Table of Content:

Part 1: Introduction:

• Why trans women's product reviews matter
• Finding authentic and relatable voices
• What to expect in this series

 

Part 2: Product Categories: 

1. Makeup:

• Foundation: Finding the perfect shade and formula for your skin tone and desired finish.
• Concealer: Banishing dark circles, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation.
• Eyeshadow: Creating stunning eye looks for every occasion.
• Mascara: Enhancing and defining your lashes.
• Lipstick: Finding your perfect shade and achieving a flawless finish.
• Brushes & Tools: Investing in quality brushes for a flawless application.

2. Skincare:

• Cleansers & Moisturizers: Establishing a gentle yet effective skincare routine.
• Serums & Treatments: Addressing specific concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, and aging.
• Sunscreen: Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays

3. Haircare:

• Shampoos & Conditioners: Finding the right products for your hair type and concerns.
• Styling Products: Achieving your desired hairstyle with ease.

4. Shapewear:

• Underwear: Feeling comfortable and confident in your undergarments.

5. Other Products:

• Fragrances: Finding a signature scent that reflects your personality.
• Accessories: Adding the finishing touches to your look.

 

Part 3: Embracing Your Individuality:

1. Makeup for Every Mood and Occasion:

• Natural everyday looks for the office or casual outings.
• Glamorous evening looks like turning heads on a night out.
• Creative makeup artistry for expressing your unique style.

1. Building a Confident Beauty Routine:

• Tips for finding joy and empowerment in your makeup journey.
• Celebrating diversity and inclusivity in the beauty world.
• Resources for trans women seeking support and community.

 

Conclusion:

• Remember, there are no rules in beauty, only self-expression!
• We hope these reviews empower you to experiment, embrace your individuality, and radiate confidence.
• Welcome to the vibrant world of beauty through the eyes of trans women!

  

 

Introduction

Product reviews by and for trans women are invaluable resources for those looking to express their authentic selves through beauty and style.

With cisgender (non-trans) standards of beauty so pervasive in mainstream media and advertising, finding relatable perspectives can be difficult for trans women starting their transitions or seeking new products.

 

This series aims to provide helpful, honest reviews of makeup, skincare, haircare, shapewear and more by real trans women.

Trans women face unique challenges when it comes to product selection and use. Gender-affirming products can build confidence and alleviate dysphoria, while products that don't account for transgender needs can exacerbate uncomfortable experiences.

 

Through our reviews, we hope to highlight brands that celebrate trans identities as well as products that simply work well for trans women.

In the sections below, we will dive into popular product categories with reviews of specific items across trans-inclusive or gender-inclusive brands per category.

Expect thorough breakdowns of formulas, shades, wear time, results and where to purchase.

Our goal is to help trans women discover products that make them look and feel amazing. Let's get started!

 

 

Product Categories

Makeup

Foundation

Finding the perfect shade and formula for your skin tone and desired finish is crucial for a flawless look. Some trans-inclusive brands include:

 

• Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation: This Rihanna-founded brand offers a whopping 50 shades, ensuring a match for every skin tone. Its lightweight, buildable formula offers medium to full coverage with a natural, soft-matte finish. Plus, it's sweatproof and long-lasting, perfect for busy days.

Pros: Extensive shade range, natural finish, long-lasting.

Cons: Can be slightly drying for some skin types.

Where to buy: Fenty Beauty website, Sephora.

 

 

• Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation: This full-coverage foundation boasts a creamy, blendable formula that provides a flawless, airbrushed finish. Its wide shade range caters to diverse skin tones, and it offers buildable coverage to conceal blemishes and imperfections.

Pros: Full coverage, flawless finish, buildable, wide shade range.

Cons: Can feel heavy on some skin types.

Where to buy: Huda Beauty website, Sephora.

 

 

• Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint: This lightweight, tinted moisturizer offers sheer to light coverage, perfect for a natural, dewy look. Its hydrating formula with SPF 30 protects your skin from harmful UV rays.

Pros: Sheer coverage, hydrating, SPF 30, dewy finish.

Cons: May not be enough coverage for those with blemishes or uneven skin tone.

Where to buy: Milk Makeup website, Ulta Beauty.

