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Has anyone ever had a personal make-over done? Not one of those that are done at department store cosmetic counters; I am talking ones where you go to an establishment that helps CD /TG people learn what to apply for their face shape and complexion.

Been interested in seeing what a professional could do for me but want to hear what those of you who have done this think.

Shelby, I am interested in hearing what other have done. I went, a year ago, to a cosmetician. I just spent a little over an hour there, and it was well worth it. They can see what you don't see. She helped with my wig, makeup, etc. She was not a CD specialist, but said she has worked with and has CD and TG friends. So it does kind of make her an expert. I brought my own cosmetics, and she had me do the makeup. Big thing-- she said "less is more. "
Good luck.

Shelby, A face is a face is a face. A fur face is still a face. Women come with fur too, with varying degrees of darkness and fullness. You don't need a "CD specialist" to know what to do for any issues you are having. Many of the counter ladies have experience dealing with no cheeks, to dark spots to bushy eye brows to any other thing you think only you have.

Granted you can't always get a full make over at the counter, but if you catch them at the right time, you can get darn close. I've done it. But to be honest, you can get info overload if you just get full make overs or want to know how to do the whole face at once. Just work on a few things at a time; you just want to know a few techniques. For example, I have no cheeks so how do I use my bronzer and blush to help give the illusion of cheeks? Since we don't have a female forehead and our eye sockets are different, then just how do I use eye shadow so I don't go all the way up to my eyebrows? Myself, when I have something I think needs help then I just go ask about it. Ulta girls (and the occasional boy) will give you very specific help and will demo on you as needed. Take that whole face and break it down into the areas the cosmetic counter people would and learn a bit at a time and practice that new knowledge, building up until you have your whole face learned.

One of these days you're just going to be all made up and simply ask, how's my make up? Then you get tweaked, improving on what you have learned so far.

I haven't ever been. I do want to say though there is an outstanding CD transformation artist, Amanda Richards, who runs True Colors in Bethlehem PA. I believe that is not too far from where you are. She does do makeup lessons. There are a number of people here who have done makeovers with a lot of top quality results.

http://www.truecolorstg.com

She evidently knows an awful lot - just from her results.

Sounds like a winner...wish we had something like that here. I can only say personally that I have worked some with a niece who at one time worked selling the Younique cosmetic line and helped me acquire a foundation that is a good match for my complexion...I have read and I have of course had a lot of practice...she will frequently let me know my make up looks good... but I think If someone were in my area who worked with our community and if the cost was not outrageous I would probably make an appointment to go. If you have one close to you I envy you...I would have to travel probably a hundred miles or so...New Orleans I bet they would have a few but then again who are they...would their style be a good fit for who I am as a fluid "woman"? located in a safe part of town....hum. But I would probably do it if the cost were under $100.00 with no obligation to purchase an expensive line of cosmetics on top of that for $200 more...hum.

One possible consideration ... being realistic here...and that is that women the ones that I know, well some sometimes go without make up, or with the bare minimum...and when they do their routing is not really very complicated...simply skin care, then foundation powder...over some concealer if needed...brow pencil, eye shadow (the 3 to four tones), eye liner pencil, lipstick... Few ladies I know, my wife, others... do not have a complicated routine. The everyday routine may take them about 10 minutes or less! We all know of the extremely over the top glitter and wild colors used by drag queens on stage ... or well if a woman is going out for a very special evening, they if you have ever happened to notice may come home after having had the works done and come home having had a make up artist who used a complex technique on them just for that special night or occasion because it is beyond their skill or experience level...some women have more or less skill just as we do.

Make up is an interesting topic for all of us...I get buy using products you can obtain in all department stores...well Younique you need a rep for...but I like L'Oreal, Maybelline, Revlon, Cover-girl, no problem using products from various lines...

Sorry about running on....