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Hi everyone 🙂
I'm taking the time to tell you about another little victory.
Here goes.
When I first signed up to CDH in July 2023, one of the many things that I started to do was to look back through previous forum posts on how to apply makeup.
Several of those posts mentioned the importance of selecting the correct shade of foundation. Time and again, the advice was that there was no substitute for simply marching up to a makeup counter in a department store and asking the ladies there for help. Otherwise, it could be really difficult to find something that exactly matched your skin tone.
'Oh yeah,' I thought. 'Well, that's easier said than done.'
When I first read that advice, following it seemed like an impossibly brave act; I couldn't imagine ever being able to summon the courage to walk up to a makeup counter and ask for help myself.
Well, thanks to CDH, I've come a long way since July 2023 🙂
Today I was in my local city ... and I was passing a branch of Boots ... and I just thought ... well ... what's stopping you, Ellie?
The lady at the counter couldn't have been any more lovely. She did the colour match (I'm 'Latte', by the way 🙂 ) and before I knew it I was sitting there, totally at ease, while she applied primer, foundation and concealer. There were lots of people walking past. Apart from a very brief curious glance from one woman, no-one paid the slightest bit of attention.
I was told that that lots of guys go in for makeup sessions these days ('You won't even be the only one today') and that nobody even raises an eyebrow about it any more. The basic take (and this is a direct quote) was 'Why shouldn't everyone be allowed to wear makeup? It shouldn't be just for women. It's way too much fun!''
I'm pleased to report that finally having the right shade of foundation (after lots of frustrating trial and error with ill-advised internet purchases) has made a big difference. On top of that, I got a 3 for 2 offer ... AND Ms Wonderful knocked £10 off the total price on top of that.
Because it was a slow day, she even spun our session out and gave me a free make up lesson. I was there for about an hour, just nattering away and enjoying every moment.
I've already made an appointment for next week. My new friend is going to teach me more about eye makeup* 🙂
Ellie x
*Before anyone steps in and says 'Of course she is ... she's on commission'; I'm aware of that and it doesn't do anything to diminish the joy 🙂
@ellyd22 Well done! Glad that you took the leap of faith and had a good day as a result of it. Oh and a bargain!
Hugs,
Anna xx
I forget to mention that as well as the 3 for 2 offer and the £10 discount, when I got home I saw that she'd slipped another £10 voucher in the bag as well.
@jacquelinelarkspur
Indeed ... along with whatever else she persuades me to buy next week 🙂
Thanks for posting this Ellie. It’s something I keep thinking that I should do.
This might just be the nudge I need to do it myself when the opportunity arises
Honestly, Lucy ... just go for it 🙂
From what I was told, the make up girls just see it as a perfectly normal part of their day.
Ellie x
Thanks for this, Ellie, and well done! I'm in the same boat regarding skin tone. Like Lucy @lucyb112, I've been thinking about doing the same thing in one of the towns about an hour away. (I'm not that brave!).
Your post has given my confidence a boost so, I'll let you know if and when and how it goes.
Allie x
The tip I had was to colour match to the skin on your chest.
But who's going to surreptitiously unbutton their shirt and start rubbing foundation onto their chest while browsing the items in the cosmetics aisle?
Ellie's Top Tip: if any members are thinking of doing this, steer clear of the security cameras. You don't want that footage appearing in court.
@ellyd22 ….but won’t it be good to get a copy of the tape for yourself, being made over in a public place on video!
I'd thought that being in a local branch of Boots, rather than one some distance away, would bother me.
Turns out I was wrong 🙂
Of course, it might have been a different story if an ex-pupil had come up and tapped me on the shoulder while I was sitting there in front of the mirror ...
Well, even in one of these towns, there's always the possibility of someone local also visiting but what's life without risk?
Allie x
Funny how things change.
Me thinks an ex pupil wouldn't really faze you. You DID do this in your local city.