 

 

• Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation: This drugstore favorite offers a wide shade range and a lightweight, matte formula that controls shine and minimizes the appearance of pores. It's also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Pros: Affordable, wide shade range, matte finish, oil-free, non-comedogenic.

Cons: May not be hydrating enough for dry skin types.

Where to buy: Drugstores, Ulta Beauty.

 

 

Concealing Imperfections: A Spotlight on Concealers

Dark circles, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation are common concerns, and the right concealer can work wonders.

Here are four brands we trust:

 

• NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer: This cult-favorite concealer offers medium to full coverage with a creamy, blendable formula. It brightens the under-eye area and conceals blemishes flawlessly, leaving a natural, radiant finish.

Pros: Medium to full coverage, creamy formula, brightens under eyes, natural finish.

Cons: May crease on oily skin types. Where to buy: NARS website, Sephora.

 

 

• Tarte Shape Tape Concealer: This full-coverage concealer is a go-to for many, thanks to its long-lasting, waterproof formula that effectively covers dark circles, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation.

Pros: Full coverage, long-lasting, waterproof, good for covering blemishes and scars.

Cons: Can be drying for some skin types. Where to buy: Tarte website, Ulta Beauty.

 

 

• Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Concealer: This hydrating, full-coverage concealer provides a flawless finish while nourishing the skin with hyaluronic acid and coconut water. It's ideal for dry skin and conceals imperfections without looking cakey.

Pros: Full coverage, hydrating, good for dry skin, flawless finish.

Cons: May not be waterproof. Where to buy: Too Faced website, Sephora.

 

 

• MAC Studio Fix Concealer: This long-wearing, matte concealer offers medium to full coverage and is perfect for oily and combination skin. It controls shine and conceals imperfections for a flawless, matte finish.

Pros: Medium to full coverage, long-wearing, matte finish, good for oily and combination skin.

Cons: Can be drying for dry skin types. Where to buy: MAC Cosmetics website, Ulta Beauty.

 

  

Eye Shadow:

Eyeshadow is a powerful tool for self-expression, allowing you to create endless looks that reflect your mood, personality, and unique style.

For trans women, finding eyeshadow brands that cater to diverse skin tones and gender identities can be empowering and liberating.

 

1. Melt Cosmetics: This brand is renowned for its bold, pigment-packed eyeshadow palettes, featuring vibrant colors and unique finishes. Their inclusive shade ranges cater to all skin tones, and they actively support the LGBTQ+ community through various initiatives.

 

Must-Have Palette: Amor Mortizado Palette: This stunning palette features 12 highly-pigmented shadows in a range of warm and cool tones, perfect for creating sultry smoky looks or playful daytime eye looks.

Pros: High-quality, pigmented shadows, diverse shade range, supports LGBTQ+ community.

Cons: Some shades may be challenging for beginners to blend, some palettes may be more expensive than others.

Where to buy: Melt Cosmetics website, Ulta Beauty.

 

 

1. ColourPop: This budget-friendly brand offers a wide variety of eyeshadow palettes, singles, and super shock shadows in an array of colors and finishes. Their commitment to inclusivity is evident in their diverse shade range and their collaboration with trans makeup artist Jackie Aina on the "SAINTS & SINNERS" palette.

 

Must-Have Palette: Stone Cold Fox Palette: This 9-pan palette features a mix of cool-toned neutrals and pops of color, perfect for creating everyday wearable looks with a touch of drama.

 

ColourPop Stone Cold Fox Palette

Pros: Affordable, diverse shade range, cruelty-free, frequent new releases.

Cons: Some shadows may be less pigmented than higher-end brands, limited availability of some palettes.

Where to buy: ColourPop website.

 

 

1. Fenty Beauty: Rihanna's iconic makeup brand is known for its inclusivity and celebration of diversity. Their eyeshadow palettes feature a wide range of shades for all skin tones, from light to deep, and their formulas are long-wearing and blendable.

 

Must-Have Palette: Snap Shadows Mix & Match Palette: This versatile palette features 6 mix-and-match shadows in matte and shimmer finishes, allowing you to create endless eye looks. www.sephora.com

Pros: Diverse shade range, long-wearing and blendable formulas, luxurious packaging.

Cons: Can be more expensive than some other brands, some shades may be too bold for beginners.

Where to buy: Fenty Beauty website, Sephora.

