How to Conceal and Cover a Beard Shadow: Complete Guide
Are you struggling to conceal and cover a beard shadow?
Whether you're undergoing gender transition or just want to achieve a more feminine or gender-neutral look, dealing with beard shadow can be a challenge.
Fortunately, there are many ways to effectively hide this shadow, including makeup, hair removal methods like IPL, hair removal creams, and hair growth inhibitors.
In this article, we'll provide you with a complete guide on how to conceal and cover a beard shadow. We'll cover everything from the causes of beard shadow to the best makeup techniques for hiding it.
And, where appropriate, we'll also introduce you to KetchBeauty's IPL hair removal handset, hair removal cream, and hair growth inhibitor spray, which can help you achieve smoother, hair-free skin that's less prone to beard shadow.
So, whether you're a performer, actor, makeup artist, or just someone who wants to feel more confident in your appearance, keep reading to learn how to effectively conceal and cover a beard shadow and explore the products that can help you achieve your desired look.
At KetchBeauty, we offer a range of products specifically designed for MTF transgender women, including our IPL hair removal handset, hair removal cream, and hair growth inhibitor spray, to help you achieve smooth, hair-free skin in the comfort of your own home.
If you're looking for a better way to get rid of unwanted facial and body hair at home (permanently) click here to learn more.
But regardless of what products you use, the following tips and techniques can help you get the best results:
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What Is Beard Shadow?
Beard shadow is the visible hair that grows along the jawline and neck. It is usually darker and thicker than the hair on the rest of the face.
For many transgender and cross-dressers, beard shadow can be a source of anxiety and insecurity.
How to Conceal and Cover a Beard Shadow
Image: Jecca Black
There are a few different ways that you can cover beard shadow. Below, we will provide you with some tips and techniques.
1. Use a Primer Before Makeup
Primers have a multitude of benefits for all skin types. They help minimize pores, blur out the skin's texture, and create a smooth base for makeup application.
For those trans women or crossdressers who have a beard shadow, using a primer before makeup can be incredibly helpful in covering up the appearance of the shadow.
A primer designed to blur out the skin's texture can be incredibly helpful in minimizing the appearance of pores and creating an even base.
It's important to find a primer that is right for your skin type—if you have dry skin, you'll want to use a hydrating and creamy primer, while those with oily skin should look for a mattifying primer with a water-based formula.
Once you've found the right primer for you, apply it all over your face, including your beard shadow area that is most visible.
Then, follow up with your usual foundation and other makeup products. The primer will help to cover up the shadow and create a more uniform complexion.
Application Instructions For Using Primer
- Skincare is always the first step in any beauty product. Wash your face, then put on moisturizer and SPF (unless you're using a primer with SPF or a moisturizer/primer hybrid).
- Use your fingers or a makeup sponge to spread a small amount of primer in a thin, even layer. Avoid the eye area (unless you're using eye primer!).
- Let the primer dry for a few minutes.
2. Color Correcting
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
Following the application of the primer, the next step is to color-correct the bluish cast that was left behind from shaving - check out our article The Complete Transgender Shaving Guide.
To do this, you should choose a concealer with an orangey or peachy tone.
Instead of a powder, we recommend using a creamy texture product because it will be less difficult to build up the coverage and leave your skin looking smoother.
With a round foundation brush, apply a small amount of Color Correct to the area and blend well.
Keep doing this until your beard shadow starts fading, leaving almost a neutral tone in its place.
Applying the product to the entire region using only a small amount, to begin with, is recommended.
Blend it well. Apply more color corrector if the blue hue persists.
It is not a problem if the skin on your face does not match the skin on the rest of your face because you will be applying concealer or foundation over it to level everything out.
If your makeup has a habit of looking cakey, you should avoid applying powders. You should try using a cream concealer or foundation, as this will help you achieve a more even appearance.
Application Instructions For Color Correcting
- Use color correctors before the foundation. The first thing you should do after using a primer is to apply a color concealer.
- Conceal only the shadows caused by your beard with a thin layer of concealer. Apply concealer only to the general area you wish to change the color of, and only a thin layer.
- You can use the same makeup brush or a clean one.
- You can layer it with setting powder if you wish. Between each concealer layer, use a setting powder for better coverage.
- Make sure the concealer is blended out. Make sure there are no harsh edges because they'll show through the foundation. Blend your makeup with a beauty blender because it's easier.
3. Apply Liquid Foundation for a Flawless Base
Photo by Hitesh Dewasi on Unsplash
Use some liquid foundation to cover up the shadow caused by the beard. It makes a difference whether you have oily skin or dry skin when it comes to how you apply foundation.
You can apply foundation with your finger, round foundation brush or a beauty blend.
Each of them is designed to operate with a distinct variety of skin types and provides varying degrees of coverage.
Be sure that you have applied a sufficient amount of color correcting concealer to your beard shadow, and that you have concealed any discoloration that may exist on the face.
