Exploring beauty routines isn’t just about looking your best. For transgender women, it’s a vital step in showing the world who you really are. Getting your skincare and makeup right can make a big difference in feeling confident and comfortable in your skin. It’s about finding what works for you and letting your true self shine through. Whether you’re new to the world of makeup and skincare or ready to enhance your beauty routine, we have some tips to help guide you on your journey.
Getting to Know Your Skin Type
Your skin can change a lot, especially if you’re undergoing hormone therapy. You might notice your skin getting drier or feeling more sensitive than before. It’s important to figure out your skin type because it helps you choose the right products.
Dry Skin: Characterized by a feeling of tightness and visible flaking, dry skin lacks moisture. Look for products rich in hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. These ingredients help hydrate the skin and strengthen the skin barrier to lock in moisture (CeraVe).
- Oily Skin: If your skin often looks shiny especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), you likely have oily skin. Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic products that won’t clog pores. Gel-based moisturizers and foaming cleansers work well by removing excess oil without stripping the skin.
- Combination Skin: If you notice oiliness in the T-zone and dryness on the cheeks, you likely have combination skin. Look for lighter, gel-based products for the oily T-zone and richer moisturizers for dry areas. Balancing toners can also help regulate oil production while hydrating dry patches.
- Sensitive Skin: Sensitivity can lead to redness, itching, and irritation in reaction to certain skincare ingredients. Look for products labeled as fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, designed specifically for sensitive skin. Ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile can help to soothe, protect irritated skin, and protect moisture.
- Normal Skin: If your skin is neither too dry nor too oily and doesn’t react negatively to common skincare products, you have normal skin. Maintain its health with a balanced routine that includes a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer.
Importance of SPF
Protecting your skin from the sun is very important, especially for transgender women who might be on hormone therapy. Hormone therapy can make your skin react more to the sun. Using sunscreen every day is not just about avoiding a sunburn. According to Dermatology & Skin Surgery Associates, it’s about keeping your skin healthy in the long run.
Why Sunscreen Matters: Sunscreen does a lot more than stop sunburns. The sun’s rays can make your skin age faster, causing wrinkles, loose skin, and dark spots. But there’s a bigger risk – skin cancer. Using sunscreen every day blocks these harmful rays and lowers your chance of getting skin cancer.
Picking the Right Sunscreen: Look for sunscreens that say “broad-spectrum” on the label because they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. These are the types of rays that can harm your skin the most. If you have sensitive skin, which can happen with hormone therapy, choose sunscreens made for sensitive skin. They protect you without causing irritation.
Making It a Daily Routine: It’s important to use sunscreen every day, not just when you’re at the beach. UV rays can reach your skin even on cloudy days and through windows if you’re inside. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to all skin that your clothes don’t cover. And if you’re outside, reapply it every two hours to keep your skin protected.
Diving Into Makeup: Expressing Your Unique Self
Remember, when it comes to makeup, there are no hard and fast rules—only endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression. It’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for you, what makes you feel most like yourself, and what brings you joy.
Foundation and Concealer:
- Color Correction: Using an orange or peach-toned corrector on areas with beard shadows can effectively neutralize dark undertones. This step ensures a more even base for your foundation.
- Foundation: Select a foundation that closely matches your skin tone. For effectively covering beard shadows, apply a slightly thicker layer on those areas, ensuring to blend well for a natural look.
- Concealer: For blemishes or under-eye circles, use a concealer one shade lighter than your foundation. Proper blending here is key to maintain a seamless appearance.
Eyes:
- Eyeshadow: Apply a neutral shade over your eyelid as a base. Use darker shades in the crease to add depth and lighter shades on the eyelid and just below the eyebrow to brighten. Feel free to play with colors and textures that reflect your mood or the occasion.
- Eyeliner: Liquid liners create a precise line, while pencil liners offer a softer, more subtle effect. Try different thickness and wing to discover what best complements your eye shape and enhances your overall look.
- Mascara: Enhance your lashes with a few coats of mascara. For added impact, curl your lashes before application.
Lips:
- Lip Balms: For days when you prefer a natural look or need extra hydration, lip balms are essential. They keep your lips moisturized, preventing peeling. Tinted lip balms offer the best of both worlds, providing moisture while giving your lips a hint of color.
- From matte finishes that offer a long-lasting look to glossy shines that provide a plump and fresh appearance, the options are endless. Experiment with different textures and shades to find what best suits your style and skin tone.
It’s important to remember that wearing makeup is entirely your choice. There’s no wrong way to approach it. Whether you decide to experiment with different makeup looks or prefer to keep things simple, what matters most is that you feel good about your choices. Each choice you make is a reflection of your mood, your personality, and your journey.
The best makeup look is the one that makes you smile when you look in the mirror. So, keep exploring, keep learning, and most importantly, have fun with it. Your makeup journey is uniquely yours, and it’s filled with endless opportunities to express who you are.
Sources:
Your Guide to Skin, Hair, and Nail Care While Taking Estrogen | Allure
13 Essential Makeup Items For Transgender Women – Our Transitional Life
Definition of aloe vera/chamomile/thyme topical cream – NCI Drug Dictionary
What Skin Type Do I Have? | Determine Your Skin Type | CeraVe