 

 

1. Juvia's Place: This Black-owned brand is dedicated to creating high-quality makeup for all skin tones, with a focus on rich, vibrant colors inspired by African culture. Their eyeshadow palettes are known for their intense pigmentation and blendability.

 

Must-Have Palette: The Nubian II Palette: This stunning 12-pan palette features a mix of warm and cool tones, including vibrant shimmers and rich mattes, perfect for creating dramatic and glamorous eye looks.

Pros: Highly pigmented and blendable shadows, rich, vibrant colors, supports Black-owned businesses.

Cons: Some shades may be too intense for beginners, limited availability of some palettes.

Where to buy: Juvia's Place website, Ulta Beauty.

 

 

1. Glamnetic: This brand is known for its innovative magnetic lashes, but they also offer a range of high-quality eyeshadow palettes and singles. Their commitment to inclusivity is reflected in their diverse shade range and their collaboration with trans model and activist Yasmine Petty on the "Yasmin x Glamnetic" palette.

 

Must-Have Palette: Yasmin x Glamnetic Palette: This 10-pan palette features a mix of warm and cool tones, including neutrals and pops of color, perfect for creating both everyday and glamorous eye looks. www.glamnetic.com

Pros: Diverse shade range, cruelty-free, magnetic closure for easy storage and travel.

Cons: Some shades may be less pigmented than other brands, limited availability of some palettes.

Where to buy: Glamnetic website.

  

 

Mascara: Enhancing and Defining Your Lashes

Mascara can add drama, definition, and length to your lashes, instantly opening up your eyes and making you look more awake.

Here are four trans-inclusive brands offering mascaras for different lash types and desired effects:

 

They're Real! Lengthening Mascara:

• Brand Overview: Benefit is a well-known brand offering high-quality, innovative makeup products. Their They're Real! mascara is a cult favorite for its lengthening and volumizing formula.
• Product Description: They're Real! features a specially designed brush that coats and defines each lash from root to tip. The formula is long-wearing and smudge-proof, making it perfect for all-day wear.
• Pros: Lengthens and volumizes lashes, long-wearing and smudge-proof formula, specially designed brush for precise application.
• Cons: Can be clumpy if not applied carefully, higher price point.
• Inclusivity: Available in black and brown shades, gender-neutral marketing.
• Where to Buy: Benefit website, Sephora, Ulta Beauty.

 

MILK MAKEUP Kush Mascara:

• Brand Overview: MILK MAKEUP is a vegan and cruelty-free brand known for its innovative and easy-to-use products. Their Kush mascara is formulated with cannabis oil to condition and nourish lashes.
• Product Description: Kush mascara features a flexible fiber brush that coats and defines lashes without clumping. The formula is buildable and long-wearing, making it perfect for creating a natural or dramatic look.
• Pros: Lengthens and defines lashes without clumping, buildable formula, vegan and cruelty-free.
• Cons: May not be as volumizing as some other mascaras, higher price point.
• Inclusivity: Available in black and brown shades, gender-neutral marketing.
• Where to Buy: MILK MAKEUP website, Sephora, Ulta Beauty.

 

 

NYX On the Rise Volume Lifter Mascara:

• Brand Overview: NYX is a drugstore favorite known for its affordable and effective makeup products. Their On the Rise mascara is a great option for those on a budget who want to achieve dramatic lashes.
• Product Description: On the Rise features a curved brush that lifts and volumizes lashes from root to tip. The formula is buildable and long-wearing, making it perfect for creating a bold look.
• Pros: Affordable price point, volumizes and lifts lashes, buildable formula.
• Cons: Can be clumpy if not applied carefully, may not be as long-wearing as some other mascaras.
• Inclusivity: Available in black and brown shades, gender-neutral marketing.
• Where to Buy: Drugstores, mass retailers, Ulta Beauty.

 

 

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara:

• Brand Overview: Too Faced is known for its luxurious and playful makeup products, often featuring cute packaging and fun names. Their Better Than Sex mascara is a top-seller for its volumizing and lengthening formula.
• Product Description: Better Than Sex features an hourglass-shaped brush that coats and defines lashes for a dramatic, fluttery look. The formula is long-wearing and smudge-proof, making it perfect for all-day wear.
• Pros: Volumizes and lengthens lashes, long-wearing and smudge-proof formula, hourglass-shaped brush for precise application.
• Cons: Higher price point, can be clumpy if not applied carefully.
• Inclusivity: Available in black and brown shades, gender-neutral marketing.
• Where to Buy: Too Faced website, Sephora, Ulta Beauty.

