contouring kits: yes / no

[Shelby]

Being a man I have male facial features and, when dressed en femme, they stick out lick a sore thumb. I have done some research on YouTube and other websites and found that you can disguise some facial features by using contouring kits.

Have any of you ever tried these kits and, if so, were you happy with the results? Personally, I would like to slim my nose down and narrow the jawline.

[Robbie]

Contouring, no doubt, helps (esp. the nose). I know I'm always sorting through shades and colors. Everything is available individually w/o the kit but a kit puts all the shades/colors in a nice convenient package.

[Hanna]

Keary,
Just a thought--- you may want to try going to a cosmetologist for help and advice.
I went to one earlier this year--$45/hour, but worth every bit of it. She helped me on applying makeup.

[Davita]

I don't know about spending money when you can get free help from the cosmetic counters and stores. I just ask a question now and then and if they aren't busy they usually will show me on me. If you can see Ru Paul's TV show, you get all that contouring etc info shown in extreme exaggeration. You just have to apply the concepts lightly with colors/shades that work for you.

Any time you want to know how your makeup looks, just ask the folks at the counter. They have no reason to lie and nnnoooo... they aren't always out to take your money and will tell you that you look bad.

BTW, you need decent lighting to get your contouring right, but then you need decent lighting for makeup in the first place.

[Shelby]

Not quite to the point of going out made up where I would be able to go to a make up counter and ask for advice. At this time in my adventure I am simply doing this for my own enjoyment and my wife seems to get a kick out of it too.

[Eileen (SO)]

Hubby tried YouTube vids and just got frustrated. Like you, Keay, he as she is not ready to visit a cosmetic counter. There are stand alone cosmetic places that will do a private tutorial on you.
Merle Norman is the one she went to. It's free, but you really should buy the products used.

Since every face is unique, would a kit be the best choice? Likely not. You need to be shown how to apply make up personally, in real life.

Eileen

[Alisa]

I went to a transformation specialist (Amanda Richards) for makeup lessons. She explained the techniques and even gave me an application chart.... very helpful. I use MAC cosmetics of various shades and I think I get good results...