Less is More
Greetings, my dear readers. I’ve been thinking about makeup, hence the title of this blog. I’ve been exploring the subtle art of makeup for some years now, and I have a wonderful wife that has helped me learn the art of makeup. As the title suggests, less is more. When you think of makeup, you might think of drag queens, with their flamboyant makeup and hair styles, but that doesn’t really work for us who have to interface with the conventional world. Still and all, we can indeed wear makeup without fear of social ostracism.
I find it interesting that companies are now marketing facial and body moisturizers for men with names that are macho enough not to make them cringe. I’ll bet you a dime to a dollar that the products they are marketing for men come out of the same vat as the moisturizers for women; just under a different label. I will say, however, that Xdress has some very nice makeup products for us of the gender fluid persuasion. Go in and take a look. You can also go online for some good tutorials simply by typing in “men’s makeup.” Having said that, let’s dive into the wonderful world of makeup.
Let’s start with the face in general. I have a rather ruddy complexion, and my dear wife introduced me to the pleasures of foundation makeup. I won’t name brands here, as that would be inappropriate. Go to your favorite store and check out foundation makeup. The trick is to match it to your skin tone. As I said, my facial skin is a bit ruddy, so I wanted to tone it down a bit. I found that mixing equal measures of foundation with a basic facial moisturizer brought down the tone of the foundation so I don’t look like a clown. A note to you that are clean shaven: be sure to blend the foundation into your jaw line. If your facial skin tone is different from the skin below your jaw line, it will shout “MAKEUP!” Again, less is more.
Product: Smooth Satin Bodysuit
Next, let’s consider eye liner and eye shadow. Here you want to be very discreet. If you walk among the gender binary of our society, you want to be very cautious regarding eye liner. You don’t want to end up looking like the pirates of the Caribbean! Less is more. Regarding eye shadow, match it to your skin tone. Again, less is more. You don’t want marked contrasts – you want colors that enhance your natural beauty.
Next, let’s move to eyebrows. I have mine waxed in a nail salon on a regular basis. I find that the salon techs don’t even raise a lovely eyebrow at my request. I like a nice arch. I will warn you that the first time hurts like a bad dog, and the area around your eyebrows will be flaming red for the rest of the day. Also, be sure that the salon tech waxes between your eyebrows. The last thing you want is a unibrow. I occasionally also pluck between my eyebrows. Get a nice pair of tweezers for that.
Speaking of nail salons, get yourself to a nail salon/spa and get a manicure and pedicure. You’ve not experienced pampering until you do. The leg massage is heaven! It wouldn’t be surprising if you see other men in the salon getting the same treatment. I like clear polish on my fingernails, and frost pink on my toenails. Again, most salon techs don’t freak out – they’ve seen it all before. I’ve had clear polish on my fingernails for many years, and all I get from other folks (ladies) is a compliment on my manicure. If men notice, they don’t say anything. Bare in mind that I live in a very conservative part of the country, and I’ve never had an adverse comment from anyone. As far as my toenail polish, well, I keep that to myself.
Product: The Supreme Satin Robe
Lastly, let’s consider lipstick. As with eyeshadow, it’s important to match your lipstick to your complexion. Here “less is more” is really important. I find that a shade just a bit deeper than my natural lip and complexion color works best. If you want to feel comfortable in general society, flaming red or pink is probably not going to work.
Attending to the subtle parts of our femme side – the beautiful side – can be a wonderful experience. I love nothing more than getting ready for the day, standing in front of the mirror after my shower, wearing my matching satin panties and bra from Xdress while applying my makeup. It really sets up my day to be truly who I am.
What about you? Have you discovered this wonderful side of your inner femme? Are you still exploring it? Have you not yet entered this part of your femme side but are curious? I would love to hear your input. Your stories are always so fascinating and entirely welcome.
Fond regards,
Angie
23 comments
Less is more for sure but I need to cover up my 5 o’clock shadow.
Hi everyone
Saturday no work
So i m trying some make up today
I shaved my face applied a light foundation, I applied it like a light facial cream. I added some lip gloss but applied lip balm over it to blunt the shine
Added Levis 724 high leg straight jeans (womens of course) a guy untuckit shirt with cotton cami undeneath and women jockey hipster polka dot briefs and i m out and about
As those of you who know me on this blog my toes are always done
Today its sallie hansen wine not
Everyone have a great weekend
AND
Wear something pretty today!