 

 

Lipstick: Finding Your Perfect Shade and Achieving a Flawless Finish

Lipstick can be a powerful tool for self-expression, adding instant color and drama to your look.

With so many shades and finishes available, finding the perfect lipstick can feel overwhelming.

Here are four trans-inclusive brands offering a wide range of lipstick options:

 

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint:

• Brand Overview: Rihanna's Fenty Beauty is known for its groundbreaking inclusivity, offering 40 shades of the Stunna Lip Paint to flatter a wide range of skin tones.
• Product Description: The Stunna Lip Paint is a liquid lipstick with a high-impact, long-lasting matte finish. It's lightweight and comfortable to wear, and doesn't dry out your lips.
• Pros: Highly pigmented and long-wearing, wide range of flattering shades, comfortable matte finish.
• Cons: Can be drying on some lips, requires precise application.
• Inclusivity: 40 shades, gender-neutral marketing.
• Where to Buy: Fenty Beauty website, Sephora, ULTA Beauty.

 

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick:

• Brand Overview: MAC Cosmetics has a long-standing commitment to inclusivity, offering a diverse range of lipstick shades and finishes. Their Retro Matte lipstick is a cult favorite for its bold, classic colors and long-lasting formula.
• Product Description: The Retro Matte Lipstick is a highly pigmented lipstick with a true matte finish. It's long-wearing and transfer-resistant, making it perfect for all-day wear.
• Pros: Highly pigmented and long-wearing, wide range of bold and classic shades, true matte finish.
• Cons: Can be drying on some lips, requires precise application.
• Inclusivity: 42 shades, gender-neutral marketing.
• Where to buy: MAC Cosmetics website, department stores, ULTA Beauty.

 

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream:

• Brand Overview: NYX Professional Makeup is known for its affordable and high-quality cosmetics, offering a variety of inclusive shade ranges. Their Soft Matte Lip Cream is a popular choice for its comfortable, long-wearing formula.
• Product Description: The Soft Matte Lip Cream is a liquid lipstick with a soft matte finish. It's lightweight and creamy, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods.
• Pros: Affordable price point, comfortable and long-wearing formula, soft matte finish.
• Cons: Not as pigmented as some other lipsticks, may not be long-lasting on oily skin.
• Inclusivity: 40 shades, gender-neutral marketing.
• Where to Buy: Drugstores, mass retailers, Ulta Beauty, nyx website

 

Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek:

• Brand Overview: Milk Makeup is a vegan and cruelty-free brand known for its innovative and multi-use products. Their Lip + Cheek is a cream blush and lipstick in one, perfect for creating a monochromatic look.
• Product Description: The Lip + Cheek is a creamy, buildable formula that can be used on both lips and cheeks. It's available in a variety of sheer and bold shades, making it versatile for different looks.
• Pros: Multi-use product for lips and cheeks, vegan and cruelty-free, sheer and bold shades available.
• Cons: Not as long-wearing as some dedicated lipsticks, may not be pigmented enough for full coverage.
• Inclusivity: 20 shades, gender-neutral marketing.
• Where to Buy: Milk Makeup website, Sephora, Ulta Beauty.

 

Brushes & Tools: Investing in Quality Brushes for a Flawless Application

Makeup brushes and tools are essential for achieving a flawless makeup application.

From blending foundation to applying eyeshadow, the right tools can make all the difference.

Here are four trans-inclusive brands offering high-quality makeup brushes:

 

Morphe Brushes:

• Brand Overview: Morphe is a cruelty-free brand known for its affordable and high-quality makeup brushes. They offer a wide variety of brushes for different applications, making it easy to build a complete brush set.
• Product Description: Morphe brushes are made with synthetic bristles that are soft, durable, and easy to clean. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different needs, from fluffy blending brushes to precise eyeliner brushes.
• Pros: Affordable price point, wide variety of brushes, soft and durable synthetic bristles.
• Cons: Brushes may not be as high-quality as some luxury brands, some shedding may occur when new.
• Inclusivity: Gender-neutral marketing.
• Where to Buy: Morphe website, Ulta Beauty.

