Transformation Experiences?

[evadan]

Hello Ladies,

I'm hoping to do a transformation photo shoot around my birthday. I'd like to hear from those of you who have done one.




Where did you have it done? what studio, etc?
Was it reasonably priced?
What did they provide?
Did you bring your own clothes? Wigs? Shoes? Anything else?
What was the process or routine?
How long did it take? Make up? changing clothes? photo shoot?
Did you enjoy it?
Would you do it again?

Was your SO involved?


Did anyone have a bad experience?
Anything ease I should have asked or you would like to add?


Thanks in advance for your responses!

Eva D.

[Kelly DeWinter]

Hello Ladies,




Where did you have it done? what studio, etc?
True Colors Makeup Artistry www.truecolorsmakeup.com
Was it reasonably priced?
Yes, very much so
What did they provide?
Everything - you do not need to bring anything but yourself.
Did you bring your own clothes? Wigs? Shoes? Anything else?
With subsequent sessions, I brought some of my own outfits.
What was the process or routine?
Just sit back and relax, Amanda will walk you through everything.
How long did it take? Make up? changing clothes? photo shoot?
Amanda is flexible on options its up to you.
Did you enjoy it?
Very much, Have had many photo sessions there. Planning for another soon.
Would you do it again?

Was your SO involved?
Yes, on several occasions Jeannie has accompanied me, and we even have photos together, Jeannie also had her makeup done, and loved it


Did anyone have a bad experience?
I did not, cannot speak for others
Anything ease I should have asked or you would like to add?
Bring your favorite music, eat lightly and dont stare at the photos while driving home.


Thanks in advance for your responses!

Eva D.
Bring your favorite music, eat lightly and dont stare at the photos while driving home.

[Anita Cosmolover]

I've had two transformations and they were incredible! I'd never worn a wig or had full makeup applied before so it was very much a huge thing for me to brave up and do this. It's almost like therapy in a way - to release one's true inner self, if only for a short period of time.

I live in Melbourne, Australia and I found a divine lady called Celeste who helped me release my inner "Cosmo Girl". The first session was a lingerie shoot with me wearing some of my lingerie and breast forms, plus some additions provided by Celeste including high heals and a wig. I brought along Cosmopolitan cover posters plus a few of my fav Cosmo's to complete the desired effect for the shoot. Celeste had me pose a number of ways and it was amazing to at least pretend for a little while I was a Cosmo lingerie model!

The second session Celeste had me wear a couple of different dresses. It was more a morning coffee and Cosmo party! I'd never worn a dress before so this was pretty exciting! I had limited myself to wearing just lingerie in the past, so Celeste was pushing me further into expressing the real inner Cosmo Girl! Each session went for two hours. No, my SO wa definitely not involved sadly - she'd probably divorce me if she knew about it! I will definitely do this again - perhaps a once a year treat for myself and my inner Cosmo Girl! Perhaps I may brave up enough for Celeste to dress and make me up so I can venture out publically - go shopping, etc. That would be a thrill!

[Ninna]

I've never done, in Mexico there is a studio called TV glam, but I 've never been there, but I have wanted to try someday! asugurate to show the pretty pictures darling!

[alwayshave]

Eva,

I went to true colors in Bethleham PA, which is about 3.5 hours from DC.
I think I paid $225, but it was three years ago, so the exact price I have forgotten.
Amanda provided everything.
I brought my own shoes.
Amanda put me in undergarments and robe, did my makeup, picked a wig, clothes and then did the photo shoot. I did three separate outfits.
The transformation and photos took about 4.5 hours.
I enjoyed it greatly.
I would do it again.
My fiancee came with and helped pick out outfits and wigs.
No bad experience here.