Hi Kathia, and welcome to our little sorority. Like you, I love wearing my panties and hose under a suit. You can stay femme all day long. With your Spanish complexion, matching your foundation makeup to your complexion will take a little practice, but that’s the fun part of it.
George, sorry things didn’t work out with your friend. What a wonderful experience you had at Macy’s! The sales woman even called you sweetie? That is priceless. I have a few female friends who know I cross dress and they are wonderfully accepting. Good luck with dealing with eye makeup. That is a very subtle art. If you could find a beautician to do a makeover, you could probably learn a lot about the how-to’s. I’m fortunate to have a gg friend that is very accepting of me in my femme mode, and she taught me how to do eye makeup.
Keri, I’m so glad for you that your wife is onboard with your use of makeup. Your wife is your live-in expert on makeup. I’ve learned over the years that it is, indeed, a very subtle art. Basically, if you can tell someone is wearing makeup, it is too much. Remember the rule: less is more. I’m glad Xdress and the internet in general have helped you discover that you aren’t, as you said, and “odd duck.” You are far from alone, my friend, in embracing your feminine self. Enjoy!
Kyrstin, so nice to hear from you. Exploring makeup is such a fun thing to do. As far as the false eyelashes, good luck with that one. I’ve seen some false eyelashes on women that are absolutely bizarre. The “less is more” rule definitely comes in to play with this one. If you can tell they are false, they are too much. Have fun, dear friend.
Fondly regards,
Angie
Love, love, love all the comments from you gurlz/guyz/sisters! Like a lot of you, I’ve experimented with light make up over the years, including lipgloss, foundation, light eye shadow while maintaining the “androgynous look,”and found it soooo verrrry enjoyable and uplifting. I’ve yet to make the leap to fake eyelashes, even in private with my GF, but that day is coming soon. In the meantime, like most of you, I’ll continue trying new things and looking to xdress.com for fresh ideas.
XXOO,
Kyrstin
Hi Angie,
Love seeing all the comments and of course love the Blog. Most of these comments and the Blogs personally encourage my fem side. It doesn’t take much to encourage it. Personally my experience in growing and evolving my feminine side has been what I describe as a slippery slope. Once I found out on the internet that we were many and I wasn’t an odd duck I found myself exploring more. Xdress and blog commentary has played a role in that exploration.
I’ve dabbled with makeup in a minimal way. I admit at first I might have gone a little to heavy on some items. Lipstick was one area. I remember the day my wife asked are you wearing lipstick? Gulp! She then said, too much. Use less. That was my signal that some makeup was okay. She then introduced me to face cream and foundation. To her credit she helped me find the right balance. Face cream she said would keep my skin smooth and younger looking. The foundation added some color and a better look. Now I shop at Dillard’s and the lady there has me on her mailing list. When I get the gift items I give my wife whatever I don’t want or use.
When I first shaved under my arms, years ago, I worried when I didn’t have a shirt on that others would notice. Then I shaved my legs and that was wonderful. The first time I went out in shorts I was so self concious and I could feel the breeze so differently. Now I use Nair whenever needed. It makes your legs smoother, slightly shiney after use but oh so feminine. Eventually I removed all body hair (I never had much hair anyway) with the exception of a small area in the pubic area. I am all for men with little or no body hair.
The slipperiest slope of all? Share this with a same sex friend. Oh my. A very slippery slope.
Great job Angie. Love all the gurls, sisters and guys here.
Keri
Hi Angie,
Turned out my friend had different plans with family, so I had a quiet weekend at home.
Good news is I stayed dressed almost all weekend (under-dressed when I went out in public), and worked on my feminine side.
Went to Macy’s to get a lipstick that was much more neutral to stay away from the “drag” look.
The sales woman was very helpful. I was a little embarrassed, but did have enough courage to tell her it was for me. She smiled and called me “sweetie”.
So I will continue to work on my makeup. Doing my eyes seems nearly impossible!
