Have unused grooming and cosmetic products?
If you're like me and most grooming enthusiasts, you probably have a bathroom overrun with products. Put them to good use by donating to the Trans Cosmetic Donation Program founded by celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons.
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Fitzsimons, whose clients include the Kardashians, Adele, and Halsey, explains his motivation for starting the TCDP program: “Being a feminist and working in the beauty industry, I thought for a long time about how I could give back to make a difference. I decided to create this program and pool our resources because your appearance can empower you and make you feel confident.”
Thank you for everything y’all keep doing to make the Trans community feel loved, confident, authentic, artistic, and beautiful!
— Alexandra Magallon
Client Advocate, TEEP Legal Services
Why are cosmetic donations important?
Did you know transgender people experience higher rates of poverty and unemployment, impeding their ability to purchase personal hygiene and cosmetic products? This program offers a unique solution.
Drian Juarez, program manager of the LA LGBT Center where the program is based explains: “Transgender and gender non-conforming people need these products to look their best and to shine as their authentic selves, particularly at job interviews, professional networking events, and in the workplace. I urge the many brands, stylists, influencers, and editors who are part of the multibillion-dollar beauty industry to help trans and gender non-conforming people thrive!”
I founded Dapper Confidential on the belief that self-care fosters both confidence and self-expression. TCDP is a perfect example of this philosophy in action.
This is a program that put smiles in our clients faces. We all are grateful for Andrew and his team.
— Marina Marroquin
Program Manager of the Trans Wellness Center, Part of LA LGBT Center
How can cosmetics help the trans community?
Celebrity make-up artist and beauty insider Zee Gustafson gave me her insights on the difference personal care products can have for someone transitioning.
“I feel that makeup and hair is so much more than just vanity. I started having an interest in helping those who are transitioning when I met Suzy, formerly Adam. It happened to be her first day out in the world as her true self. I helped her purchase a few of my favorite beauty products and explained how to use the products to their full potential.
A few years later at Suzy’s 3rd birthday party, she told me that our encounter had given her the confidence to carry on walking around that day without fear or worry. It's an unbelievable moment to see someones eyes light up from being taught a skill they've never known and honestly, it's what I live for in this profession.”
— Zee Gustafson Owner & Makeup/Hair Artist at Zee Artistry
Honor Roll of Brands Supporting TCDP
To further raise awareness for the program, I reached out to some of my favorite brands for support and donations. I was humbled by the outpouring of positive responses — many contributed on the spot. Here's what they donated and what they had to say about supporting the trans community.
18.21 Man Made Grooming
Donation: 18.21 Man Made Grooming Gift Sets
"At 18.21 Man Made Grooming we support things that are of interest to men. There are all types of men and we didn’t create the brand for just one type. As hairstylists, we support our community and want to give back to it. The LBGT movement is important to us as we have clients as well as co-workers who belong to it. I have developed friendships in the U.S. and in Spain with this community and I know their struggle and their fight."
— Angel del Solar, Co-Founder & Managing Director 18.21 Man Made Grooming
After relocating to the Daniel Alfonso Salon in L.A., Hixx discovered a new client base with trans clientele. “Working with these clients has been very rewarding. A woman will ask for help with her transformation, saying this is how I feel and what I want to look like.
They ask for my help. It gets emotional at times. I have had clients cry and they make me cry. They share how they envision themselves. When you create that for them, it means so much more than a haircut.”
