1. Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox is a pioneer. She became a household name with her role as Sophia Burset on Orange Is the New Black, but it’s her tireless work as an advocate that makes her truly iconic. As the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy, Laverne has broken barriers and continues to inspire countless people. Whether she’s speaking out against anti-trans violence or fighting for better healthcare access, she’s always at the forefront of the movement.

• Website: Laverne Cox Official Site

2. Elliot Page

When Elliot Page came out as transgender in 2020, the world listened. Best known for his roles in Juno and The Umbrella Academy, Elliot’s announcement was a groundbreaking moment for trans representation in Hollywood. He’s used his platform to speak openly about the importance of mental health and trans visibility, and his courage has inspired countless others to live their truth.

• Instagram: @elliotpage

3. Janet Mock

Janet Mock is a powerhouse in both activism and entertainment. A best-selling author and director for shows like Pose, she’s been one of the most visible trans women of color in media. Janet’s writing, including her memoir Redefining Realness, offers a raw and honest account of her life, making her a voice of empowerment for the trans community and beyond.

• Website: Janet Mock

4. Indya Moore

Indya Moore, a star of FX’s Pose, is a force to be reckoned with. As a non-binary actor and model, Indya has used their fame to advocate for trans and non-binary people of color. Their openness about their own struggles, particularly around healthcare access and trans rights, has helped shine a light on issues that often go unnoticed. They were even named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people.

• Website: Indya Moore Official Site

5. Rachel Levine

Dr. Rachel Levine made history as one of the highest-ranking openly transgender officials in U.S. government. As the Assistant Secretary for Health, she’s been a vital part of the country’s public health efforts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rachel has spent her career advocating for LGBTQ+ healthcare and breaking down barriers in medicine and government.

• Profile: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

6. Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer’s rise to fame came through her stunning portrayal of Jules Vaughn in Euphoria. But even before she was on screen, Hunter was an activist, fighting for trans youth rights in North Carolina. She continues to be a beacon of hope for young trans people, using her platform to advocate for a more inclusive and accepting world.

• Instagram: @hunterschafer

7. Geena Rocero

Geena Rocero’s TED Talk, where she shared her story of coming out as transgender, was a powerful moment in her life and for many others. As a Filipina-American model and activist, she founded Gender Proud to push for transgender rights worldwide. Her work brings attention to the legal challenges trans people face, and she’s a fearless advocate for acceptance and equality.

• Website: Geena Rocero Official Site

8. Munroe Bergdorf

Munroe Bergdorf is not afraid to speak her mind. This British model and activist has been vocal about racism, transgender rights, and mental health. Her public firing by L’Oréal for speaking out against racism in 2017 led to a huge public conversation about diversity and corporate responsibility. Munroe continues to use her platform to push for change, particularly for transgender and marginalized communities.

• Instagram: @munroebergdorf

9. Alok Vaid-Menon

Alok Vaid-Menon, known simply as Alok, is a non-binary writer, performance artist, and activist. They challenge the binary views of gender with powerful performances and writing that explore identity, race, and self-expression. Alok’s work has a deep impact on the visibility of non-binary people, and they have become an advocate for self-love and breaking down societal norms.

• Website: Alok Vaid-Menon Official Site

10. Jazz Jennings

Jazz Jennings has been in the public eye since she was a child, and her reality show I Am Jazz has helped bring transgender youth stories into millions of homes. Jazz has been a fierce advocate for trans youth, talking about everything from healthcare challenges to mental health. She’s been an inspiration for so many young people and continues to use her platform to fight for trans rights.

• Instagram: @jazzjennings_

These incredible individuals are not just influential; they’re changing the world. Their courage, advocacy, and commitment to equality inspire countless others and pave the way for a more inclusive future.

*This information is no substitute for, or pretends to be, medical advice. I am a web developer and writer, not a medical professional. Any information here is presented based on research and experience. However, we stress that you speak to your medical provider about any questions you have and before you begin treatment.

What are Hormones?

Hated science class? Well tough falsies because one- science rocks, and two- you wouldn’t work on a carburetor if you didn’t know what it did or how it worked. So tough it out and learn about your body.

Here’s the quick answer, hormones are one of the three main components of what makes up the physical facets of gender. Chromosomes and gonads are the other two. The rest of what you think is male or female is really a secondary gender marker and can honestly occur in men or women. Some women have square jaws, some men develop breasts. What can I say? Bodies are weird that way.

For men, the hormones consist of Testosterone and its derivative 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Strong stuff, which we will get to later. For women you are looking at Estrogen and progesterone, which are no slouch themselves. However, in HRT the effect and scope of change is very different. But we will get into that later.

So What Do Hormones Do?

Often, we see gender attributed solely to chromosomes, and don’t hear as much about hormones. However, it is these hormones that set many of the secondary gender markers like body hair, voice pitch, etc. And so for those wishing to attain certain visual characteristics, hormones are a must.

Hold up keyboard warriors, that isn’t to say that being gender non-conforming or being trans means you HAVE to undergo HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), or that it is a requirement of transition. For health, financial, religious, or personal reasons- there are many people who opt to be non-op or non-hrt or both. Some people identify as transgender and don’t transition. It’s all valid, of course. But somethings just won’t happen without HRT.

TransgenderCare.com offers this explanation:

Testosterone and its potent derivative 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) induce penile growth and secondary sex characteristics as sexual hair, deepening of the voice, a muscular build and the greater average height in males in comparison to the females. In girls, estrogens in conjunction with Progestogens induce breast formation and a fat distribution predominantly around the hips; subcutaneous fat padding produces a softness of the body configuration and of the skin. The skin in women is further generally less oily than in men; the latter on the basis of activation of the sebaceous glands by androgen.

So puberty comes along, and blammo- secondary gender markers all up in the joint. Up until puberty, we generally have to go out of our way to express our gender identity. As we saw in “Stranger Things” a preteen girl with a shaved head and neutral clothing had no problem passing as male (unintentionally). And it was even harder in the past when everyone pretty much put all kids in the same clothes- mostly dresses. Aside from a primary gender marker like genitalia to discern out- there is little difference outwardly.

So What Does that Mean to Me?

Me, me, me. That’s all you talk about. Well, to answer your question, it means that we are attempting to induce secondary gender markers and traits after puberty- to varying degrees of time. Or, we are trying to hold off puberty and avoid having these hormones start doing their remodeling work in the first place so that HRT can be begun. In many cases we are looking to also minimize unwanted gender markers as well as making changes to the body.