Liz xx
@ellyd22 Strange that you should post this today.... A good while back, I was out in a Park. I had not long previously decided that I wasn't going to hide away anymore. I was in the park sat on a bench drinking a coffee. The park was in the centre of the city. The only make up I had on was lipstick and mascara. It was a bright day, and I took a few selfies. Looking at the pics, I saw how rough I looked. I decided to visit a Boots in a nearby retail park (Cardiff Bay). A wonderful lady called Kim was there and I asked her for help. My exact words were "Could you help me look a little more feminine?" She sat me down and gave me a step by step tutorial on what and how. Nothing fancy. Just the basics. Showing me how to apply concealer, foundation powder (better are hiding 5 o'clock shadow), Finishing powder, blusher, lipstick and mascara.... A few creams along the way wand what brushes to use.... She wrote everything down, and I filled a make up bag with all the products that she recommended (all No.7 by the way). I went away feeling like a million dollars, and looking a lot less like a 56 year old man.
Today, I needed to restock my foundation powder, so I went back to the same shop. As I was looking for the right one, a sales assistant asked if she could help. It was Kim!!! She recognised me, and told me how great I looked. She asked how I was getting on. I told her that the face I put on in Cerys mode in my mask. I hide behind it. With a face on, I'm far more confident, and I only every go out shopping etc with a face on. I told her how much her tutorial has changed my life, and how much happier I am. We spoke for quite a while. She told me about an FTM trans relative she has, and how much happier he is now. We talked about how, I'm practically living as Cerys now that I have no job to go to, but that I have no desire to transition. We had a good old chat. She then suggested a different mascara. A better one. As they have the usual 3 for 2 offer on she suggested that I buy the fondation, the lipstick I use (she remembered it as she couldn't get it off as it stick like hell), and the new mascara.... With the £10 off voucher she gave me, the lipstick and mascara only cost £5 instead of £20!!!! I got £40 worth of makeup for £20!!!!! The foundation on its own would have cost me £15!!!! It was great to see her again.
Anyone afraid to ask the make up counter for assistance..... Just do it. It really will change your life.
Cerys
It's amazing that we both had similar experiences today. Makeup buddies!
My haul, with the 3 for 2 and £10 off, was four items reduced from a total of £57 to £34. My Makeup Angel was careful to put the most expensive item through as the 'free' one 🙂
All No.7 for me as well.
And I'm in complete agreement with this:
Anyone afraid to ask the make up counter for assistance..... Just do it.
Hugs
Ellie x
@ellyd22 Ellie this is wonderful! Oh well done lovely 🙂 I love it that you got so much out of it and that you're going back next week for another lesson. That's not just showing there's nothing to fear, that's completely bossing it 👍
Not bossing it as such ... it was just such fun that I immediately wanted to go back for more 🙂
Elliie x
@ellyd22 How lovely for you Ellie. Kudos to you girl. Foundation is the thing I struggle with most. Was yours liquid or powder? xx.
Foundation is the thing I struggle with most. Was yours liquid or powder?
It was liquid, applied with a small powder brush.
She applied primer (with a brush rather than a sponge) first, then foundation ... brushing it from the centre to the face outwards. The colour is such a good match for my skin that you couldn't tell where the makeup ended and my natural skin colour began 🙂
The coverage was good enough that no colour corrector was needed.
Note: if I was doing this on my own I'd moisturise thoroughly before using the primer. I've found that makes a lot of difference and stops my makeup from caking or looking scaly, especially on my chin.
Then she put concealer (again, matched to my skin tone with the little hand-held device they use) under my eyes and on my eyelids, with an additional spot just in the corner of the eye up against the nose. That was done with a smaller brush. I didn't need any concealer elsewhere on my face today, but she explained that if it had been needed then she would have gently stippled it on (not brushed it) so as not to disturb the rest of the makeup.
Had we intended to continue (e.g. to do any contouring/highlighting or apply blusher) she would have set everything with translucent powder first.
Ellie x
@ellyd22 Thanks Ellie for such a comprehensive reply. Although it still sounds very complicated and a little scary xx.
The thing is though, it actually isn't complicated at all once you know the sequence.
My lady yesterday was VERY good at explaining the reason for each stage, and why you do them in that order.
You could do everything I've said above (moisturise, prime, apply foundation, apply concealer if necessary, add powder) in less than five minutes 🙂
@ellyd22 Ellie, well done you. You are taking so many first steps. I am both very proud of you and excited for you, but extremely jealous. I love to hear your adventures. Keep them coming and keep being the same pretty and happy you. Hugs Christine
Thanks Christine.
