Do you need makeup when you dress? [Archive] - Crossdressers.com - #1 Community & Forum for Crossdressers, Family and Friends

Judy-Somthing

05-08-2018, 09:23 PM

nikkiwindsor

05-08-2018, 09:29 PM

Yes...absolutely! It's femininity all the way or not at all for me.

DIANEF

05-08-2018, 09:40 PM

Of course, other wise I really would look like 'a man in a dress', it is as essential as the wig or clothes.

Dani0948

05-08-2018, 09:53 PM

I prefer to wear makeup even though I'm not very good at application , as it enhances the dressing experience for me. Lately I've been really short on dressineg time so I skip the makeup and sometimes don't even shave.

Diane Smith

05-08-2018, 10:02 PM

Robertacd

05-08-2018, 10:12 PM

Yes and no, leaving the house dressed, yes. Not leaving the house dressed, no.

Aunt Kelly

05-08-2018, 10:32 PM

If were a GG, and cursed with the aged and masculine features I have right now, I would still do what I could to improve my appearance. So yes, I need it, because it's part of who I am when I am in girl mode. I feel not as pretty, incomplete, without it.

sometimes_miss

05-08-2018, 10:33 PM

I prefer to wear makeup even though I'm not very good at application , as it enhances the dressing experience for me.
^this. It's just indulging in one more female specific behavior which helps reinforce the feeling that we are actually female, too.

Tracii G

05-08-2018, 10:34 PM

Sure, most of the time its light make up anyway sometimes none at all.

Chelsea B

05-08-2018, 11:09 PM

If I have enough time to enjoy the process, and especially if I know I’ll have enough time to know I’ve gotten it all off before I have to emerge in drab. Otherwise, I tolerate dressing neck down.
But really, I’m so happy you have a place to dress and be Judy again! Congratulations!

Ceera

05-08-2018, 11:28 PM

The two things I absolutely can not do without, for presenting female, are my wig and my makeup. If either is missing, nothing else will make me look female enough to be seen as anything other than a man. I have managed a very feminine presentation in a bikini, with the wig and makeup, but no breast forms or hip pads or even a gaff thong. But my facial complexion is all wrong for a woman, and my makeup does a lot to visually contour my face so I look much more feminine.

Edited to add:

Even when dressing fully female at home, I prefer to have the wig and makeup on. I might take off the wig to cool down after returning from a fully feminine outing in the evening, but it remains close at hand so I could put it on if a stranger came to the door. But when the makeup comes off for the night, so do all the fully female trappings.

However... when presenting as a male, I still “dress” - I just express it differently. No skirts, dresses or high heels as a guy, or other blatantly feminine tops or clothes. But yes to still having my fingernails and toenails painted, ears pierced with unisex studs or small hoop earrings, women’s jeans and sandals... All usually worn with a unisex t-shirt or men’s open collared dress shirt. The effect remains that the average person’s first impression of me as a male is a guy in normal male attire - until you note the feminine details...

Tracy Irving

05-08-2018, 11:36 PM

I do not need makeup when I put on a dress. I have done it though.

Judy, when do we get to see pictures of "the play room"?

docrobbysherry

05-08-2018, 11:37 PM

Nope. My face goes on or off in 5 seconds!:heehee:

IleneD

05-08-2018, 11:39 PM

No I don't.
I'm getting to be like GG's; too busy or not giving a rats ass about splashing it one routinely. I can dress without it, but frankly I love the stuff.
Make up is fun. Make up is the magic icing on the cake. Make up ties it all together. Lord help me, when I can wear it appropriately I wear it gleefully.

Scarlett398

05-08-2018, 11:59 PM

Yes, for sure, Judy! I have to do the makeup and wig each time I dress. If I don't, I'm like a few girls who wrote you a reply before I did - I don't like a guy in a dress, or top and skirt looking back at me in the mirror. I see a few guys doing this but I just feel very awkward seeing myself cross dressing without me getting my total girl on.

That's it for me Judy. I still have hope of your wife becoming more accepting of your need to cross dressing. I was where your at a couple of years ago and just got tired of trying to hide things and keep my cross dressing totally secret from my wife. Now if my need to cross dress was going to end in a divorce, I love my wife much more than cross dressing. We have a very loving relationship and enjoy our date nights together immensely. We enjoy each other's company and spend much time inside and outside of our home together. I can't imagine life with my best friend and sexy redheaded wife.