In the case of trans women, we are looking to not only block testosterone and DHT but also introduce estrogen or progesterone into the body. We will talk a bit more about how exactly this is done a bit later. Seriously, buckle up, it’s a long article.

So if that is your goal in mind, then HRT might be your ticket. Of course, there are some things to consider when starting HRT.

Some Things to Consider When Starting HRT

I know, great literary transition. Call me Hemingway.

So, the first thing you have to know is this- there is a process to medical transition. If you want to use medical procedures to alter your body, you have to go through the proper channels. If you were curious, they also won’t do spinal surgery without going through all the steps either. They generally like to check some boxes first.

The biggest thing is a letter from a therapist. Pretty much any Endocrinologist (think “hormone doctor”) is going to look at you vacantly and play out the movie “Diner” in their head while you talk if you try to go in and talk to them about HRT without a letter from your therapist recommending you for hormones. That’s because they tend to like their job. And performing a procedure on someone that hasn’t been properly checked out amounts to malpractice. So you will have to obtain a letter before an endocrinologist will see you.

Ah, the golden letter. What many transgender people seek, it is seen as a magical ticket that opens up the doors to the rest of your life. That’s right, one letter can change your life. So, for the life of me, I don’t understand why so many people think they can just call a therapist and ask them to write a letter or go to one session and get one. This is a big step- one that can have some irreversible effects. And, frankly, I’d be leery of any professional therapist handing out letters like a vending machine. We call those “letter factories”.

Generally, the rule for both therapists and Endocrinologists is one year of therapy to begin HRT. That’s when you can usually expect to get a letter. It might not be consecutive, or with the same therapist. But you at least need to show you’ve put in some consistent effort and made a commitment to this.

The letter itself is usually pretty straightforward. It essentially says that they’ve seen you for however long and that they’ve found you to be of sound mind and rational enough to make this decision. So that everyone can see it isn’t symptomatic of another condition. Usually, it is also covered that you are not being coerced in any way into this decision and you are doing it of your free will. Also, that it is not sexually motivated.

Once you have this letter, you will get referred to an Endocrinologist. This is either done through your regular doctor, a clinic like planned parenthood or directly from your therapist (ONLY if they are a psychiatrist).

The endocrinologist will run several tests to make sure that you are healthy and suitable for HRT. This will include a medical history and a good amount of blood work. After you get the all clear, your endocrinologist will sit down and work out a plan with you for your treatment including schedule, exact medication, and dosages.

For the record- we won’t be talking about dosages here. It’s considered a no-no. You need to stick to the dosage you are given. Even if you feel it isn’t happening fast enough and your friend is on a higher dosage than you. Just know that you are on the right dosage for you, and if you aren’t then your doctor will adjust that. Taking too much, or an incorrect dosage can lead to blood clots, strokes, seizures, taking not good blood thinners and death. Did you come all this way to wind up like that? Read more at http://sideeffectsofxarelto.org/current-xarelto-lawsuits/ and think.

Do I Have to be on HRT Forever?

.
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. You will be on HRT for the rest of your life. Some of the effects of hormone replacement therapy are reversible and you will wind up right back where you started if you quit. You will need to discuss this further with your endocrinologist.

What Will I Be Taking?

This is entirely dependent on what your endocrinologist prescribes for you. But here are the types of hormones you can expect to receive:

Male to Female

• Estrogens
  The most commonly prescribed estrogens in HRT for transgender women are micronized estradiol, certain estradiol esters such as estradiol valerate and estradiol cypionate (which are prodrugs of estradiol), and conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin). Estrogens may be administered orally, nasally, sublingually, by intramuscular injection, from an implant, or transdermally (via gel, spray, or patch).
• Progestogens
  Progestogens include progesterone and progestins (synthetic progestogens). Progestogens commonly prescribed for transgender women include progesterone, cyproterone acetate, and medroxyprogesterone acetate. They may be administered orally, sublingually, rectally (by suppository), transdermally (in gel form), or by intramuscular injection.
• Anti-Androgens
  Anti-androgen medications work by blocking the effects of testosterone. For example, they will help slow male-pattern baldness, reduce growth of facial hair, and stop spontaneous/morning erections. They are not needed if one has undergone a bilateral orchidectomy (removal of both testicles).Anti-androgen drugs are often prescribed in addition to oestrogen, as the two have effects that complement each other. Taking anti-androgens reduces the amount of oestrogen you need to get the same effects, which minimizes the health risks associated with high doses of oestrogen. Anti-androgen drugs can be prescribed alone for those who want to reduce ‘masculine’ characteristics for a more androgynous appearance, as it’s less ‘feminizing’ than oestrogen.
  • Steroidal
    The most commonly used antiandrogens for trans women are steroidal: spironolactone and cyproterone acetate. Spironolactone, which is relatively safe and inexpensive, is the most frequently used antiandrogen in the United States. Cyproterone acetate, which is unavailable in the United States, is more commonly used in the rest of the world.
  • 5α-Reductase inhibitors
    Certain antiandrogens do not reduce testosterone or prevent its action upon tissues, but instead prevent its metabolite, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), from forming. These medications can be used when the patient has male-pattern hair loss and/or an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), both of which DHT exacerbates. Two medications are currently available to prevent the creation of DHT: finasteride and dutasteride. DHT levels can be lowered up to 60–75% with the former, and up to 93–94% with the latter. These medications have also been found to be effective in the treatment of hirsutism in women.
  • Non-Steroidal
    Non-steroidal antiandrogens used in HRT for trans women include flutamide, nilutamide, and bicalutamide, all three of which are primarily used in the treatment of prostate cancer.[45][46] Unlike steroidal antiandrogens such as spironolactone and cyproterone acetate, these drugs are pure androgen receptor antagonists. They do not lower androgen levels; rather, they act solely by preventing the binding of androgens to the androgen receptor.
  • GnRH analogues
    In both sexes, the hypothalamus produces gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to stimulate the pituitary gland to produce luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This in turn cause the gonads to produce sex steroids such as androgens and estrogens. In adolescents of either sex with relevant indicators, GnRH analogues such as goserelin acetate can be used to stop undesired pubertal changes for a period without inducing any changes toward the sex with which the patient currently identifies.
  • GnRH agonists
    GnRH agonists work by initially overstimulating the pituitary gland, then rapidly desensitizing it to the effects of GnRH. After an initial surge, over a period of weeks, gonadal androgen production is greatly reduced. Conversely, GnRH antagonists act by blocking the action of GnRH in the pituitary gland.

