As I sit in front of my mirror trying to apply concealer "just right" to minimize my more masculine features, I sometimes think about just why make-up is such a major part of feminine presentation.

While having proper "smokey eyes" or "the perfect pout" or eyebrows that begin and end at the right place with just the right amount of arch is great, I don't really think that is the real reason.

Males, at various times in history have used make-up, usually as "War Paint" to strike fear into enemies. The Celts, African tribesmen, indigenous peoples in the Americas and Australia and many more do/have done this. In Japanese Kabuki Theater the males use make-up to appear fierce and hide their emotions.

I think the opposite is true for the female use of make-up. It is to heighten, even exaggerate, the emotions which pass over the face. Women are allowed to express their emotions openly in ways that males are not supposed to do. Mascara, eyeshadow and liner and shaped brows emphasize the "mirror to the soul", the eyes. Lipstick and lip gloss serve the same function for the lips. Foundation, powder and rouge provide a palette to focus on the eyes and lips. Nail polish draws attention to the hands and their movements, which also convey emotion.

Anyhow, that's the conclusion I've come to.

Best,
Melody

Your post prompted me to do some research on makeup and it turns out to be pretty interesting. The oldest record of makeup use was from the 1st Dynasty of Egypt (c.3100-2907 BC). They used something called Unguent to keep their skin soft and moist. The women also "decorated" their eyes with blacks and greens. Over the years the use of makeup has been for things such as providing power to summon the majesty of earth, prostitutes to distinguish themselves, and one I guessed and that was to show affluence. Other than the war paint you brought up, it appears in most cases the makeup was used to enhance appearance in a positive way.
Hugs,
Marsha

As the feminizing process takes place over time, I have found myself using less and less and getting away with it! (smile) A normal day consists only of skin moisturizer, lip liner and gloss, a little blush, and some eye shadow and touch of mascara...of course this is done after a close shave! LOL

I've done some "before and after" pics with and without make-up.
Girls "after" is better than "before"

Janis,
I think you would look fabulous, no matter what you ware.

Huggs Tammy

Tammy, you're very kind, thankyou.
I don't know anything about ancient civilisations wearing makeup, but I do know one modern Scotswoman who wouldn't even look out of the window without the benefit of full warpaint, far less venture out of doors without it.
Makeup is a gift to women from the gods!

LOL, I had an out of town friend arrive at my home around noon on a Saturday. I had just finished mowing the lawn. She looked at me and asked, "You wear makeup to mow the lawn?" I told her I don't walk out the door without my makeup. I once read a Hollywood person was asked what is her secret to always looking so good. She said the secret is to never let anyone see you without makeup. Works for me, lol.
Hugs,
Marsha

When I first came out, I used a little bit of makeup. But when I landed in Tulsa and identifying as a lesbian, I noticed that most of the lesbians my age didn't wear any makeup. So, I lazily decided that I didn't need to wear any makeup. Well, I was fresh off facial surgery and I was feeling very confident about that.

Now, however, it seems my long, slow pendulum of sexual attraction has begun to swing back toward guys. I am absolute sh1te with foundation and powder and I have accquired the "Deep Stealth" vid about makeup. I can skip a bunch of the video, especially when she talks about how to hide shadow. But damn, I was just not ready for that interest in men to be rekindled, now I just wish that I could prefer women and just leave it there. BTW Janis, if I could do my makeup as well and unobtrusively as you, I'd be a very happy girl.

Z

I just love to wear make up because it helps me to feel more feminine. The way lipstick was formulated years ago used to have a unique taste and smell to it, one that was extremely sexy and arousing to me, one that shouted "GIRL" to me. The lipstick industry has changed and sadly that taste and smell is missing now. I have a very "guy" face and I really have to juice it up to make it remotely feminine looking. I've always loved heavy makeup on women, the 50's when I was growing up were a heyday for that (but I never liked the shaved off and penciled in eyebrows of that era) and it made an impression on me. I can dress to perfection, but I just don't feel fully feminine unless I have applied makeup to my face.

So, rather than to enhance the expression of my emotions, I'd say I used makeup to enhance the expression of my femininity.

Hiya Lavender, An inspired thought from your post, one of the looks that I really like is very heavy black eyeliner and shaddow with huge eyelashes. The lashes dont need to be false but helps. This is a look quite common in the 60s and sported by such people as Blondie. I plan to try it one day. Love Penny x

Penny, I had this Blondie poster in my bedroom for years.



I was thinking of getting false eyelashes, and your post was the nudge I needed!

Hi Lavender, you're right, with a good make up, false eyelashes gives you a real feminine look. You don't need exaggerated items. I use them since many years and that change my life... A little difficult to pose, but...

If you like Blondie, this is another pic of her with a make up I really like

For Penny: Yes! Eye liner is a religion for me! Everymorning this fabulous fantastic little thing turns me as a... real woman. Since 35 years!

This post was edited by Liz Gween at January 6, 2011 10:45 PM GMT