You have booked in for your very first crossdresser makeover at a transgender conference. Do you need to do any preparation? What should you bring? Should you let the makeup artist do their own thing or should you give guidance on the look you want? Our resident Glamour Boutique makeup artist is getting ready for the re-opening after 2 years of the Keystone CD/TG Conference and we ask her for her tips to newbies when having a first professional makeover.
Q: Do you have recommendations for any crossdresser or transgender lady about to have their first makeover with a professional makeover artist?
A: “Yes, absolutely. Think about the event you will be attending after the makeover and what time of day it will be. Have some ‘looks’ you like stored on your phone as a reference to show the makeup artist. The more advance research you do the more you will get out of the makeover. Make sure you do your homework on the person doing your makeover. Try to see their work beforehand and make sure they have worked on trans-girls. It’s not the same as working on a genetic girl.”
Q: Is there any planning a first-timer should do in advance?
A: “If you have an outfit/outfits including wigs that you have in mind to wear share this with your makeup artist in advance. Send him/her pictures of what you would like to be wearing. If possible send a picture or two of your face in either, girl or guy mode. As a makeup artist this gives me an idea about style and color so I’m already formulating ideas about how to feminize your face before you even meet me. Some girls have a favorite lipstick color and so include little gems of information like that in advance to to help feed the creative process. I find the best sessions I have are the one’s where I collaborate with the client. She gives me background and ideas and then I seek to add to that and inspire the client to look the very best they can.”
Q: Before the makeover starts should the client have done any preparation to the face and skin?
A: “It may sound obvious but please arrive to your makeup session clean shaven. If you moisturize with an oil-free moisturizer that will be a big plus in helping your makeup stay on longer. The closer the shave the better the makeup will go on. If possible, please arrive with no or very little makeup applied. I start with a soothing cleanse so as long as you are clean shaven we are good to go.”
Q: Would you recommend a different makeover and colors depending on daytime or evening event?
A: “For daytime makeup I always recommend neutral shades and a lighter application for a more subtle look. The more light you are exposed to the more subdued the makeup needs to be and also has to be applied with a light touch. For the large conventions/conferences and particularly the evening events we can be more dramatic and use bold colors with the choice of mascara and even dark lip colors. This is the time to ask your makeup artist to use the latest effects and colors you have seen being worn by your favorite Hollywood star, for example. Again, inform the makeup artist in advance about the event and how bold or not you want your makeup to be, without being ‘draggy’.”
Q: Do you have recommendations on how to stay cool to help the makeover last all day/night?
A: “Great question! At the transgender conferences many girls want the last appointment before the main event of the evening so they can go straight from the makeup to the event. If you have your appointment hours before the main event just take care to stay relaxed and cool so you don’t undo all the hard work. Just know that I and any professional will do all we can with products and techniques to make the makeup last, including the use of primers, powders and finishing spray. I do recommend you keep a small translucent powder in your clutch so that you can apply throughout the day/night. It helps soak up excess oil/moisture and also sets the makeup. If you clutch is really small then a pocket pressed powder will also work. Don’t forget your lipstick so you can re-apply as needed. Also, keep your hands away from your face. This is easier said than done but really is the key to maintaining your great makeover. Each time you touch your face you will smudge the makeup so don’t do it girl!”
Q: Any last tips for first-timers having their first professional crossdresser makeover?
A: “Above all you must enjoy the whole process and the pampering. You are giving your female self a wonderful gift and you should really love being transformed by a professional. Try to be well-prepared and arrive on time especially if attending a conference. If you are late then you will make the next appointment late. Give the makeup artist honest feedback. If you don’t like something then tell them so they can correct it. We are only interested in you looking and feeling your very best femme self.”
Thanks Genna, they are all great tips. You can read lots more makeup tips in the Crossdressing Tips Blog and if you are ever in the tri-state then book Genna or Vikki at the Glamour Boutique showroom for a crossdresser makeover in Fairfield, NJ, just 40 minutes from NYC.
To book a makeover, call 1-973 226 5588 or email info@glamourboutique.com.