My first pair of shoes.

[Carla L]

I'm still in the baby steps stage with my wife, therefore having someone come to the house is out, at least for now.

I'm finding it difficult to find time to even plan on going out en femme, at least right now. They are few and far between. I'll get guts to go to a Macy's or a Merle Norman to get a foundation. I'll pick up a pink lipstick at the local drug store then play whenever I can.

I have much to practice on the makeup side. I think I know of a Merle Norman store, maybe a little more discreet than Macy's at the front of the mall. There are a lot of people in the entire state who know me so I have to be somewhat cautious.

[Stephanie H]

Robyn Finally:
I have used Merle Norman for numerous years and in multiple states. What is nice about the staff is:
They are trained in applying makeup, ususall own the franchise and most important, the are very descrete in helping you.
The use of the there products is guaranteed and what they proposed that you use is always of a very high quality. The owner of the shop that I use is willing to assist me and she always ensure that I apply everything correctly. When I see her and something is not quit correct, she will first explain and than show me how to apply. While I am doing it, she will correct me to ensure that I do it correctly.
Also, another good thing about the shops, they are not in the middle of the store, they are the store and the traffic is limted to women who can afford the products and not a group of teens running through a store that can give you a hard time.

[Carla L]

I finally broke down and went to Macy's, had a girl select a foundation and lipstick. I mentioned something about wanting to hide my beard and she hollers out to an employee 20 feet away, with customers all around, if he know of a product that hides a beard... I wanted to choke her.

Anyway, I have a great foundation and thought I had everything I need, but later found out I am missing blush. Since I bought really quality makeup, I now want a quality blush. I'll have to wait till I get back to the mall.

I can't wait till Friday evening, my next dress up day!

[DonnaT]

don't forget to ask about a good powder to set the foundation once you've finished applying all the other makeup. Helps to make it last longer.

[Carla L]

whew ... and I forgot about blush also. I'll just have to break down and shop some more!

[Kyra]

More shopping! That's the best confidence builder.

I was in the local Wally-world store the other day. I had a list that my SO gave me and one item was blush. Now, I know exactly what kind she uses and exactly where it is, but I just can't help "window shopping" the cosmetics section first. As it turns out, I added mascara to what I purchased. (For me) There was a sales associate in the area restocking shelves and asked if I needed help. I politely declined, saying "I know just what I need."
My point is: This was an honest purchase for my wife. If I was not a crossdresser, I still would have found the blush and continued my shopping. There's no need to be nervous about purchasing feminine products. I can't even remember how many times I've purchased feminine hygiene products. Those are certainly not for me, yet I pick them up all the time. Merchandise is merchandise, and stores want to sell it to you. They want your money and your return business.

Now, that being said, let me add this too. Stopping at a sales counter and stating that you need makeup for yourself takes courage. It's not the same as walking down an aisle with a shopping cart and picking something off the shelf. Robyn, you have great courage to stand up for yourself. Way to go, girl!

Enjoy shopping, whether en femme or en homme. Just remember what it's for and who benefits. It gives shopping a whole new meaning!