My first purchase

[Guest meganstar]

I bought my first bit of makeup today. Yay!

I was sooo nervous since I'm in guy mode. But I was saved... by the new self-checkout stalls at Wal-Mart!! Of course navigating the makeup isles and meanuvering around the other women there was a little intimidating... well maybe more than a little...

I only bought mascara... the Maybelline One by One Volume Express. I've been watching TheMakeupChair channel on youtube and she recommended this one because of the applicator and the product itself. I love her channel and she has a lot of beginner videos.

I also purchased a small pack of Olay cleaning wipes as I wasn't sure if I could just wash off the mascara with water. The package says it can be washed off with soap and water though.

After buying my things I found a secluded shady spot in the parking lot to check out my very small haul. I was nervous and kept looking around to see if anyone was watching. The brush and mascara came separate so I took the brush out and practiced with it in the rearview mirror.

Three things became immediately apparent to me:

1. This is harder to do than it looks.

2. I can appreciate the need for makeup mirrors.

3. Poking yourself in the eye with the brush hurts... a lot.

I didn't use any mascara as I didn't have time to clean my eyes before getting back to work but it was wonderful just sitting there feeling girly.

I know it's a small thing but I've been trying to find ways to feel femme every day even though I can't go all the way. I wear a small silver anklet under my slacks and I've discovered a new love for toe rings... little things but they get me by for now. :-)

[Guest kyliej]

Yep! That totally parallels my first purchase!

- Rushes into CVS

- OMG how is this even organized?

- Grabs random mascara, eyeliner and lipgloss

- Has to check out with person

- Thinks "Please don't let the security gates go off when I leave"

- Security gates go off

- Tries putting stuff on when at home

- Looks like a clown

But don't worry, it gets easier! I can now walk into anywhere and get what I need without my pulse racing, and I can actually put on a whole face of make up and have it look pretty good. It's all practice, and congrats on your first steps!

[Guest]

Congratulations on the "maiden" shopping spree, Meganstar.

It does get easier with time served.giggle

Huggs,

Joann

[Guest Carla_Davis]

Hi Meganstar,

Congratulations on you 'Maiden Voyage"

Remember, biological women started makeup at a very young age, we NEED to take a cram course to make-up (Pun) for lost time.

Even though I HAVE NOT mastered it yet, I did have a FABULOUS experience with Macy's.

I became friends with the Make-Up manager and she gave me a COMPLETE Make-Over in the middle of the store.

She also told me that as long as I continued to purchase cosmetics from her she would continue to help me.

She also introduced me to her Supervisor.

She even went as far as telling me if I ever have a Special Event to go to she would give me a Complete Make-Over for free.

I am also CURRENTLY looking into SEPHORA'S. They offer a Customized Make-Over Application which is "Basically" free.

The ONLY requirement is that you purchase at least $50.00 worth of Sephora Cosmetics.

I called their HQ, (1-800-SEPHORA) and spoke to the makeup professional and told her that I was a transgender woman and asked if that was a problem and she politely told me No. I even asked her if I could tape record the session because one problem I had a Macy's was that even though the Make-Over was Excellent she went so fast I could not remember everything she taught me. She also told me she didn't see a problem with it. I am also thinking about taking a camera with me and have the Make-Up Professional take photos of me as she completes each step so that I can refer back to it.

I will keep you all informed about adventure to Sephora's,

HUGS,

Carla

[Guest DianeATL]

Congratulations on your first purchase - it parallels what I did too. Then I realized that I was lost so I got a professional make over and instruction from a local MtF who does them professionally. Then I had her consult on what make up, shades and colors, I should use for my skin tone. We then did an initial stock up purchase at the Clinique counter at Macy's to get all of the stuff I needed to stock my own kit with quality products in the right tones (warning $$$$$). With her by my side I wasn't too nervous. I told her not to try to hide the fact it was for me (even though I was boy mode) to the associate and the Clinique person did not bat an eye. Maybe because they were calculating the commission.

I still am no where near proficient yet, but it does get easier. At first I couldn't get eyeliner within an inch of my eye and Saturday night I had no trouble getting right up to the edge. I found some false eyelash kits that included a giant tweezers like tool for holding them to apply the glue and putting them on. That tool made all the difference because with it I can close my eyes and poke it up there and move it into the right place by feel.

Now that I have had some time with my own stuff and on my own, I am scheduling another teaching session to have her watch me and critique me as I do it instead of just letting her put It on me.

I have also found that the little packets of make up remover wipes are fantastic. Especially if you need to wipe it off in a car like you described. Get some packets and keep them handy.

[Guest DianeATL]

Hi Meganstar,

Congratulations on you 'Maiden Voyage"

Remember, biological women started makeup at a very young age, we NEED to take a cram course to make-up (Pun) for lost time.

Even though I HAVE NOT mastered it yet, I did have a FABULOUS experience with Macy's.

I became friends with the Make-Up manager and she gave me a COMPLETE Make-Over in the middle of the store.

She also told me that as long as I continued to purchase cosmetics from her she would continue to help me.

She also introduced me to her Supervisor.

She even went as far as telling me if I ever have a Special Event to go to she would give me a Complete Make-Over for free.

I am also CURRENTLY looking into SEPHORA'S. They offer a Customized Make-Over Application which is "Basically" free.

The ONLY requirement is that you purchase at least $50.00 worth of Sephora Cosmetics.

