Crossdresser Heaven

Fashion, makeup and body movement tips for crossdressers who want to look and feel more feminine

Categories: Crossdresser How To

How Big Is Your Closet?

Categories: Crossdresser How To, Vanessa's Transgender Experience

Tags: crossdresser closet, transgender come out of the closet

Published on: July 14, 2009

Coming Out The Crossdresser Closet This weekend was a cornucopia of transgender bliss. I spent most of Saturday and Sunday as Vanessa, wore a cute green dress I bought a few weeks back and finally figured out how to use the Nubra to create cleavage (a future article for sure).

It’s Sunday morning as I’m writing this. After spending most of Saturday reading in the park I’m now fully dressed and sitting at home in front of my computer with an itch to go somewhere. I feel, quite literally, all dressed up with nowhere to go.

I’d like to go somewhere, but feel as though anywhere I go will only be to share Vanessa with the world. I had thought about going to church. It’s too late in the day now, and I’m not sure I could go without causing a stir anyway. I’ll need to ponder this one for a while – I would like to make church as Vanessa a regular occurrence (come as you are…).

Shopping came to mind – it’ always seems to. I know I’ve spent too much money the last few weeks (I bought two great workout pants from Lucy, replenished my makeup supply and did electrolysis every week last month), and know that I wouldn’t be able to go to the store without buying something. Staying away from shopping centers is probably best for my budget.

So as much as I would like to go out today, I feel as though I’m stuck in my crossdresser closet. *sigh* Since I’m here I might as well make the best of it.

How Big Is Your Crossdresser Closet?

My comfort with crossdressing in public seems to wax and wane. When I first started out, just getting dressed in the privacy of my own apartment was a break through. Complete with breastforms, makeup and the necessary jewelry to accent my look I felt liberated.

Eventually I found the courage to join a crossdressing club, and once a month I would spend an evening dressed with other crossdressers. I felt as though I had finally come out the crossdressing closet. Looking back I realize that I had merely found a larger closet, but I can’t deny how fulfilling the experience was, and how edifying the experience is for others.

When I was most comfortable crossdressing in public I would regularly go to trans-friendly clubs, and occasionally go out as Vanessa during the day. Even then, I always had to dig deep to find the courage. Before I would go out a hundred reasons would go through my head as to why I should stay home.

Today I’m comfortable presenting as a more feminine man in public, whether it’s wearing subtle makeup, nail polish or feminine cut jeans and shirts. I’m a bit uncomfortable going out fully dressed as Vanessa, though I’ll do it occasionally. Every time I go out I have a wonderful time, and return home wondering why I ever had second thoughts.

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Tools of the Trade

by Vanessa Law

Categories: Beauty and Makeup, Crossdresser How To

Tags: crossdresser makeup, makeup application, makeup brushes, makeup tools

Comments: 4 Comments

Published on: July 7, 2009

Every job has its tools. Things can get complicated in a kitchen without the right pots and pans. The same is true for applying makeup. Cosmetic companies love to give away brush sets as free gifts and stores are filled with brush sets in every shape and size, “Just in time for Christmas.” And like much of what we buy at the cosmetics counter, they end up in a drawer, never to come out of their pretty packaging, usually because we have no idea what to do with them. What I found to be the problem with most brush sets, it that, even if they are good quality, many of the brushes serve no useful purpose. Below, I’ve listed the four brushes and other tools you absolutely need and a few others that are nice to have.

Foundation

crossdressing makeup tips Makeup application begins with concealer, foundation, and powder. Unless you are using a mineral powder foundation, the concealer and foundation can be applied with your finger-not your hand. Use the middle or ring finger to gently smooth on concealer or foundation. The index finger pulls too much on the skin.

Sponge applicators are okay, but they tend to absorb more foundation than you need. Dampen the sponge first to eliminate that problem. Sponges also breed bacteria, so either use a new sponge with each application, or wash it with soap and water after each use.

