Everyone that has ever worn foundation has made several common mistakes. These mistakes include choosing the wrong color, ending up with foundation that looks caked on, and sometimes even accentuating the flaws that you are trying to cover up!

So how do you apply foundation for the perfect look while cross dressing? You will need to choose the correct color and learn to apply and set your foundation correctly.

How to choose the perfect color.

The range in skin colors is truly astounding. Honestly, there is no way to pick a foundation at the store, hold it to your face, and choose the correct color. It is best to sit down with a makeup consultant and test the colors on your face. Natural sunlight will give you the best reading of whether the color is a match or not, and florescent lights will give you the WORST. Don’t waste your time checking the color on your hands or wrists. If your complexion is light, you should check the color on your neck and jawline. You want the color to match where you will blend it in at the neck. For those with a darker complexion, you will want to match your foundation at the cheek and jawline.

How to Apply Foundation

There are 3 basic tools that you can use.

Foundation Brush – The brush is the best way to go, and also the most expensive. It gives the most even coverage and blends the best. You must clean your foundation brush after EVERY use or it will get ruined – and depending on which you choose that can amount to a hefty sum over time.

Sponge – These are those little packs of usually triangular shaped wedges you will find in the drug store. They cost less than a good brush does and you toss them out after every use. Not so environmentally friendly, and the other drawback is that they can absorb a good bit of foundation leading to more waste.

Fingers – These are obviously the least expensive! While they are always available to you, your fingers don’t tend to blend foundation as well which can lead to a cakey look. Many people don’t like the feel of foundation on their fingers, but if you are in a pinch they do work.

Set Your Foundation

Loose Powder – loose powder has a very nice feel to it but it can tend to me messy. It provides a little more coverage but isn’t as heavy as pressed powder tends to be. It also doesn’t set into fine lines on your face as well as pressed powder does. If your skin tends to be oily, loose powder is the best choice.

Pressed Powder – Very convenient in little compacts and its good for touch ups during the day because it does give more coverage. If you use too much, though, you will look like your wearing powder. Pressed powder has a heavier feel to it and generally isn’t good for people with oily skin.

Blot – If your skin isn’t oily and its not humid where you live, you can use blotting tissues or facial tissues that don’t have lotion in them. Press the tissue gently to your face and blot softly. This will remove the excess makeup without messing up your foundation.

These are just a few tips to get you started with makeup and cross dressing. Don’t stop here, there is so much more to learn about cross dressing! Get the most comprehensive cross dressing makeup tips.

photo courtesy of k1ng via flickr

Makeup and learning how to do it right is somewhat of a mystery to cross dressing men and many genetic women as well! There are literally thousands of different types and brands that are available. When you are drowning in that much product information, its no wonder that cross dressing tips come in handy!

1- Wash your face first. Your face accumulates oils and other debris throughout the day. When you are washing your face, remember that the skin is actually rather delicate – especially around your eyes. Don’t wash your face in a manner that stretches or pulls the skin. Use gentle, circular motions. Use warm water to open your pores and help remove more of the unwanted gunk. Choose a soap that matches your skin type whether that is oily, normal, combination, or dry. Rinse the soap off with cool water to close the pores up and follow with a toner. Don’t use scented face washing products if your skin is sensitive.

2 – Shave. If you aren’t investing in hair removal like laser hair removal, you will want the best razors you can afford. Shave immediately after washing your face with warm water and before applying the toner. You want the pores to be as open as possible so that you can get the closest shave. Shave first in the direction of hair growth, and go back over a second time in the opposite direction. Uneven skin and whiskers will mess with the best laid makeup in a bad way. Follow up with cool water and toner as above.

3 – Moisturize. If you haven’t been moisturizing up until now, its a good idea to start adding this to your daily regimen. Moisturizing works to smooth out the skin as well as to create a nice base for your foundation. Wait at least 5-10 minutes after shaving to apply any makeup to your face as shaving tends to irritate the skin and any foundation that gets into an irritated spot could spell disaster and further irritation.

4 – Apply foundation. Make sure all the moisturizer is soaked into your skin first. Its a good idea to wait a few minutes in between. When applying foundation, more is NOT always better. You want to choose a foundation that blends well with your skin tone – it should match the color of your neck. Blend foundation in from the outside of your face to the center, not the other way around. If you start from the center, you will tend to build too much up around the nose. Don’t forget to apply foundation gently around the eyes and on the eyelids.

These are just a few tips to get you started with makeup and cross dressing. Don’t stop here, there is so much more to learn about cross dressing! Get the most comprehensive cross dressing makeup tips.