Crossdressers-Haven.com

I have never gone out in full fem if you don't count Halloween. I would like to find a place that I could go but before I did that I really want to be happy with my make up and wig. Maybe some help picking the right outfit. I am in my 40’s but am lucky that I don’t look my age if I’m shaven and not sleep deprived. lol

I’ve been looking into places to get help with these things and am putting away a little cash to go get some help. I’m in New England. Does anyone know the best places to go to get some advice? I also need some help picking a wig. Any ideas on where to get can get a nice wig at a good price?

First, don't worry about going to specialized shops that cater to us girls. Every department and cosmetic store is available to us to get advise and it's free; never feel you have to buy from a person just because you asked questions. The big thing with make up is practice once you get the help with shades of this and that. I've never had any girls working cosmetics counters turn me away without answering or even demo-ing what I asked. So go and get your shades figured out. Be sure to ask what's good for coving a fur face if that's a problem for you. It doesn't help you if all the makeup they suggest is a light cover and you fur isn't going to be properly covered.

As for a wig as with the cosmetic counter girls, the shops selling wigs will have no problem helping you pick a style and color that is good for your face. Many have a policy of you spending a dollar or so to get a wig cap then maybe a limit to how many wigs you can try on in a sitting. You want the wig cap both kinda like a sanitary layer and once you have a wig, the cap will help with the "itchies." Before you go to the wig shop, check out the wig web sites for styles, colors, care etc. There are some inexpensive synthetics and some bad ones. There is no reason to spend a million and nothing under 30 regular price is worth buying. Do a little homework then go to the shops to talk with the persons and try a few on.

Happy hunting!

Some/a lot of Merle Norman studios will be very helpful. However, two things. One call them ahead of time, remember, they don't know you, can't see you and just ask if they work with (your choice of terms) transgendered girls or crossdressers? If they don't they will tell you, but if they do they may request that you come in at a certain time and be prepared to be ushered to the back of the shop. They will tell you and show you exactly what they are doing and what they are applying and how to do it. Usually the whole make-up face, eyes, lips, brows, lashes.

The, what could be the down side, for a lot of us. They WANT you to purchase some/a lot of the products they use and/or show you. They usually don't charge for the "service" but................ my opinion, to say thanks and walk out, well not cool!!!!!

Their products are very good, but can be more costly than the big box stores or the corner drug store.

Virginia

Most any wig store will be helpful. If one has a problem, then just walk away. The one I went to didn't have a separate fitting area, and it was done right there by the wigs with the other customers browsing around. They took their time and did it right.

As for makeup, you can get help at many makeup counters. Macy's is usually good, and MAC stores.

One of the Macy's here was doing demos out in the hall of the mall, and one of the customers was a man, dressed as a man.

My Husband is one of those that is scared to death of buying female products if not dressed. Even when dressed, she is stressed out. Clothing and hair are mainly done by catalogs. Her make up collection is sparse and I know little about doing a guy's face. So, we found that Merle Norman can do a private consultation by appointment, usually on a weekend. He hasn't done this yet, most likely in the Spring.

Eileen

I don't feel fully dressed until wigged out, in a way the hair is the crowning glory, but yes it is a challenge to find the correct one and of course style and color that you feel at home with. And then again I'm still struggling with the courage to allow outsiders into this side of my life, so I turn to Amazon - I'm amazed at the choices out there and the reasonableness of cost. Yes you get what you pay for but it does allow exploration and a mistake does not end up breaking the bank.

In regards to makeup, again it is trial and error for me, but the internet does help in my development - many sites that give advice.

But let me finally say that my admiration does go out to all you girls who have the fortitude and courage to say to the world "This is me, just accept it".

Cyndi,

Hopefully you have seen the motto here on the forum; "baby steps, just baby steps."

Start with perhaps going outside your front door or back door at night and just walking around in your own yard. Then perhaps, an evening drive in your car. Then a drive in the day time. In the daytime I might recommend a drive around a mall, where you have to stop to let people pass in front of you. This is for your benefit to know that people will look at you but actually will not see you so you still have a "comfort zone." No one is going to walk up to your car and challenge who you are! Just won't happen, plus you have the security of your car. Another is to go to the post office just to mail a letter inside the building - no interaction with anyone. Note the reaction of other people in their own cars. They are all in their own little universe, listening to the radio, talking or texting. You could have three purple heads and no one would notice.

My first venture was to an afternoon movie matinee. You don't have to interact with anyone but the ticket booth and they are usually behind glass, talking on the phone and don't really even look at you. The theater are dark and you can practice sitting, crossing and uncrossing your legs, hand placement, etc. It isn't crowded, pick your seat and you also get entertained.

There are lots of other ideas that other girls will have, so as I am fond of saying,

Go Forth WOMAN and BE!!

Virginia

Eileen -- tell your husband not to stress about buying makeup when not en femme. In this day and age no one cares. Nonetheless, a quality store like MAC is accepting of crossdressers. They go out of their way to advise and ease the fears
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As far as education and technique goes -- used book stores are your friends. There are some great make-up books you can get for little money, like a buck, and use for practice -- plus its fun! So that you are not wasting money in practice, buy some less expensive makeup at dollar/ variety stores to practice with.

Hugs

Toni-Lynn

I confess to really love buying wigs. I mean I can't go past a wig shop without wanting to try one on. I have never been out dressed up and am kind of reluctant to try stuff on in stores, but with wigs (and shoes) I find I have a much better striking rate if I do.

I think just about every wig store has got to have some CD people as customers. I've never really had an outright bad experience in one - mostly if the sales staff are a bit wary they come round when they see I'm a serious customer who just is straightforward with them.

But I've also had some very good experiences (in fact some of my best as a CD shopper) where people really decide to help you out - and have got my default wig and other good ones like that. I mean these people (often) really know what they're doing and it's a great thing having that on your side.

If you're concerned, you can always ring in advance and ask them if they can help and what sort of time is best for them.