TV Dreams

Images from a Trans Femme makeover and photoshoot

Cosmetics

Cosmetics are the more awkward items to buy when shopping in male mode. And I know I feel very uncomfortable if I have to do this.

For a start I never buy cosmetics in my home town, and I even find shopping elsewhere an ordeal - although the further from home the easier it does become.

Mind you, when shopping in Tesco's with a couple I came out to in 2001, she, Helena, gave the game away, but I reckon the sixteen year old lad serving me was more embarrassed.

I was just purchasing a few bobbles and those large clips that hold your hair up - a lovely tortoiseshell colour - when the assistant commented something about having to do the wife's errands. Helena immediately turned round quick as a flash and put the lad right, "Oh no, they're for him, Rachel".

A momentary look of puzzlement crossed his eyes before a subtle shade of pink coloured his cheeks, and Helena went of chortling... bless her.

Anyway, I digress. There are several alternatives a TGirl can consider when it comes to Cosmetics shopping.

Of course, there may be others, so if you think of any do let me know by using the feedback form - thanks.

Support Group Evenings: You will need to get in touch with a group to find out when they are holding a cosmetics demonstration. In my experience, they will welcome additional guests, because they want the numbers up to make it worthwhile for the demonstrators to come again. Check out the Support Groups page.

You will probably find the the make-up tends to be for the transgendered market, dermablend which is a beard cover and if you are blessed with a good complexion you may not need the level of camaflage, but worth a visit even if you don't buy.

Mail Order: If you know what you're looking for this is a very convenient method. I try to establish what combinations the models are wearing and have spent many an hour pouring over my partner's Avon catalogue with great success.

TV Specialist shops: Be careful is all I can say - check out prices to get a feel for what is expensive and what is not. There are some very handsomely priced goods available to the less commercially astute TGirl.

On the other hand, some can provide excellent advice in a very non-embarrassing environment. Perhaps more suited to the TGirl taking her first steps.

Of course if you know other TGirls you can get advice from they can help you wise-up if you know what I mean.

Theatrical costumiers: I have only ever shopped in an establishment like this once. Walked in, said I wanted to choose a panstick, the guy looked at me, said, "Number 4!," and another assistant served me - he was spot on!

It was somewhere like Oldham St. in Manchester, but don't blame me if there isn't an Oldham St. in Manchester or it's the wrong address! I may track it down again and put right any errors - don't hold your breath...

Virgin parties: No, you know, Richard Branson. Just thought an enterprising TGirl might have started up this party system - let me know if you have. Perhaps not one of my better ideas?

Asking the partner: Depending on your situation this may appear to be even worse! Depends on if she/he knows! My partner tends to dismiss my efforts at colour co-ordination but leaves me to flounder, so I am still learning the hard way - but for some it really works.

I knew a TGirl (Steve, yes he didn't believe in femme names) who blossomed when his new partner started helping out with his make-up - absolutely stunning, next time I saw him I went totally green!

In conclusion: There's a lot of trial and error involved when you go it alone, but just remember that with experience results will improve.