Every Crossdresser Should Shop Here (at least once)

As a transgendered woman out shopping for clothes I’ve found that service can be a mixed bag. Usually the assistants are polite. Less often have I found them to be genuinely enthusiastic about selling ladies clothes to men.

Their lack of enthusiasm does not deter me though – and shouldn’t deter you either This weekend I was out shopping in guy mode and had a phenomenal experience at a local Lucy Activewear. This was the second time I’ve shopped at Lucy, and the second time they provided stellar service – so much so that I felt compelled to share this with you.

Now, you may have already skipped to www.lucy.com to check out their selection. This leaves me wondering why you left in the middle of my post <grin>, and may leave you wondering why I pay $60 for a pair of yoga pants (like those in the image above I bought on the weekend) when Fred Meyer sells them for $20.

Two to three times a week I enjoy ninety minutes of hot yoga. It’s not only a great workout, but leaves me feeling cleansed from the inside when I’m done. I’ve found that what you wear in the sweltering heat makes the difference between a mediocre, frustrating practice and a truly uplifting one. Form fitting, moisture wicking, high quality clothes are a must. I’ve found that the clothes I buy from Lucy fit perfectly, look great and are a true joy to wear during hot yoga practice.

Okay, enough gushing about the quality of their clothes…

A Crossdresser Buys Yoga Capri’s

The first time I went into Lucy’s I was a bit nervous. It had been a while since I’d shopped for women’s clothes in person and wasn’t quite sure how it would be received. The lady helping me asked whether I was looking for someone, and I could see a warm friendly smile on her face when I told her that I was shopping for myself. She helped me find a few items, let me try them on, and even gave suggestions on what her male customers typically liked to wear. An A+ move for a crossdresser friendly store. After some small talk I left the store feeling overjoyed.

This weekend the experience was equally as wonderful. Though it was clear the shop assistant was a bit taken aback, she was eager to help me find what I was looking for. As I was checking out I met the lady who helped me on my first trip to Lucy. She recognized me and we chatted for a while. A nice way to end my shopping spree…

Shopping at Lucy is a great experience. If you’re looking for high quality ladies active wear and a friendly environment I highly recommend them.

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Have you had a great experience with a crossdresser friendly store? Comment and let me know. Other ladies will appreciate the tips on where to shop and stores that are accepting deserve the good publicity.

Until next time, Hugs
Vanessa

Crossdressing Pajama Party

This week’s crossdressing success story comes from a lovely lady I’ve been corresponding with over email. Patrice shares her story of a shopping trip en femme that turns into so much more!

As always, if you have a crossdressing success story you want to share please email vanessalaw@crossdresserheaven.com and include a brief introduction, your femme name, a short story (500-750 words) and a picture (optional). I hope to hear from you. Now on to Patrice’s crossdressing success story!

Patrice’s Crossdressing Success Story

It was Tuesday night and I already started to get butterflies in my stomach.  I was so excited, but a little afraid.  Here it is me, a 50 year plus crossdresser (a mature girl I like to be thought of), getting invited to a “girls pajama party.”  (BTW, you’re only as old as you think). The party was going to be Friday through Sunday at Melissa’s house.  She lived about 3 miles away from me.  I first met Melissa about 3 years ago when we were both buying some lingerie at a Macys sale.  I was dressed as “Patrice” (passable).  She complimented me on my choice of bras that I was purchasing, plus the rainbow assortment of lycra panties.  As we walked away, she said to me that I was pretty as a woman (she knew as did the cashiers and other customers, obviously) that I was a crossdresser.  No one bothered me.

Melissa and I both headed now to the Ladies Room.  (Shopping for a few hours – I also bought other items in store – can do this to any girl).  We both went into our stalls and did what we came to do do,  I was finished first and was washing and adjusting my makeup when Melissa came out of her stall and admired me freshening up my makeup.  She told me that I looked like a “pro.”  I thanked her and told her that I’ve been “dressing” for many years.  She said that she thought that more men should express “her” feminine side.  By choice, we exchanged numbers, including cells, and e-mail addresses.  We hit it off instantly.  She was like the miracle I always wanted to experience.