Jamie

[Krisi]

I have never had this done and probably never would, but I think I would prefer to bring my own clothes and wig and then, after the photos, spend the rest of the day and evening as Krisi, walking around town, shopping, dining, etc.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Eva, That's really something that I should add to my bucket list. :daydreaming:

[flatlander_48]

I visited a woman who is a semi-retired makeup professional (Phoebe Cross) who lives outside of Atlanta. Her facility, if you will, is a converted 2 car gargage with an upstairs. She charges $125 for a makeover and photos, but her converted garage also has an apartment and is her clothes storage. You can hire the apartment for an overnight or a weekend. I was looking for makeup advice and techniques and to see what I looked like when fully dressed. She was very helpful in explaining the how's and why's behind what she was doing. I brought my own clothes, shoes and undergarments, but she has a TON of stuff: dresses, skirts, blouses, lingerie, shoes, etc. I did 2 changes each time, and all were my clothes except for one. I also didn't own a wig at the time, so we picked out one of hers. The $125 deal is all-inclusive for 3 hours. We spent maybe half of the time on makeup as we discussed every step. The rest was spent dressing and taking photos. The photos were good, but she'll be the first to tell you that photography isn't her strong suit.

I enjoyed it. It was a grest experience and Phoebe is great fun. She is very non-judgemental and is very confident in her work. She did makeup for movies and stage for many years. She takes the time to discuss where things are for her clients and what their goals are. She is one of those people who would be interesting to know ever if she wasn't doing makeovers. I've visited Phoebe twice and may again in a couple of months. It is more a function of happening to be in the Atlanta area.

My wife did not go with me as I leveraged business trips both times. However, she knew about everything and we looked at the photos when I got back.

Attached is a photo that Phoebe took. It was the 2nd time as I had my own wig by then. All clotes are mine.

DeeAnn

[Kaze_]

I'm curious as well.

I'd like to experience a transformation makeover one day, preferably far from home.

[JamieG]

I'm also another True Colors fan. Have had three full makeover photoshoots, bought a wig once, had makeup lessons once, and had just a makeover once. My wife attended the makeover, but we've have talked about doing a photoshoot together sometime.

[Sometimes Steffi]

Where did you have it done? what studio, etc?

I'm another "Amanda Girl"

Was it reasonably priced?

I thought so. Makeover, 4 outfits, over a hundred pictures. Best money I ever spent on CDing. My profile pic is by Amanda

What did they provide?

Amanda provided makeup, including false eye lashes, 2 of my four outfits, corset, jewelry, multiple wigs, shoes

Did you bring your own clothes? Wigs? Shoes? Anything else?

I did, but mostly I didn't have to.
I wore my own undies, put on fake nails and painted them and brought some of my favorite clothes for pictures.
She had plenty of clothes, so I brought mine only because I wanted to. I'm not sure about the rest.

What was the process or routine?

One hour for makeover
Pick out outfit, dress, add jewelry, change makeup (mostly lipstick and eye makeup), take a bunch of pictures, repeat.
Take off makeup

How long did it take? Make up? changing clothes? photo shoot?

Makeover - 1 hour
Dress, pics, about an hour each.

Did you enjoy it?

As I said, best money I ever spent.

Would you do it again?

I have, many times, at Keystone (with Amanda, and others) and elsewhere

Was your SO involved?

LOL, she was out of town, and i told her I had business in PA

Did anyone have a bad experience?

No

Anything ease I should have asked or you would like to add?

Enjoy yourself


If you're near DC, you might want to schedule a makeover with Beth

http://makeoverswithelizabethtaylor.com/

She's a great friend and supporter of the LGBT community

Tell her I sent you.

[chinabrown]

Lydia's in Sherman oaks California ,Jim bridges and glamour boutique.
Spent $100.00 on each place but I purchased $$$$ worth of stuff.
I still use the techniques today and have the photos that look great.

[nicolelovescrystal]

I would luv to do this as well. I have come across a handful of transformation services in Atlanta ( about 2.5 hours away from me) and am seriously contemplating doing it. I think I would probably learn so much, not to mention how much fun it should be!

[JeanetteX]

I'm thinking of doing this as well in the near future. Not sure when as have to save up some money first but I cant wait to finally have makeup applied in a proper way!!! Good luck with your shoot Eva, please let us know how it all went

[Meghan4now]

Full up makeover was fantastic

Amy at Just You in Vegas
It was a little pricey, but complete, so to me worth every penny. She offers reasonable prices for just makeovers as well.
Amy provided EVERTHING from top to bottom, multiple outfits to chose from, photos in more than one outfit.
At the end, I got to keep a full outfit, lingere, shoes, wig, earing bracelet, lipliner, and she gave me show tickets!
It was every bit of 2.5 hours, picking outfit, makeover, photos.
In the top ten best experiences in my life.
I would definitely do it again, but maybe with my own outfits. Splurge on a special occasion.
My wife wasn't there during the process, but we went out on the town after. It was a gift from her.
The only bad thing was I was almost late. I posted a thread about the experience.
You may be nervous at first, but that's ok, it adds to the unbelievable rush of the experience.