Application Instructions for using your finger to apply foundation
Use your fingers if you want a light to medium coat.
- Before you start, make sure to wash your hands well to get rid of any germs and dirt.
- Pour about the size of a dime's worth of foundation onto the back of your hand if you want to use your hands.
- Next, spread the product all over your face in an even way.
- A pat-and-roll motion with at least two fingers is the best way to use your hand. This is a good way to make sure the foundation doesn't just sit on top.
Application Instructions for using a beauty blender to apply foundation
The beauty blender is a good tool to use if you want to get medium to full coverage, especially if you have scars or acne.
- Before you start, make sure to wash your hands well to get rid of any germs and dirt.
- Wet the sponge and squeeze out as much water as you can.
- Pour enough foundation to cover the back of your hand, about the size of a dime.
- Spread your foundation all over your face with your fingers.
- Use the beauty blender to smooth out the dots so that the coverage is even.
4. Setting Your Makeup
After using a color corrector and a concealer or foundation to even out the skin tone, it's time to set the makeup.
Setting your makeup is an important part of your routine because it fixes the products and makes them last longer.
For the best results, use a translucent powder, which is light on the skin, easy to work with, and will save you time looking for the right shade.
But if you have a darker skin tone, choose a yellow-toned powder.
Even if you haven't used powders before, a clear setting powder won't make you look cakey.
Because it has a light formula, it won't leave you with a thick layer of product, but rather a smooth, velvety finish.
Use a big, fluffy makeup brush to spread the product all over your face. You can use a setting spray instead of powder if you are still worried about using powder.
A setting spray is easy to use and works well for people with dry skin. Just spray it on your face and wait for it to dry before moving.
Additional Makeup Tips For Transgender Women
Here are some more makeup tips for transgender or cross-dresser women:
Brighten Your Under Eyes
First, you want to make your eyes stand out. When we meet someone for the first time, our eyes are naturally drawn to them.
But before you put on eyelash extensions and colorful eyeshadow, you can use a color corrector and/or a concealer to make your eyes look brighter.
If you have undereye darkness, use the Color Correct shade on any dark blueish undertone, then pat some of the Concealer shade of the palette on top to blend that in with the rest of your base to make your eyes appear brighter.
Try Contouring Techniques
Playing with shadows is an incredible technique that can be used to give the appearance of a more feminine face.
With the right contouring technique, you can make your features look different and create any look you want.
Transgender women often use contouring to make their faces look more feminine. There are a few things you need to know before you start contouring:
- The first is to know where to place the shadows. For example, you want to make your nose look narrower, so you would put the shadow on the sides of your nose.
- The second is to know how to blend the shadows. You don't want any harsh lines, so make sure to blend perfectly.
- The third is to know what colors to use. A good rule of thumb is to use a matte bronzer for the shadows and a highlight color that is two shades lighter than your skin tone.
Apply Pigments
Pigments are loose powder shadows that can be used to add a pop of color to your eyes, cheeks, or lips. They are easy to apply and can be blended to create any look you want.
To apply pigments, first wet your brush, then dip it into the pigment. Tap off any excess and apply it to your face.
Start with a little bit and build up the color until you get the desired intensity.
If you want to use pigments on your eyes, make sure to apply them lightly. Since they are loose powder, they can crease and look cakey if you apply too much.
Use Lipstick To Create Fuller Lips
Lipstick is a great way to create the illusion of fuller lips. To do this, start by lining your lips with a lip pencil that is one shade darker than your natural lip color.
Then, fill in your lips with the lipstick. To make your lips look even fuller, apply a second layer of lipstick and blend it out with a brush.
If you want to add some shine to your lips, you can top off your lipstick with a lip gloss.
Set Your Makeup
Once you've applied your makeup, you want to make sure it lasts all day. The best way to do this is to set your makeup with a setting powder or spray.
This will help to keep your makeup in place and prevent it from creasing or smudging.
FAQs
How can I hide my beard shadow?
One of the best ways for covering beard shadow is to use a color corrector. A color corrector is a creamy product that neutralizes the color of your beard shadow.
You can find color correctors in a variety of colors, so choose one that is closest to your skin tone.
Once you've applied the color corrector, follow up with a concealer to help blend it into your skin.
Also see: Facial & Body Hair Removal For Transgender Women
Can concealer cover beard shadow?
Yes, concealer can help to cover beard shadow. If you have lighter facial hair, you can use a concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your skin tone.
If you have darker facial hair, you can use a concealer that is one or two shades darker than your skin tone.
Apply the concealer to your face and blend it out with a brush or your fingers.
GET THE KETCHBEAUTY IPL
At KetchBeauty, we are committed to providing safe and effective hair removal and hair growth inhibition solutions for our customers.
Our products are designed with the unique needs of transgender women and others in mind, and can help you achieve smooth, hair-free skin.
Try our products today and see the difference for yourself!