Have you used a transformation service?

[julie marie1]

I considering going to a transformation service for photos or an evening out en femme. Has anyone had experience with this?

[StaceyJane]

I did once. It was a lot of fun and a lot of pictures were taken. The only problem was that it was expensive. Now days I buy my own stuff which now that I think about it is probably more expensive.

[NathalieX66]

Same here. What StaceyJane said.

Transformations are great for newcomers. They will give you the opportunity to see yourself as you never saw yourself before. The thing is after you spent all that money, you will say to yourself "Hey, I can do this myself for a fraction of the price".

Good transformation services will do really good photography, especially if you have less than perfect features like Anne Hathaway or Sofia Vergara.

[Kelly in OC]

Where to look for those transformation services?

[Jennifer Kelly]

Hi, Kelly. I found one in Vegas (via the web, haven't actually been there) called Just You. Used to be part of Glamour Boutique. They do transformations and Vegas tours/ nights out en femme. They also have a store. I may visit them when I'm in Sin City over Memorial Day weekend. Just the store part. My calendar is too packed (and my wallet too empty) to go the full nine. Someday though.

Also a CD blog I follow mentioned a place called Gina's Transformations in Los Angeles.

[Rhonda Ann]

Sometimes I get on here at just the right time, and tonight is one of those times. I have always been wanting to go to a transformation service, but didn't know where to start. I'm planning a trip to California this year, not sure of exact date, but when I do I was planning on going to a transformation service. Now I know where to look. Thanks Julie for asking the question and to everyone that responded. I'll have to keep taps on this thread and see what others have to say.

[noeleena]

Hi,

Had i known about them some 15 years ago i may have looked at it then, though we dont have any with in 135 miles .

the best i did was do my own makeup & clothes & Jos would say what was good or not , as to makeup i went 135 miles up the road to our biggest makeup shop. & got to know the people there & had makeup done two times which was good .

as to photos. no never did that the better way of saying it is im better behind the camara takeing pic's of others than haveing mine taken,

...noeleena...

[Jennifer Kelly]

Glad I could help, Rhonda.

[JamieG]

I think transformation services have varying quality. I highly recommend Amanda Richards of True Colors in Pennsylvania. She's an amazing makeup artist and photographer, and understands the needs of the TG community because she is one of us. I have done three transformation photoshoots and taken one makeup lesson from her. You can see the results in some of my threads in the pictures section. Lot's of other members have been to Amanda too, and I've yet to hear anyone be disappointed with the results.

[Beverley Sims]

I haven't but I highly recommend them as they can teach a beginner so much.
As well you gain confidence.

[Melissa Rose]

Depending on your experience level and expectations, you will find most transformation services to be worth the cost to highly over priced. It also depends on what type of results you are expecting and the services offered. In general, the lower your experience level, the more you get out of it. Even the most basic ones usually start at $200-300 and can go up rapidly as you add more services such as better quality or more pictures, photo refinishing, and escorting you on for an evening out. Definitely research what you are getting for your money since there is a lot of variation in services offered and quality, and you may have other costs such as travel, meals and lodging.

For those on the West Coast, the established transformation services with a track record I am aware of are The Emerald Fantasy in Seattle, WA and Carla's Boutique in San Jose, CA in addition to the previously mentioned Just You in Las Vegas, NV.

IMHO, I would take the money spent on a transformation service and invest it differently. Find a good makeup artist and spend $50-100 on makeup lessons. Alternatively, schedule a private appointment at MAC (or similar makeup counter with a similar service) for a make over. MAC requires you to spend a minimum $50 on product in exchange for the makeover, but you will easily spend $100. You will be given a basic instruction sheet and you also get to leave with product so the make up lesson was free. Find a photographer trying to break into the business since their rates are usually lower, or find a local photography club with someone who wants to practice taking portraits. Offer them $50-100 for their services. For example, there is a MeetUp group in my area that specializes in glamour photography so it would be a potential great source for a willing photographer. If you are looking for an escort for a night out, find and join a local TG group. It is usually not difficult to find someone who would accompany you especially if you offer to pay for dinner or drinks. This all takes more work on your part, but you gain so much more such as learning about makeup and making friends. The money you spend becomes an investment in yourself.

I used a transformation service in 2009 and was happy with the results. However, looking back, it was quite expensive for what I received on a tangible level especially since I supplied my own clothes. In 2010, I found an advanced amateur photographer who was trying to start a business. So I did my own makeup and clothes, and I did a series of sessions with her for $40 / hour. In 2011, I did the same thing, but used a semi-professional photographer who is a friend of mine and met via the local TG group. I'm not trying to derail the thread or make it about me, but below I have posted a picture from each of the sessions for comparison purposes. IMHO, I do not think it is easy to conclusively determine which session each picture is from (which is the point of posting them).

I am not saying in any way, not to use a transformation service or they are not worth it since that is a personal value assessment. I am saying do your research, know what to expect and what you really want from the experience, and think about alternatives that may be a much better value in the long run. If you have never been nicely made up and gotten great pictures, it is hard to beat what a good transformation service can give you if you are willing to pay the cost.