My profile and avatar are from the shoot. A picture is worth a thousand words. I couldn't stop smiling.

[Kandi Robbins]

As has been noted here, you cannot go wrong and will get full value for every dollar spent at True Colors in Bethlehem, PA. I was there back in March and spent $250 for 6 hours of pure fun. You can take a look at my Flickr page listed below in my signature and it is rather obvious Amanda's work. I did four different outfits and each time looked like a completely different girl. I could hang each one of those pictures in our living room and no one would suspect they are pictures of me. I do not have the superlatives to let you know how wonderful Amanda is and how life changing the experience will be!

[Molly James]

Hi everyone. Well this a question / set of questions that I've been thinking of posting myself albeit with experiences & recommendations from the UK girls. So Eva, I hope you do go for your pampering trip & that you really enjoy it. And to any UK girls reading this thread who've been for make-up & photo shoots etc, I'd love to hear from you.
GiGi

[Flowergirl]

I had always wanted to do a transformation type makeover, but by the time I got to the point that I was ready to do it, I already had everything I needed except for the makeup skills. The cheap part of me wasn't wiling to pay to borrow someone else's clothes and accessories when I already have my own...my solution was to go to a MAC studio and get a makeover. I was thrilled with both the experience and the result. The cost for my first makeover was $50(not counting the $300 worth of makeup I bought after the makeover). I later learned that generally you can get a "free" makeover if you purchase $50 worth of products. The day I received my first makeover there was some big event going on and they were nearly booked solid for the entire day, so I assume that is why I was charged the $50 makeover fee. I am not sure which I enjoyed most...the result of the makeover or the act of getting a makeover in a women's makeup store. All in all it was a spectacular experience the I have since repeated about 5 times this year. And to answer your other question about the SO's involvement, yes, my wonderful wife was present for all of them, although she was also treated to makeovers each time as well.

Miranda

[Genny B]

I enjoy getting a makeover before one of the local events us girls gather at! I see Beth, which Steffi already recommended! I have already made an appointment for the 19th of September before the next local event and am counting the days! It's like Cinderella! Do it!

Genny B

[Sometimes Steffi]

As has been noted here, you cannot go wrong and will get full value for every dollar spent at True Colors in Bethlehem, PA. I was there back in March and spent $250 for 6 hours of pure fun. You can take a look at my Flickr page listed below in my signature and it is rather obvious Amanda's work. I did four different outfits and each time looked like a completely different girl. I could hang each one of those pictures in our living room and no one would suspect they are pictures of me. I do not have the superlatives to let you know how wonderful Amanda is and how life changing the experience will be!


I loved your Amanda pictures. You looked awesomely beautuful, and a real change from some of the DIY pictures.

I'm still too chicken to post my pictures on Flickr, because once they're out there, they're out there.

I also did the wedding photos, maybe even with the same dress and flowers. I can't say enough about Amanda.

[ShriekCassandra]

I'd really love to see what a pro artist could do for me with a full makeover, a flattering hairstyle and a good set of duds. Sadly I'd still probably be too afraid to have photos taken or be willing to look at them if I did for fear that I still wouldn't be pleased enough with the end results. Damn BDD.

[evadan]

Hey Ladies,

Thank you for all the responses! Somehow I'm going to do one. My wife is very supportive. Hopefully, she won't think a make-over shoot is too far out there. I'm not far from DC, so I may need to book with Beth.

Keep the comments coming.

Thanks again,

Eva D.

[claire1d]

After trying in vein to answer the unanswerable question as to why do I want to wear women clothes, I decided to just try a full transformation. I had never worn a wig, makeup or a full outfit before.

