As we step into 2025, many of us are embracing the opportunity for renewal, growth, and change. For transgender individuals, upgrading your beauty routine is not just about enhancing aesthetics—it’s about affirming identity, embracing authenticity, and celebrating self-expression. Whether you’re a seasoned beauty enthusiast or just beginning to explore makeup, this year presents the perfect moment to reimagine how your routine aligns with your personal journey.
In this guide, we’ll explore actionable resolutions to upgrade your beauty practices for 2025, with a professional yet empathetic tone tailored to transgender individuals. From decluttering and sustainability to mastering new techniques and embracing self-care, let’s craft a beauty routine that reflects your most confident self.
Declutter and Revamp Your Makeup Collection
A cluttered makeup collection can be overwhelming and lead to the use of expired products, which may irritate your skin. Starting 2025 with a clean slate is empowering—and it allows you to make room for products that truly serve your needs.
Action Steps:
- Check Expiration Dates: Most makeup products have a shelf life (e.g., mascaras for 3-6 months, foundations for 1-2 years). Toss anything that’s past its prime.
- Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Invest in a few high-quality products that work for your skin type and undertones rather than accumulating items you rarely use.
- Organize: Arrange your products in categories (e.g., everyday essentials, bold looks, skincare). A clear, accessible setup makes your routine smoother.
Tip for Transgender Women: Look for products with buildable coverage, especially if you’re working on softening beard shadow or emphasizing your bone structure.
Tip for Transgender Men: Keep an eye out for lightweight products like tinted moisturizers or mattifying powders that subtly enhance your skin without looking overly made up.
Master a New Technique
Makeup is an art, and learning new techniques helps you unlock creative ways to express your identity. Plus, challenging yourself to try something new is an excellent confidence booster.
Techniques to Try in 2025:
- Color-Correcting: Perfect for transgender women aiming to neutralize beard shadow or redness. Green correctors cancel out redness, while orange or peach tones work wonders for blue undertones.
- Contouring and Highlighting: Sculpting your face can help emphasize or soften features, like the jawline or cheekbones, depending on your goals.
- Feathered Brows: For transgender men, learning to create fuller, more natural-looking brows can enhance a masculine appearance.
Tip: There are countless tutorials on platforms like YouTube or TikTok. Look for creators in the transgender community who share relatable tips and advice.
Embrace Sustainability and Go Green
As awareness of environmental impact grows, so does the need for sustainable beauty practices. Transitioning to eco-friendly products not only benefits the planet but also supports brands that prioritize inclusivity and diversity.
Steps to Green Your Routine:
- Choose Sustainable Brands: Opt for companies offering vegan, cruelty-free, and refillable products.
- Minimize Waste: Use multipurpose items like lip-and-cheek tints or stick foundations to reduce excess packaging.
- Recycle: Participate in recycling programs offered by beauty brands to ensure proper disposal of empty containers.
Tip for Everyone: Switching to clean beauty doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. Many eco-friendly products now rival mainstream options in terms of quality.
Invest in Skincare as the Foundation
Skincare sets the stage for flawless makeup application. Moreover, caring for your skin is a form of self-love—something every transgender individual deserves.
Build a Skincare Routine:
- Cleanse, Moisturize, Protect: A simple three-step routine with a gentle cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, and sunscreen can make a world of difference.
- Targeted Treatments: Consider adding serums for specific concerns, such as hyperpigmentation, dryness, or acne.
- Exfoliate Wisely: Exfoliating once or twice a week can help with texture and even out skin tone, but don’t overdo it, as this can damage your skin barrier.
Note for Transgender Men: Testosterone therapy can increase oil production, so consider oil-free or mattifying products to manage shine.
Note for Transgender Women: Laser hair removal or electrolysis can sometimes irritate the skin; use calming products like aloe vera or chamomile-based moisturizers.
Update Your Makeup Bag with Inclusive Products
As transgender individuals, our needs may differ from mainstream beauty norms. Inclusive brands recognize the diversity of their customers and offer solutions that cater to all.