I seem to be having lots of little adventures at the moment.
All of it started with joining CDH ...
@ellyd22 I agree, this community is very encouraging and confident boosting and it so great just to be able to talk about things so opening and without fear of judgement. Many thanks to all the organizers and managers of the site!
I was told that that lots of guys go in for makeup sessions these days ('You won't even be the only one today') and that nobody even raises an eyebrow about it any more. The basic take (and this is a direct quote) was 'Why shouldn't everyone be allowed to wear makeup? It shouldn't be just for women. It's way too much fun!''
Exactly! This has been my experience too. Nobody cares. The gals working the makeup counters I've visited have been genuinely supportive.
Sephora and Ulta in the US are doing a booming business. I often see guys in there clearly buying for themselves.
Congrats GF! Big win for Ellie and everyone reading this! Thanks for posting!
Liz xx
Great Ellie. The ladies there are always helpful, always look out for the offers. They have those 3 for 2 vouchers on the racks sometimes. Another is that they give you money off voucher when you purchase so you can go straight back and get what you've bought for up to half price. Also the loyalty card is worth having too as you get offers and also money to spend.
Naturally, other cosmetic vendors are available who will do 3 for 2 offers....
truly amazing Ellie sounds like a such a wonderful time and being able to have lessons is truly amazing I don’t do to much make up but from what I hear it’s probably one of are strongest weakness here as CD so happy for ya tho that made that leap of faith and attended sounds like you dearly enjoyed and looking forward to more sessions TC
It's funny how what seemed inconceivable a little over a year ago now feels perfectly normal!
I don't think she intended it to be a lesson at first, but I had so many questions that she kind of got drawn in and started giving me lots of hints and tips.
I think she enjoyed it as much as I did.
I'm already looking forward to next week's session on eyes 🙂
👀
@ellyd22 regardless of intention truly amazing how she was so kind and offered hints and tips truly is amazing truly shows that regardless how crazy the world we live in there’s still kind people out there willing to give a helping hand she deserves a thank you from use at CDH for being so kind and helping others out keep use posted on the eyes anther tuff makeup session for most especially myself
Yes ... she was really kind and considerate to me today, and I'll make sure that any future bookings are with her 🙂
I've actually always found eye makeup the easiest part. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because since I paint/illustrate as well as write I get the logic of what goes where? I tend to just break the whole thing down into a pattern of lights and darks, highlights and shadows, and treat it like I'm prepping a canvas and producing two tiny paintings 🙂
Once I've got a better handle on the whole thing I want to get proficient at creating different effects ... that seems as though it could be really good fun! I plan to use Kevyn Aucoin's book 'Making Faces' as a source of inspiration. Now I'm retired I have time to do things like this!
I'll be sure to share any insights the make up artist gives me when I meet her again next week.
Ellie x
@ellyd22 such a glorious time indeed I haven’t experienced much with make up maybe once a year if I’m lucky 🥲 due to life and the busy schedule don’t really allow for it lucky to get a dress on when the timer ticks under stand from your background that indeed could help a steady hand is probably the number one goal I start shacking lol not sure why what’s their to be afraid of truly thanks again for sharing with use keep use posted and truly hope tou have many more wonderful experiences with this sounds like you going to be busy and having such a wonderful time
@erinb Erin, with my dressing being so infrequent I tend to shake with excitement! Not helpful with eyes and nails xx.
@chrisfp99 understandable sounds like the anxiety I had when doing my toe nails for the first time in gel today I look and ask why they won’t wear off lol 😂 didn’t know gel was so powerful nail finisher lol but I get it my heart was beating that night and still today when I see them lol
Nails Inc do some really good gel effect nail polishes that are hard wearing and yet still easy to remove.
I'm not sure whether or not they sell outside of the UK though.
There's some amazing stuff on their website, and the quirkiness of the names appeals to me.