I went to "My Changing Room" www.mychangingroom.com in Boston to see Natasha. This was an experience I will never forget. Talk about pink fog after that.... :violin:
What a great feeling to experience full makeup; her studio provides everything, you just need to be willing to explore her collection of clothes, wigs, shoes , forms, jewelry.
It was like finding inner peace, I don't think I stopped smiling for a few days after that experience.

[jillnjcd]

Lady Ellen is great. Better than phoebe. But I can't resist phoebe when I am in Atlanta. Lady Ellen is in nj. Have had about 5 makeovers and photos. Well worth it

[Tania]

I have gone to Victoria Sinclair in Portland. I have gone twice, and wish to go a third time, but it is a bit of a hike and have'nt made it back. Maybe this fall, hopefully. A wonderful experience for someone who wishes to remain closeted.

[lacey.manin]

Hi Ladies,
I am in Toronto, Canada. Does anyone know any transformation services in Toronto?
I did an online search and found Wildside (http://www.wildside.org/services_transformations.php), but I am not sure how good their service is. Based on what I read on the website I was not impressed.
Look forward to hear your responses.
Cheers
Michelle

[Christina Page]

Back in 2000, I had a makeover and photo session in L.A. It was with a makeup artist turned photographer that worked with CD's on the weekend. I have never looked better than that day. Later in the evening we both went to the Queen Mary Lounge together. I wish I could remember his name to order reprints.

[lacey.manin]

Dear Christina,
That sounds wonderful! I am looking for a similar experience.
I think there are very few true makeup artists that are willing to work on CDs and much fewer who actually do a good job.

[SweetVicky]

Hi girls....does anybody knows of a place in South Miami? Thank you!!!

[lacey.manin]

Hi girls....does anybody knows of a place in South Miami? Thank you!!!

I found this online:
http://tradingfacesorlando.com/#

[Lyla]

I would rather spend the time to learn how to dress my self, rather then go to some strangers house.

[lacey.manin]

Lyla hon,
I have been CDing for quite some time now. But still can't get the make-up quite right. So professional services work.
Unless you want to share your secret recipes.


I would rather spend the time to learn how to dress my self, rather then go to some strangers house.

[Luciana Vitale]

Hi girls....does anybody knows of a place in South Miami? Thank you!!!

hi Vicky... let me know if you find one!!!

[daphne_L]

How about any recommendations in the St. Louis area? I desperately want to get some makeup coaching!

[Sometimes Steffi]

Daphne

Depending on your level of bravery, you can go to a department store, like Macy's or Nordstrom's, MAC, Sephora, Ulta or Merle Norman.

I went to MAC for a makeup lesson. They had s private room in back, which cost me more, but it was private. MAC will also do a mini-makeover for free. I had my eyes done once when I was in full femme, in the public session. I think the MA had as much or more fun than me.

[dawn-sussex]

Hi everyone. Well this a question / set of questions that I've been thinking of posting myself albeit with experiences & recommendations from the UK girls. So Eva, I hope you do go for your pampering trip & that you really enjoy it. And to any UK girls reading this thread who've been for make-up & photo shoots etc, I'd love to hear from you.
GiGi

Hi Gigi - I had a transformation just last week,at Translife in Brighton - my first experience of a "proper" makeover though I've been dressing for 50+ years. Sophie (aka Andrew) the owner welcomed me made me feel totally at home, asking what I wanted to achieve from the afternoon, what sort of look I wanted, what clothes to wear etc over a cup of tea! While doing the makeup, she explained what she was doing, what products she was using and where to highlight and cover up the various features of my face, along with other tips and techniques (she is apparently an ex-theatre makeup artist). The makeup took just over an hour and then she showed me the selection of clothes, underwear, shoes etc., and left me alone to dress myself. I then went out into the sitting room, where I sat and chatted with Sophie, her wife and another guest, while Sophie took photos.
It was all very relaxed, and nice to talk to others about our common interest! After a couple of hours, I had to leave and was charged just £85 for the whole experience. Totally worthwhile, and I would think the first of may visits!:)

Highly recommended and really good to chat to others in a relaxed way.

[flatlander_48]

I was in Atlanta again to visit my son and attend to Petit LeMans weekend at Road Atlanta. After 3 very soggy days at the race track, I did the overnight with Phoebe Cross (who I mentioned earlier).