 

Real Techniques:

 

• Brand Overview: Real Techniques is a brand founded by makeup artist Samantha Chapman, known for its innovative and user-friendly makeup brushes. Their brushes are designed to be easy to use, even for beginners.
• Product Description: Real Techniques brushes are made with synthetic bristles that are soft, flexible, and easy to blend. They come in a variety of sets and kits, making it easy to find the perfect brushes for your needs.
• Pros: Affordable price point, user-friendly design, soft and flexible synthetic bristles.
• Cons: May not be as durable as some high-end brushes, limited shade range for complexion brushes.
• Inclusivity: Gender-neutral marketing.
• Where to Buy: Drugstores, mass retailers, Ulta Beauty.

  

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Set:

• Brand Overview: Rihanna's Fenty Beauty continues to impress with its inclusive and high-performance makeup tools. The Pro Filt'r Instant Set features an array of brushes specifically designed for applying and blending their Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation.
• Product Description: This set includes five brushes made with high-quality synthetic bristles, each shaped and sized for specific areas of the face. They are densely packed and soft, ensuring precise application and seamless blending for a flawless foundation finish.
• Pros: High-quality synthetic bristles, dense and soft for smooth application, specifically designed for Fenty Beauty foundation, gender-neutral marketing.
• Cons: Higher price point compared to other brush brands, limited to foundation application.
• Where to Buy: Fenty Beauty website, Sephora, ULTA Beauty.

  

Beautyblender Original Sponge:

• Brand Overview: The Beautyblender sponge is a cult favorite for its unique shape and ability to blend makeup flawlessly. It's latex-free and non-allergenic, making it suitable for even sensitive skin.
• Product Description: The Beautyblender is an egg-shaped sponge that expands when wet. It can be used to apply and blend foundation, concealer, and cream products for a smooth, airbrushed finish.
• Pros: Flawless and even application, latex-free and non-allergenic, versatile for different products.
• Cons: Requires wetting before use, can be challenging to clean, higher price point compared to traditional makeup sponges.
• Inclusivity:** Gender-neutral marketing.
• Where to Buy:** Beautyblender website, Sephora, Ulta Beauty.

  

Skincare

Taking care of your skin is crucial for a flawless makeup canvas.

Here are some trans-inclusive brands that offer gentle yet effective skincare solutions:

 

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser:

This fragrance-free cleanser gently removes dirt and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. It's perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Pros: Fragrance-free, gentle, hydrating, good for all skin types.

Cons: May not be strong enough for oily skin.

Where to buy: Drugstores, Ulta Beauty.

www.cerave.com

  

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5:

This lightweight serum provides intense hydration with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. It plumps the skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and leaves a dewy, healthy glow.

Pros: Hydrating, plumps skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, dewy finish.

Cons: May not be moisturizing enough for dry skin.

Where to buy: The Ordinary website, Ulta Beauty.

www.farmers.co.nz

  

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum:

This overnight resurfacing serum with glycolic acid helps exfoliate dead skin cells, brighten the complexion, and improve skin texture.

Pros: Exfoliating, brightening, improves skin texture.

Cons: Can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Where to buy: Drunk Elephant website, Sephora.

  

Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum:

This potent vitamin C serum helps fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars. It also brightens the complexion and protects the skin from free radical damage.

Pros: Fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation, brightens skin, protects from free radicals.

Cons: Can be expensive.

Where to buy: Sunday Riley website, Sephora.

 

Sunscreen: Your Daily Essential

No matter your skin type or concerns, sunscreen is an absolute must-have in any skincare routine.

Here are two trans-inclusive brands that offer broad-spectrum protection:

 

Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30:

This lightweight, oil-free moisturizer with SPF 30 provides broad-spectrum protection without leaving a white cast on deeper skin tones. It's also non-comedogenic, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.

Pros: Broad-spectrum SPF 30, oil-free, non-comedogenic, no white cast on deeper skin tones.

Cons: Not waterproof.

Where to buy: Black Girl Sunscreen website, Target.

  

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40:

This invisible, weightless sunscreen with SPF 40 provides broad-spectrum protection without leaving any residue or white cast. It's suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Pros: Broad-spectrum SPF 40, invisible, weightless, no white cast, good for all skin types.

Cons: Can be a bit greasy for some skin types.