I couldn’t believe it, but later that night Melissa called me and asked how my new bras fit….I said they were perfect (38C)…..she said hers (36C) felt heavenly on her…..we chatted a few more minutes and decided from that moment to be friends.  Someday, if my readers would like, I’d write more about Melissa and me and my being “Patrice” with her (But, that’s another story).

Back to the PJ Party, Sharon and Mary Beth, both gg’s, were also coming to the party.  I had been introduced to them through Melissa over the years.  Of course, we all knew a lot about each other.  Sharon, a tall brunette was divorced from an abusive husband – thank goodness, there were no children.  Mary Beth was happily married and had two children.  She was about 5′6″ and had the most gorgeous blonde shoulder length hair.  (as an aside, one time Mary Beth told me about her pregnancies – I was so jealous.)  Melissa, well, I can tell you more as time goes by.

I packed for the party on Thursday afternoon and kept a list of all the things this girl needed to bring (shampoo, conditioner, medications, makeup, nighties, lingerie, several sets of clothes, shoes, slippers, etc.)  When I arrived, the other three girls were there…..we all gave each other hugs and kisses.  It seems everyone complimented the other one about something she was wearing.  I remember Melissa complimented me on the Spring flowery dress I was wearing.

I was wearing matching pale blue panties and bra…..no stockings.  (Of course, they all wanted to know what color lingerie I was wearing). I twirled around for my friends and we all giggled, just like teenagers.  Mary Beth said that her husband and children were away for the weekend on a camping trip and that she was really looking forward to her “girls” weekend.  I should point out that I have no body hair and have taken hormones for a few years.  I have small natural breasts (they feel so great when I just walk around braless), but always feel more comfortable when I wear my breasts pads.  My equipment down below is miniature because of the hormones.  Tucked in properly, it would be hard (oops, I didn’t mean literally) to notice any difference.  If you did look straight there, it looked like I was wearing a pad…….my panties were always tight and hugged me perfectly.

As we chatted and it seemed we all chatted at the same time, I knew I was a “woman” and I was so happy to be accepted by Melissa, Sharon and Mary Beth.  I typed enough for now, I think, but if you’d like, I’ll continue the rest of the story in Part 2….okay…..you can contact me at rjb7839@aol.com .  I’d love to hear your comments.  Thank you, Vanessa, for allowing me to write this short story.  Hopefully. it will be continued !!!!
Hugs, Patrice

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P.S. Develop a passably feminine voice with voice femininity training. The only voice feminization training brought to you by an accomplished voice therapist.

Help! My Face Is Melting!

Some of the usual complains I hear about makeup are: “It changes color,” “It fades,” and “It slides off my face.” The problem isn’t your makeup. It’s your skincare. Skin that is dry will suck the moisture out of your foundation; thereby, changing the color or causing it to fade. Skin that is too oily can lift the foundation, making it feel like it’s dripping off your face.

Skincare should not be an expensive, complicated regimen. The objective of department store sales associates is to sale you as much stuff as possible. So that clutter of products on the counter can seem overwhelming.

You already get up every morning to wash your face and brush your teeth. What if a good skincare routine involved just two more steps, would you do it?

Step 1: Use a facial cleanser made for your skin type. Oily-skinned individuals prefer gel and foam cleansers for that squeaky clean feel, but they don’t dry out the skin like bar soap can. Dry-skinned individuals prefer creamy-type cleansers, which leave a just moisturized feel to the skin.

For those who aren’t sure where you fall, here’s a clue. Oily people know they’re oily. Dry people know they’re dry. If you’re not sure-a little dry on the cheeks, a little oily on the forehead and nose-you have combination skin. Most people do. I have yet to find that elusive “normal skin-type” person. For those with combination skin, the type of cleanser you choose is a matter of personal preference. Try different types until you find one you like. And don’t spend tons of money. Grocery store brands are fine. The only no-no is bar soap. It is too waxy and contains deodorants and other chemicals not made for the face.

For those still battling acne, find a cleanser with an anti-bacterial ingredient, like triclosan or salicylic acid. My favorite is Bath and Body Works Antibacterial Hand Soap. It’s sometimes on sale 4 for $10.00. Buy the gel. The creamy cleanser burns the eyes.

