Jump to content
  • Welcome to the TransPulse Forums!

    We offer a safe, inclusive community for transgender and gender non-conforming folks, as well as their loved ones, to find support and information.  Join today!

My first purchase


Guest meganstar

Recommended Posts

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. :doh1:

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. :-)

Link to comment
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!

Link to comment
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

Link to comment
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.

Link to comment
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.

Link to comment
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

Link to comment
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!

Link to comment
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!!!

Link to comment
  • Admin

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".

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...
  • Forum Moderator

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

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Who's Online   5 Members, 0 Anonymous, 95 Guests (See full list)

    • VickySGV
    • Wasylyna
    • Jordyn1215225
    • MaeBe
    • Andrea D
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      80.5k
    • Total Posts
      767.2k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      11,941
    • Most Online
      8,356

    Miss Cormac
    Newest Member
    Miss Cormac
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. **Angela Charlotte **
      **Angela Charlotte **
    2. Carlie
      Carlie
      (63 years old)
    3. Cbxshawn
      Cbxshawn
      (49 years old)
    4. HannahO
      HannahO
      (31 years old)
    5. JustKatie
      JustKatie
      (40 years old)
  • Posts

    • Sally Stone
      Go Cleveland Guardians!  I love baseball and I loved playing it when I was younger.  
    • Sally Stone
      My view is we are "dependent" on government, because as a society, we are too lazy to stay actively involved. So, we let politicians do our bidding for us.  I think we'd be in a better place government wise if we policed the actions of our politicians.  We elected them; they work for us.  Sadly, we are allowing them to run amok.  We are where we are because we have chosen to let politicians make all decisions without us.  Remember "by the people, for the people?" That was the intent of our democracy.  Today, however, it is "by the politicians, for the politicians," the people be damned. 
    • Mmindy
      "Play Ball! Batter Up!" is the closing line of the National Anthem as far as I'm concerned. It's the call of the Home Plate Umpire and signals the start of the game. I grew up in the TV and Radio broadcast of the St. Louis Cardinals. Harry Caray, Jack Buck, Tim McCarver, and Mike Shannon, were the voices on my transistor radio. KMOX 1120 AM pushing 50,000 watts of Class A clear-channel non-directional signal. It could be picked up all across MO, IL, IN to the East. KS, OK, CO to the West. IA, MN to the North, and KY, TN, AR to the South. There has always been a rivalry against the Chicago Cubs, in the National League. As for the American League, I have to pull for the Kansas City Royals. I've also been a Little League Umpire, and fan of everything the Little League stands for. Going to Williamsport, PA and seeing the Little League World Series is in my top 10 things to do on my bucket list.   Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋
    • Mmindy
      Good evening everyone,   I don't think my mother ever cooked a meal that I didn't like. We also had a kitchen where mom fixed the food, dad filled your plate, and you eat it. It wasn't until our baby brother was born that we could have Pop-Tarts for snacks. Before that all snacks had to meet mom's approval, and in her opinion wouldn't prevent you from eating supper.   Well my day started off on a good note, but has become frustrating because my IT person didn't transfer my saved videos I use for teaching. Then I found out that they didn't save any of my book marks for websites I use frequently.   Best wishes, stay motivated,   Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋
    • MaeBe
