Make up is a difficult one and like my early purchases of latex i made some very bad choices. Right now (and for the last 20 years) i’ve been using Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Foundation as it covers my face extremely well. You can also use it on your body and is SPF15. I must point out though that now i’ve had laser treatment on my face to reduce my facial hair growth i use a lighter shade of this foundation. It's not the cheapest of products but then again it lasts a long time as you only need a small amount. As of 17 September 2024 it retails at around £39 at Boots.

Of course not everyone neither wishes to nor will have laser treatment so the application of makeup has to be taken seriously if one is to achieve the perfect look.

If you do have to shave in order to apply makeup, the key is facial preparation. Moisturizer, water, cleansing and not shaving every day are my key points.

The longer you let your beard grow the better the result in shaving. Always shave against the growth so as to get a really close shave. Use a quality razorblade (not a disposable one) and shaving gel. I recommend King of Shaves which is available as either a clear gel or oil. Again available in Gel form at Boots for less than £5.

You can also see what you are doing with this as opposed to foam.

Be careful though as the closer you get the more likelihood of cuts. Always pre wash and soften the beard with a very hot facial towel, this opens the pores up to let more hair stubble out.  

It’s essential that you give yourself ample time to prepare your face for applying makeup as once you’ve opened the pores they have to be given time to close again. You can reduce this with cold water splashed to the face but i always recommend waiting a good 30 minutes before applying moisturiser and then another 30 minutes before applying foundation. I've a very sensitive skin and therefore my personal preference is Celestial Moisturiser from Lush, available on the high street for £21 for a 45gram tub

For application i’ve tried brushes & fingers but always come back to a slightly wet make up sponge.

For Lipstick, lip liner, Eyeliner & Mascara i use Rimmel, purely and simply because it goes on well and stays there. Also available at Boots at very reasonable prices.

For Blusher & Eye Shadow i favour MAC. Gorgeous brilliant colours which really bring out the best of you. Let’s face it, if Ru Paul recommends it then it has to be good. This is stuff is seriously expensive but definitely worth it. You're best going to Selfridges where they have their own counter. Failing that there's always the online store at https://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/

After foundation, eyes, lips and to finish off i apply a loose powder from Back Stage in Amsterdam http://www.back-stage.nl which not only looks fantastic on photos & video but feels superb. I can't find it here in the UK so tend to get it shipped from Amsterdam.

Nails are in my opinion the last thing you need do anything about but again Boots is where you need to go. I tend to wear Black or Purple.

Do come back and check this article from time to time as i am regularly updating it.