and book a makeover before one of our CD group meetings. I asked if I should come with makeup or without. They said to do whatever I was comfortable with. If I had arrived with makeup on, they would just remove it to start the process, so I decided to go with the absolute minimum of a color correcting tinted moisturizer and lipstick. 

During the makeover they explained what products they are using and why. You watch them apply the makeup and you can see the improvement as they do one side of the face first. 

Just a note: I was indeed presenting as female when I went to the store for my makeover. I thought I looked pretty good as I walked in. I was greeted warmly and as soon as I said I was there for a makeover, I was instantly recognized. They had seen me as a guy many times and they knew I dressed, but had not seen me en femme before. They quickly put me at ease, asked for my femme name, and treated me as just another female customer the entire time. 

I’ll Be Back

Once I clean off my makeup, I’ll be looking for more Stuff to write about. I welcome comments and suggestions here on Stana’s page or by email at Jenn6nov at-sign gmail dot com.



Wearing Bebe
Wearing Bebe


Jim O’Pecko shopping out and about
Jim O’Pecko shopping out and about 

13 comments:

  1. You look right fabulous JJ! That hair looks great on you as well.
    I'd love to get that Bebe dress!......I just don't know where I'd wear it. The next time Stana goes away and Paula throws a party I guess. : )
    Norah

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    1. JJ here - thanks so much for for the compliment Norah. That's my "old" wig and I've more or less moved on to a new shorter wig. But I'm currently in the market for another one. Your series on wigs has really helped.

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    2. Hi Norah, I agree...that hairstyle looks fabulous on JJ! She says it's an older wig but I think it has a contemporary and flattering style.

      That dress certainly would be perfect for a party, but I think the next time Stana goes away, she's going to lock us all out of the Femulate offices!

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  2. Hi JJ,
    I love make-up. But why would a woman love it? Especially if she is feminine and already passes the societal beauty standards for femininity.

    My late wife was a girly girl. The drag queens adored her. She would never put one foot outside her front door without her face on. She loved feminine expression and was a major influencer in my feminine expression. However, she had a stroke, and for nine months lived without the accoutrements of make-up, hair done, nails done etc. She still looked like a beautiful woman.
    To me, her beauty came from her soul. All of our beauty comes from our soul. However, as a crossdresser, I know, I need all the help I can get. Make-up is a crutch that can't be denied. Why? Mostly because we are not females.

    Angel Amore

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    1. JJ here - Thanks for the thought provoking comments Angel. Yes, some women have a natural beauty that doesn't need to be enhanced by makeup. And we hate them. ;)

      I think however that a lot of women like to do things like having their nails done or putting on a face not only to look good, but to feel good as well.

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    2. JJ,
      I like my monthly mani/pedi afternoon and my waxing days, they help me 'look good' and 'feel good as well.'
      And the NIMBY is sadly dominant in real life.
      Cali

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  3. My experience with MAC cosmetics has been nothing less than wonderful. This is going back even as far as 15 years before transgender persons became so much more visible. I was always treated with respect welcomed never even ever raised eyebrow or any discomfort they made me feel very welcome and yes, MAC does a great job offering makeovers. If it’s a MAC store, you can have privacy in the back room where they will either give you a lesson or a makeover, I always tip my make up artist they are so reassuring and helpful. Great article JJ thank you Paula G

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    1. JJ here. Thanks for the confirmation about MAC stores Paula. A very welcoming place.

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  4. Great make up stuff!! I know you don’t make up stuff!

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    1. JJ here - Some of this Stuff you just can't makeup. ;)

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  5. I have had makeup done in department stores, MAC stores, and invited MUAs to come and do my face (I found them on Craigslist). I said to one of my "personal" artists, "you know, this is kind of a sensual experience for us." She didn't, although I'm sure many spa treatments offered by men feel the same way to her.

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  6. Hi JJ, I was glad to hear of your positive encounters at the makeup counters! As someone who has only ever tried lipstick, makeup seems very intimidating... maybe even more so than clothing and padding because of its importance in pulling off a successful transformationđŸ’„

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    1. JJ here - Very understandable Elise. Don't think you have to jump in on the deep end. Start by visiting a local MAC/Sephora/Ulta store in drab and ask for help finding the right foundation color. Progress over a few visits to more and more things like eye shadow, blush etc and before you know it you've developed a relationship with the MUAs there. It gets easier.

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