I called their HQ, (1-800-SEPHORA) and spoke to the makeup professional and told her that I was a transgender woman and asked if that was a problem and she politely told me No. I even asked her if I could tape record the session because one problem I had a Macy's was that even though the Make-Over was Excellent she went so fast I could not remember everything she taught me. She also told me she didn't see a problem with it. I am also thinking about taking a camera with me and have the Make-Up Professional take photos of me as she completes each step so that I can refer back to it.

I will keep you all informed about adventure to Sephora's,

HUGS,

Carla

I think that Sephora is very TG friendly - when Southern Comfort is here in the fall one of the excursions will be a trip to Sephora for make overs and purchases.

I wanted to build a relationship with the Clinique lady at Macy's like you did but when I made my initial purchase a guy was floating and filled in behind the counter. :-( I do think that cosmetics and clothing associates who get paid some on commission would be happy to build a relationship with TG's as long as you are purchasing product from them.

[Guest Zayden]

Congratulations!

I have had to wear makeup on several occasions, although I generally don't any more. Just when I am feeling like doing the full get-up with feminine clothing.

Makeup never seemed to be organized in any way that made sense in the stores.

I only order from Avon now. I require minimal makeup for work as it is a place of business and I do not present as male.

Keep in mind that most girls have grown up with makeup. It's not an overnight thing to learn how to apply things properly, and I know I certainly never mastered it.

Matt

[Guest nomnomnom]

Haha, the heart racing thing. It's literally scary and you feel as if people are going to openly ridicule you or worse.

but really, no one cares. Its funny when you look back on it.

congrats on your first time getting make up. For the first few times, if you have a female friend you know and are out to her, it can be a lot easier and you can spend a lot more time choosing things, including make up and clothes... People will think you're just accompanying her. My ex helped me so much in this but I don't need her help any more, even though she insists and makes me buy more than I need!

[Guest meganstar]

You all make me feel not so alone. :-)

It's nice to know I'm not the only paranoid one in the stores. I'm sure after doing it a few times it won't be so nerve racking. My sister is the only person I have ever come out to and she is really supportive. I might just see if she wants to go on a girls day out shopping. I have heard a lot about Sephora and will definitely be checking them out.

So I went to lunch today and drove to a quiet park I like to hang out at. No one else around and I can sit in my vehicle without worrying about anyone else coming up unexpectedly. I know I'm being paranoid but I prefer to experiment in private.

I got out the mascara and practiced with the brush a few more times... no eye poking. Yay!

So I took the plunge and did up my lashes. Of course not the best job in the world but I think I did decently. I only got a little smudge on my right eyelid but it was small. A couple of my lashed did clump together but my hands were shaking... partly from nerves and partly from excitement. It looked like I was able to get most of the length of the lashes as well.

I was even able to coat my lower lahses a little bit.

I need pratice but it looked fairly good I think. I loved the way my eyes looked. They were huge! And I've been told before that I have naturally long lashes but I didn't realize exactly what that meant until I put the makeup on. They looked really long and pretty...

I was so excited and proud of my work that I took my hair down and tried to tame my bushy eyebrows (yuck!)... I wanted to take a picture of my eyes to show everyone. Then I remembered I had forgoitten my phone at home this morning. :-(

Then I had to cleanup... damn that took forever.

Love to everyone!!!

[VickySGV]

I was lucky in having two sisters, and having two daughters to blame my make-up purchases on. The same makeup mistakes applied to my sisters, my daughters, and me, so my nerves were never quite as raw as they could have been. Having a good friend to help and coach you is the best way though. If people are real snoopy I am sure they can find my make-up disaster photos someplace around the internet, but hey I resemble that remark!!

DianeATL did mention one source for help, and that is at one of the major TG conventions where they will have "shopping tours" and makeup training sessions by some really fantastic people. On September 5th I will be with the SCC group going to the mall for fun as a "big sister".

[tracy_j]

Must admit I started slowly - initially I was using sun screen but changed to moisuriser and foundation (with sun protection) which replaced that giving screening with improvement to my looks (and no stickiness / shinyness of sunscreen). I expanded to include the full works although slowly. Because of this my first purchase was probably fairly nondescript. Also things were not too daunting.

Initially I was nervous on buying but found that staff in stores were helpful. Don't forget that store staff although used to people may be slightly nervous of you too. Other women generally take little notice and generally men don't hang around makeup counters (except for a few buyers).

I have worn makeup openly now for a couple of years and do not generally feel particularly self concious (even though I look male) although I must admit I looked at my cup at work today and wondered about the lipstick stain - deciding that it did not matter as my lipstick although subtle was probably obvious anyway. Lipstick seal would probably sort but does not seem to work well with the heavily moisturising lipstick that I like.

A lot of ideas / guides are available as online videos in the usual places / craft sites and I found them helpful.

I must admit - it is probably my arty side that prompted me to start but I love makeup, maybe more as a relaxing period of pampering that makes me feel good rather more than the end result however it looks.

I would say practice - as others have said - a woman has been using makeup for years and even some of them do not do themselves justice. Do not fear it being less than perfect from time to time - it happens to everyone (at least everyone who does not have continuous professional help) - definatly me. I like light makeup for work (heavy would not be accepted) and slightly heavier at weekend. When I get chance I really like to go to town and try something really vivid although generally private view only haha, but its good practice and you get to know your limits (Ok racoon or clown - good for a laugh but takes some cleaning).

I have digressed a little but perhaps others may find the experience useful.

Anyway - congratulations - I am sure you feel good - I know I have - now you are beginning the interesting journey to co-ordinate many different products - its gets natural - I have found it very rewarding