Foundation brushes are nice for smoothing out foundation and concealer around the eyes. For the full face, they can be time consuming. Foundation brushes are flat with a curved top and wedged bristles.

Powder

For applying powder, big, fluffy brushes are fun, but they can waste product. I recommend a cosmetic foam pad. Press pad lightly into powder, tap off excess, and then press powder onto face. I usually start under the eyes to keep concealer from creasing, and then work my way around the face until powder disappears. Use that big, fluffy brush to dust away any excess. The pads are large enough to use a different half and/or side with each application. Once both sides have been used, wash with soap and water. They last for ages, but it doesn’t hurt to toss them out after six months.

Blush

Most of us think of blush brushes as smaller versions of a powder brush. Like a powder brush, I find they waste too much product and you end up with apple cheeks. The brush I use is a larger, fluffier version of the foundation brush. Instead of rubbing the top of the brush into your blush, place the side of the brush on the blush palate and give it a little wiggle. The wedged bristles pick up just enough blush. With a light touch, brush over the cheekbone in a comma stroke from the corner of the eyes towards the nose.

For a more dramatic look, use the same technique layering color on. It is easier to add color than trying to take it off. In case, you do apply too much, no worries. Simply take your big, fluffy powder brush and make large circles over the blush. This will soften the color and eliminate any lines of demarcation.

Eye Shadow

crossdresser makeup brushes Next, the eyes. Find a small version of the foundation brush-flat, with curved top and wedged bristles. With this brush, apply a light-colored shadow from the lashes all the way up to the brow. Next find a small round brush that is cut in such a way that the top comes to a point. That point should fit into the eye crease. Apply a darker shade in the crease. (I’ll have a whole article on eye makeup at a later date.)

Must haves: powder pad, powder brush, blush brush, and two eye shadow brushes. Also needed in your makeup bag: cotton pads (100% cotton), Q-tips, sponge applicators (usually come with eye shadows), and an oil-free eye makeup remover. NEVER use Vaseline or baby oil on eyes.

Nice to haves: foundation brush, brow brush or comb, eyelash curler (if you have the patience), and a small angled brush for detail work around the eyes. I rarely, if ever use a lip brush, but they are useful for dabbing on a touch of gloss.

Hope this helps. Thanks for all the great questions.

Christina Evans, Makeup Artist, Phoenix, AZ
Email Makeup101byevans@yahoo.com with your beauty questions or to book an appointment

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Christina, these are great tips! When starting out I made the mistake of applying blush with the a large fluffy brush. As light as I would apply the makeup I couldn’t figure out why I always looked like a clown. Now I use four types of brushes every day. The Flawless Application Face Brush for foundation and bronzer; the Soft Focus Shadow Brush for blush (much better control when applying blush! No more clown cheeks); the Concealer Brush for applying concealer; and the Double Ended Shaping Brush for applying eye shadow. I’m eagerly looking forward to your series on eye makeup. I’m reasonably adept at applying mineral eye shadow, but completely flummoxed as to use the sponge applicators that come with other eye shadows.

Thanks for sharing your tips with us. Dear readers, please send Christina your questions, or better yet – book an appointment with her if you’re near Phoenix!

Help! My Face Is Melting!

by Vanessa Law

Categories: Beauty and Makeup, Crossdresser How To

Tags: crossdresser skin care, crossdressing skin care routine

Comments: No Comments

Published on: June 16, 2009

Christina - Makeup Artists who works with crossdressers 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

by Vanessa Law

Categories: Beauty and Makeup, Crossdresser How To

Tags: crossdresser makeup tips, crossdressing makeup, crossdressing makeup howto, learn crossdressing makeup

Comments: 1 Comment

Published on: June 15, 2009

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

Christina - A Makeup Professional who caters to crossdressers 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.