Where to buy: Supergoop website, Sephora.

 

Haircare: From Wash Day to Styling

For many trans women, embracing our hair journey is an integral part of self-expression.

Here are some trans-inclusive brands that cater to diverse hair types and needs:

 

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Scalp & Hair Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner:

This duo gently cleanses and hydrates the hair and scalp, promoting healthy hair growth. The rosemary and mint formula also helps soothe irritation and dandruff.

Pros: Moisturizing, promotes hair growth, soothes irritation, good for all hair types.

Cons: May not be strong enough for very oily hair.

Where to buy: Mielle Organics website, Target.

  

Curlsmith Double Moist Deep Quencher:

This rich, creamy mask deeply hydrates and conditions dry, curly hair. It helps to combat frizz and define curls, leaving hair soft, shiny, and manageable.

Pros: Deeply hydrating, combats frizz, defines curls, good for dry, curly hair.

Cons: Can be heavy for fine hair.

Where to buy: Curlsmith website, Ulta Beauty.

 

Pattern Beauty Leave-In Conditioner:

This lightweight, leave-in conditioner detangles, hydrates, and defines curls. It's made with shea butter, coconut oil, and other natural ingredients to nourish and protect the hair.

Pros: Detangling, hydrating, defines curls, made with natural ingredients.

Cons: May not be strong enough for very thick hair.

Where to buy: Pattern Beauty website, Ulta Beauty.

  

TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask:

This deep-conditioning mask with honey and olive oil deeply hydrates and repairs damaged hair. It helps to restore shine, softness, and manageability.

Pros: Deeply conditioning, repairs damaged hair, restores shine and softness, good for all hair types.

Cons: Can be greasy for some hair types.

Where to buy: TGIN website, Target.

 

Shape Up Your Silhouette: Shapewear Essentials

Shapewear can help smooth and sculpt your figure, boosting your confidence and making you feel your best.

Here are two trans-inclusive brands that offer comfortable and effective shapewear:

 

Shapetex Everyday Embrace High-Waisted Brief:

This high-waisted brief provides smoothing and shaping from your waist to your thighs. It's made with soft, breathable fabric and features a comfortable, seamless design.

Pros: Smooths and shapes waist and thighs, comfortable and breathable, seamless design.

Cons: May not offer enough compression for some body types.

Where to buy: Shapetex website, Amazon.

 

Tommie Copper Compression High-Waisted Capri Leggings:

These high-waisted capri leggings offer targeted compression to smooth your tummy, hips, and thighs. They're made with moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and dry.

Pros: Targeted compression, smooths tummy, hips, and thighs, moisture-wicking fabric.

Cons: Can be tight for some body types.

Where to buy: Tommie Copper website, Dick's Sporting Goods.

 

 

Finding Your Signature Scent: Fragrance Favorites.

Perfume can be the ultimate finishing touch to any look, and finding a signature scent that reflects your personality is key.

Here are two trans-inclusive brands that offer unique and memorable fragrances:

 

Juliette Has a Gun Lady Vengeance Eau de Parfum: This floral fragrance with notes of rose, patchouli, and vanilla is both feminine and sensual. It's perfect for a night out or a special occasion.

Pros: Floral and sensual, long-lasting, good for special occasions.

Cons: Can be strong for some people.

Where to buy: Sephora, Barneys New York.

  

Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum:

This unisex fragrance with notes of sandalwood, cedarwood, and amber is warm, woody, and musky. It's perfect for everyday wear and can be worn by both men and women.

Pros: Unisex fragrance, warm and woody, long-lasting, good for everyday wear.

Cons: Can be expensive.

Where to buy: Le Labo stores, Sephora.

 

 

Accessorizing with Flair: The Finishing Touches

Jewelry, scarves, and other accessories can add a touch of personality and pizzazz to any outfit.

Here are some trans-inclusive brands that offer stylish and unique pieces:

Studs for Trans Lives: This organization creates beautiful and meaningful jewelry pieces, with a portion of the proceeds going towards supporting trans youth. Their collection includes earrings, necklaces, and bracelets featuring trans pride colors and symbols.

Pros: Supports trans youth, stylish and meaningful designs, variety of pieces.

Cons: Limited selection compared to larger brands.

Where to buy: Studs for Trans Lives website.

