Facial Features

[Julie Miller]

I am tall and slim and have learned a good deal about clothing and dressing.
My wife says that I must face facts and understand that short of surgery I don't have a woman's facial features. I must agree,but want to perfect my image and be the best I can be.
Any suggestions ladies?

Julia

[Virginia]

Hi Julia,
Not knowing what you look like (sans facial hair - I would assume) yes, it can be difficult to sometimes "meet expectations." One of the things that we have learned that in a lot of cases the mind accepts what the eye sees. So even those of us who are marginal in appearance can usually pass, in passing if you will, if you act, present and project as female. There are four basic necessities:
1. The proper color foundation.
2. A nice wig
3. A properly fitted and sized bra
4. A sincere smile!!!
Make up, properly applied, can do awesome things for your appearance.
I am very happy that your SO is willing to support you to this extent! She is a keeper, I can assure you. As I have said before, a woman could do a lot worse than marrying a crossdresser!
I will not step into your spouse's territory relative to make-up and dress, but there are alternatives beyond her helping you. One is, if you are willing, Merle Norman, for example will do make-overs. Needless to say, call first and see if they are willing to work with a cross-dresser (assuming that you are willing to put yourself in their hands). They don't charge for the makeover, but they do hope that you will buy some or all of the products that they recommend and that can be a bit pricey.
Depending on what city you live in it seems that the larger cities have beauticians that will also assist you in developing a passable makeup presentation.
Hope this little bit helps, let us know what you decide to do as some of your sisters here are in the same situation and may be looking for answers also.
Love,
Virginia

[Julie Miller]

Thanks for the Merle Norman tip.

I have thought about more drastic changes such as light hormones and eyelid surgery etc, but I am just not sure.

This is my picture, I look better at a distance than close up.
http://www.geocities.com/xxxmizxxx//pre ... index.html

Julia

[Linda S]

You look very passable to me!

Linda

[Joann NJ]

Julie, I agree, you look very nice and have you fashion look down pat. I think right after having a positive attitude, and the desire to venture out of the home, to dress according to the situation is important. I'm a six footer, plus sized, pushing the big girl image and have successfully shopped and not encountered any problems. somewhere I read the following line, and keep it in yours when you're going out. " when you are out as a woman, you are a woman" This has added huge confidence for me.

[Lisa(SO)]

Julie you look gorgeous. Follow the presentationtips and you should be just fine.

[Virginia]

Wow! Julie, you look great!
You evidently know one of our trade secrets - a sincere smile will open more doors than we can usually imagine, but I think you look nice!
Virginia

[Kyra]

Hi Julie,
I agree with everyone else. Your pics show you to be very elegant and very passable. Photos don't always tell the whole story, however. Mannerisms and posture play into it as well. Female deportment is comprised of many attributes.There have been some good tips presented here. IMO attitude is everything.

In regards to hormones and surgery, be wary. Of course you know those things are permanent and cannot be reversed. (without more hormones and more surgery) And not all doctors are good at it. Be extremely careful about taking hormones. Only do so under physician guidance. It's so easy to order stuff online without prescriptions, and people don't know all the health risks involved. I'm not trying to sway you away from these things if this is what you think is the next logical step, just be careful. It's better to err on the side of caution. Your doctor can give you more details than I can, I would suggest talking to him/her.

Hugs,
Kyra

[Alana]

Julie,

I'm with the others; you look very nice.

I tend to watch women when I'm at the mall and other places. There is a great variety in them and their facial features. So don't feel that there is any feature that you have to change in order to pass. The other girls have given you some suggestions that work. I agree that confidence and attitude can be real assets.

I would suggest reading Redefining Beauty by Victoria Jackson. Her idea is minimal makeup that plays up your positive aspects and downplays your negative aspects. While I haven't finished the book it looks like it can be helpful. She uses real-life women and shows before and after pictures.

I also strongly recommend against use of hormones and surgery to change your appearance. As Kyra pointed out there can be many unwanted consequences.

Love ya,

Alana

[Tania María López]

Julie, you look very femenine in the pictures! I don´t understand the reason your wife says you don't have a woman's facial features.

I think the problem is what kind of woman you want to be. You are not a model, you are not a young girl. But you look like a real woman!

Accept yourself, and the world will accept you!