Transfem

General: Baby steps 😤!! And being patient and gentle with yourself while you're learning! I'm only doing hair and that alone can be so overwhelming. So, my big picture advice would be to pick a basic but meaningful hair goal and/or makeup goal and just work on those. Once you have those under your belt, pick another, etc. For me, the overwhelm came from trying to tackle many things at once. So for hair, my first thing was just to get a shampoo and conditioner product & routine that worked for me. With that crossed off, my attention turned to drying and styling, and then you keep exploring, learning, and improving with time (or so I've heard).

Practical: I think those curls could look better (more definition, less frizz) without crazy effort. Are you satisfied with your shampoo and conditioner routine (including anything else you do after you wash your hair [ie, product, drying method])? Also, youtube (or an anonymous frontend) is kind of like the Bible for learning haircare skills as an adult ime, and I have no doubt the same applies for makeup. That was a realization for me, as I don't use YT much, but video tutorials are helpful

I think it's really about going at your own pace and being patient with yourself! I'm still trying to find my happy middle as well.

For hair, find a local non-chain salon, and let them take care of you. They'll work with you, recommend the right products for your hair type and the style you'd like to go for. I gave up trying to style mine and instead just super take care of it. I personally wash it once or twice a week with a fairly expensive Japanese shampoo/conditioner that my stylist recommended (I've been seeing her for over 11 years and we're great friends... She's been such a huge help through my transition). I also started to decorate it with cute bows and hair bands- I really recommend this! I've even started making my own!

Makeup is another story - I've been struggling, but honestly really care more about having healthy skin. Definitely start building a skincare routine so your skin starts to naturally glow. I also recommend a BB cream if foundation doesn't feel right for you (not a fan of foundation tbh). From there you can find a tinted chapstick if you want some color for your lips. As much as I'd love to give you pointers on eye makeup - this is my biggest struggle area right now, but we're just getting started so practice and patience!

It can be really disheartening seeing other women just radiate beauty, but remember that they've had many many years of practice and definitely struggled when they first started 🩷

I don't think you look like a hag, although I understand that thought because sometimes I think I look like a hag too. Facial dysphoria is a bitch.

If you want some tips for makeup, I recommend starting with mascara because it's really easy to get the hang of. All you have to do is hold it by your eyelash and blink, and maybe wiggle it a tiny bit to get it on better. Eyeliner is trickier to put on so don't feel bad if it takes you a while to get the hang of it.

You don't look like a hag. You look like my cool aunt Lisa.

You have great hair. Most important thing to learn id say for makeup is eyes, you’d be amazed at the difference it can make. I’d recommend getting some pre glued falsies (ardell naked press on are an easy drug store/target buy) as they’re the easiest to apply and take off when you mess up, which you probably will your first time.

You may be shocked by how much of a difference that can make by itself. Liner can make a big difference, too. If you have a steady hand id always recommend a liquid, nyx is a solid brand for cheap liquid liner.

This is like, the place to go for hair care. Your hair is already really pretty by the way! Getchu some CG approved products (this can help with shopping), find a routine that you can mesh with, and you’ll be surprised by the results ^^

I wish I could help with other stuff but I’m just a little AMAB eggy boi who gets away with having girl hair. I love helping people with hair tho, it’s such a minor thing but can be SO transformative!

How about a smile?