Step 2: Most people have no idea why they should use a toner, so they don’t. Toners wipe away any residue from your makeup and cleanser. They can soothe irritated skin. But most importantly, they help your skin absorb moisture. Skin is like a sponge. When a sponge is damp it absorbs spills easier. If your face is damp, it absorbs the moisturizer better.

It is best to stay away from astringents, even with oily skin. They have too much alcohol and are drying. People with oily or acne-prone skin do everything to dry it out. Problem with that is skin needs moisture. By drying it out, the oil glands work harder to compensate; thereby, causing the skin to become oilier.

My favorite toner is good, old fashioned Witch Hazel. It’s a natural astringent that won’t dry out your skin. Look for it in the first aid section of your neighborhood pharmacy, next to alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. And it’s cheap.

Step 3: Daytime and nighttime moisturizers do two different things, so yes, you need both. Daytime moisturizers act like a protective shield over the skin, keeping out debris, while locking in moisture. Daytime moisturizers absolutely, positively, without exception should have an SPF 15. If your moisturizer has less than 15 or none at all, apply the moisturizer then a sunscreen.

SPF 15 is a total block. Higher than that is just marketing. The difference in protection between SPF 15 and SPF 50 is only about 1-2%, but the additional chemicals can be double.

When you are at rest, the body repairs itself. Nighttime moisturizers increase the process by penetrating the skin to firm and smooth fine lines. In the past, moisturizers could only help stop further damage from happening. New technologies help active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin, actually repairing damaged skin. (If you are a sun goddess or smoker, no amount of moisturizer will repair the damage.)

You don’t have to spend lots of money. Oil of Olay and L’Oreal are just as good as anything you might spend $80-100 for in department stores. The key is consistency. Cleanse, tone, and moisturize, every morning and every night. Three basic steps to better skin.

So what is all that other stuff for: eye creams, exfoliants, masks, makeup removers, and more? I’ll touch on that next time. So stay tuned.

Christina Evans
Makeup101byevans@yahoo.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/makeup101byevans

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Vanessa here – Christina, thank you for your first article on a skin care routine. I concur completely, skin care is one of the most important aspect of looking good. Dermalogica is a mid-range skin care line that I enjoy using. I use Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel to cleanse and Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner for my toner. I normally don’t wear sunscreen, but rely on the sunscreen in my mineral makeup instead.

Crossdressing Makeup Gets Professional

A few months back I was watching a video on the Internet describing how to take care of your skin.  The video was for men who wanted to look more feminine – I’m always pleased to see such advice published. However I was horrified when they advised that we use toner after putting on moisturizer. Even the most well intentioned advice can lead people astray – and for a man who has nowhere else to turn it could mean the difference between beauty, and … something less.

On Crossdresser Heaven I’ve tried to provide good advice to crossdressers that is based on what I’ve learnt from beauty experts, and my own experience with products. See articles such as How to Look Like a Woman – A Cross Dresser Skin Care Routine, and Crossdressing Makeup – The Basics.

However I don’t have quite the qualifications or experience of the lady you’re about to meet. I was delighted when Christina left a comment on Crossdresser Heaven. Christina is a makeup artist who works with men, and has kindly offered to share makeup tips and advice on Crossdresser Heaven.

Every few weeks you can find expert advice from a professional makeup artist on Crossdresser Heaven. Please welcome Christina Evans, and email her your burning questions about makeup!

Meet Your Makeup Artist – Christina Evans

As the first girl in my sixth grade class to wear eye shadow, I should have known I was destined to be a makeup artist. It took a BS in Criminal Justice and four grueling years as a parole office to realize I wanted to make people look pretty, not throw them in jail. My training began with BeautiControl Cosmetics, a direct sales line out of Dallas, Texas. I also did promotional modeling for fragrance companies and when my agent found out I was a makeup artist, she sent me into the stores for various cosmetic lines. I made my own connections and started free-lancing for Elizabeth Arden, Hard Candy, Borghese, Francis Denny, Revlon, and many more. I traveled all over Houston and surrounding cities making women look beautiful. What I enjoyed most was teaching them why to use certain products and how.

Most sales associates know only what cosmetic companies tell them. That was not good enough for me. I graduated from the Institute of Cosmetology and received my state license as an esthetician. I then took a stage makeup class at the University of Houston and worked as the makeup artist on several community theatre productions. In 1999, I relocated to Los Angeles, where I received my California esthetician’s license, and received a 100 hour certificate from the International Dermal Institute.

