Crossdressers-Haven.com

Hi! Everyone,

I did it! It started last week when I told my special SO that the Lancome
make-up didn't do what I needed. My wife isn't into make-up. But we
got out all my foundations, concealers and everything else and she tried
to help me. She couldn't make me look not so manish. And she suggested
I go to the Merle NOrman outlet in town. I couldn't believe my ears. She
has always worried about me getting exposed and never liked me going
out of the house. Others here have mentioned Merle Norman and I looked in phone book and must of missed it. I didn't know we had one. It was in a
small minnie mall that we never entered before.

I got this past Monday off as I think we all know it is a good day to shop
if you are shy like me. I saw the story and pictures of Cami, Cindy and
Steph on Sunday and knew I would do it and not chicken out. I walked
in the store at 10:30am en drab with a couple pictures of myself.

There were two woman, late 30 and maybe 60. The younger woman
asked if she could help me. I started my story so I could exit gracefully
if need be. I only got to I am a crossdresser and she broke in and said
she would be happy to help in any way she could. She went on to say that
when she sold May Kay in Omaha that she had many CDs in all ethnic
backgrounds. Kimberly said that these crossdressers were some of the
nicest people she had known and that as a group are wonderful people.
She said it is so sad that so many other people are ignorant about CDs.
I asked her about the other woman. Kimberly said she was cool and that
the other younger woman that works there had asked her about the
crossdressers because she had met one last week and was quite nervous.
Kimberly said she told of her experiences and thought the other woman
was ok. Kimberly asked that I would be understanding if I come back and
she acts yet a little nervous.

Have to go to work. Will try to write more tonight.

Kersten

Kersten,
A great start girl! You left us hanging, now I will spend all day wondering what happened! Can't wait to hear the rest.
I went into our local MN to get a "cover-up" to start. The lady was very helpful, and the little tube of "cover-up" works great! I have not had a makeover yet, but like you after seeing Stef and Cami I guess I could use some help from pros.
Hurry up and post the rest!!!!\
Love,
Deborah

Hi all,

I explained my shading problem. She explained it was important to stay
with my natural color as it looks less artificial. I said I liked to lighten a little. She applied a couple shades, one on each side. I liked the lighter
and she called the older woman over and she was looking closely at me
and said the one was the best match. They said if I wanted the lighter
and that was my preference I should go with that. I went with their recommendation on the best match.

Then Kimberly got a couple shades of concealer to try under my nose.
She showed me how to pat it on and not rub. Then applied the foundation
and it looked like a smooth blend and color. The first time I didn't have a
different color under my nose. She sold me on a hair remover for my face
also. She said it will work, trust me. I haven't tried it yet.

She had me try some skin cleanser and then a refining lotion and then
a moisturizer. My face felt wonderful and relaxed not tight and leathery.
I told her I didn't want to spend more than this much. She added up and
I got foundation, concealer, cleanser and the refining lotion. I told her I
would stop back next week and buy the moisturizer and another item
or two. She said I don't want you going without moisturizer, I'll give you
enough samples to get you through to next week. She also gave me a
sample gift box with another 5 items for me to try.

After all this talk, finally to the big deal. Kimberly said that she would
do a make over for me some time when I wanted to go out. I said
I would love that but probably couldn't afford it at this time. She said
don't worry everyone new gets a free make over. She continued saying,
that in my case, try to contact her a day or two ahead and she would
come to the store even on one of her days off to help me to look my best.
She said then she could take the time to show me how the products look
and work, also applications methods.

I know she is a good sales woman, but her make up was very nice and I
think I will get results with her. I felt very comfortable and happy when
leaving. I hope to get that make over in the next month or so.

I hope this is better information for some of you. My last make up
adventure didn't work out in reality as well as I had hoped. I'll report
on their hair remover in the next week. Like everything I will have to see
it work to believe it.

None of these wonderful things could have happened without all of your
wonderful support. Thanks to all of you!

Kersten

Kersten, I'm just floored that we could help give you the courage to do this! I can imagine that the whole thing had you stressed out a bit. Congrats Girl!I havn't had the gut's till recently to buy my own cosmetics at all without my wife. That changed after Nashville, I'm borrowing Stef's "I just don't care" attitude and it's working great. So cool that you made this step and let us know how the future makeover goes!

