Facial hair is probably one of the hardest things to manage and get rid of in any male to female transition plan. However, fully necessary to complete the transformation and image into a woman. Once a male hits puberty, estrogen intake cannot stop facial hair from growing. So, to completely get rid of facial hair forever one would have to get electrolysis or laser hair removal. This part of anyone’s transformation can be time-consuming and very expensive.
Alright, I know we’re not all as wealthy as Caitlyn Jenner. Some of us need time to put that kind of money away. However, in the meantime, there are other smart and easy ways to get rid of or mask any 5 o’clock shadow. It all starts with a fresh, clean shave. This is mandatory, of course, for any crossdresser that wants to hide their facial hair. A good close shave an hour or two before makeup application is crucial. Without a good wet shave, the stubble will stick right through the makeup quickly.
How to master a super-close shave ready for makeup application?
So, how do I master a really close shave? First, you want to make sure your razor is up to par. Inspect it for any rust or excess built-up hair. If this is the case, throw it away. That razor will only help with giving u razor burn and an uneven shave. A razor I would really recommend would be the Gillette Mach 3. You can find this at any grocery store.
It has sold separately, interchangeable replacement razor heads which I would recommend stocking up on. A new clean razor always gives the best shave. After you inspect your razor, steam your face. You can do this with a small washcloth and some hot water. Keep the hot washcloth on your face for a few minutes to soften the stubble. Once softened, apply good shaving cream to the problem areas (any Gillette products work well). Finally, start slowly shaving your face on angles. Never shave just straight down. Angles help to actually cut the hair instead of just pulling them. After a good rinse with some clean cool water try moisturizing the area with some lotion to counteract any razor burns or irritation. Allow the face to calm down for at least 30 minutes to an hour so that the pores have closed again.
Now you can apply a primer to your face if you use one which helps to fill in any imperfections and so ensuring as smooth a makeup application as possible.
You can now apply a beard cover over the primer. Remember, don’t overdo it with applying your beard cover because you still need to put on foundation. You don’t want your makeup to look cakey. An awesome beard covering product we recommend would be Mehron’s Auguste CreamBlend Stick. Very effective and works on most skin types.
After you cover your beard you can apply translucent setting powder (or do this after foundation layer) so your beard makeup doesn’t smudge or move around when applying your foundation. We also recommend using Mehron’s Setting Powder. This product is great because it also has an antiperspirant agent in it with can help with keeping your face nice and dry throughout the day.
Lastly, you can apply your favorite foundation and contour your face accordingly. Again we recommend our cream-based High Pigment Foundation. This is a product chosen for male skin as it has great cover power for masking your shadow.
You can find any of the Mehron makeup products recommended and some other great products that are great for concealing 5 o’clock shadow at Glamour Boutique.
Once you have finished applying eye color, lip finish and blush make sure to use a liberal dusting of the Setting Powder which ensures your makeup stays in place. You should also take one of these small containers of the powder with you so you can re-apply as and when needed. There you have it, our simple recipe for eliminating 5 o’clock shadow.