What to Look For:
- Foundations with a Wide Shade Range: Brands like Fenty Beauty or MAC cater to diverse undertones and skin tones.
- Gender-Neutral Marketing: Support brands breaking traditional gender norms in their advertising and product offerings.
- Products for Texture and Coverage: Choose formulas that address common concerns like beard shadow (full-coverage foundation) or natural enhancements (tinted balms).
Tip: Test products in-store or read reviews from other transgender individuals to find recommendations that resonate with your experience.
Adopt a Self-Care-Centered Approach to Makeup
Makeup isn’t just about appearance—it’s also a ritual that allows you to connect with yourself. Approach your routine as a form of self-care, not just a daily task.
Make It Meaningful:
- Create a Relaxing Space: Set up a designated area with good lighting and a mirror where you can enjoy your routine.
- Take Your Time: Dedicate uninterrupted moments to your makeup application. Play calming music or an uplifting podcast.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Perfected a winged liner? Found the perfect lipstick shade? Take a moment to appreciate your progress.
Resolution Spotlight: For Transgender Men
While much of the beauty industry focuses on traditionally feminine aesthetics, there’s growing recognition of masculine beauty and grooming needs. Here are tips for transgender men to upgrade their beauty routine in 2025:
- Skin First: Testosterone can change the texture of your skin. Regular exfoliation and oil control can keep acne at bay.
- Enhance Masculine Features: Use contouring to define your jawline or brows. Even a light touch can create structure.
- Beard Grooming: If you’re growing facial hair, invest in quality grooming tools and beard oils to maintain a polished look.
- Camouflage Strategically: For those navigating dysphoria related to specific areas, light makeup or skincare products can subtly even out skin tone without feeling overly “made up.”
Resolution Spotlight: For Transgender Women
Transgender women often navigate unique challenges in their beauty routines. These tips aim to simplify the process and help you feel radiant in 2025:
- Electrolysis-Friendly Skincare: As mentioned earlier, calming products are essential for post-hair-removal care.
- Flattering Lipsticks: Lip colors can make or break a look. A universally flattering pink or bold red can instantly elevate your confidence.
- Eye Techniques: Experiment with eyeshadow and eyeliner techniques to emphasize your eyes. Winged liner and lash-enhancing mascaras work wonders.
Pro Tip: Try DISURI Beauty’s waterproof, smudge-proof lipsticks for long-lasting, bold color that’s perfect for everyday wear or special occasions. Their inclusive shade range is ideal for diverse skin tones.
Educate and Empower Yourself
Knowledge is power, and understanding your unique needs as a transgender individual helps you navigate the beauty world with confidence.
How to Educate Yourself:
- Workshops and Classes: Attend makeup tutorials online or in person. Many brands now offer personalized consultations for trans individuals.
- Community Support: Connect with others in the transgender community to share tips, favorite products, and advice.
- Stay Updated: Follow beauty trends and innovations, but adapt them to what works for you rather than feeling pressured to conform.
Celebrate Your Journey
Finally, make 2025 the year you embrace your unique beauty. Your makeup routine isn’t just a chore—it’s an opportunity to celebrate who you are and how far you’ve come.
Daily Affirmation:
As you apply makeup, take a moment to affirm your journey. Whether it’s a bold eyeliner or a subtle foundation, each stroke of makeup is a testament to your courage and authenticity.
Remember: Beauty routines are deeply personal. Your routine should reflect your identity, goals, and preferences—not what anyone else dictates.
The Bottom Line
Upgrading your beauty routine for 2025 is more than a resolution—it’s a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Whether you’re decluttering old products, embracing sustainable practices, or mastering new techniques, each step brings you closer to expressing your authentic self.
Let’s make 2025 a year of transformation, joy, and celebration. Your beauty routine is a canvas, and you hold the brush. What masterpiece will you create this year?