Sincerely Scarlett

Krea

05-09-2018, 02:20 AM

I'm in a very small minority here coz i never use makeup. It just doesn't appeal to me, i go with the miad look.
I always liked the "look" of GGs who went for little or no makeup (my wife is like that) so maybe that has influenced me. :thinking:
This is not intended as a criticism, just my preference. Each to their own path.

As it happens, altho my wife is reasonably ok with my dressing, she has said that if i had wanted to try makeup it might just have been a bridge too far for her.... :nailbiting:

aLEXisREX

05-09-2018, 02:39 AM

All I need is a good shave and brow pluck ( which I always try to keep thin and fem). I love make up but my skin suffers from cystic acne and Im afraid of cheap makeup, and I cant afford good stuff.

I only use eyeshadow, eye liner and lipstick when I use it. Im learning how to do foundation and blush and all that but I dont,like it. Its probably because I dont have good makeup.

I only started dressing again last year. I threw away so much stuff because my ex tried to change me.

Charlotte7

05-09-2018, 03:44 AM

I'm probably in a very small minority here, in that not only do I not wear make-up, I don't actually like make-up. I don't particularly like over made-up gg women either. For me, once I've got the clothes on, then I'm happy as the girl I want to be, that is, being the girl inside me. Personally, I don't feel the need to embellish any further. But each to their own.

Helen_Highwater

05-09-2018, 03:58 AM

Yes and no, leaving the house dressed, yes. Not leaving the house mdressed, no.

I'm with Roberta on this. The time I get to dress at home is limited hence I could spend a large proportion of that precious time applying and removing makeup.

When going out it's a must. I would feel very exposed without makeup no matterhow well I looked in my clothes.

Elizabeth G

05-09-2018, 04:51 AM

Yes, I'm not a miad, so I need it whether I'm staying in or going out. Otherwise I don't like what I see in the mirror.

Rachelakld

05-09-2018, 04:53 AM

I've been out without make up or wig - "man in a dress mode" - well man in womens clothes during long lunch breaks.
This was a 75 minute lunch break and didn't want make up on for my next client to see.
While initially I was concerned about not having a wig, I soon got into the moment with neither wig or make up - it was a very refreshing and liberating feeling, just being me without all the fuss.

291614

KelleyB

05-09-2018, 04:54 AM

Charlotte, the small minority just increased by '1'. I'm 100% with you on this.

Samm

05-09-2018, 05:29 AM

I never needed it... until I started using it.
Now I don't like to dress without it.
There's that, and I need all the practice I can get.

alwayshave

05-09-2018, 05:43 AM

Never leave home without it. Admittedly, with makeup on I look like my younger sister.

Stephanie Julianna

05-09-2018, 05:55 AM

Is that a question? First I apply DAP to fill in the cracks, then I reach for the Cover Girl.

Jillian Faith

05-09-2018, 07:16 AM

I only dress at home to try on outfits for going out, and usually skip the makeup because it's far too likely I will get it on my clothes while changing. If I'm leaving the house, then everything must be complete, including face and nails.

- Diane

If I'm just trying on outfits to see what works for a specific venue it's typically no makeup, if it's a new outfit (to see if it's a keeper then my wife typically wants to see hair and makeup). If I'm going out then it's full on hair, makeup, accessories and a nice spritz of perfume prior to walking out the door.

Georgina

05-09-2018, 07:30 AM

No. I wear a skirt or dress every day after work at home. Time is too precious to waste on make up for no one else to see.

MarinaTwelve200

05-09-2018, 07:43 AM

I do---For ME it started with Makeup. It changes my face into my WOMAN FACE. The clothing does not count until I put on my face.-----Besides It makes me totally unrecognizable---another person---which is the point with us "Escapist" types.

Jaylyn

05-09-2018, 07:57 AM

I usually feel the need to dress if I wear makeup. I do if I'm at home by myself just wear my lipstick sometimes with my dressing. Many times I'm just dressing without any makeup also.

Beverley Sims

05-09-2018, 08:15 AM

Yes, makeup hides a lot of sins. :-)

Teresa

05-09-2018, 08:23 AM

Judy,
The answer is turning out to be no ! Now I'm living alone I can dress as I choose and it is more for everyday so it's usually something simple like a skirt and top , wedges, my short wig a little perfume but often no makeup . I just see basically a female ready to do her daily chores , many GGs don't wear makeup for that , well it doesn't look too bad in the mirror and I'm often in ther garden like it. I certainly wouldn't go without makeup when heading into town or for a night out .