Ellie x
@ellyd22 I used this product called Modelones with a UV light or some type of light to hell dry or set them fast 🤷🏻
Ah ... I've never tried the gel polish with the UV, but I've seen it done. The results are amazing 🙂
@ellyd22 indeed but still today no wear or coming off what so ever definitely a high quality for long lasting not sure on finger nails tho how long they would last I definitely can’t try that be hard to explain to some lol
Erin, I've painted my toenails for a while, I used to do it over 30 years ago but last week was the first time I did them in bright, high gloss red. I smile every time I see them.
Allie x
@alexina great feeling to see when unable to dress for myself just to see them in purple brings a smile to my face do have to hide them tho so been wearing a lot of socks and slip ons after shower and around a others lol
I did the same after the first time I used shiny gold varnish but one day I'd forgotten I had sandals (men's) on and walked to the local shop. I saw one woman look down at my toes, said nothing and no-one else batted an eye!
My problem is any occasion when I need to switch hands. Everything suddenly becomes ten times harder 🙁
@jacquelinelarkspur
Is that based on experience or are you hearing it third hand?
Until recently I'd never really bothered with makeup (other than a few botched attempts over the years).
Although I've dressed full time at home for around 16 years now, makeup has never felt necessary for most of that time. It seemed a pointlessly time consuming thing, as no-one was going to see it.
Now, however, membership of CDH has led to me making friends here and increasingly wanting to go out and about as Ellie. I can't afford to keep having professional makeovers, so my only option is to learn how to do it myself!
And, me being me, I've decided that if I'm going to do that then I'll put a bit of time and effort into learning how to do it properly.
I'm working against the clock a little as I have to get reasonably proficient before an en femme trip to the NW of England in early December.
That's only three weeks away now!
Ellie x
@ellyd22 truly understandable indeed myself never worried about makeup cause ya I’m a closet dresser but I understand your situation indeed hopefully you have a good outing I’m sure your going to look amazing
I'm a bit nervous about 'flying solo' without the support of Tracey Galligan at Femme Side Studios but I'll give it a go!
@ellyd22 may be intimidated but you got this after a few lesson and trials you have it down packed I say may not ge the first time but after a few trial and eras it will all come together I feel for sure
@ellyd22 indeed it dose I still practice dressing definitely in heels I still try to master them
I switched to block heels.
You still get the height, but they're much more stable to walk in.
They're arguably not as sexy as stilettos, but they still look really good with the right outfit!
@ellyd22 truly apologize are block heels also called platforms both my set of heels consist of platforms guess with a 9in heel you need that platform to level things out
What a fantastic day you had Ellie. It’s so nice to hear your success stories. I think makeup is my favorite thing about being a girl. It does so much for the transformation that I can’t stay away from it.
Two nights ago I sat down for some makeup practice, and after a couple of hours of trial and error something just clicked. Prior to that, although I understood what to do it just wasn't coming together.
Now I feel I've had a bit of a breakthrough 🙂
I might end up being an addict.
Ellie x
@ellyd22 it’s our destiny. I know I’m an addict. There’s nothing more rewarding than turning yourself into a pretty woman with makeup.
Ellie, it's lovely that you can be so comfortable with dealing with people in shops. I'm getting there but still feel a little self-conscious sometimes, mostly because of my voice. I'm trying to lift it but I keep forgetting, so if I'm going to exchange more than a few words—yes, no, thank you—I tend not to try so it doesn't change halfway through the conversation, leaving no doubt that there is a man under here. Have you sorted your voice, or don't you bother?
Becca
No, I've never bothered altering my voice. I didn't when out en femme at Pink Punters in September, or Leeds First Friday and the Apollo Theatre in London in October either. Doing that would just make me more self-conscious. I'm sure everyone can see I'm male anyway, as soon as they're close enough!
The 'being comfortable dealing with people in shops' thing only developed after I started going shopping with my sister. First, with her there, I tried on clothes in a couple of charity shop dressing rooms. The next time we went shopping I asked a River Island shop assistant if I could try a skirt on. Then it was working with perfume girls to find the right scent for me. Now I'll do all of these things, and more, on my own.
And on every occasion, even when buying womens' glasses or (as today) trying on makeup, I've been in drab. For some reason it just stopped bothering me. I just tell them I'm trans and get on with it!
Ellie x
@ellyd22 I hardly ever go shopping in drab anymore, Becca has so much more fun; male me just gets bored.