I bought some more things from the site. Will let you know how I like them when they arrive. And will update as I make progress on putting on makeup and not looking like a clown!
Hi Angie and everyone! I´m impressed. LAst weekend I bought my very first set o make up, from foundation to lipgloss. Still I’m not very good at it. I’m a 55 years mexican (with more spaniard looks) and it jumped to my attention your “less is more” surely I will try it. I like to read all this stories, feeling I’m not the only one. I like to enjoy my feminine side, like to wear my undies and my panty hose under my manly suit, every day since 35 years ago. Surely I would like to dress full as a woman and to go out with an outfit. I don’t know if I have the nerve, but I enjoy to crossdress at home every now and then. I really love to read this stories and to shere mine.
What wonderful stories and comments you all have shared! It seems we have far more in common than one would think. George – you absolutely must share with us your experience this weekend. As the British would say, don’t you dare keep us on tenderhooks! Keep those comments coming, my dear sisters under the skin. I love reading them!
Fond regards,
Angie
Lance, I definitely agree with your notion of wearing your clothes/makeup with confidence. Bold colors can still look great, so long as they aren’t overdone.
A thin layer of eyeliner matching your nail polish (and possibly lipstick) is a great way to pull a whole look together with just cosmetics. Of course to wear such colors, confidence is just as vital.
Stevie, your comment on androgyny is very accurate for a lot of us I think.
While most of us are completely comfortable within our male skin, we still subtly beautify ourselves to be considered androgynous.
Even if we are fully dressed and wearing makeup, we still are the men in our relationships and still enjoy male acitivites, with the added benefit of enjoying some stereotypically feminine activites as well! I personally love it!
Ally, I definitely agree as well in that I do enjoy expressing my feminine side, without the complete impersonation.
For me just wearing feminine clothing/shoes with light makeup is thoroughly satisfying, and I am extremely lucky that I get to do so in my day-day life.
That kind of satisfaction is something I hope everyone here is able to attain.
It’s been said before and I will only reitterate, this is a great place to meet amazing people all over the world who share the same challenges, and each have unique experiences in this journey towards being their true selves.
-Nathan
Ally and George you both are so right; some of us dont want to transition! Oh how I remember looking so bad with too much make up. I didnt take the time to go to a make up counter or watch you tube. Now I realize a little means a lot towards feeling that little something when we know we have on a little lip gloss some light foundation and our underthings.
Now, do I wish I could have some nights or days with a full transformation? Why yes but I m fine with daily pushing the envelope in male mode. Underdressing light make up and some women’s straight leg or skinny jeans my toes painted and girls top but still appearing male is plenty to satisfy my hunger for femme
Thats what it is, a hunger for femme
Ally you are right what an outlet this is glad you like me found a place to discuss these issues and George we look forward to hearing all about it
Stevie
You and I are definitely on the same page Stevie.
I love expressing my feminine side by dressing in a feminine way without impersonating women. Make up is a big and subtle part of that. It’s artistic and beautiful if done in a way that complements and enhances our features.
Well ok, I like the occasional full on female impersonation too. But it’s not something I can carry off all day long, every day.
Being comfortable and comfortable in yourself is so important.
It’s so lovely to chat with other men that feel the same way. I wish I could meet you and the accepting women too. We’d have a lovely time I’m sure.
Ally
Angie,
Obviously, I am not trying to transition. Somehow the name gives it away.
I have been a closet cross dresser for many years, and definitely do not come anywhere close to passing. I sure wish I had the nerve to dress, anyway.
My very close friend at the other side of the state looks really beautiful when dressed. Her makeup and hair (wig) are just about perfect. I am sooooo jealous! She uses very light makeup and it really enhances her look.
I just received new panties and a corset. I will be seeing her this coming weekend and she promises to make me gasp when she tightens it. I think we all need to pay that price to get the hourglass!
She promises to do my makeup this weekend. Will I wear when we go out for dinner? Not sure, will leave that decision to the mirror in our hotel room.
I have generally applied too much and end up looking like a clown. We will see what she can do to help me.
Several years ago I had a female friend who supported my cross-dressing. She did my makeup, but I thought it too light. I reality she probably had it just about perfect.