NicoleScott

05-09-2018, 08:24 AM

All or nothing for me. I both need and like makeup, lots of it.
Learning to do makeup is both putting it on AND taking it off. Many threads about makeup removal.

Asew

05-09-2018, 08:37 AM

I have never worn makeup (unless you count nail polish, and I have had my toes painted twice...). I don't like makeup on GGs so it makes sense it something I do myself. But my wife plans to do the whole makeup thing on me when we go to a drag show (she bought me some liquid eyeliner and says she already has everything else she needs). I wonder if this will change my perception on makeup though.

Tina Davis

05-09-2018, 09:08 AM

I'm with Roberta on this. The time I get to dress at home is limited hence I could spend a large proportion of that precious time applying and removing makeup.

When going out it's a must. I would feel very exposed without makeup no matterhow well I looked in my clothes.

This is my view as well, if I'm only going to be at home I'll skip the makeup, unless I'm taking pictures. But if I'm going out, it's a necessity!

Queen Bridget

05-09-2018, 09:18 AM

I would if I wasn't so bad at it. It just takes me far too long to apply.

I hope I live long enough to see the invention of the Automatic Makeup Applicator.

DIANEF

05-09-2018, 09:26 AM

Maybe you need Homer Simpson's make up gun !!

291624

Queen Bridget

05-09-2018, 09:29 AM

Maybe you need Homer Simpson's make up gun !!

I'd take two!

Or that one from The Fifth Element.

https://media.giphy.com/media/LBHDDV9qp1kf6/giphy.gif

Victoria_Winters

05-09-2018, 10:08 AM

I don’t do makeup at all. Since the SO don’t know, I can’t really do much. I have convinced her to teach me. Since I do FX makeup/monster makeup she thought I should be able to do Beauty makeup also!

Frannie7

05-09-2018, 10:16 AM

Hi Judy, I think it depends on why you dress. For a long time it was for the clothes. Then I became more into it and added makeup and wig. When I don't have a lot of time I use lipstick to just "get the feeling" It wipes off quickly. If I was going out (not much experience there) I would definitely use it. I am considering going for a bike ride dressed. Not sure what I'll do there.

Dana44

05-09-2018, 10:30 AM

Indeed Judy, but if I don't go out I may just put foundation on and maybe lipstick. but when I go out then it is the full works.

Ressie

05-09-2018, 10:48 AM

I wouldn't say I need make up. I dress nearly every day for a short time and putting on makeup and then taking it off is more work and more time. Sometimes I'll just put on lipstick because that's quick.

That said, I prefer my look with makeup, lots of it! If I'm going somewhere dressed, I wouldn't do it without makeup.

Stephanie47

05-09-2018, 10:53 AM

First of all congratulations on getting to be en femme. Two years is way too long. Anyway, I am an in-home dresser. When en femme at home I forego the makeup. Yes, I suppose if I intently stared at a mirror close up I will (do) look like a man in a dress. When I do get the opportunity to be en femme for a day (Friday coming UP! Yeah!) I have plenty to do around the home. It's domestic chores, cooking and baking. There is a full length mirror I can gaze at and see my entire figure. Many or most women do not wear full makeup toiling around the house. I do not have to cover up a beard. A close shave does a good job of ridding my face of my light hair. No dark beard shine. I would have to caution you, if you do go full makeup, with your non-accepting wife to remember there may be tell tale signs. No matter how well you think you clean up your wife may detect a spec of makeup. You may have holy hell to pay for it.

On the occasions when I do go forth among the masses I do wear makeup to hid my imperfections to my face due to aging. On one occasion when my wife was visiting our daughter 2,000 miles away I thought I had free reign for a week. I was totally dolled up including makeup and nail polish. Great way to start the day until my daughter-in-law called asking me to bring over a key to her house because she looked her keys inside and she had to get to work and the granddaughter had to get to school. That was the fastest scrub job I ever did. Since then I even forego many opportunities to use makeup.

Hope to see some pictures of your new gown.

Nikki A.

05-09-2018, 10:59 AM

At home it is too much work unless I'm looking to practice or try a different look. But if I am going out, make up is a must. Otherwise I am a man in a dress, make up smooths out your complexion, Shadow and liner brings out the eyes.