Relocating to Phoenix in 2005, I decided to get away from product sales and focus on offering makeup lessons. Fate determined that all the responses I received would be from men. Several times I heard how other makeup artists never returned their calls, or weren’t comfortable working on crossdressers. Not one to let an opportunity pass, I decided to specialize in makeup lessons for men. It has been the best decision ever. To have clients who truly appreciate what I do, and are eager to learn, is the greatest gift. I can’t imagine going back to department stores, pedaling product to half interested customers.

I’d love to hear your stories or answer your makeup and skincare questions.

Christina Evans
Makeup101byevans@yahoo.com
http://Linkedin.com/in/makeup101byevans

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P.S. Vanessa here – I’m looking to sell a pair of unused Gold Seal Breastforms (size 7) I bought from thebreastformstore. They’re a bit big for me – they have never been used, and come with a set of adhesive pads. They sell for $169+shipping from the store. I’d sell them for $125 (or the best offer) + shipping. Email me at vanessalaw@crossdresserheaven.com if you’re interested.

Michelle’s Crossdresser Success Story – Tell One Person Today

When Michelle first emailed me her story she prefaced it with a sentence that many of us can identify with. She said:

I always saw that "Share your success story" thing in the emails and thought "I wish I had a success story."

I do that myself sometimes. I look at the other successful, beautiful, confident transgender woman and sometimes think to myself, “I wish I was like them. I wish I had a taste of such success.”

Michelle, thank you for sharing your success story, and for showing us that each of us can achieve our own success without needing to compare it to others.

If you’re like Michelle, and have been wondering whether you have a crossdresser success story to share – take a moment to think of any positive experience you’ve had crossdressing, and share your crossdresser story.

Meet Michelle

I have been going by Michelle online, but have also recently adopted the name Rachel, as it is more similar to my own name (Richard).  I started wearing panties in high school, but since I didn’t have sisters, they were what I bought for myself.  I gradually added bras and slips to my collection (which actually got purged on a regular basis), and started trying on skirts after I got married (over ten years ago).  I bought my first new dress for me five years ago (actually tried it on in the shop and had the lady make a few alterations for me) and currently own a few skirts and other ladies clothes, including some heels.  I rarely get a chance to dress, and even that is almost all at home in the privacy of my own bedroom (I can’t even walk around my own house because we have kids).  (Wow, I can really ramble sometimes — anyway, on with the story.)

Michelle’s Crossdresser Success Story

I recently started seeing a therapist to help me deal with my inappropriate reactions to stress (yelling at the kids, and inappropriate online activities).  We discussed my crossdressing and I ended up going to the mall to visit a lady I had met in a bridal shop before buying something for my wife, and had also developed a business relationship with.  I asked her if she knew that I was actually sort of shopping for myself as well, and she said she suspected but wasn’t certain.  It felt really good to have a real live person know about me and not just a random sales girl at a mall that I would likely never see again.  I have had several shopping trips that were somewhat successful in terms of me being honest about the intent of my purchase.

Yesterday’s story starts somewhat a few weeks ago.  I was getting ready to change the oil and for some reason ended up wearing a skirt under my coveralls instead of pants.  Then I realized I could probably get away with that with some of my looser fitting casual slacks as well.  So yesterday I wore a skirt under my pants as I went to the dentist.  Then after the dentist, I slipped my pants off in the car and went shopping at a bridal store in a skirt.  I didn’t have the awkward moment of, "It’s not for my wife, it’s for me."  It was great.  I had a really good time shopping and the lady was very nice.

A Blessing From Twitter – A Transgender Movie List

One of my friends on Twitter (http://twitter.com/SistersTalk) recently posted a good list of gay and lesbian themed movies. Being the inquisitive sort I asked if she had a similar list of movies that feature a transgendered character in some way. Boy did she ever!

So I thought I’d share with you the most comprehensive list of transgender movies known to woman! I’ve only seen a few of them (so time to fill up my Netflix queue!). Some of the ones I enjoyed the most:

Vanessa’s Transgender Movie List

Mrs. Doubtfire. In no way a serious transgender movie, but Robin Williams does a great job portraying the elderly Mrs Doubtfire. A good family movie.