[stacycoral]

Yes i have had makeovers by both services in Denver,CO, it does make you feel great, one of them went out with me, and show me the town, to be in public as a woman is too much fun, being treated has a woman is even better, and having being call Miss, raising your spirit to new highs, it does cost money, but at least once it worth it. Check out the people that you want to take you out and do the makeover, Good luck and have a wonderful time with it, We will be all waiting to hear about your fun time during makeover time. hugs

[Maria S]

I went to a UK transformation service once and as previously said they are very expensive for what you get.

Maria

[NV Susan]

Hi Julie, when I lived in Vegas I used Glamour Boutique a few times. They always did a wonderful makeover. I always liked having someone do my makeup, just relaxing but exciting anticipating the outcome!!

[michellecd9999]

Oh yes and I highly recommend Phoebe Cross in Atlanta. http://phoebecross.com/
She gave me my first makeover in 2004 and I have had others since. it is also like a counceling session to be able to talk to someone face to face about CDing. It is also nice to have so many clothes and wigs and to have a good makeup job.

[Tara Beth]

A few years ago I visited Ramona Dunlap in Atlanta and had a wonderful time. Unfortunately, she passed away in late 2011 I believe. I couldn't recommend her services enough.

[Connie D50]

Julie

My best nights out is after a makeover it always makes me feel better about myself and it's fun toooooo.

Connie

[oliviall]

I have used Just You in Las Vegas several times and usually go on their outings each month. I have spent obscene amounts of money on this but I am learning on my own and will someday take off my training wheels I am getting there. I just have very high expectations yet need lots of sleep

[Noel Chimes]

Had my very first makeover last year in Chicago at Transformations by Rori. She did a fantastic job and sent my confidence through the roof. I would recommend that before you go, call, e-mail, or go and ask questions. Do your homework. Ask the ladies here who they have used and how do they feel about the results.

[insearchofme]

Until I went to Janet's Closet for a makeover I had never really seen what I could look like. I had tried a few times to transform myself, but with no instruction I'm sure I looked like what I was, a boy in a dress with some badly applied makeup. Eventually the internet came into being and I discovered that there were places that catered to crossdressers and, believe it or not, there was one such p[lace not to far from me. After several months of lurking on the web I got up the courage to go for a makeover. I took nothing with me the first time. Janet's supplied everything I needed (I had to buy the panties and pantyhose) and the makeup was professionally applied and they helped me pick out an outfit. When she was done and I looked in the mirror I couldn't believe what I saw. I was hooked and now I regularly go for a makeup application. I have amassed a wardrobe so I don't need to use their outfits. I guess at some point I will try to do the whole thing myself, but until then I either go there for a full makeup application or go out with minimal makeup that I have applied myself.

Here is a picture from my first makeover:

I had the same experience at Janet's. Loved it so much I went back. My avatar is from the first make over.

[janet p]

I've was going to Just You(glamour boutique)for years and even just to visit and talk to Amy. She and the other girls that work for her are great and reasonably priced. My picture was taken there so you can see some of their magic.

[HannahF6]

I went to a transformation service one time only. It was in Vancouver, British Columbia, and it was absolutely great. It was the first time I actually got out in a public place in daylight and was just accepted as another woman. Most importantly I learned such a lot about make-up and finding the right clothes for my body type. It really was a profound experience, one might say a transforming experience. Sorry abut that girls.

Hannah

[Sarah C.]

I haven't used a transformation service, per se, but I have done a boudoir photo session where the photographer (who is also the hair stylist and make-up artist) got me totally prepped for the session. You can read all about it here - http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/......&highlight=

I have to say it was one of the best experiences of my CD life!

Cheers,
Sarah

[mikiSJ]

I like to add to Melissa's advice, with a slightly different take. I think a lot of us girls would have a lot more confidence if we knew our presentation was realistic and not something we quessed at. I did get a makeover and images taken at Carla's in San Jose last January and it was a thoroughly enjoyable visit and Aejaie was very helpful and made me feel very comfortable.

The River City Gems are having an anniversary party this weekend I am enlisting the services of a makeup professional who has recently joined the RCG's group to do my makeup and hair Saturday afternoon.

Melissa's advice for going to a MAC or Sephora storefront is really great, but if you are timid (and I certainly am) about being out en femme, then having someone do your makeup in the openness of a store is more than many of us could get the courage up to do.

BTW, if you ever get to meet Melissa, she is gorgeous!!!!!

[Paula T]

3 times in the last few years. Once I took the bull by the horns so to speak and went enfemme except no makeup to Ulta cosmetics. It was great fun and i felt so good I went shopping afterwards. The last one was for new years eve and it was the best one I have had (my opinion). Then went out for new years eve revelry. Got lots of compliments on my new look. The last one was to a makeover party put on by the same gurl that did my NYE makeover. You have all heard or read the saying "for a good time call xxx xxxx" well in my opinion having a professional makeover is one of the most fun things to do enfemme with your clothes on I recomend it very much.