Visit to the makeup counter

[Abbey11]

Hi Ladies,
Thought I'd share what happened to me today.
So I'm in man mode, it being a work day. I'd decided it was time to replenish my makeup having purged sometime ago and a visit to boots was in order.
The difference with this visit was that I was determined that I was going to chat to 1 of the ladies at the counter and be bold and make it clear that all the makeup was for me. So after a few deep breaths I as calmly as I could approached 1 of the ladies for a chat, all good so far.
I've always tended to guess my colour and gone with it, on this occasion I thought what the hell i'll ask for advice.
I wanted to know about foundation and concealers etc and what colour to choose. The store was quite busy, but not so that all the makeup girls are busy, in fact I approached a group of 3 who were just chatting. I asked for help and then explained I needed help selecting makeup, obviously, or so I assume, she'll be thinking its for someone else.
Anyway she asked what color skin the person had and I answered it was my skin, there was no surprise or any negative response not even a pause, apparently they get men asking a lot about makeup and how to apply it etc. Anyway she sat me down in front of a mirror and started to try different shades on my face until she was happy with 1, then moved onto concealers and fixing powder and pretty much all other items you could name. We also discussed ways of concealing the blue shadow of facial hair and we tried a few coloured concealers, orange was the best which is what i'd read about before. In the end had about 3 of the ladies all helping me out and giving their tips and advice.
All in all a very pleasant experience. So for anyone who's been thinking about such a visit, but not quite summoned the courage, as was the case with me. I'd say if you get the opportunity, go for it , there's nothing to worry about the ladies are very friendly and only to willing to help.

Hugs
Abbey x

[Jenny22]

Did cross dressing conversation ever take place with any of them? If yes, what was the nature of it?

[Abbey11]

I/we didn't particularly mention crossdressing, but she couldn't have been in any doubt as my basket had everything in it, brushes, lipsticks, bronzer, blush etc and I'd told her it was for me. She was quite young, early 20's and she put me right at easy.
I asked her if this was an unusual request and she said not at all, they get a lot of men coming and asking for advise and buying.
I have a couple more things on order from there which I'll pick up later in the week, I'll see if the same girls are there. :o

Hugs
Abbey x

[Sallee]

I had the same experience in a MAC store. Asked for a good concealer said it was form me and she sat me down and went to work. I told her I was acrossdresser and asked if they got many in the store. They do. It was a great experience and I'll go back again maybe as Sallee

[Tara Rushing]

You girls are so brave!!!! Awesome stories and so good to hear!!!!!!!!!

[Abbey11]

Thanks Tara, I think this is 1 of the strengths of the site, by sharing our experiences we can help each other

[nikkiwindsor]

At the Ulta and MAC counters, I just say it's for me and I don't go into any detail. The SAs have always been very helpful, especially in matching the right color foundation and highlighter.

[TaraGrace]

Nice! must try on my next trip to the UK, boots is a regular stop anyhow, as I can't buy bonjela in the Netherlands :)

Great motivation for others :)

[bok4fun]

I have equally good experiences at Sephora as well.

[Robin414]

MAC is awesome, in fact on the web site I read a post from one of the artists saying the single most important item any girl or boy should carry in their bag is 《some specific powder》

Yah, she said 'or boy'

Been there a couple times and the artists are COMPLETELY OK...the only thing that nerves me out is the other customers....SERIOUSLY HOT women, I'm sooo outta my league (well, en drab at least 😉 )

[Judy-Somthing]

Wow it sound's great, I would love to do that but I'm thinking you spent at least $100 , I don't know Is it worth it?

[BettyMorgan]

I rarely go out dressed, and when I do, it's under the cover of darkness. BUT, I want to get better makeup and practice so I look more "presentable", therefore I do want to go to a pro to get some makeup advice, etc. My question for the gals above who have gone out to MAC or other stores is this... do you go en femme or not? If you go drab like I would, do they have private spaces for someone who is more shy like me?

Sorry if this changes the tangent of the thread.

[Adriana Moretti]

yes..the gals at the makeup counters know what time it is, they deal with gals like us alot more than you think. I've had them mention a few times to me that lots of "girls" come see them..the more you go the easier it is, and you realize you ( not you personally) were worried over nothing...if im not in girl mode, first thing I do is whip out the camera and show the sales girl pics so she knows exactly what, and who I am using the product for.

[Katya@]

Abbey - thanks for sharing. Not there yet myself but it helps to read about experiences of others.