Sallee

05-09-2018, 11:04 AM

Well I certainly can't go out with out a complete paint job. but I do try to keep it minimal.
The answer in one word is definately YES

Jenny22

05-09-2018, 11:33 AM

At home, only lipstick and jewelry. Ditto on short drives. Added on longer, dressed drives: lipstick, eyebrows, shadow, pencil liner and blush (never foundation due to skin challenges). My mobile closet's visor mirror has been my makeup mirror for years.

carhill2mn

05-09-2018, 12:02 PM

I always wear eye makeup and lipstick when I am en femme. If I do not put on foundation I at least "rouge" my cheeks.

sara66

05-09-2018, 03:24 PM

it is not necessary, but make the time more enjoyable.
Sara

MsEva

05-09-2018, 05:33 PM

Yes and no. The only and I mean only perk of getting older is my male beard is all white. Matches my hair. So I actually don't need foundation anymore. Just a close shave and then maybe a bit of blush but certainly lip stick. I can't dress without lipstick.

TXSara

05-09-2018, 05:42 PM

I guess it depends on how much time I have... I always want to, but many times I don't have time for it.

Micki_Finn

05-09-2018, 05:54 PM

If I’m leaving the house, absolutely. I’m not into the MIAD look so always out of the house. At home however if I’m staying in then I’ll skip it.

DMichele

05-09-2018, 06:26 PM

I can relate to Rachel's approach, although I do wear light make-up, and I go sans wigs. I just go about being myself. And yes the first couple of times, which occurred several years ago was liberating.

I do plan to visit a wig salon in hopes on finding a wig and also a visit to MAC someday. But I am comfortable as I currently present because I have come to terms with my TG identity.

GracieRose

05-09-2018, 06:40 PM

For around the house, generally no makeup.
However, when I go out, I try to blend, and I feel that I need some to make my facial appearance a bit more feminine.
It is a balancing act between enough to enhance a female presentation, without overdoing it and standing out with much more makeup than the GGs that I'm trying to blend with.

SHINY-J

05-09-2018, 08:04 PM

OK two years ago,
I found this site which made me feel good about who I am.
Ended up telling my wife about my secret life as a CDer.
Didn't go well at all, so haven't dressed in two years!

I have a basement in a building that no one has gone in in years so I cleaned it up and made a so/called CD-Cave!
Well now after two years I got a chance to dress, I had three hours but I was afraid if my wife noticed any makeup on me things would get very bad again so I got dressed with no makeup.

So I put on a new gown I bought with hip pads and forms and it looked pretty good until I looked in the mirror and saw an old man in a sexy gown and it was not a pretty site!

The question is "do you need the makeup as part of your dressing?" I do!

If I’m just dressing and not taking pics or spending a significant time posing in front of the mirror, then no... I can dress and get the satisfaction I need. If I am taking pics, then i definitely need makeup. Honestly, I think we all do to achieve the look we want.

If you’re worried about getting caught with leftover makeup, maybe invest in a latex femme mask. They make some really good ones. They can get pricey for the quality ones. You can get them cheaper, but they look cheaper as well... some look downright creepy... however, one expensive, high-quality, female latex mask isn’t really any more expensive than a full, complete decent quality makeup set... and theres no cleanup, and no trace of it.

Like you, I had a full dressing room a few years ago... a place I could go and dress freely... I had several mirrors throughout and when I didn’t feel like doing the whole makeup thing, you can always drape some cloth over the top of the mirror so that the reflection is neck down only... lol

In all seriousness, I’m sorry you’re dealing with the stress of trying to hide it and worrying about her spotting some leftover eyeshadow, eyeliner, foundation, etc... I still suggest the high quality, female latex mask to avoid any trace of leftover makeup.

Judy-Somthing

05-09-2018, 08:11 PM

Makeup is so cool, the reason why I found this site is because two years ago hitting my late 50s I realized that powder, eye shadow, lipstick and rouge was not working.
I needed to look fem or Purge everything. I was searching the web for a professional makeover when I found this site.
Some of the male to female makeovers on you tube have inspired me to try harder, probably not good for my marriage.
but it's amazing what you can do with makeup and a good wig. OK and yes, boobs!

Charli

05-09-2018, 09:25 PM

I normally dress with no makeup.
Makeup is an issue for the wife, so I never pushed it. She does not care if I do it, but does not want to see it.
The few times I tried makeup without her around did not go well.
I really want to use makeup more, but feel like a 4 year old girl in her
moms makeup when I try it by myself.

