When Makeup Meets a Cold: A Crossdresser’s Relatable Struggle

Yesterday I found myself dressed as Davina… with a cold.

Not the most glamorous of states, I’ll admit — sneezing, sniffing, eyes watering, sore throat and going through tissues like they were going out of fashion.

But what really struck me was a detail I hadn’t fully appreciated before: How quickly your makeup disappears when you're constantly wiping your nose.

Every time I dabbed at my runny nose or sneezed into a tissue, I noticed the telltale smudge of foundation on the tissue.

Slowly but surely, the coverage around my nostrils and upper lip wore away, leaving patches of redness and a slightly undone look.

It was frustrating — I’d taken the time to get Davina ready, but a cold doesn’t care how nice your makeup looks.

I did a quick touch-up with some face powder, which helped, but my powder is a little lighter than my foundation — fine for lounging around the house, but not something I’d feel confident in under natural light or out and about.

It reminded me of those little things women and crossdressers alike quietly manage when they’re not feeling their best but still want to feel put-together.

My plan was downgrade man-flu by being crossdressed so it was less of a flu more a cold..

What really made the difference? Maybe?

I forgot to use my setting spray.

Normally, a fixing spray helps lock everything in, especially around delicate, high-impact areas like the nose.

So here’s what I’ve taken away from my sneezy.. sniffly day as Davina:

• Keep tissues with added lotion on hand — they’re gentler on skin and makeup.

• Dab rather than wipe when you can.

• Always have a touch-up kit nearby — concealer, powder, maybe a little sponge.

• And don’t forget the setting spray!

Even with a cold, being Davina was a comfort.

There’s something soothing in the ritual of getting ready, even imperfectly.

A reminder that it isn't always about being flawlessness — it’s about feeling good in your skin, however you're feeling inside.

Have you ever experienced this kind of makeup-meets-sneezing crisis?

I’d love to hear how others handle makeup touch-ups during a cold — because trust me, it’s not just me!

Davina