Ma Vie En Rose is of the more serious sort. It explores the story of an innocent young boy who tries to fulfill his dream of becoming a girl, and the social consequences his gender confusion has on the rest of the town.

Well, I could share a few more here, like Priscilla, Queen of the dessert, but you already have the most comprehensive list ever made . What are some of your favorite movies that feature a transgender character or have a transgender theme?

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P.S. Follow me on Twitter – I’d love to hear what you’re doing and what you’re thinking. Who knows, you may even find something useful. Like a transgender movie list

Vicki’s Inspirations for Crossdressing Christians – Let Go of Your Doubt

John 15 1, 7-8: (Jesus said): I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower.7. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

(Vanessa had asked that I divide this inspiration into two pieces for ease of reading and thinking on. This is the continuation of the inspiration that started with the story of the Eunuch in Acts. To recap, both of these lessons, the story of the Eunuchin Acts, and the parable of the vine and the vinegrower were read in church on Mother’s Day and were the source for the entire Inspiration.-Vicki)

It seems appropriate then that the image of the vine that Jesus uses in the Gospel followed the lesson of this hungering soul, the eunuch of Acts. Jesus compares himself to a vine, and the Father to the vinegrower. He compares us to offshoots from that vine, and that those who bear fruit, are cared for, pruned and allowed to flourish under the Father’s care and constantly fed by the main vine which is Christ. We cannot live or exist in Christ apart from his sustenance. “Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, but apart from me you can do nothing.” I listened to the verse, understanding again the lesson that in Christ lays the answers we all look for and yet hearing these words as if for the first time and with new understanding. The minister in his sermon used many present day examples to drive the point home, and then asked this question, attempting to tie the two stories together. He allowed that angels, still work in this world, though we probably shouldn’t expect magnificent winged creatures blazing with light to guide us. But, he said, be attentive to the little things and then look inside to test it. He pointed more than once to an area on his torso, between the heart and stomach and peered at the congregation, how do we know it is the Spirit he asked, tapping that region on him self. He didn’t need to provide the answer, for we know where God resides. It is there in our heart that we find not only God abiding in us, but us abiding in God. The lesson was very clear, but my hungering Spirit wanted more.

When one goes out on a journey that might be on a path that would seem new; perhaps by the “experts” of our day to be…forbidden; one wants to be sure that their chosen path is correct. I want to believe that this ministry call I feel so strongly is true. I found myself as the Pastor tapped his heart wanting to shout out, how can we know and trust that “gut” feeling. I am a seeker filled with too many doubts at times, still wanting to believe that it doesn’t matter what I choose to wear, or who I find fulfillment in love with, or even that the body I was given does not match the person that I am. I want to believe that God is not judging us on that. Still the path I am on, the people I seek to reach out to and be reached back to by, are seen by so many as unworthy of God’s love and acceptance. I know many in this community struggle daily with this side of themselves and reject God, because they feel God has rejected them. So I wonder if I might just be wrong and that “they” are right. I formulate the words and want to ask, How can I be sure this is God and not my own selfishness, or my own agenda. It seems even as the words are hanging in the air, “those who abide in me” I am forgetting them. Even as the pastor taps his chest, I am questioning my own heart.

Yet, the words stay, the words hang until they can penetrate and take root. I let go of the doubt, look to Jesus, and allow myself to abide in Him, and the fruit begins to flourish. I give up my own agenda, I allow the vinegrower to prune as necessary, and wait for the fruit to appear. God is wise enough to know, if I saw the perils of the journey, I would likely just stay at home. If we knew what lay ahead, joys and sorrow, trials and triumphs, most of us would likely just decide it wasn’t worth it, and choose to live the way we are expected to. But He provides us with the assurance we need. The fruits of our labors would be proof enough. In these first weeks, I’ve found so many of you willing to share your thoughts back to me, to encourage me in small yet important ways. I hesitate to use the term, loaded in our present day world with such negative connotation for people like us. But there it is, you are my fruits, the assurance that Jesus abides in me, and that I am finally beginning to abide in Him. Maybe better to say, you all are my angels, visiting me and pointing me to new paths, all the while giving me that sense of peace that I am on the right path for me. I give thanks to you and I give thanks to God for you all dear readers, and will stay on this path, even though doubt assails me at times. I will strive to remember in Him, we have our strength and purpose and it is in Him only we need seek approval.