Samantha2015

05-10-2018, 01:51 AM

OMG yes makeup is very important for me. Even fully dressed with wig but NO makeup on, I can't stand to look at myself. It's like an ice cream sandwich without the ice cream...what's the point ?
Not only does makeup hide my male issues (beard area) but just using it helps get me in that female mood.
I just wish I was faster and better at applying it.

dominique

05-11-2018, 07:42 AM

When I started dressing many moons ago make up wasn't important. But maybe 5yrs ago I started dabbling a bit of lipstick was my limit. Once I started wearing make up routinely I found it just gave that extra female dimension. Now I can't dress whether staying in or going out I've got to put it on.

BrendaPDX

05-11-2018, 08:01 AM

Always, and just for the reasons you mentioned.

mdavis

05-11-2018, 03:22 PM

I never use to use it at all. Then I started using lipstick. I recently bought some mascara and like that. I'm now thinking I need some eye-liner. My biggest fear (since I'm not "out" to my spouse) is that I won't get it all off. However, she's going away for two weeks very shortly........

Tamsin Secret

05-11-2018, 03:30 PM

Standard:meditate:

BLUE ORCHID

05-11-2018, 04:56 PM

Hi Judy :hugs:, Make-up is the Icing on the Cake. >Orchid...:daydreaming:...

gina_edwards

05-12-2018, 12:00 AM

Yes it a must have got to cover the blemishes / plus it feels great

ellbee

05-12-2018, 01:17 AM

Earlier this evening I had to run some errands.

All GG-clothing... Fairly-obvious women's hoodie, obvious women's work-out leggings, obvious women's running shoes. Even had on a padded sports-bra underneath, just because I felt like it.

But, presenting as a guy... No wig hiding my men's haircut, no make-up, no padding (beyond the non-stuffed bra). None of that. Even sporting 4-day-old stubble on my face. Zero sh|ts were given, on my end. :D

I may be a bit biased, but I think I looked pretty good & well-put-together. First time I ever wore this particular outfit-combo, at that.

So, to answer your question? Heck, no! :devil:

It's all about finding your style, and what exactly works for you & your physical body. What are your likes? And how do you want to present yourself to the mirror & to rest of the world? Whatever all that may be, just make sure you try to do it well. :thumbsup:

DaisyLawrence

05-12-2018, 01:33 AM

Elbee. You describe my normal daily clothing choices perfectly. Add a couple of pairs of girly earings and a bit of polish and that is me. However, close up I am still be visibly male despite the womens' clothing so I don't consider that proper crossdressing. To actually appear as a woman I find a bit of make up around the lower face is essential.

Raychel

05-12-2018, 06:49 AM

Only have ever done makeup once, and that was by my ex-wife
Never have done it myself, and almost never wear a wig.
Almost always just a man in a dress here, That actually is the way I feel most comfortable.

Weird, but when I look in the mirror, That is the way it is supposed to look. :doh:

Shely

05-12-2018, 06:57 AM

I have to have. I just LOVE standing in front of the mirror and applying it, foundation, powder, eyeliner, eye shadow. etc. etc, and the final, LIPSTICK, WOW! It is indeed the ultimate finish to dressing up.

MichelleCD

05-12-2018, 07:06 AM

If I'm not dressed completely, I stat away from the mirrors.

jjjjohanne

05-18-2018, 06:04 AM

I had to look up what MIAD means. (Man in a dress.) That's me.

I do not own a wig or a bra or makeup. I just try to wear pretty things as a dude. I avoid florals. I avoid dainty items like lace and sheer fabrics. I do not show off any of my hairy skin. I try to wear pretty things that are kind of masculine. More masculine near my head. Heels sometimes on the feet.

Exceptions: I have worn nail polish on my toes. I do shave my neck and upper chest and back. (I'm slowly turning into George "The Animal" Steele.) The world treats me with respect. I'm not out to my acquaintances. I go out at least once a month. I never have trouble. Some people used to snicker at me. Since Caitlyn Jenner and the gay marriage thing happened. I think people are not as surprised and are not as rude.

Robyn n TN

05-18-2018, 08:41 AM

If I dress I am going to have makeup on. Even if I am not going out. It just seems like the right thing to do for me.

Robyn

JeanTG

05-18-2018, 08:47 AM

I like to look as feminine as possible when I look in the mirror. So yes makeup is part of the kit. Some days though for time constraints, and to still have the opportunity to dress, I'll leave off the makeup except for some lipstick. Yesterday was one such day when I only had a couple of hours to dress. On those days I go casual, shorts/jeans, etc.