Cami

Kersten,
Thats great you found a friendly place to help you select some makeup !
Your way ahead of me there ! I hope someday to get the courage to ask for some help, but for now,, its just toss different things in with my groceries, and see how they work. But I think the practice is part of the fun
Hugs Cindy

Kersten,

Wow! I very happy for you. Sometime after mid-June I may take the plunge. I will have to see if there is a Merle Norman Outlet near me but I seem to recall having seen one recently.

I also think it's great that you found someone to help you who is so understanding and responsive to crossdressers. Perhaps we could clone her?

I also applaud your SO. She must be one special woman.

In actuality, I have not encountered a woman who was not kind to me...yet. I suspect they are out there but hopefully I will not meet them.

Way to go!

Later,

Brianna

Way to go Kersten!!!

I'm so happy for you and I think it's great that you not only have an understanding SO but also met a fabulous sales lady! It warms my heart to hear stories like yours!! I'm proud that Cami, Cindy and I could be a small part of helping this happen for you! I can't wait to hear about the hair remover.

Hugs,
Stef

I want to know the story you were telling her when she stopped you. I was thinking of a couple at crossdresser-academy to get the help. But it is so expensive for the first time 200. of course I have wasted so much in buying the wrong sizes that I most likely would be better off.

I do not have the wigs or other clothing as of yet because I do not want to waste the money on the wrong sides. I was so big a dummy I bought a pair of 5 in heels when I a 6ft 1in tall. Almost knocked myself out on a low door way to the basement. But they wear so good but I am a giant in them.

Anyone want some heels size 14.

Gelinda

Gelinda wrote: I do not have the wigs or other clothing as of yet because I do not want to waste the money on the wrong sides. I was so big a dummy I bought a pair of 5 in heels when I a 6ft 1in tall. Almost knocked myself out on a low door way to the basement. But they wear so good but I am a giant in them.

Gelinda,

Hon, If you like them and they are comfortable why not keep them and wear them? I'm 6ft 4in barefoot and most of my shoes have at least a 3 in heel on them, I have a few with more heel than that. I figure I'm already taller than most anyways so why not wear what I want.

Hugs,
Stef

Thanks Stef. I was worried that being that tall I would stand out more and not blend in so I was not noticed. I have a long way to go before going out in public.

As this is the first pair of womans shoes that I have ever owned I will most likely keep them for that reason. Thanks a Million.

Any Problems being so tall when you go out???????????

Gelinda wrote: Any Problems being so tall when you go out???????????

I get alot of looks but I don't know if it's my height or how I look. For the longest time I was sure it was because of my height but I have had friends assure me that my height is only a small part of the reason. Maybe Cindy and Cami can tell you better how much a factor my height plays because I am my own worst critic. It can be quite funny when I'm sitting down talking to someone new and then for whatever I reason I stand up. The looks on many of their faces are priceless!

Hugs,
Stef

Thanks Stef, I was wondering how to hide my height but I guess I do not have too.

My daughter of 21 years of age is the same height except for a 1/2 inch I still have on her. The one thing she will not do is wear heels, as she is much taller than her boyfriends all ready so I was using that idea for part of my bias. At last look when I was home in Tx she did not have a set of heels over 2 inches and that was with her prom dress from high school and I had to make her buy them.


O'Well Gelinda

Gelinda, I need to clarify something though. When I'm going casual, (ie jeans and Tshirt or blouse) I usually wear flats but I always wear heels if I'm wearing a skirt

Hugs,
Stef

Hey Kersten,

That's incredible! Good for you - you found a very helpful saleslady to help you out. Definitely keep us posted as to whether or not that hair remover works.

*hugs*

~ Lorna

You are all so wonderful!

I do want to add that I was 6-0 and I worried about that. I have been
told so many times that confidence and presentation attitude forms
more the opinions others have of us. There are a lot of 6-0 girls in
Nebraska. One man I work with has 6-3 and 6-4 daughters in college.

Also it is true that there has been only one woman who seemed
uncomfortable with me dressed. I have seen her several times
since and she is always unhappy. I feel terrible for her, because I
have lived most of my life unhappy.

Kimberly at MN was the first to admit to helping or in anyway knowing
crossdressers. That was so great a feeling for me.

Thanks again to all of you for your belief in me when I have been down.
Kersten