In another part of the forum I mentioned that I will be the Mistress of Ceremonies for an entertainment event put on by our affinity group at work. I had narrowed my outfit choices from 5 to 2 and wanted to enlist Phoebe's help to evaluate those 2. I also wanted her to do my makeup with the DERMABLEND products I'm currently using and pick up any pearls of wisdom she might offer. Anyway, it was a successful visit on all accounts.

I brought the 2 outfits, a pair of shoes, wig, possible scarves and jewelry and full undergarments, including hose. I laid both of them out and we discussed the relative merits. Oddly enough, she selected the outfit that I had basically envisioned several months ago when the idea first occured to me about volunteering to be the MC.

I got partially dressed and Phoebe did her thing. Over the past several months, I think I've been doing a reasonable job of using the makeup techniques I've learned from her, but I never did much for my eyes beyond applying mascara. However, this time I will try to emulate what she did regarding eye shadow and a few other things.

I finished getting dressed and did the jewelry. Phoebe did the wig as I cannot put it on by myself. I was very pleased with the result! It works out to be what Eddie Izzard called Executive Transvesite (silly Hu-Man!). We did a number of photos of this outfit. All of this was about 3.5 hours, total, and concluded Phoebe's part.

With the overnight, you have full run of the apartment and use of all of the clothes, shoes, undergarments, etc. Phoebe also has tripods so I changed into the other outfit and did self-timed photos. I changed into other casual clothes I brought, took some more photos.

I brought food, so I cooked a later dinner, watched TV and ate. I also brought some champagne which gave the whole evening a very pleasant glow. Afterwards I checked her clothes storage and found some interesting things to try on the next morning.

After breakfast, I tried on a few things that I had found previously and took some photos. I fell in love with a particularly badass pair of tan leather pants!! I think I'm developing a thing for leather...

DeeAnn

[Cheryl James]

I can second everything that Flatlander said with respect Phoebe Cross. Regarding cost: At my wife's insistence a few years ago, I visited with a therapist several times at, $150/hour. The $200, or so, that I paid Phoebe for about 4 hours was 100 times as valuable to me. Of course, two people were disappointed by my point-of-view. The therapist lost the $150/hr and my wife was disappointed that I had not been "fixed". If you are ever in the Atlanta area, she lives about 25 miles south of ATL, I would encourage you to visit her, if this something that you want to do.

One note about how non-judgmental Phoebe is: Upon arriving (I had dressed at my hotel) she offered me a coke and we sat and talked for 15-20 minutes. She asked about me and told me some things about herself. I was comfortable immediately. After our chat she said, "All right, let's get started. TAKE OFF YOUR CLOTHES." If there was moment when someone might have backed out, it would have been then. But, I had committed to this and, though thinking, wow, this is really happening, I did as she asked. Within the time it took to remove my top and skirt, I was standing before someone I did not know in my bra and panties (and I was tucked). She had me remove my bra and put a larger sized bra on my along with breastforms (I,typically) do not use forms. I, then, stood there for what seemed to be an eternity (probably 2-3 minutes) while she did something else. I can't adequately describe with words the feelings that I had at that moment, but I do remember it being amazing.

[daphne_L]

Daphne

Depending on your level of bravery, you can go to a department store, like Macy's or Nordstrom's, MAC, Sephora, Ulta or Merle Norman.

I went to MAC for a makeup lesson. They had s private room in back, which cost me more, but it was private. MAC will also do a mini-makeover for free. I had my eyes done once when I was in full femme, in the public session. I think the MA had as much or more fun than me.

Is MAC the only one with a private or semi-private area? Did you go to a MAC in the St. Louis area? I really want to do this. I have no clue about makeup, and can't imagine a faster way to learn. But I'm still in the closet so the public session would be out for me.

Daphne

[S. Lisa Smith]

If you are in NorVa, https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethAnneTaylor1 does makeovers and photography. I've seen her work and it's amazing. She was at Keystone last year and some of the ladies used her. They looked wonderful. If you are in Richmond, I can recommend a makeup artist. She is wonderful and I love her to bits. She doesn't do shots, clothes or hair :(

[Anne K]

hi Vicky... let me know if you find one!!!

Hi Vicky & Luciana, I'd like to know of a place in Miami or Naples/Fort Myers.