Female to Male

• Androgens
  A natural or synthetic compound, usually a steroid hormone, that stimulates or controls the development and maintenance of male characteristics. This is usually just generically referred to as “T” or testosterone.
• GnRH agonists
  In all people, the hypothalamus releases GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) to stimulate the pituitary to produce LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) which in turn cause the gonads to produce sex steroids. In adolescents of either sex with relevant indicators, GnRH agonists, such as nafarelin can be used to suspend the advance of sex steroid induced, inappropriate pubertal changes for a period without inducing any changes in the gender-appropriate direction. GnRH agonists work by initially over stimulating the pituitary then rapidly desensitizing it to the effects of GnRH. Over a period of weeks, gonadal androgen production is greatly reduced.
• Progestin injections
  Depo-Provera (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, or DMPA) may be injected every three months just as it is used for contraception. Generally, after the first cycle, menses are greatly reduced or eliminated. This may be useful for transgender men prior to initiation of testosterone therapy. These work to help eliminate menstruation and acts as birth control.
• Supplements
  Andro ‘Pro-hormones’: Androstenedione, 4-androstenediol, 5-androstenediol, 19-androstenediol, and 19-norandrostenediol are sold as supplements that are purported to increase serum testosterone, increase muscle mass, decrease fat, elevate mood, and increase sexual performance (i.e. many of the effects transgender men seek with androgen therapy). However, there is no good medical evidence that the pro-hormones do any of these things. However, there is evidence that ingestion of these substances can cause elevated estrogen levels, and decreases in HDL (good) cholesterol.

What Will Change?

This will vary depending on dosage, length on therapy, and whether you are a trans male or female.

Female to Male

• deepening of the voice,
• growth of facial and body hair
• male pattern baldness (in some individuals)
• an enlargement of the clitoris
• growth spurt and closure of growth plates if given before the end of puberty
• possible shrinking and/or softening of breasts, although this is due to changes in fat tissue
• increased libido
• redistribution of body fat
• cessation of ovulation and menstruation
• further muscle development (especially upper body)
• increased sweat and changes in body odor
• prominence of veins and coarser skin
• acne (especially in the first few years of therapy)
• alterations in blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides)
• increased red blood cell count

Male to Female

• Breast development and enlargement
• Softening and thinning of the skin
• Decreased body hair growth and density
• Redistribution of body fat in a feminine pattern
• Decreased muscle mass and strength
• Widening of the hips (if epiphyseal closure has not yet occurred; see below)
• Decreased acne, skin oiliness, scalp hair loss, and body odor
• Decreased size of the penis, scrotum, testicles, and prostate
• Suppressed or abolished spermatogenesis and fertility
• Decreased semen production/ejaculate volume
• Changes in mood, emotionality, and behavior
• Decreased sex drive and incidence of spontaneous erections

Potential Side Effects

Male to Female

• Blood Clots
• Prolactinoma
• Gallstones
• Possible Risk of Cancer
• Heart Disease
• Infertility

Special note about Spironolactone
Spironolactone is often prescribed in MTF therapy for pre-op trans women. It’s used off-label to this end, as it is usually prescribed for high blood pressure or edema. It is a diuretic that expels water and holds on to potassium. However, you can hold on to too much potassium and wind up with a life threatening situation. So you have to make sure you have your levels closely monitored.

Female to Male

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Increased red blood cells and hemoglobin
• Onset or worsening of headaches and migraines
• Cancer
• Mental Health

That’s a very broad overview to start, what questions do you have that you would like answered in part 2? We will be covering supplements, online ordering, administering medication, and more. Let us know what you want in the comments below.

The process was laid out by the Department of Defense. A service member must first secure a medical diagnosis from a military medical provider. Next, the service member must tell his or her commander of the diagnosis. A diagnosis which is, “indicating that gender transition is medically necessary.”

The service member’s commanding officer plays a critical role throughout the process. First, having to approve government-funded medical treatment for the transition. Later overseeing when the individual is able to return to service.

There are currently between 1,300 and 1,600 transgender service members in the active force. Those numbers are according to a study by Rand Corp.

The directive, which seeks to address the “unique challenges” of transition in the military, prohibits personnel from living their “preferred gender” lifestyle. They define that as “Real Life Experience,” on a military base with other service members until the transition is complete.

Real Life Experience is defined as “The phase in the gender transition process during which the individual commences living socially in the gender role consistent with their preferred gender.”

The 18-page manual takes effect on Oct. 1. The directive makes clear that “Effective immediately, no otherwise qualified service member may be involuntarily separated, discharged or denied re-enlistment or continuation of service, solely on the basis of their gender identity.”

Defense Secretary Ash Carter made the announcement last month. He stated that transgender military personnel will now be able to openly serve in the U.S. armed forces.

“This is the right thing to do for our people and for the force,” Carter said in June. “We’re talking about talented Americans who are serving with distinction or who want the opportunity to serve.

“We can’t allow barriers unrelated to a person’s qualifications to prevent us from recruiting and retaining those who can best accomplish the mission,” he said.

Current Transgender Military Rules “Outdated”

Last summer, Carter called the Pentagon’s current regulations regarding transgender military service members “outdated”. He said they were “causing uncertainty that distracts commanders from our core missions.”

“At a time when our troops have learned from experience that the most important qualification for service members should be whether they’re able and willing to do their job. Our officers and enlisted personnel are faced with certain rules that tell them the opposite.” Carter said in 2015.

Source link

We’ve talked a bit about body types before- but consider this the master post.

Let’s be clear, you can wear whatever you want. But if you are looking to present a “feminine” figure, then you have to be aware of certain rules. If you don’t care to camouflage, or are more androgynous or genderqueer- then by all means get down with your bad self. This is just meant to be a guide for minimizing masculine features.

Body Types

First you need to know the types of bodies we are dealing with. There is the hourglass, pear, apple, inverted triangle, and column. Each have certain properties that will have to be addressed.

