you're a bad influence

[Ralitsa]

After listening to all of you, I did it. I decided to go look at some make-up and maybe I would get some lipstick or something. So I went to the local mall and started looking around JC Penny. Well the first full length mirror I looked in, I saw that my wig was a disaster. There was this huge bare patch right in the front. So I realized I needed to get that fixed first.
I found the hair stylist in the mall, and they informed me that they didn't do wigs, they were kind of tricky and easy to ruin if one doesn't know exactly what they are doing. So they referred me to a place a few miles away. So I went there. The lady immediately identified the problem as the wig having been sewed together strangely. So she brought in the owner, who is the expert on all hair topics. He looked at my wig and said something like "What the heck is this??? It looks like it was sewn together by someone at home." To which I answered, "Very likely, I got it in South Africa so there is no telling."
Anyway, they figured out how to style it so that it is presentable, and convinced me that I need to go back there some time and buy a $900 wig from them. Then I asked if they happen to give advice about make up.
So the make up lady takes me over. She tries out a few things and then settles on the colors that she likes. She put on a mineral foundation, and I really ecpected that I wouldn't like it but I was astonished. It doesn't even look like I have make up on, my face just seems a little smoother and softer. I think it will take years before I can do that myself, but it is inspiring. Then she did my eyes. That took her at least 1/2 hour and I thing she used 20 different things, most of which I can't keep track of. Finally she got a lip crayon and some lip gloss for my lips. That was rather a non-event after all the trouble it took to do my eyes. And she told me that I really need my eyebrows fixed, I'm not allowed to walk around with such as I have. So I will need to go back for that.
And the final result - $250 with all the stuff I bought. Then I had to go to Target and buy another $50 of stuff that she said I should get there. Now why am I so happy about having spent all that?? You are all very naughty girls for talking me into it, and should be quite proud of yourselves.

[PhylissH]

My first make over was at the Mac counter in a mall in Ft Lauderdale.
They tried to sell me a bunch of really expensive make up that my friend told me I did not really need, so I bought about $ 50 worth of stuff, after all they do expect you to buy somethings. Since then I have been to several counters and received some great tips, and training. Now I ussually only go to the make up counter when going out for special occasions. It took me a while but I have gotten pretty good at doing my own make up for everyday wear. And yes I too like the mineral foundations, i use bare mineral primer and foundation, I really like them.

[Paula G]

I have always wanted to be a bad influence on somebody

[Ralitsa]

Well today I was feeling pretty big and decided I would try putting my make-up on myself. The very first thing I forgot, was the very first thing. She told me that I need to "spritz" my face with some water before I try to put the foundation on, and I didn't. So I'm sitting here like a fool wondering why the stuff won't stick.
Eventually I got the foundation and the blush to be pretty nice, I was happy with that. Then I tried my eyes. It was a disaster. I had eye shadow coming out my ears (almost ) So after a couple of removals and retries, I had that maybe tolerable. She was right when she said the eyes are the hardest things to do right.
Anyway, after a couple hours I had something that was more or less presentable. The best thing about it, I like the way it looks. It doesn't really make me look like a woman, but it does make me look a lot better, I think. I told her that I wanted something easy and subtle and not really too involved, and I think she accomplished that. All in all, I'm pretty happy with it.
So Paula, you can sleep easier at night now knowing that you corrupted me

[Davita]

Ralitsa,

I'm liking your attitude. Even though you aren't perfect, you keep working with it and aren't giving up. Eye makeup is difficult, but even simply doing one's blush can be a problem. My favorite thing to do is over blush -- is that a grandma thing??? Anyway, keep practicing; it will get easier and be more correct as you get better at it. Just remember even after you get good at it, you will have bad makeup days just like we have bad hair days.

With respect to the wig, it's a shame it wasn't as good a quality as you expected. I don't thing any of us here will tell you to spend $900 either. If you have a friend to take shopping with you, take him or her wig shopping. It is better to go to a place that has wigs so you can try them on for style and color as well as check their quality. I have a couple synthetics each costing a whopping $30 each and knowing the quality and look, I'm okay with them in public. BTW, I have at least a GG in my office (used to have two) that wore wigs frequently and weren't perfect. They were "good enough." We don't have to have perfect hair either.

[KimberlyS]

Ralitsa I think you were being pretty brave already doing all to you with no makeup or wig. I have done it some also when away from home on travels. I would personally like to just skip the wig and most of the makeup as that is more my style that I like. Guy tastefully dressed in feminine clothes . I live dressing like that.

Enjoy your new femme items.

[Paula G]

I try to get the makeover / lesson when ever there is one available. I never manage to remember all the tips, but a few sink in each time, and slowly I am learning, but, remember, most women start practising when they are in their early teens, and then do some (almost) every day, so it's not surprising that we don't have the same level of expertise.

On wigs we are very lucky in London with Fosters of Streatham who are helpful, understanding and not too expensive. So if you are passing through London plan an extra day, visit Mary at Fosters and meet some of us for lunch. Otherwise, I have had three wigs 2 really cheap ones from e-bay and one nice one from Mary, I still have one of my e-bay wigs (I'm wearing it in my avatar) which I use occasionally, it's pretty good and excellent value for money. I think it is a question of how much are you going to wear it?