Joanna’s Crossdressing Success Story – Closer Than Girlfriends

Dear readers, this week’s story is a beautiful and touching journey. Of a son who discovers he is more like his father than he knew, and who finds love and acceptance in an unexpected place.

Meet Joanna

My CD name is Joanna, I’m 22 years old living in London and I’ve been crossdressing since I was about 13, but have only been taking it seriously within the last few months.

Joanna’s Crossdressing Success Story

When I started I used to put my mum’s clothes on purely because I liked the feel of them, especially dresses.  However after a few times, I started to enjoy the look and feel of women’s clothes.  Initially the attraction was sexual but after a few months I started to feel more passionately about it.  This continued until I was about 19 when I moved out of home to study in London.  Once in London I was free of my parents and their restrictions, finally able to do exactly as I pleased.  However, there was a major drawback-I had no clothes of my own!  So I proceeded to browse the net, and found some nice shoes.  To begin with that was enough, but I felt I had to take it further.  Soon after, I went to the local department store and headed straight to the lingerie collection, picking out a nice set to take home.  But again, I still felt the urge to go further.

By now I had a girlfriend for about a year, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to hide my secret pleasure from her.  I always felt the need to hide my secret form anyone and everyone, doing everything I could to prevent anyone finding out and judging me by it.  My father was always a macho type male, always teaching me to fight.  But there was a secret about him too, and when I was 20, I found out he had been cross dressing ever since he could remember.  Back in the sixties his parents wanted a girl and not a boy, and would make him dress up in girls’ clothes.  He always said he felt comfortable in the clothes, and that there was nothing sexual about his secret.  However, still to this day he does not know mine, and nor would I tell him, as he still has old fashioned views about sexuality.  So I continued, hiding it from everyone, still confused about a lot of things but still thoroughly enjoying dressing up.  I bought make up for the first time, a cheap set found on the Internet which made me look cheap, but still did the job.  Things were going well and at this point I had been with my girlfriend for 2 years.

This was January 2009.  On a normal visit to my student house, a set of unusual circumstances led to my girlfriend discovering the clothes.  When I found out she knew, my heart dropped a beat.  My initial thoughts consisted of “she must think I’m a weirdo”, or that I’m some sort of pervert or even that I was cheating on her with another girl.  So I just came out and admitted it to her, forcibly swallowing the lump in my throat that had gathered.  But far from being the expected response, she embraced the idea and once I had introduced her to Joanna, she even admitted it was a turn on and that she would like to become a part of it.  Initially I wasn’t enthusiastic about it, as it had been a private part of my life for so long.  But once I got used to the idea, she started giving me tips, giving me old clothes, and, to my absolute pleasure, walking around the shops with me helping me choose clothes and make up.

Finally, I had someone open minded to share my growing interest in CDing.  After having to hide a big part of myself for such a long time, I could finally feel comfortable knowing I have her full support.  It spiced up our sex life, created a stronger bond between us, and allowed me to be completely honest with her and myself.  It made me realize that people should just accept you for who you are, not what you’re supposed to be.  I love how I look, and will never stop doing it as long as there’s a dress out there that I haven’t worn!

I hope that my story is what you’re looking for as a success example!
Joanna
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Joanna, your story tugged on my heart strings, thank you for sharing.

If you have a crossdressing success story you would like to share with the readers of Crossdresser Heaven it’s easy!

Email me at vanessalaw@crossdresserheaven.com and let me know you’d like me to share with others. Please include:

• Your femme name
• A brief introduction (1-2 sentences about where you live, how old you are and such)
• Your story (if you go over 700 words I’m going to edit you down )
• Optional – A photo of you (no nudity please)

Ask A Crossdresser – Would You Wear Permanent Makeup?

  When I think about permanent makeup I get visions of regret. The woman who must now endure too-red lips and overdone eyeliner forever. Rather than spending hours creating a masterpiece on a blank canvas, she needs to spends hours covering up a mistake. Something she’ll regret for the rest of her life. That would definitely put a downer on your morning makeup routine!