Hourglass

Right off the bat, let’s be honest. Sadly, not many trans women are blessed with hourglass figures. If you are, then you are a lucky one indeed. Your battle is a downhill one. After all, this is usually the most desired shape. It means your shoulders and hips are roughly the same width and your waist is smaller and more defined. It’s the stereotypical female shape. Think Marilyn Monroe.

Pear

It’s just like it sounds. Your shoulders and chest are smaller than your waist, hips, and thighs. In order to draw attention- you will be looking to pull the eye up north, away from the mid-section.

Apple

Apple bodies have a larger waist and an average chest, usually with a wider back, flatter butt, and smaller arms and legs. Again, you’ll want to divert attention from the middle of your body towards the legs, bust, and arms. Very common shape for transgender women.

Inverted Triangle

This is another really common shape to see on transgender women, and a frustrating one for many. Broad shoulders and slimmer hips and mid-section. As you can imagine, you will want to draw the eye away from the bust and shoulders. We will talk about that below.

Column

This is a slender shape with narrow shoulders, chest, and hips. Almost no body shape or curves to be seen. But that can be fixed by defining some shape in the body.

The Clothes

Here are some tips for different types of clothes. Remember, this is just a guideline.

Skirts and Dresses

Fit and flare, or A-Line dresses and skirts are wonderful for creating a wider shape for the hips and drawing the eye. The contrast of fits can really minimize the chest and shoulders for those apple and inverted triangle types. However pears should avoid these in general, as it exaggerates the shape. Columns can pull this off too, but make sure to go with a more moderate flare or you might look more like a bell than a belle.

Avoid body contouring, or bodycon, style dresses or skirts for the most part. You will create no shape, and only accentuate your natural shape. And, what most people won’t tell you- you will easily be able to see if you are wearing any kind of shapewear. Any hip pads, or butt pads, or spanks are going to be painfully obvious.

Pants

I know skinny jeans and pants are in. But this is another tough one for trans women to pull off. Not only do you run into our natural problem between the legs, you are again not creating a new shape. Just showing what you already have. Boot cut is your friend. An added bonus of boot cut pants? They can help hide larger shoes for those girls that have slightly bigger feet. Skinny jeans will REALLY exaggerate the size of your feet. Not good for most of us.

Tops

The biggest rule I’ve learned is this- just say no to cap sleeves. Yes, they look cute, but they will absolutely not hide your shoulders at all. They exaggerate them to the nth degree. You might as well put on a shoulder-padded blouse straight out of “Dynasty”.

Go for structure and flow, avoid form-fitting. Again, we land on this point. A little clingy is fine, but you want a little structure to it. Skintight is not going to flatter you unless you naturally have a very feminine shape. And luckily, flow is in right now. This summer all I am seeing practically are flow-y tops. Usually sleeveless. And believe me, sleeveless is far better than cap sleeves. And no- I have no clue why.

And go for v-necks over deep scoop necks. A scoop neck creates a wide picture. A v-neck draws the eyes down towards the chest and mid-section away from the shoulders. And believe it or not- a v-neck can help slenderize the face as it draws the eye down.

Belts

So, belts are a double edged sword. They can be wonderful tools for creating shape by defining a waist, but with the wrong body shape and wrong best- they can be horrid. Belts are great for pear, and inverted triangle, and especially column body shapes. A solid-color wide belt can really cut into (visually) a mid-section and carve out (visually) a waist to create a curvier look. On an apple, a wide belt is going to look…not good. My advice is that you still need to create a line there to define a waist- so just go with a thinner belt. They look better on wider mid-sections.

[amazonjs asin=”B01AN52TB4″ locale=”US” title=”Vintage Wide Elastic Stretch Waist Clasp Belt Waistband Black S CL8962″]

Shoes

I don’t want to be the one to break this to you- but shoes are often the bane of a trans woman’s existence. Either you can’t find shoes in your size, or you find a display pair that looks cute but does NOT translate to larger sizes well, or everything in your size looks like it was made on a dare. Finding shoes that look good, feel good, and cost…good are little marvelous unicorns. But there are things you should know.

In general, your size in women’s shoes is two sizes larger than the size of your old shoes. There is variance- but that’s pretty typical. Please, don’t wear smaller shoes because they are cuter or you are self-conscious. All you will do is mess up your feet and be miserable. Believe me- it’s not worth it. I’ve done it.

Next, boots are tricky as well. I find it odd that I’ve always been able to wear boots in almost one size smaller than any other type of shoes. So strange. However the problem is that I have larger more muscular calves. So if you don’t have average to slender legs, you might have problems. I have tried on and ordered many a boot where apparently my calf can’t be taymed and will not fit.

Toes. Okay, this one is a tough sell but hear me out. Pointy toes are not your friends. This is the secret women have learned over the years. Yes, pointed toes can look very elegant and feminine. But in order to accommodate your toes and still point- the shoes become much longer. This is going to make your feet look MUCH larger. And it’s really tough to find a pair that are comfortable. That’s pretty important for those who are just getting used to women’s shoes.

Finally- a bummer for summer and one that many trans women don’t want to accept. Sandals, they are just a difficult thing to pull off. Larger feet just become exaggerated in sandals. With more skin available and toes showing- there is less hiding your feet. So if you are trying to camouflage, this is not a good idea. Unfortunately, most of us hold remnants of our old life in our feet. They are usually larger, and not as well taken care of. So keep that in mind.

General Rules for Dressing to Transition

Dark Colors De-emphasize and Light Colors Emphasize. Use accordingly

That means, if you have large shoulders and chest, white or neon green is probably not your frand.

Stripes and Patterns Can Be Strategic

• Busy patterns on a top can really help a pear shape. Conversely, a busy pattern on a bottom or skirt can help an inverted triangle
• Vertical stripes lengthen and horizontal widen. Use this knowledge accordingly. And a note, wide stripes work best on fuller figures. But diagonal stripes work best.
• Blocks of color are great for defining shape for apples and columns. Strategically placed side blocks with subtle shaping towards the middle can help create more of a figure.

Wear Clothes That Fit

Should be a no-brainer, but I see it often. And I have been guilty too. When you are trying to build a closet you grab whatever you can. And often when first shopping in public you might be too scared to try something on. Or you get it online and it just doesn’t fit. Don’t wear it. Sell it, return it, or donate it. It will do you no favors. Remember, tight clothes emphasize a male figure and loose clothes just look sloppy and define nothing at all. And if you are bigger, buy your right size. You will not look magically smaller if you can squeeze into an XL if you need an XXL. Suck it up, and buy the right size. There is no shame in it. Women come in all sizes.

