Makeup: an ally in transition and self-confidence

Welcome to the magical world of transformation!
I’ve been told for a long time that I have magical brushes, so I just had to take advantage of that one day to mention it.

As a professional makeup artist specializing in supporting people transitioning from male to female (MtF), I am delighted to share with you the crucial importance of makeup on the journey toward gender change.

Makeup offers much more than just an external appearance.
It becomes a true tool of confidence and self-expression.

Discover in Angelina’s inspiring testimony how makeup can be your precious ally to fully embrace your feminine identity and shine with beauty.

My first meeting with Angelina dates back to 2019.
Since then, Angelina has blossomed.
She shares with us her experience as a transgender woman with Transbeauté.

“As usual,” I share the photos from her recent visit to the makeup salon.

Angelina is one of many transgender people I support in her male-to-female transition.
But she’s the first with whom I had the idea to propose my (formidable) questionnaire!

Angelina chez Transbeauté séance Make Up

The transformative impact of makeup in transition and self-esteem

So, to begin with, I am very honored to be the first to respond to this new form!

“How has makeup helped or still helps you in your transition? Or to feel more comfortable?”

I met Jennifer in November or December 2019, at that time I was still “the macho man” that society had imposed on me.

Jennifer taught me the basics that I used at the start of my transition to try to pass.
I have to admit at first, it is hard to reproduce 100% of what you learn (lack of dexterity, and less precise gestures).

Afterwards, makeup helped me gain a certain confidence at the very beginning, when I went out, when I lived my life normally.
But it remains difficult daily to always have to hide my beard etc., so thank you laser!

Makeup as a tool to express your identity and personality

Without makeup and the basic skills learned, my passing would have been disastrous!

Then, after years of transition passed, no more beard, facial features become more refined and much more feminine, but!

Today, without makeup I am still very self-conscious about certain facial features that I still find too masculine. I have not yet undergone facial feminization surgery (or FFS), my jaw, for example.

But with makeup, it is easier to mask that.

So yes, makeup has always helped me gain more confidence, both at the beginning of my transition and today.

“How do you use makeup to express your identity and personality? Have you developed a particular style or do you prefer to vary your looks? For example: have you developed a routine that is special to you?”

Honestly, I took a lot of pleasure at the very start of my transition.
After Jennifer’s lessons, I spent hours in front of the mirror putting on makeup.
What a joy after so many years of not being able to do it (due to lack of practice, and because of the “macho, virile” role I had given myself).
So I did everything! The complexion! The eyes and lips, I was very, very meticulous.

“My tips to conceal masculine features and quickly achieve a more feminine appearance...”

Then months passed, laziness set in.

Then finally, I only put makeup on my eyes, very lightly (mascara, eyeshadow, lines under the eye).
Sometimes I did my lips, but I didn’t line them properly, but I told myself “oh well, even lightly made up, I don’t get strange looks or remarks.”
At least, I didn’t pay attention to people, then I had several professional experiences in various companies. I wore light makeup, and I never got any questions about my passing as a woman or about my trans identity.

By the way, I quickly completed my name and gender change to be officially at peace with my documents.

At no time did I talk about my transition to my employers.
It’s my private life, and it does not affect my professional skills.
Period.

“Maximum makeup: but just 5 minutes”

Anyway, to summarize, I had started to gain confidence with very light makeup.
So for almost a year and a half to two years, for the complexion I didn’t even remember how to do it, except on rare occasions when I quickly did my base.

I then started a makeup routine that took me only 5 minutes in the morning and that I was happy with.

Otherwise, to answer the question, I’ve had the same style for a very, very, very long time.
Without ever varying or trying new things.

Then one morning I tried eyeliner and I kept it.

It’s been over a year that every day I do my little eyeliner lines.
I can’t see myself without it anymore.

I recently went back to see Jennifer and decided to get back into makeup more seriously by doing my base properly.

I also decided to perfect my lips (which in the meantime I had succeeded in doing by myself).

“What makeup products do you use most often and why? Do you have preferences regarding brands or textures?”

So, I mainly use Clinique foundation (perfect for lazy people like me), concealer (a little shout-out to Jennifer, she’ll understand), and setting powder. The brand? I don’t know.

Honestly, I’m not very picky about brands.
I use a lot from Shein.
Blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, then lip liner and of course lipstick.

Do you have any advice for others trying to conceal masculine features or create a more feminine appearance?

So from my point of view, the complexion does it all for feminine features!
Then obviously, with pretty eyes and beautiful lips it’s perfect, but for me, I think the complexion is essential.

So don’t hesitate to make an appointment with Jennifer!
She will teach you how to do a perfect base!

And then regarding clothing, think of clothes that suit your body shape. Personally, having a still quite broad “V” shaped build, I prefer flared clothes towards the bottom to recreate a more feminine silhouette as much as possible.

That’s it for me!

Thanks again to Jennifer who was the “trigger” element of my transition.

Without her, I don’t know if I would be who I am today.

The final word

by Jennifer Persévérante

“Thank you, Angelina!” Transition is a personal journey that each of you experience very differently by listening to yourselves.

Of course, makeup is just one element that accompanies your path.
As I said in the introduction, it’s a crucial element but just one… among many others.

And I wanted to warmly thank not only Angelina, but also all who contribute to the Transbeauté Blog through their testimonies.

You don’t all share testimonials, I understand and respect that.
Actually, it can also reassure future participants in my feminization sessions: testimony is not mandatory!
And I don’t bite if you don’t do it!

However, in our digital world where the value of a company like Transbeauté is (also) measured in “Likes, reviews and comments,” don’t hesitate to leave me a Google review for example, to follow my Facebook or Instagram page.

Thank you!!!!