Anyway, I will let you know what happens this weekend. I am going to try jeans and a blouse with some pads in my corset. Who knows, maybe I will actually find some courage!
George
I love a bit of make up and less is definitely more for me. I used to go a bit over the top when I was younger but now see it for its enhancing properties rather than its female impersonation role.
It’s certainly an art though. I find liners very difficult because I find my skin moves with the draw of the pencil – I’m older rather than younger – and so I end up with wobbly lines. Such an array of products too. Quite bewildering. What order does everything go on? I feel great when I wear make up with a smart suit and shoes. It just makes me feel I’m expressing my more feminine and bohemian side.
Angie WE do enjoy all things feminine AND our maleness. We love to express femininity as well
The less is more with make up is a great way to crossdress with dignity
Stevie
Cutie Drew, earrings on men are acceptable these days. I have both ears pierced. Around the house, I usually wear drops (some people call them “danglies”). I feel more comfortable with studs out in general society, however there is one pair of drops I do wear when we are out and about. They are a pair of sandals in solid silver. Pretty cool looking.
Stevie, you and I seem to be on the same track. I, too, have no desire to transition, as I enjoy being a man – just not a binary one. I love all things feminine, as do you. What fun it is!
Fond regards,
Angie
Great article! My wife and I usually play around with what she has but I’d really love to have my own products and get really good at it!
This discussion is interesting in that I’ve had my ears pierced for 30+ years, AND I’ve regularly worn nail polish (ALL bright & bold colors except black) for very nearly 20 years. My thoughts on nail polish — if you’re a guy and you’re gonna wear nail polish… go BIG or go home! In other words: make a statement and OWN IT! I’ve also worn eye shadow (usually midnight blue) & eye liner (ALWAYS Avon’s Starry Night Blue) for a little over 10 years. I live in a pretty conservative area of the country, and RARELY get comments. But I frequently get compliments from both men and women! Like I said before… you’ve gotta OWN IT, or it’s not gonna work.
Having had a recent bout with skin cancer, my dermatologist has me using a foundation that has a sunscreen in it.
I buy it at his office. I also use lipstick.
I love this discussion and want to learn more. I do have an unrelated question. Does XDress sell dresses?
As Stevie said, I too like androgynous and love to dress and get comfortable with that let of me.
I enjoy reading these blogs and comments.
💋
Kris
Hello all! It is quite a coincidence that this article was posted, as this week also happens to be when I started to wear lipstick. For now I have chosen jet black. This goes very well with my eyeliner, black nail polish, as well as my (usually) all black outfits.
I have a pretty smooth, pale complexion which compliments black and rich shades quite well. I don’t currently feel the need to wear foundation and/or concealer due to my aforementioned complexion. However, as I age, I will most likely start using those products to hide the inevetible imperfections we all attain.
At the moment, black is the only color I have experimented with on these products, but I can say it is a rather simple goth look. Speaking of simplicity, I do not plan on ever trying any vibrant colors such as pink, red, etc. As far as lipstick goes, black and nude shades are all that appeal to me personally.
I am certainly within the “still exploring” category regarding my clothing style and makeup, but my natural inclination towards black and deep shades will always be at the core of my true self. I also do not feel the need to glamorize, and am throughly satisfied with the simplicity of eyeliner and lipstick.
Less is certainly more in this case, and I love the look!
-Nathan
I d like to comment on this topic, LESS IS MORE! It usually is in life. Once i found my groove and realized that i didnt want to transition, i was able to assess what i was and who I am.
So I m a man who loves lingerie on women and men, myself included
I dont want to look like a woman, but i do love their clothes love wearing them and love the feel of them
I do like androgyny which leads me to wearing light make up foundation and concealer light lip gloss
If I could some eyeliner would be nice
Along with my panties and bras women s jeans women’s tops my toenails pretty in polish and stilettos In male mode facially i m happy
I agree less makeup allows you to dabble in femininity as does underdressing without people outing you
So less is more
Stevie
I really want to wear earrings! What do you think about it? Do you wear the earrings?
Hi Angie and everyone!I am interested in this discussion!I made my make up a few days ago!It was so beautiful!But I looked like a real lady! I can’t have gone out my house! How do you make your own make up? It is very interesting for me!