Dress Appropriate to Your Age

Again, not dictating what’s okay to wear. But it’s just a simple truth that dressing for an age that doesn’t suit you is a sure way to stand out. For us that means getting clocked. That means if you are fifty, body contouring minis and leggings that say “Juicy” are not your best bet. There are plenty of ways to dress fashionably and keep a youthful look without going to cliches. Believe me, it will boost your confidence. Dressing like you are an 18-year-old “scene kid” will not boost your confidence.

Keep it Current

This is another “unwanted attention” reminded. Wearing leopard print spandex and leg warmers is not the norm, and hasn’t for a long time. Some people can pull off retro looks, but if you can’t- you should avoid it. If for no other reason, avoid so you don’t hurt your confidence. Ask yourself how many cis women you see dress that way. That’s a good guideline to go by.

As a result I see, usually older, trans women often sticking to the era they wish they could have dressed or when they first felt feminine. That leads to a lot of middle-aged trans women dressing like extras from “Dynasty”. You are going to stick out. The silk blouses, gaudy dresses, and ungodly shoulder pads are not a good luck and will get you stares. A cis woman would get stares in those get-ups, so this isn’t a “picking on you” thing. Believe me, I wish I could pull off retro and pinup, but it just doesn’t look good on me. I’m not one of those people.

Don’t Wear Uncomfortable Clothes

This goes back to the size thing, but also any cuts that make you uncomfortable or just things that don’t look right. Don’t wear something just because it’s in the closet. If you are uncomfortable, it will show. You will look uncomfortable, and your confidence will plummet. Plus, you’ll just be plain miserable. You may have always dreamed of wearing skyscraper heels. But if you aren’t used to them you will be in pain as well as walking like a baby gazelle.

Preemptive Action

I have no doubt this will get shared or commented with great exasperation from those who take offense at everything with remarks like, “HOW DARE SHE TELL ME WHAT TO WEAR!!!” or “WHO DOES SHE THINK SHE IS!” or “I’LL WEAR WHAT I WANT!!!!!!!11111OMGWTFBBQ”.

The fact is, these are just general fashion and clothing tips. And they apply to everyone, cis/trans/male/female/whatever. This information is gathered from years of experience, suggestions, and research. And I think if you give them a chance, you will find clothing less intimidating and have greater success creating the look you are going for.

In the end, wear whatever you want that makes you feel good. These are just guidelines and suggestions that will help those that want to pass and not get unwanted attention. If you don’t care, then great- you do you. Frankly, I could care less if you want to go to the Piggly Wiggly in a Supergirl costume, moon boots, and a top hat. Just don’t get upset if you get stares and weird looks and start screaming about “Why is everyone looking at me!!!”.

No need to get in a tizzy- it seems like this article just wasn’t for you. They won’t all be.

Trans-health.com, ran by Sherbourne Health Centre, has a series of DVDs that they give to patients to help them with many of the aspects of transition. This video shows, step-by-step, how to give yourself injections of your hormones.

The HRT Injection Video Guide

This is so important, given that most people have never had to give themselves a shot before- unless they are diabetic. So check out this video, and hopefully it can help you too.

Taking Care of Business: A DIY Guide to Self Injecting ‘T’ is an exciting and innovative one of a kind health teaching resource made by and for the trans communities. To date it has been well received by both the trans communities and health care providers. At Sherbourne Health Centre we regularly provide copies of the video to trans folks (including some trans women) who will be self-injecting hormones for the first time. It has also been an effective resource for friends/partners/lovers who administer hormone injections to people at home.

The DVD features a chapter selection menu so that individuals can easily review specific sections as well as a PDF injection guide. Although I am able to pass around copies of the DVD free of charge to individuals who need them and stop by the health centre, I am not always able to mail out copies to individuals that request them.

Due to popular demand, or rather geographically diverse needs, I have now posted Taking Care of Business on YouTube. I unfortunately had to edit it down a bit to meet their time restrictions and for all of you who participated in the project I have also edited out most of the credits.

Originally on Cosmopolitan.com
When Kelly – formerly known as boxing promoter Frank Maloney – strutted into the Celebrity Big Brother house recently, it was a bit of a first for the transgender community. Men choosing to live as a women has always existed, but by making such a public appearance in her new feminine get-up, Kelly helped to chip away at the ignorant view some people still have on the subject. We chatted to Jodie Lynn, a makeup artist who has dedicated her career to helping men reveal the woman within…

“I have been obsessed with makeup for as far back as I can remember.”

I loved the smell of it and the different shades and colours. My parents bought me one of those mannequin heads as a child and I virtually wore it out! I had a fascination with drag queens from a young age too – using makeup to switch genders seemed so powerful to me.”

“My clients vary in age from 15 to 96, from cleaners to politicians.”

There really is no trend in who transgenderism affects – Christians, Jews, Muslims… Everyone! The majority of my clients are living in the closet. Most of the time, nobody knows their secret apart from me. The transvestite clients normally live a heterosexual existence with a wife and family who have no idea that they have been sporadically dressing as a woman for years. They don’t wish to transition or change gender, they just have an overwhelming desire to dress as a female every so often. These clients will come to me for a makeover and a dressing-up session but they have to change back at the end and go back to their normal lives.

“There is no specific male-to-female makeup course.”

Instead, I went for lessons with an amazing transsexual woman called Pandora De’Pledge who sadly died a few years ago from cancer. Pandora had been one of the Barbettes (Transsexual waitresses and performers) at Madame Jo Jo’s back in the 1980’s. She was big, blonde and beautiful and could carve out a female face on any man and make them look amazing. Pandora taught me about the main differences between a male and female face and how to address these by using clever hi-lighting, contouring and shading. She was amazing and I will always be incredibly grateful for her invaluable advice.

“I own a London makeup studio called The Boudoir.”

I give my clients a makeover then take them out onto Oxford Street, Covent Garden and Knightsbridge. This is a whole new challenge for them as it involves them trying to “pass” in public. Rarely do we get stares, though. We go out as a group – have sat in the Royal Box at the theatre and attended over 10 Royal Ascots. We don’t do things by half and when we do it, we do it with style and dignity. I was recently offered the chance to buy a similar business in West Hollywood. London and LA are both fabulous places to be a transgender person – you can just blend in and enjoy your day.

