Start To Finish, How Long?

[Val_Blackbird]

Pardon me if this has been brought up previously, and feel free to delete, if warranted.

I'm fairly certain I'm on the longish side, so I will ask this: From full man-mode to full girl-mode, how long does it take you?

I need about 2.5 hours, roughly, maybe longer, if I'm doing something complex with my eyes. This is to:

1. Shave (face)
2. Shower (and shave everything else)
3. Dry
4. Makeup (understand, I have a whole lotta ugly to deal with, so this takes awhile)
5. Shapewear
6. Actual clothing

I get the impression from reading what others here and elsewhere have said that I'm monsterously slow. Or something. So, just seeing if my feeling is correct.

Again, apols if I'm outside the lines.

[Micki_Finn]

If your including showering and shaving, it’s about 2-2 1/2 hours for me as well if I’m trying to get it done. If I’m taking my time it can push to 3+ hours. BUT here’s the caveat: I do drag so I have a lot of detailing to do: elaborate makeup, wig, jewelry, sometimes stoning my face, etc. on the flip side I have a friend I’ve seen go from zero to full, performance ready drag, in 20 minutes.

[Asew]

Well I don't do makeup and such, so 10 minutes is more than enough usually including shower (though the shower and getting dressed may be hours apart so my hair can dry). A couple times I have taken a half hour (usually doing something fancier with my hair).

[sara66]

Not including a shower, from shave to full makeup, fully dressed and ready to go out 20-25 minutes.
Sara

[countrygirl]

Including shower and padding placement and makeup around 2 hrs.

[kimdl93]

Not outside the lines. I?d guess that going for a daytime look, I put in no more than 40 minutes from 1-6. If I really went for the max, maybe an hour and 1/2, nighttime.

[Ericka_d]

Depends on where I'm going, and what I'm doing. I do different looks for different activities. I try to look presentable at all times, but I'll look different. For a day of shopping vs going to the grocery store or salon.

On my days out. It probably takes me a hour and a half.
20 minutes for showering and shaving. I get my legs and underarms waxed regularly now. Soon to start laser hair removal. So that will take out 10 minutes.
20 minutes or so to dry my hair, and my self.
45 minutes for looking good makeup.
10 to get dressed.

Now for errand days.
Same as above, but I dont dry my hair. I might only spend 20 minutes on my makeup also.

[Helen_Highwater]

If going out for the day so badic makeup then an hour or so.

I've learned to be able to replicate a look. Okay the eye shadow colours might change as with the lippy but basically it's a production line.

If going out somewhere for the evening then a little longer as I may put on false eyelashes and spend longer on the eyes.

[Suranne]

I'm like Asew, I just wash and go.

[Kim Summers]

Far to long X x x

[Sandi Beech]

Hi Val

I usually allow for roughly 2 hours. If I am going to be doing my nails, I also have to add even more time so they can dry properly. I mostly go to clubs so my makeup is probably over done but it is a lot of fun. Well I did that pre covid. I have not been to a club since Feb 1. I try to get dressed at 7 PM. Ready by 9, and back to my hotel by 3.

Sandi

[Krisi]

For me, it depends on if I'm going out or staying home. I shower in the evening so I don't shower again. All I have to do is shave my face, apply beard cover and lipstick, put on the bra and boobs, the hip pads and the wig. Then it's clothes and jewelry. Twenty minutes pretty well covers it.

[wendy]

2.5 hours is about right. If I follow the same path as you, it takes me 2 - 2.5 hours as well.

Make up alone takes 30 - 40 min, and that is if I don't contour. This one part I don't understand, the dressing part takes a good 40 min at least. Maybe I dress slow.

[Teresa]

Val,
My routine is full shower and shave every morning which usually takes about twenty minutes . If I'm just walking the dog my makeup consists of light eye colour, foundation , touch of mascara and eyeline with a little colour applied to my lips with a lip pencil which takes no more than ten minutes . If I'm heading out for the day I'll finish with a foundation powder and some blusher . Dressing only takes ten minutes unless it's a night out .

As I do it everyday it can't take hours , I wouldn't get all my chores done .

[Stephanie Julianna]

If I have chosen what I am going to wear beforehand I usually can come in under an hour. That includes shower and shave since you included that. Since I am mostly hair free that is a time saver. Also, I have been doing this for a long time and I have a routine that has become second nature and I move along without spending too much time thinking about what to do next.

[SidneytheScorpio]

That's about right for me too. I usually get caught up in trying on several outfits or different tops which slows me down quite a bit. But I love trying on outfits and prancing in front of the mirror with my sexy walk. LoL.

[josie_S]

Same for me. 2.5-3 hours. The hard part is the struggle between being impatient and wanting to be done up and pretty, and also luxuriating in the process: skin care regimen and the lotions (which I rarely if ever do otherwise), playing with my nails, trying a million outfits, playing with make up etc. I have definitely taken up to 6 or so hours just enjoying the transformation!

[Karine]

Hi.
It also takes me approximately 2h30 to get ready.
I don't care, I really enjoy the transformation process and take my time to do my makeup and nails the best I can.
I usually plan ahead my crossdressing times and so know I will have all day for myself.
Don't try to go faster, just enjoy your time.

[Taylor186]

To transform to full-femme, going out mode takes me at least four hours and sometimes five. That doesn't include fingernail polishing and wig prep (clean, brush, style) which could easily add another hour or more. Good news is I really enjoy the getting ready process.