If You Do This Your Crossdressing Life Will Be Better

by Vanessa Law

Categories: Crossdresser How To

Tags: crossdresser hair removal, crossdresser howto, laser hair removal, transgender electrolysis, transgender hair removal

Comments: 2 Comments

Published on: April 28, 2009

There was a catchy song I used to listen to when I was younger. The lyrics were nothing to rave about, as over and over they proclaimed ‘If you buy this record your life will be better’. Yet the tune was hypnotic, and perhaps some subconscious part of me that longs for approval was convinced that my purchase had improved my life. Most advice is like that of the song. Tantalizing in it’s potential, yet somewhat lacking in the fulfillment of that potential.

Two weeks ago I wrote a post entitled ‘How To Look Like A Woman’, where I promised to share a secret that will magnify your femininity ten fold. The truth for many who crossdress is that it requires a lot of effort to cultivate our femininity. It takes work to choose appropriate clothes, move like a woman and wear makeup to accentuate our inner beauty.

Yet through all of this we’re struggling with stubble that shows up each morning when we wake up, and part way through the evening just as we’re trying to look our best. The secret to enhancing your femininity is permanent crossdresser hair removal.

Crossdresser Hair Removal

If you’ve ever tried to hide the stubborn remains of facial hair under a thick layer of makeup, then you know what I’m talking about. After shaving the same area three times your skin is left raw – if not bleeding – and there are still some hairs that remain. You’re forced to hide your true skin tone underneath concealer and then foundation, not a very natural look. Not at all suitable for day time, when most woman wear a light application of makeup.

We can all appreciate how difficult facial hair is to conceal, but it gets worse. Facial hair makes a proper skin care routine next to impossible. Most woman strive to tone, balance, moisturize and protect their skin. Yet the first thing men do every day is scrape a razor blade over it. How supple and healthy would you feel if you had to endure such trauma?

The daily infliction upon your face doesn’t stop with the skin shearing shave. Afterwards your pores and left open, and small cuts can invite bacteria to take root. Gradually your skin will become rougher.

But wait, it gets worse! Have you ever tried to tone and moisturize after shaving? It’s quite painful, actively discouraging a good skin care routine. I’m also not sure how good it is to pour lotions on your face after you’ve cut it to shreds. It would seem like topicals should remain topical.

Permanent or even semi-permanent hair removal allows your skin to generate a natural softness and makes it easier to maintain a healthy skin care routine. It has psychological benefits as well. A quick glance at your hairless and feminine face, even in guy mode, will let you feel the exhilaration of femininity.

Since you’re spending less time shaving each day you’ll have time to put a light dusting of makeup on before heading to work. Just a touch of foundation and some light blush and you can practice your makeup technique with noone being the wiser.

So What About That Crossdresser Hair Removal?

Last year I shared some different options for transgender hair removal. Hair removal can be expensive and painful, but in my opinion it’s more than worth it for the benefits you get. Not least of which is the ability to get hair removal done without anyone suspecting a thing. Well, apart from your esthetician.

I highly recommend a few treatments of laser hair removal, followed by electrolysis to clear up any stragglers. Having done this dual treatment myself I’ve a new level of respect for ladies who have removed all their facial hair through electrolysis. Electrolysis is painful, slow and effective. It’s also the only way to get rid of any white or gray hairs you may have. (Am I too young to admit to any gray hairs just yet?)

In contrast, laser hair removal is great at treating large areas (like the beard) quickly. It works best on a darker hair / fairer skin combination, and results are usually seen after the first treatment. Laser hair removal can be deceptive though, since some of the hair grows back a few months later. I’ve often felt the results were beyond expectations a week after treatment, but 3 months later a good third of the hairs have returned.

The Real Secret To Femininity

Thanks for sticking with me this far. I’ll end with another song I enjoyed from my youth by Baz Luhrmann – Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen). It still sends chills down my spine when I listen to it.

Amidst the great advice is another gem to enhance your femininity – Wear Sunscreen!

So you’re set. Hair removal. A good skin care routine. And Sunscreen.

Be beautiful my girlfriend!

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For more great tips on achieving a perfect feminine appearance I recommend the ultimate crossdressing guide and the flat2fem transgender breast enlargement program.