“I don’t like wigs that look like wigs.”

I tend to use Noriko, Renee of Paris or Amore ones – they are all great quality synthetic. I love human hair wigs too but they need heat styling every time you wear them and for a lot of my clients who have to keep their wig hidden away, they just don’t have the time, patience or expertise to completely restyle a wig every time they wear it. I really like the gradient colour wigs with darker roots, especially in the blonde and lighter brown tones. The darker roots just make the wig look more real and for most of my girls, that is what it is all about.

“I have watched my clients break down and cry after their makeovers.”

Sometimes it’s the first time that they have ever seen themselves looking realistic as a female. It can be totally overwhelming and somewhat of a relief. It can also be quite frightening for them as it suddenly presents a whole world of possibilities that they never felt that they had before. One client who has now been successfully transitioned to female for the past five years said that when she first came to me, she was hoping that I would make her look horrible so that she could shelve all the feelings and then perhaps it would go away. When she saw how I made her look and more importantly, how it made her feel, her world turned upside down because she suddenly realized that her dreams to live as a woman were now a possibility.

JODIE LYNN’S TOP TIPS FOR TRANSGENDER MAKEOVERS

1. CONCEALING STUBBLE

“Heavy stubble can be disguised using a Red Mehron Paint Stick to neutralise the blue tones in the shadow, before using Kryolan TV Paint Stick over the top. This is theatrical makeup made to withstand the heat from theatre lights, so good for a person wearing a wig that’s stopping heat escaping from their head. For less heavy shadow I tend to use MAC Full Coverage or MAC Pro Longwear Foundation because of their durability. MAC are a very Transgender supportive company. Translucent powder is also crucial to set the foundation and stop it from lifting around the beard area.”

2. SHAPING EYEBROWS WITHOUT PLUCKING

“Eyebrows can be disguised and reshaped using eyebrow wax. The wax needs to be applied to the hairs that you want to disguise and leave the hairs behind that you want to create a nice arched shape with. Then you can apply foundation over the wax followed by a lighter coloured eyeshadow such as white or cream.”

3. CREATING FEMALE CONTOURS

“There are 18 structural differences between a male and female face, and I address this with very structured contouring. I shade MAC Bronzer in Golden Refined on the temples to slim the forehead down, the sides of the nose to reduce the width, the indent of the cheeks to make a sharper cheek bone, and the jaw line to round off and soften the typical square male jaw. I also highlight the top of the cheekbone, the middle of the nose, the middle of the forehead, the middle of the top lip, and the middle of the chin with a very light dusting of white eye shadow.”

4. PLUMPING LIPS

“Women generally have fuller lips than men, so I need to line the lips outside of their natural lip line, but without creating that sex doll look. I then fill in with a lipstick using a lip brush, powder over, dust away the excess and then reapply. This makes the colour stronger, prevents bleeding and helps the lipstick to stay on all night. I also add a small amount of white eye shadow to the middle of the bottom lip to give it a fuller appearance.”

Find out more at Jodie’s website for Le Boudoir.

Source
Author: Cassie Powney

I share your passion – but let’s face it: learning to walk in heels is a daunting task for cis and transgender women alike! Fortunately, it’s something anybody can master with practice.

Ready to polish your supermodel strut? Here are 10 essential tips for walking in heels:

1. Work your way up. The higher the heel, the greater the challenge, so start with a pair of heels no more than two inches tall. Once you’ve mastered that pair, you try a higher heel.

[amazonjs asin=”B01B5W5GLY” locale=”US” title=”Low Heel Ankle Strap Sandals (8, blackE1) Apparel”]

2. Practice standing in heels. Before you take your first step, practice your balance by standing in heels. Experiment with different poses as you get used to the added height.

3. Improve your posture. Keep your shoulders back, your spine tall, and your chest forward. Good posture keeps you steady in the highest of heels.

4. Take a few steps. Now you’re ready to walk! Take your first steps on a hard surface since carpet can throw off your balance.
5. Point your feet forward. In the beginning women tend to turn their feet out as they walk, so remember to keep both feet perfectly parallel.

6. Keep your legs together. Women walk with their legs close together, so imagine that you are placing each foot along the edge of a ruler – you shouldn’t have more than two inches between your feet.

7. Shorten your stride. Big steps can trip you up; instead take small, delicate steps. The higher the heel, the shorter your stride should be.

8. Straiten your legs. Bent knees throw off your balance and look inelegant. Practice walking with strait legs.

9. Challenge yourself. Once you’ve mastered the basics, try turning in different directions. Take a few steps on different floor surfaces and practice your stride on stairs.

10. Practice makes perfect. Walking in heels is totally different from walking in tennis shoes, so don’t expect instant success. Just keep practicing and soon you’ll be strutting with the best of us!

I truly came out to most everyone in my life early last fall. Some people are still learning, but most everyone I see regularly knows, and have been around me presenting as a female. See, I’m not quite full-time yet. But I have come out at work and I am working on that as well.

Having a lot of close friends who have been enlightened as to my nature has brought a lot of questions. I think that’s to be expected that people I care about want to know the who, what, where, when, why, and how. I’ve never thought much about it either. I’ve told them that they can ask anything they want. However, I also tell them that if they ask something I’m not comfortable with- I will not get mad, I will simply explain why it’s not a question I am willing to answer. Except my girlfriend- she gets to ask whatever she wants and deserves an answer. Occasionally they ask something a little personal, but for the most part they respect me enough to keep it fairly basic. To their credit they also generally always gender me correctly and use the right name depending on how I am presenting at the time. Occasionally they slip up and will let out a her or him at the wrong time, or use the wrong name. But I don’t get bent out of shape about it.

However, I’ve come to realize that this is not the norm in the transgender community.

Since becoming a part of the community, online and offline, I have found that a fairly large swath of transgender people are adamant about proper gendering at all times. And many do not like questions.

I’ve been called a unicorn, because I seem to buck the norm in that sense. Those around me have told me how scared they were to mess up or ask a question and how much they appreciate my patience. And I think that’s at the core of why I say transitioning is selfish.

When you transition, you are doing something positive that is just for you. You are becoming who you are inside, and showing your true self. And that is a wonderful thing. And hopefully, on a less selfish note, you are giving those around you a happier and more balanced person to have in their life.