[marshalynn]

judy-something, I would guess she spent $ 300 or $ 400 dollars. Marshalynn

[Teresa]

Abbey,
I had the same experience in Boots, I chose a Sunday morning , it was surprisingly quite , I was shown to a booth by a floor manager, the beautician was a lovely girl and we got on fine. She used the colour sensor to check my skin tone and came up with wheat. She ended up making up half my face to try it , then we moved onto powder, she said foundation powder could be used as both and applied it over the foundation to show me. All the time customers were making the odd glance at me and there was a bit of sleeve tugging. The SA cleaned me down then acted as my personal shopper , checking out mascara , lipsticks and suitable deodorants.
I was going to write a review to thank Boots for their attitude towards Cders, the girl said it was the best Sunday she'd had for some time, I felt the same.

As for cost, the Boots deal is very good , the foundation and powder from N07 along with mascara and deodorant cost me £28.00 . Now I have my colour match I can reorder online and collect in store !

[bridget thronton]

Thanks for sharing - i have had good excellent experiences getting color help at Sephora and I only pay for the product I am seeking

[Angela Marie]

I have never had an issue with MAC, Sephora, or Ulta. The SA's there, both male and female, have always been extraordinarily helpful and very understanding.

[Teresa]

Betty,
I went in drab, as for privacy it will all depend on the outlet , I sat in an enclosed area but customers could enter it to check out products, some may give you a totally private booth.
Try and get over your shyness because they will do a good enough job to be seen out in public anyway so it's a good way of getting use to it, I chatted so much with the beautician that the outside world didn't really matter !

I missed Jenny22's question.
A conversation about CDing did happen in connection with family knowing and the level of acceptance . We often think the public immediately connect Cding and being gay but she was one of many I've spoken to who didn't make the connection also they very rarely ask if you want to be a woman . Somehow a man wanting to wear women's clothes is becoming a more acceptable fact without deeper questions being asked .

[Maria Strange]

At the end of the day however nice the shop assistants are be careful they are still out to make a sale. It is easy to get carried away in the excitement. A biological woman might be happy to spend loads of money on makeup but for most of us girlies we need to watch what we spend on non essentials

[Tara Rushing]

I've got to say it again: You girls are awesome! Every time I read a thread like this my confidence level shoots way up. When I go, I'd like to go en femme, but was thinking just clothes and wig and no makeup at all since that would be the purpose of the trip. Thanks again for sharing your stories it really helps those of us who haven't been brave enough "yet".

[Sarasometimes]

Tara, arriving without makeup is ideal but not essential. They will just remove it when they start or they may just start from where you left off. Many GG's shop during the day already made up. An option to the makeup counter/stores would be a salon or studio that does make up. that is how I got my first few lessons/applications. If you call just explain what you want and how you will arrive. Some salons will do the application in a private room or area. Even if they do it right up near the waiting area, as some do. It is less out in the open than a department store or cosmetic store. Go give them a call. I know some in NJ/Pa if that is near you? PM me.

[Jamie Christopher]

I've also had great experiences with the ladies at Sephora, MAC and Ulta. I just walked in the first time to Sephora, found a helpful SA, and told her I was a crossdresser, and needed help picking out a foundation color; she didn't bat an eye, as it does happen much more often that we might think. Now I have fun with it, joking with the girls: "it's a lot more fun coming in here with boobs"! I think my first time I spent about $65.00 on Bare Minerals Original foundation and a few other things. They love it!

Jamie

[amandagurl2014]

The Ulta girls are awesome. Totally understanding. The go out of their way to make sure you have a good experience in the store. I would say to anybody unsure about going in, just go for it. You will be glad you did.

[Diversity]

Hi Abbey,
Thanks for sharing your story with us. A couple of years ago, at Christmas, I got the courage up to ask a company rep if she could help me find a lipstick that would match the color of my lips as closely as possible, as I wanted to be able to try wearing lipstick in public when dressed in male mode during the day. She did a great match and I have been wearing lipstick on many, many occasions including business meetings, and have yet to get caught out. I don't over do it with the lipstick, but put on just enough to know I have it on. Regarding a makeup session, this will be one of the next things I do! Sounds fun!
Di

[KrissyP]

Agree with Amanda because today "I went for it." Walked into Dillards and found the MAC counter as Krissy. The SA asked me if she could help and I gulped and told her I was looking for foundation and powder. She didn't blink and started right in to help me get the right shade. Tested a couple of products and gave me testers to take home and try. She even complemented me on my make-up. I realize she is in sales, but still nice to hear. She mentioned that she helps people outside of work so I got her contact information for a makeover session. Couldn't have been easier!

[binair10]

Hi all, In reply to Jenny22, I am always up front in telling SAs that I am a Cross Dresser especially if the need arises.