[Val_Blackbird]

Thanks, all.

Clearly, I am on the longer end of things, but it seems not completely out of the ballpark. So, that's something, I suppose.

[docrobbysherry]

I have an added step, Val. I wear prosthesis! However, I can put my "face" on in seconds!:heehee:

Without a shower? 30 minutes, max!:thumbsup:

[KymG]

The hard part is the struggle between being impatient and wanting to be done up and pretty, and also luxuriating in the process

I feel this bit applies to me. sometimes i just cant wait.

So its 45 min or so just for make up, clothes dont take long, plus shaving, probably about an hour and a quarter. Ish.

[Sissy_in_pink]

When I worked now retired, I could shower, shave, brush my teeth, dress, makeup, make lunch for work, then drive to work and sign on all in 40minutes.
I cannot understand why putting makeup on should take any longer than 10minutes, you are only painting your face not painting a Picasso.

[AmberLeigh]

If I'm lucky, 2 hours. On days I know I'm going to dress I'll shave my legs the night before and arms and chest in the shower before I start makeup.

[Jenny22]

Val, take as much time as you need. Who cares? Enjoy the entire process of becoming that attractive woman.

[Suzie Petersen]

Sissy_in_pink: I cannot understand why putting makeup on should take any longer than 10minutes, you are only painting your face not painting a Picasso.
Well ... for some of us it is more like restoring the facade of a 200 year old brick building! The cement foundation takes the time it does to even out the cracks.

[Val_Blackbird]

When I worked now retired, I could shower, shave, brush my teeth, dress, makeup, make lunch for work, then drive to work and sign on all in 40minutes.
I cannot understand why putting makeup on should take any longer than 10minutes, you are only painting your face not painting a Picasso.

Some of us have more imperfections to address than others. :)

[AngelaYVR]

I would like to see, in person, the people who say they are completely ready in 30 minutes. I simply refuse to believe you can perform a quality, close shave AND well applied makeup in that time. No way.

[HollyGreene]

I'm not great at make-up, so it varies. If my make-up goes well, the whole shower, shave, makeup, dress takes about an hour. If it doesn't go so well, you could probably add about 15 minutes.

[BrendaPDX]

For all six tasks it takes me about 2.5 to 3 hours, but that includes getting my clothes out of the attic. LOL That DADT, and still mostly in the closet stuff and all.:heehee:

[Kimberly A.]

Well, I don't time it down to the minute like some of you do, (I do see, however that it takes some less than an hour to go from "male mode" to full-on en femme), so I can understand timing that down to the minute. LOL

Anyway, with me, it can take anywhere between 2 and 4 hours. Yes, up to FOUR HOURS. (Ok, so I'm super slow when it comes to dressing.) That depends if I have to remove hair. Of course, I start by brushing my teeth, then I shave my face. If I have to remove other body hair, (legs, arms, chest and armpits), I use Magic Shaving Powder. I mix up two cans of that in two bowls, then it takes 10 minutes for it to dry out where I spread it on to remove the unwanted hair..... Mixing it takes a good 10 minutes, total. Then in the shower, I have to wet down the shaving powder again, then wipe it all off along with the hair with a wet wash cloth.

Then, I shower, (about 10-20 min). Then, I put on underclothes, (panties, bra, breast forms and pantyhose), then I do my makeup. That usually takes around 30 minutes. Then, I get dressed, get my stuff together in my purse and out the door I go. LOL

[Lana Mae]

20-30 minutes!! I am 24/7 however! Minimal makeup and add 15 minutes for shower! YMMV Hugs Lana Mae

[Leslie Mary S]

I like to take my time so I do it all in around 2 hours. I do my shaving of my face while in the shower.. I do not have to shave any where else, Just not enough hair to worry about it.
If I am not out bound, then I spend another hour in the mini-photo studio, which is normally set up all the time.
If I do my DQ make-up, I have to add an additional 30 Min. The DQ make-up is what I wear while taking photos of the DQ performers. I rarely perform DQ anymore. I get to go back stage too.
If I went out, I devote some time for photos as soon as I get home.
After the shoot, I process the photos through the night. I never wait very long to process the shoot.

My make up time has shortened since I started to use airbrush make-up.
And yes I can contour with it too.

[Helena]

Around 30 to 40 minutes for shave and basic makeup as I wear only the bare minimum. Then I can waste an hour trying decide what wear

[MargaretJ]

Not including bathing and shaving, as I would be doing that anyway, 30-45 minutes from starting makeup to finally dressed.

[Teri Ray]

Val,
I am one of the ones that takes 2-3 hours for the full dressing process. Some times quicker if I get the make up right the first time (which is rare). But I am rarely in a rush to dress and I do enjoy the process of getting enfemme. One thing that we did not discuss in this thread is how long does it take to return to male mode. I probably spend as much time, if not more time, removing make up cleaning up and putting my things away as I do getting ready. I find I make quite a mess with clothes and make up spread out everywhere. Its rare that I try on only one outfit when I dress at home.

[Cheryl T]

I generally shave my face early so the skin has time to rest before makeup so my time would start with a shower.
I epilate so there's lots of time saved there.
Shower, makeup and dressing if it's just daytime say shopping or errands would be about an hour as I love long hot showers and that takes 20 minutes at least.
If we were going someplace special like a party then make that 90 minutes as I'll just take more time with my makeup.