Transitioning Doesn’t Just Affect You

What I think is often forgotten though, is the impact that our transition has on their life. It can seem out of the blue to those we love- suddenly they are expected to forget and break the habit of referring to us as our birth name or the pronouns that go with it. They are supposed to just accept that you are different now, and not ever be uncomfortable trying to adjust, or look at us a little too long taking it all in, and never EVER mess up by misgendering.

Having someone transition that is close to them can be a jarring experience, especially the first time it happens. They may know about Caitlyn Jenner or LaVerne Cox- but aside from that, they may barely know the difference between a crossdresser, drag queen, transvestite, or transgender person. Let alone know that transexual or transgendered is incorrect.

We put so much pressure on them to never mess up and instantly accept us, we often dismiss the effect it has on their life. Sure, you want your mom to accept their “new child” without question. And sometimes they do. But consider that they may have to go through a “mourning” period to get used to the idea that their child, as they knew you, is gone- or at least changing. Their memories of you running around as your birth gender get confusing as they suddenly see you presenting differently to the child they raised.

Friends that might have called you bro or dude- suddenly feel tongue-tied, unsure of how to refer to you or what is okay to say. They wonder if they should still talk to you the same way they used to.

Most impactful though, is a spouse or partner. Unless they are already bi-sexual or pan-sexual, you are presenting confusion in their life as to their sexuality. They wonder if it makes them gay or straight to be with you. They wonder how transitioning will change the person they fell in love with. It’s a whirlwind. Not to mention the betrayal that many partners experience from feeling they were lied to and a huge secret was kept from them.

Yes, transitioning is stressful and full of growing pains for transgender people. However, as allies or potential allies, it is our responsibility to be patient with those we love. If they are trying and supportive, forgive the occasional misgender or use of a “dead name”. Sure, it can hurt us to hear it- but scolding an ally for an honest mistake can make them skittish and fearful of how to talk around you. Terrified they will mess up. Understand that when they say, “you look even better than I do.” or “You are better at makeup than me.” or “You totally pass.” They don’t mean it as malicious. They are trying to compliment us, and they don’t know better. We don’t have to just accept it, but we can guide them and help them grow.

If we are to win hearts and minds and build a place in society for us, we have to often be the bigger person. We have to educate those we love when they stumble and tell them why something was incorrect, or insensitive.

Transitioning IS selfish. We are doing it solely for ourselves. However, with understanding and patience it can be a positive selfish act. Believe me, it will make your transition easier when you can make those around you more comfortable. You don’t have to hide who you are, but you also don’t have the right to expect perfection and immediate acceptance from a world that is still waking up to us.

However, you don’t have to lie back and just accept it. It’s your body and you can fight back. These are just a few tips that can help to regain control over your mind and body. And just maybe, make you feel more confident and whole.

1. Watch your favorite TV Show. Escapism is important. Sometimes you have to just lose yourself in something. For me that usually means Mythbusters or Supernatural. Or watching Planet Dolan or Top5s videos on YouTube.

[amazonjs asin=”B000FP2OPY” locale=”US” title=”Supernatural: Season 1″]

2. Meditate to quiet your mind. Sure, it can get a bad rep, but meditation can be a very powerful tool for quieting and concentrating your mind. Start with short meditations until you feel like you can go further. Quieting the dyshporia can held you feel like less of a stranger in your body. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their own skin.

3. Focus on what is around you, something external. There is a great quote I’ve seen passed around quite a bit, and it’s a great place to start.

Look around you and find
5 things you can see
4 things you can touch
3 things you can hear
2 things you an smell
1 thing you can taste

— Blurrysafe2 (@Blurrysafe22) April 27, 2015

4. Concentrate on your breath, taking your time- inhaling through your nose and out through your mouth. Breathing is another important aspect of mental health (seriously). And there are apps and meditations that can help guide you towards healing breaths.

[amazonjs asin=”1590309022″ locale=”US” title=”The Healing Power of the Breath: Simple Techniques to Reduce Stress and Anxiety, Enhance Concentration, and Balance Your Emotions”]

5. Get up and move. Exercise releases endorphins, and focuses the mind. It’s perhaps one of the best ways to release frustration. Plus, you take control over your body.

6. Spend time with the animals. They will be happy to let you. They actually have programs where school kids go in and read books to the animals. If you can’t have an animal, please consider this. Dogs especially are wonderful companions and supporters, and they happen to be great listeners. (No offense to cat people, but there is a reason there are not many service cats.) Plus you are helping to ease stress for the dog and comfort them.

7. Go to the dollar store and buy a whole bunch of fake flowers and greenery. Work on making arrangements with them, and find something that is pleasing to you. You can create beauty even when your mind is scattered.

8. Pick up the phone. Talk to a friend or family member- someone who cares about you and supports you. Often, people won’t reach out because they know that you are going through something but don’t know what to say. Open up those lines of communication and make sure they feel welcome to do the same.

9. Fill your home/room with things that make you smile. It could be favorite pictures, pretty lights, candles and incense, flowers- anything. Make your home a refuge- not a prison cell. Home should be a sanctuary where you can come and relax.

[amazonjs asin=”B00CKRU3UI” locale=”US” title=”Ocean Wave Night Light Projector and Music Player. Romance and Relax Effect. Multicolor Led bulbs Or Single Color.Blue Red and Green”]

10. Leave the house. It can be so easy to let yourself become a shut-in and curl up on the couch for days on end. It takes some effort, but get up and get out. Feel the wind on your face. Take in the sounds of the world around you. People watch. Sit in the grass and do nothing. It’s amazing what a change of scenery can do.

11. Write a note to a friend. It’s so important to have real conversations with real friends. And connecting with a good friend is incredibly therapeutic. And no one writes actual handwritten letters anymore. The act alone is very therapeutic. But the gift of surprise you give a friend and making them feel special is priceless.

[amazonjs asin=”B00PIHVJ4Q” locale=”US” title=”30 Cute Kawaii Lovely Romantic Design Writing Stationery Paper Letter Set with 15 Envelope”]

12. Put together a feel-good playlist of music. Everyone should have this waiting and ready to go to work. Find the happiest most upbeat songs you know. Those songs that get your heart beating faster and make your feet move. Songs that make you smile. This probably isn’t the time for the slow acoustic numbers.

13. Watch something cheesy that makes you smile. Maybe something from your childhood. A little nostalgia is good for you.