I live in Birmingham (UK) but do not go to the City that often. But yesterday I needed to get a couple of bra`s so I left home early and found a couple in BHS. I had no problem with the SA, who by the way was a girl, who said did you find these straight away, so I said I had to hunt around as the bra`s were all mixed up. So she said I am glad that you found what you wanted. Next port of call was a bus ride to Coventry Market. I always go there every tuesday to see Marie who runs a make-up stall. I have been going there for over twelve months, and I was always up front with her about me being a Cross Dresser. I have never had any problem in buying any make-up or anything. We always have a chat about various items and have always come home with something. I am always talking to her customers about who come to the stall on whether this colour lipstick is right or that foundation is to light or to dark for them etc. It seems that I have a good rapport with her customers as she does. Not forgetting that I am always in MALE MODE.

The only trouble I do have is with the more mature SAs who seem to look down their noses if you buy anything for a female. Perhaps it is just me.

I would love to have a makeover and a manicure. I am going for a haircut at the wife`s hairdresser this friday, so I shall sound the one girl out about what she can do for me when I am ready. Bearing in mind that I am coming up to 75.

Thanks for the ramble

Julie.

I have never gone to a large store anywhere except to buy Ester Lauder perfume.

[donnaS]

Wish I could do the make up counter.
I haven't gotten they much courage built up yet. Panic mode would be full swing.
And the SA probably couldn't do anything for me with all the sweat rolling of my forehead from being nervous.
Gonna work on that. A goal I must set and achieve.

[Abbey11]

Hi Krissy,
Fantastic! Great to hear that you had a good time and maybe the 1st of many as Krissy

Hugs
Abbey x

[Samantha Clark]

[snip] the SA, who by the way was a coloured girl, [snip] I'm so sorry, but am I the only one who finds this completely irrelevant and very offensive? :eek:

[giuseppina]

No, you're not, Brenda. :Angry3:

[Femdenise]

Girls, the makeup industry has for years tried to get men to wear makeup. It would double their business. If you go to any Merle Norman store they will make you up for free [and load you up with their products]. As the great philosopher Pogo said, " Be who you is, not who you ain't. We have met the enemy, and he [she] is us"

[Samantha981]

I too have had great experiences at MAC, Ulta, Sephora, and at department stores like Macys. I've gone in male and femme mode when shopping / researching a specific product. 99% of the time when they ask who for I will say its for me and its all good. Every once in a while I get caught off guard and chicken out. I started with drugstore makeup and that is fine for home - actually fine for going out too.
But my problem is color matching, application technique, what colors for blush and eyes, etc. That is the benefit of getting help - but of course paying a lot more. I buy just a bit at a time... don't want to know what I've spent in total.
At MAC or Sephora, you can just show up and get help with one or two items - more if they are slow but they are usually busy. You can make an appointment for a full makeover where they will do everything. I have done about 4 or 5 of these in the last year. The cost is buying $50. or more of product. MAC also offers application lessons, where you pay $100 yikes but they take you in back and don't just apply but they show technique and you try too. I have not done this.
I will say that the younger SAs are more friendly about this, I will usually try and note who is made up more and seems friendly (not that being more made up makes them any better at it - but I'm usually looking for help with more dramatic looks or techniques so figure the SAs who are more made up might know more of that).
When making the appointment I have done blind - call in and get who I get. And I sometimes will meet choose a makeup artist that I click with when shopping in guy mode. That is how I chose were and who to have my last makeover with. Last month I was looking for a sheer, nude lipgloss that also would keep my lips from chapping in MN winter dry air. She was very cool, suggested several shades, let me try them on, and gave me a recommendation. I really felt like she would work with me and I liked her style. I asked if she did makeovers - she did - this was at a MAC in Macys - and she seems to actually get excited when I asked if I could make an appointment with her. And a month later when I had the makeover she was bubbly, cheerful, full of ideas, but also listened to what I wanted. I am always clear I do NOT want drag... looking to fit in, look natural... but with guy features need full coverage and more dramatic eyes to feel natural. I usually want their ideas, they are creative and like to see what works for me. And I certainly don't know how to put it together!!!
Was I nervous the first time? A wreck. and still a bit nervous each time but not shaking. Hope this helps anyone on the fence!
Oh, I also will go a few suburbs over from home/work. No guarantee I won't run into anyone but when in femme mode for makeovers I don't think id be noticed out of context.
Someone asked if go in with or without makeup. I have done both. Now I like to go in made up best I can and ask for their advice for improvement - they will usually offer me something. I think it also shows I am serious about having great makeup and I think they try harder. I think they also like the challenge :battingeyelashes: . for makeovers, I'm always dressed femme. I did go to one makeover without - well, I could not not wear anything so just a tinted moisturizer, bright lip, and nude shadow. Afraid if I wore no makeup I'd be walking in the mall as a guy in a dress - nothing wrong - but more noticeable ha ha. So now I do the makeup - and it all comes of OK they have makeup remover wipes.
Good luck!!