— Rikki Hixx, 18.21 Man Made Grooming Educator and Hairstylist with the Daniel Alfonso Salon in Los Angeles
ADVEKET
Donation: Gender Fluid Waterproof Gel Lip Liners and Gender Fluid Lipsticks
“I founded ADVEKET cosmetics and the nonprofit I Wore Lipstick to advocate for lipstick wearers. The Trans community is a vital member of the LGBTQIA and deserves our help and respect.“
— Justin Mayfield, Make Up Artist, Founder of Equality Nonprofit I Wore Lipstick, Owner of ADVEKET
Formula Z Cosmetics
Donation: Full set of Forever Lips by Formula Z
“Formula Z Cosmetics is all-inclusive, unapologetic beauty. As a brand, we believe in giving people permission to be themselves. I deeply believe that beauty is a force for good and that it can be used to empower & liberate others. In the beauty industry, there is room for everyone! I'm using my voice and my company to inspire others to stay true to who they are, to be unconditionally accepting, and to step out of their comfort zone.
With everything going on in this world today, it is sometimes hard to remember to put yourself first. Self-care is often forgotten about, and can distinctly correlate with the missing confidence and acceptance of ourselves that many people have. When you feel comfortable in your own skin, and can own who you are unapologetically, it is much easier to accept those around you and to reach out for a helping hand."
— Zach Dishinger, Founder & CEO, Formula Z Cosmetics
Glama Queen Cosmetics
Donation: Lip Glosses
“We are all QUEENS no matter race, gender, ethnicity, age, size or career.”
— Ana Vergara, Founder Glama Queens
Glyder
Donation: Beard Oils
“At Glyder our mission is to inspire love and confidence regardless of your race, gender or age.”
—Kaivan Dave, Founder Glyder
Lemonhead.LA
Donation: Reigning Men and assorted other glitter fun
"Less than 10 years ago, I was giving confidential, one-on-one makeup lessons to the trans and non-binary community. As a lifetime advocate and friend of the LGBTQ+ community, it makes me so proud to see that my past clients no longer have to hide or fear judgement of who they are because of amazing organizations like this one!"
— Megan Dugan, Founder and CEO Lemonhead.LA
MesoLyft
Donation: Mesolyft Neck, Eyes and Skin products
Peace Out Skincare
Donation: Peace Out Acne Healing Dots, Peace Out Pores
“At Peace Out we strongly believe that everyone is equal and deserves the opportunity to be their true self. If Peace Out can help make that happen, we will!"
— Enrico Frezza, Founder and CEO Peace Out Inc. Read our interview with Enrico.
Plantioxidants
Donation: Rejuvenating Cleansers, Purifying Cleansers, and Hydration Treatments
“The full circle of our mission is to help you cherish yourself so you can help others do the same, so we are thrilled to be supporting this initiative. The company and its mission have no gender lenses. We want you to cherish yourself as everyone else does, as a human."
— Josh Wadinski, founder and CEO of Plantioxidants
Prête Beauty
Donation: Dry Shampoos and Growth Serums
Seaside Medical Tech
Donation: Facial Gels, Masks and Cleansers
“Beauty comes in all different shapes, sizes, and identities. Supporting trans and gender non-conforming individuals in living their truth is so important. At Seaside Medical Technologies, we’re contributing to a more inclusive society where everyone can feel comfortable in their own skin.
We are proud to join celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons in helping promote the beauty of diversity and inclusion. Through our naturally healing products, we aim to bring joy to individuals all over the world."
— Dr. Nasimeh Yazdani, Seaside Medical Technologies
Schwarzkopf Professional
Donation: Assorted haircare products
Thanks so much to Andrew, the team at TEEP, the Trans Wellness Center, the brands and everyone else who helped with this donation drive. I'm honored we had the opportunity to work together and am excited to see the next chapter of the Trans Cosmetic Donation Program.
Additional Credits:
Public Relations: Tyler WilliamsPhotography: Nathan Noyes Artwork: Gabriel Starobinski
How You Can Donate Cosmetic Products
Want to contribute? Individuals and brands can give cosmetic donations year-round. Send or drop-off unopened grooming products (all types including hair care, skincare, dental care, color cosmetics) to:
Trans Cosmetic Donation Program c/o Los Angeles LGBT Center 1220 N. Highland AveLos Angeles, CA 90038
Or learn more about the Trans Cosmetic Donation Program
Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.