14. Get lost in a book. Books are an amazing portal to other worlds. You can fly, visit other lands, travel through time, be a hero- you can be whoever you want to be. Or if you prefer non-fiction, spend some time learning new things. That’s never a waste of time.

15. Make something for someone else. Whether it is food, a craft, even just a card. Focus on someone who means something to you. It will help force you outside of your head and remember that there is a whole big world out there that isn’t part of the death grip your brain wants to hold on to. And it’s always nice to let a friend know you care.

16. Learn a craft. Ever wanted to weave, sew, knit, crochet, woodwork, put together models? This is a perfect time. “Idle hands are the tools of the devil.” Very true words there. If you keep your hands busy, it’s much harder for your mind to settle into that repetitive groove.

[amazonjs asin=”1589238591″ locale=”US” title=”Learn to Knit Kit: Includes Needles and Yarn for Practice and for Making Your First Scarf-featuring a 32-page book with instructions and a project (First Time)”]

17. Hug someone. Making physical contact is vital to human health. There are actual scientific studies that show how important tactile connection with others is. So find someone you care about and grab hold tight.

18. Go for a drive. For those of us a little older, you might have forgotten how liberating it felt to climb behind the wheel of your first car and just…drive. You finally had the freedom to go where and when you want. Take a cue from our younger friends and hit the open road. Even if it’s just an hour or so.

19. Change something. This is another thing that helps you regain control. It can be painting a wall, getting a tat or piercing, dying clothes, altering your clothes, getting a hair cut, new sheets on the bed. Remember that in the end- you control your life and your world. No one else.

20. On occasion, get spendy. We all have to keep to a budget. But it’s good to spend a little extra on yourself sometimes. Get the good beer or liquor. Buy the fancier meal. Get those higher threadcount sheets. Whatever it is, make yourself feel special.

21. Don’t answer the phone. Seriously. It can wait. Especially don’t answer calls that will stress you out even more. A good tip is to go on “do not disturb” mode on your phone. If you need to, all phones have the ability to add exceptions if you have someone that might actually get ahold of you. But honestly, when is it so urgent that you can’t take a little time being away from the phone. We used to do it all the time.

22. TREAT YO’ SELF. That’s right. Don’t deprive yourself. You can’t go crazy, but if you deprive yourself of any luxuries or anything at all then you are telling yourself that you aren’t important. So get a new shirt, buy that CD on iTunes, buy some nice perfume or cologne, or whatever it is. Every day, seek to give yourself a present. It doesn’t have to be purchased- it can be something you buy, or it can be taking a cat nap, taking off your shoes in the grass, taking a few minutes to sky gaze, helping yourself to desert. Treat yourself like you are worth it.

23. Get away from the electronics. Unplug. Read a book, do a puzzle, or just day dream. Engage in one of your hobbies. Do something that reconnects you to the physical.

24. Do something that makes you happy. Sounds simple right? Well, it is! We make excuses every day that keep us from doing things we enjoy and are that are good for us. I know I beat myself up if I try to take time for myself and just catch up on TV. And there’s always an excuse keeping me from the gym. So get rid of the excuses and just do something that will make you smile. If it’s putting on an outfit, dancing like a maniac, lighting a candle, cooking a meal, going for a walk, cleaning, or whatever. In the words of Shia LeBouf, “DO IT!”.

25. Consider James Gunn’s daily list of To-Do’s:

1. Meditate for at least 10 minutes.
2. Exercise for at least 20 minutes.
3. Work on something productive for at least 3 hours.
4. Get at least 10 minutes of sunlight.
5. Have one real, honest conversation with a friend for at least 15 minutes.

[amazonjs asin=”B00OBW0IUU” locale=”US” title=”Guardians of the Galaxy (Plus Bonus Features)”]

1. Let Your Hair Down

It may seem that the answer to a more feminine look is long, luscious hair (rock it if you’ve have it!) however the secret’s actually in the hairline. A traditionally masculine hairline is lowest at the center and highest at the corners (think an ‘M’ shape for ‘male’) while a traditionally feminine hairline is much more evenly curved. To fake a female hairline, sweep your bangs across your forehead or tuck the front portion of your hair behind your ear Ariana Grande-style.

2. Raise your Brows

Everyone knows how important it truly is to keep the brows on fleek nowadays (should you need a little help, Audra has an awesome tutorial) and the right brow shape can instantly feminize your face. Natal females generally have higher brow bones than natal males, making a greater distance between the bottom of the brow and the eyelid. When grooming your brows, concentrate on the hair beneath your brow line and complete using a concealer or highlighter to brighten the area and exaggerate your eyelid.

3. Flaunt Those Lashes

It’s not a secret that we love to finish a great makeup look with butterfly lashes, and why not? Thick, dark lashes emphasize your beautiful eyes and convey a female flair to your face. If you want amazing lash-plumping recommendations, Audra has a great help guide to getting the falsies look without springing for all those Velour lashes.

4. Contour Lightly

Kim Kardashian has probably already inspired you to have fun with contouring, but ever thought about why we’re so obsessive about the contour craze? Traditional Kim K-eque contouring (darks around the perimeter, lights inside the center) is supposed to make a perfectly oval face, one that’s slightly longer than it is wide and gently rounded. In other words, the ultimate femme. It will take a little bit of experimenting to discover your ideal contour, but Cara can certainly help you with the basics!

5. Don’t Ignore Your Cheeks!

If your already-gorgeous face is long and flat, the center of a more feminine shape rests at the center for two main reasons:

First: A femme face boasts slightly fuller cheeks than the usual traditionally masculine face.

Second: A more masculine face features a larger distance between the bottom of the eye and the top of the jaw when compared to a feminine face.
A lovely peachy-pink blush along with a sweep of highlight over the first half of the apples of your cheeks (the part that shows up when you smile) is capable of doing absolute wonders. It will not only round out the middle of your face, but it’ll also distort the length of your face. Science!

6. Plump Your Lips

You don’t need to fake Kylie Jenner proportions to appear more feminine, but fuller lips is definitely an easy cheat. Just with the middle of the face, a more masculine face has a longer distance both between the tip of the nose and the top lip and between the bottom lip and the tip of the chin. It is possible to fake a fuller pout by (slightly!) overdrawing the shape of your lips with a fine-tipped lip pencil and finishing any lip look with a dot of highlight in the center.