NancySue

05-18-2018, 08:53 AM

Yes, to some degree, eyes, eyebrows, touch of lipstick, whether dressed or not.

Rollermiss

05-18-2018, 09:17 AM

I maybe one of the fortunate ones as I don't use much make up when I go out. Call it a male or is it female curse. mascara, a little powder to cut down the sheen. of course lipstick or gloss is about all I need. It's like my s/o she barely wears any either.

Kelsey

Julie1123

05-18-2018, 10:48 AM

I love the idea of makeup. Don't love how long it takes though. A little lipstick now and then is good for me. Edit: and toe nail polish. Love having my toes painted. I smashed my big toe last year and have gone without painting them to make sure it was healing properly and the nail grew back well.

Also, a CD cave? Yes. Yes. Yes.

Julie Denier

05-18-2018, 10:49 AM

When I dress, it's all or nothing -- makeup and wig included.

candice.aihara

05-18-2018, 11:05 AM

I've always been makeup free. That said, I've never tried so I guess I don't know what I'm missing.

LeannS

05-18-2018, 11:21 AM

Haven't done much in the way of makeup as I am always afraid of not getting everything off when I meet the wife for lunch or when she is on her way home.
I dress Monday thru Friday in an outfit, bra, boobs,wig. Maybe next Thursday as I am taking the camp trailer to get setup for the weekend can wait!!!!

Alice B

05-18-2018, 11:34 AM

Always with make up. Need to hide my ugly puss feel the joy of bring dresssed

Sissy_in_pink

05-19-2018, 04:44 PM

If I'm going out any further than my mailbox it's wig, makeup and clothes, to the garage than I don't bother with makeup or wig as my garage is hard to see into from the street, even just to the mailbox I'll just put on a pair of female sunglasses then make sure the street is empty.
I can't see the point in going for long walks or the movies or shops in female clothes if you don't go the whole hog, that is a wig, makeup and clothes or you just look like a dude in a dress, different if you have had hormone treatment and look very feminine without makeup and wig.
For me, it's definitely a wig, makeup and clothes when I'm going out.

JeanTG

05-19-2018, 05:10 PM

However, when I go out, I try to blend,

This is a very important point to those wanting to go out dressed. Most of us don't have the hope of an ice cube in hell of passing, but if we are artful enough we can blend, that is, not draw unwanted attention to ourselves. I've experimented with makeup a lot in the last couple of years and I find that to that end, less is more. My technique is a light base layer of blush over the bearded areas, then a light coat of foundation, then a touch of eyeliner, blush and lipstick, and then I accessorize with a bit of jewelry. Oh, and I also pluck and shape my brows and highlight them, but subtly so I can present in either gender. And then a presentable wig, I have a cheap one but that from afar looks OK, I just ordered what will be (I hope) a better one. Still not too expensive, around $150. My plan is to experiment with 2 or 3 styles then hopefully find the one that suits me best and have a custom wig made that I will wear all the time when dressed.

Patience

05-19-2018, 11:24 PM

As I've only recently started crossdressing in earnest, I have zero makeup skills. So far, I've only addressed what I call the 'below the neck' aspect of crossdressing; which covers clothes, shoes and my fem physique.

I have a couple of girlfriends who are willing to help me with makeup when I feel I'm ready. For now, when I want to turn the dial to 11, I put on lipstick. I usually enjoy it so much I leave it on when I go to work. (more on that in a future post)

phili

05-20-2018, 11:23 AM

I can fully enjoy all the benefits of dressing without makeup. I find that people's reactions to me are mostly driven by the simple fact that as a man I am claiming the right to dress like a woman. Most women are very knowing about this, as they understand both the dream and the actuality of dressing like a woman. Men are intrigued or avoidant. I am so sure that if I was trying to compete with women in the facial appearance department, I would fail, I don't even try. I also don't like makeup on women, so there is no incentive for me to try. BTW, this doesn't prevent me from being absolutely amazed at the transformations so many members show in the Boy/Girl gallery thread!

I sincerely believe that doing a good job with makeup adds a layer to the basic story that we are men, but since we are also accepting the whole package of appearance norms, we are not fetishistically focused on clothes. Also, it gives observers more things to analyze, and success at makeup garners respect, since it is so difficult. That counters the negatives of wondering why this man is doing this in the first place!

I get compliments on my legs and my clothes, never on my face. However, I think my simple existence creates a new class of mixed gender appearance which seems to be relatively easy for people to accept. I make friends at school and life is normal, so I count that as a huge success for my approach.