      The number is relative to method of deliver, the time of the dose, and when the blood is drawn. However, I do want to keep away from DVT and other potential issues. I assume I may be getting backed down from my current dose, but my doc told me to stick with the higher dose, so? I also wonder if this has anything to do the my breast growth and mental changes that have been happening over the past few years, like I have some estrogen sensitivity so a little goes a long way or something? I don't have enough data to postulate, but who knows!   With weekly, subcutaneous, shots you expect to see big swings of serum level estradiol from shot to peak to trough. My doctor is interested in mid-week testing (for E and T levels only), which would be post-peak blood serum levels but they will be higher than trough. Most, if not all, resources I've seen online is to measure at trough (which I might do just to do it next time) along with a SHBG, LH, and other metrics.   This is from transfemscience.org for Estradiol valerate in oil, which is very spiky compared to some other estradiol combinations. It's also for intramuscular, which will have a slower uptake and is usually dosed in higher volume due to the slower absorption rate from muscles. They don't have subcutaneous numbers, which I would expect to see similar spikes but higher levels at similar doses due to the relatively higher absorption rate direct from fat.   Are you doing pills, shots, or patches? And when you do get your levels checked are you getting that done when your levels are lowest or some other time?
    • Willow
      Both of my parents were from the “North Shore” of Boston.  My mother Lynn and my father Swampscot.  They had an early 1900s Scots-Irish New England diet.  My sister and I were born in the 40s in Ohio well away from New England seafood and in an area where food was more German and Polish.  My first experience with liver and onions was during basic training.  They ate salt cod but never forced us to eat it same with oysters.  My dad ate oysters but my mother wouldn’t.  Anyone who ever ate an oyster can figure that one out.  I grew up eating lamb.  My wife won’t touch it. I love brazed ox tail, again no way. And the list goes on.  
    • KathyLauren
      My mother was German, so yes, I think it was a cultural thing.  If I'd known you when we were cleaning out my mother's place, I could have sent you her "threat jar". 
    • Adrianna Danielle
      Been taking it real easy.Another good neighbor of mine and his 15 year old son came over and cut down a couple dead trees on my property.Knew not to do it taking it easy.I had them put the wood near my fire pit in the back yard.Did it and happy where they put it.They knew I had stents put in and needed to take it easy
    • Ashley0616
      Wow that is a high number for Estradiol good grief! Testosterone levels are better than mine. I don't remember my Estradiol level but testosterone was 80. To me that is really high but it was in the two hundreds the check in before last one. 
    • Ivy
      I don't understand why this would make a difference being a "dad" I mean, as far as how they would grow.
    • Ashley0616
      I don't see why not. I have worn forms since I came out. 
    • MaeBe
      I have never worn breastforms, but I assume as long as they don't aggravate your nipples you could.
    • MaeBe
      Every week I've been excited to take my shot, so it's never been an issue. Yesterday, however, I woke up and started my usual "slow roll" and then suddenly realized I had breakfast plans that I had to rush out the door for. After, it was straight into work calls, and then I got the notification from the doctor about things being too high and all the while my mind had completely slipped that I needed take my shot.   Given that I am not asking for medical advice, but sharing my journey, I will note my results: Estradiol at 447 pg/mL and Testosterone was 23 ng/dL, up and down from 26 pg/mL and 526 ng/dL respectively before treatment. Almost flipped the bit! The doc would like my Estradiol closer to 300 pg/mL, so we'll see what Monday's tests state.   Oh, and I teased the dinner with old soccer teammates and never updated the thread! It went well. There were a couple funny moments. One guy, who I was worried about their response, greeted me with "Hey, you've lost some weight!" 😎 And a friend who lives near me picked me up on the way to dinner exclaimed, after we learned one of the invitees might show up with a date, "Wait! We could have brought women?!" To which I instantly responded, "You kind of did, bringing me!" Everyone got a good laugh out of that. 😁
    • Ashley0616
      To me there isn't that much difference other the measurement, which side the zipper is on and men's pants have bigger pockets. 
    • missyjo
      I hope this is not stupid question..I have yet to start n not sure if doc will approve..but once you start growing buds n such, can you still wear forms to get to the size you were?   I'm a dad, so when I start blossoms they will be smaller for a long time n probably need surgical augmented..that's fine. I don't want to go ddd to aa to ddd..   any ideas?   thank you
  • Upcoming Events

Contact TransPulse

TransPulse can be contacted in the following ways:

Email: Click Here.

To report an error on this page.

Legal

Your use of this site is subject to the following rules and policies, whether you have read them or not.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
DMCA Policy
Community Rules

Hosting

Upstream hosting for TransPulse provided by QnEZ.

Sponsorship

Special consideration for TransPulse is kindly provided by The Breast Form Store.
×
×
  • Create New...