Now, I know a few people who have had permanent makeup and I can’t really tell the difference between the permanent makeup and the makeup they normally apply. It takes them no time in the morning to get ready, but since I’m not with them then, well, I don’t notice.

Permanent Makeup Isn’t Just Done Up

I learnt something last week. Permanent makeup is not just about looking as though you have makeup applied, but can also be used to enhance your natural beauty. To correct subtle flaws, and provide natural looking improvements to your eyes, brows and lip area.

Jen, a tattooist in the UK sent me an email that prompted me to rethink my opinion on permanent makeup. I don’t think I would ever want my lips permanently done up, or eyeliner always applied. Perhaps it’s just because I don’t have to apply makeup every day, but I still enjoy the time I spend transforming myself. As a crossdresser there are times when I need to present as a man, and even in Seattle you’ll inspire some questions wearing eye liner

Would You Wear Permanent Makeup?

But that wasn’t Jen’s question. She wants to know if I’d be interested in natural enhancements to my look using the same techniques as permanent makeup. I must say that is more compelling. If a technique could give me a subtle feminine look and at the same time hide some of my flaws I would be intrigued.

I would first want to see many, many before and after shots, and to understand how the permanent makeup will look when I have a tan, or when I’m wearing other makeup. But I would be tempted. Sorely tempted. Like dipping my toe in the ocean of plastic surgery to feel the water temperature.

What about you? 

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Ask A Crossdresser – A New Series On Crossdresser Heaven

I get questions from many of my wonderful readers in email, facebook, twitter and as comments on Crossdresser Heaven. While I feel blessed to answer as many of your questions as I can, I’m unfortunately unable to answer every email personally, or provide as in depth a response as I’d like. While my transgender journey is similar to many, I also realize that there are other opinions in the transgender community that I don’t fully represent.

This has prompted me to start a new series on Crossdresser Heaven called Ask a Crossdresser. It works like this:

Send your question via email to vanessalaw@crossdresserheaven.com. Let me know your name (femme name or anonymous is fine too), and that you’d like your question to be posted on Crossdresser Heaven. Every week I’ll post a few questions, share some of my thoughts and give the readers of Crossdresser Heaven an opportunity to comment.

This will ensure a more timely and thorough answer, while at the same time allowing you to connect with other readers who may have similar questions, or who have lived through similar situations. At the end of the day I believe the transgender community is only as strong as the unity we share.

I look forward to hearing from you!

With Love and Blessings,
Vanessa

Transgender Eunuchs – The Narrow Minded Church

Vicki’s Inspiration that mentioned the eunuch and transgender reminded me of a conversation I had with my pastor a few years ago. This was the same pastor I never heard from again after he told me he “loved” me. But I digress.

At the time I was struggling to come to terms with the fact that I was transgendered. I had just recently begun to grow in acceptance of who I was, and met many lovely ladies at Tri-ESS. I was trying hard to reconcile the church’s teachings with what I knew in my heart, and what I read in the Bible.

In particular the story about the eunuch that Vicki mentioned. Some have argued that the eunuch may have been an early way of referring to the transgendered. At the very least the eunuch was neither fully man nor fully woman.

I mentioned this to my pastor, trying to understand what I saw as an inconsistency in the church’s teachings. How could eunuch’s play such an important role in the Bible, while the transgendered are vile sinners? His reply, with much conviction, was:

That is a eunuch, not a transgendered person

At the time I was confused, struggling, and perhaps overly emotional, so I accepted his response. Of course, eunuch’s are accepted by God, but not transgendered people. That makes sense, it’s in the Bible.

It took me until yesterday, almost six years later, before I realized how inane and narrow minded his reply really was. If you accept that eunuch’s and transgendered people have nothing to do with each other (a debate for another time), it still makes you wonder.

The church, with all their rules and regulations, all their defined gender roles so easily accept something (a eunuch) because it is mentioned in the Bible. Yet if you describe a eunuch today without using that word they recoil in revulsion. A man without the appropriate genitals. Someone not wholly a man or a woman. They must be an abomination to God.

The narrow mindedness of the church is laid bare in this contradiction. The acceptance of the concept of eunuchs, and the revulsion at the actuality of the same. Just as we sing so often about loving others, yet lose all mercy and compassion before we’ve even left the church parking lot.