This make-up thing.

[Carol Ann]

Olivia,
Do be careful when you apply blush, less is best are you end up looking like a clown with bright red checks. I know as my wife is always telling me "Carol to much blush", oh well the learning curve

[Sarah Ann]

Whenever I appear en femme in public, what you see on my avatar is pretty much what you get. If I can't pass, I don't do it. What was said earlier about being a woman instead of a parody of one applies to me.

I use what other women in my age group do locally as my guideline. If it looks "bad", it at least looks acceptably and believably bad, like the local 60ish sin of too much light foundation and powder. All the other girls do it.....

I find that, when one is learning, referencing candid news photos, particularly at high zoom, for technique is helpful. There are also numerous helpful videos on YouTube, some excellent, some hilariously unprofessional. Have fun, and good luck.

[OliviaM]

Thank you thank you!! Will be listening to all advice!! I did buy some liquid foundation and pressed powder!! Not sure what that is, but it was inexpensive and wish to experiment!! Will update progress!!

[Janine O]

I wear makeup whenever I go out fully dressed, but I seldom do when wearing only femme jeans, a sweater and femme loafers.

[Babbs]

I don't think I need a foundation. I only have to shave every other day and when it comes in its white. On a day I shave you see no stubble all day...there I'm lucky. i've only used lipstick...but I need tips on the eyes, something that is easily and completely removed. advice on applying blush would be helpful too. I just went out for the first time en femme and will probably go about 3x a month now as that's what my schedule will probably allow so I need to improve on the make-up...HELP, please!

[Davita]

Babbs,
You probably need a light (as in weight) foundation; it evens the skin tones and gives you an "even playing field".

If you have the confidence it sounds like you have, just visit a dept store cosmetic counter and ask questions. Better, if you have a cosmetics only store like Ulta or Sephora, visit them. Remember, you don't have to buy anything to ask questions; don't feel obligated. To buy brushes, Target had several inexpensive but perfectly fine brands. You do sorta get what you pay for in brushes, but you don;t have to pay $50 for any brush to get a good one. Ulta brand products are proving a decent value to me too.

You mentioned easy to clean up. Simply don't buy anything that's water proof. All my makeup, eyes included, washes off with soap and water. Even my Dermablend will wash off with soap and water.

How to apply any makeup is a visit to the brand's web site and that visit to a cosmetic store to ask about eh stuff that wasn't so easy.