I haven't reached that stage yet.
This will be another of those cases where in a future post I write 'Back in November 2024 I would never even have considered shopping while dressed. Fast forward six months ...'
@ellyd22 I'm sure others would agree with me when I say there is a dichotomy between you being unsure about going out shopping dressed as a woman when you look sooo good, and the fact that you are quite happy to go to a shop in male mode and have the shop assistant demonstrate foundation on you. I obviously do the former, but wouldn't even think about the latter; in fact, I'd be a bit nervous about getting it done while dressed. I certainly wouldn't entertain such a thing as going for a makeup session in drab!
As an aside: I've pretty much got my makeup sorted out now and can do moisturising/priming, foundation, concealer, eye liner, eye shadow, eyebrows, blusher and mascara (why didn't I just say I could do it all?) and I can get it all done (shaving is extra) in about fifteen minutes—damn-sight quicker than a lot of GGs; although my wife is pretty sharp with it. I do have to give a shout out to said wife as without her help and criticism, I would be miles behind where I am now.
It's just that damn voice of mine (mutter, mutter).
Becca
By now it's becoming clear to me that I'll eventually be doing ALL of this in a dress 🙂
It just needs to happen at its own pace.
And for the record, I don't understand me either 🙂
Ellie x
PS. I want to get my makeup routine down to below half an hour. I'd be happy with that!
@ellyd22 I agree Ellie. I'd just feel a bit silly trying to talk in a girly voice. Although my voice is particularly low. For some strange but wonderful reason my new grandson seems to find it very funny xx.
Ooh, interesting! I do alter my voice, though not by too much. My natural voice isn't that deep, so when en femme I just lighten and soften.
Can't see myself going shopping while dressed anytime soon (though there's a story attached to that!).
@jacquelinelarkspur
Can't see myself going shopping while dressed anytime soon (though there's a story attached to that!).
You can't say that and then not tell the story 🙁
@jacquelinelarkspur
*Makes note in diary, underlines it several times in red ink*
I live in the deep south of the US. Our summers tend to be long and our winters short. With such a long span of warm weather. I do a lot of things outdoors. I'm much more careful about sun on my face these days. Just depending on activities, the shade of my face and neck will darken or lighten. It seemed i was always putting on the wrong shade. With the help of MUA I now keep 3 shades of foundation & concealer nearby. The tricky times are afternoons that go into evening dinner. Considering daylight to dinner lights.
I guess this is why its so hard to get it perfect.
I was told yesterday that most women go in for the whole 'skin-matching' process once every four months on average, just to make sure that they keep using the correct shade of foundation. It only takes five minutes, and it's free, so I can see why that's a sensible idea.
I have another appointment booked for February 🙂
I hadn't even considered the whole daylight/artificial light thing.
It's a minefield 🙁
@ellyd22 Yet we are only talking about shades of color and not even considering the infinite number of Brands and Types.
What about an app so I could take a pic of my skin and it would match me to the right makeup? I like someone's comment here to try to match color to one's chest. Makeup I think is the most important skill a girl develops to enhance her appearance. I just now realized Ellie said, "sat down" and spent a couple hours practicing makeup. That I will take to heart - to set up an area so I'm not standing in front of the bathroom mirror. I need a sitting area with good lighting, etc.
Maybe in the basement, actually. Lots of room, spare tables & chairs, I have those grow lights from starting my garden indoors, I can leave it all set up & all spread out. There's no hot water or sink so I'd be working with makeup removal towelettes.
Dani
@danikiss22
I've invested in a makeup mirror with its own lighting - a really neat little thing that's rechargeable, has a separate magnetic magnifying mirror which you can attach to the main one, and which folds away flat for easy transport. It's great, and it wasn't expensive either 🙂
Also, now that I have a clear idea of the order in which I'm going to do things I can assemble all the necessary items first and lay them out in the right sequence.
Ellie x
@ellyd22 Its only been a couple o years since i started wearing M/u. In the beginning i had a MUA help me to make a step by step list of things to do. Its now become sort of a second nature but i still keep it in my M/U bag so i don'taccidently take any shortcuts.
I'd love to see that list! It's something I've been thinking of producing for myself.
Ellie x