 

TomboyX Accessories: This inclusive clothing brand also offers a range of stylish accessories, including hats, beanies, and scarves. Their designs are comfortable, practical, and perfect for everyday wear.

Pros: Inclusive sizing, comfortable and practical designs, good for everyday wear.

Cons: Limited selection compared to dedicated accessory brands.

Where to buy: TomboyX website.

 

Felony Felines: This independent artist creates unique and eye-catching cat-themed jewelry and accessories. Their pieces are perfect for those who love to express their individuality and sense of humor.

Pros: Unique and eye-catching designs, supports independent artist, perfect for cat lovers.

Cons: Limited production runs, may not be for everyone's taste.

Where to buy: Felony Felines Etsy shop.

 

Kendra Scott: This popular jewelry brand offers a wide variety of affordable and stylish pieces, including necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. They also have a commitment to inclusivity and have partnered with various LGBTQ+ organizations.

Pros: Wide variety of styles, affordable prices, supports LGBTQ+ organizations.

Cons: Can be mass-produced and not as unique as some independent brands.

Where to buy: Kendra Scott website, Macy's.

 

Embracing Your Individuality: Makeup for Every Mood and Occasion

Natural Everyday Looks:

For days when you want to keep things simple yet polished, here are some tips for achieving a natural everyday makeup look:

• Start with a clean and moisturized canvas: Use a gentle cleanser and apply a moisturizer suitable for your skin type.
• Apply a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer: Choose a shade that matches your skin tone as closely as possible.
• Conceal dark circles and blemishes: Use a concealer that is one shade lighter than your foundation to brighten the under-eye area and cover any imperfections.
• Define your brows: Fill in your brows with a brow pencil or powder to frame your face.
• Apply a touch of blush: Choose a blush color that complements your skin tone and apply it to the apples of your cheeks.
• Enhance your lashes with mascara: Opt for a volumizing or lengthening mascara to define your lashes without looking overdone.
• Finish with a hydrating lip balm or lipstick: Choose a lip color that is neutral or slightly brighter than your natural lip color.

 

Glamorous Evening Looks:

For special occasions, you can amp up your makeup game and create a glamorous evening look:

• Apply a luminous foundation: Opt for a foundation with a dewy finish to give your skin a radiant glow.
• Contour and highlight your face: Use bronzer and highlighter to define your cheekbones, jawline, and nose.
• Create a smoky eye: Use eyeshadows in neutral or metallic shades to create a smokey eye look. Apply eyeliner and mascara for added drama.
• Apply false lashes for extra oomph: False lashes can instantly elevate your eye look and make your lashes appear fuller and longer.
• Choose a bold lip color: Opt for a lipstick in a bold color like red or plum to make a statement.

 

Creative Makeup Artistry:

• Makeup is an art form, and you can use it to express your unique style and personality. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors, textures, and techniques to create one-of-a-kind makeup looks.
• Try graphic eyeliner: Get creative with graphic eyeliner designs like wings, cat eyes, or double lines.
• Play with glitter and metallics: Add sparkle and shine to your eyes or lips with glitter or metallic eyeshadows and lipsticks.
• Experiment with bold colors: Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try bold eyeshadow colors like blue, green, or purple.

 

Building a Confident Beauty Routine:
Finding joy and empowerment in your makeup journey is all about creating a beauty routine that makes you feel good about yourself.

Here are some tips:

• Focus on self-care: Taking care of your skin with a good skincare routine is the foundation for a flawless makeup look.
• Embrace your individuality: Don't try to copy other people's makeup looks. Find what makes you feel confident and beautiful and own it.
• Experiment and have fun: Makeup is a fun way to express yourself, so don't be afraid to experiment with different colors, techniques, and looks.
• Celebrate diversity and inclusivity: The beauty world is becoming more diverse and inclusive all the time. Support brands and individuals who celebrate all types of beauty.

 

Conclusion: Embracing Your Beauty, Inside and Out

Finding the right beauty products can be a journey of self-discovery, and for trans women, it can be an empowering way to express our identities and feel confident in our own skin.

Whether you're looking for the perfect foundation shade, a comfortable shapewear piece, or a unique accessory, there are brands out there that cater to our needs and celebrate our individual beauty.

Remember, the most important thing is to embrace who you are and wear what makes you feel good.