Suggested shoping list

[Rayne]

Well i am gohng to the the store tomorrow and as i can not drive that is very rare. My budget is limited and due to family and budget, clothing is not in the cards. What ideas do you have for other things that are not obvious that can help me feel more girly and expiriment. A friend suggested clear nail polish, what else can someone think of? Also how can i best get over anxiety over buying girl things at a store for the first time?

[Ms Grace]

You can only get over that fear by just doing it. If anyone raises an eyebrow, say "what? it's a gift!" - it's none of their business and I think you'll find most store owners don't care what you buy as long as they're getting your money.

[EmmaD]

I started with clear nail polish and then went on to pinker shades, tinted lip gloss, face cleansers (have a really good one from Lush), moisturisers (God, try them all).  The good thing with cleansers and moisturisers is that they are invisible to anyone else.

In guy mode, I now just say it is for me!  Money speaks.  I even went into a department store a few months ago and told a cosmetics girl that I didn't have a clue and she sat me down and we tried stuff to get the colour right.  In male mode.  In a suit.  At lunchtime with crowds around.  Enjoyed myself too.  Left the concealer on 'cos I looked better!  She made a sale and I got a freebie bag too!

I have also recently upgraded my glasses and told the optometrist I was MTF and need girly frames.  She got a bearded guy to assist.  Very amusing!  Funnily enough, some people I have disclosed to have been flattered that I felt OK to say something.  If they aren't, go someplace else.

Emma

[immortal gypsy]

Baby steps we all have to start somewhere, and here is your chance to start rocking.  (Okay enough with the metaphors)
Ideas: Scented body wash or body butter.
Pending on how long your hair is some nice hair products (in a salon you can be honest say it's for yourself and you want to look after your hair).
Nail polish clear or black to begin with are always good starters, depending on your confidence any colour you fancy. (my first colour was a hideous green)
Some make up. I bought a whole package to start with which you may not be able to do, but one or two items yes.  What I did is go up to the counter and say I was looking for this for my sister. Any questions she had about my sisters skin type or colouring I answered relating to me. This will also give you a good reference point in what to buy in the future.
Have fun tomorrow good luck and enjoy

[E-Brennan]

What I did is go up to the counter and say I was looking for this for my sister. Any questions she had about my sisters skin type or colouring I answered relating to me.

Was it a "It's for my sister (wink wink)" kind of thing, where you both understood that it was really for you?

I have to get myself to a makeup counter sometime soon to make sure that my shades of makeup are actually right for me.  At present, I'm a trial-and-error kind of person who goes into CVS and grabs something I think looks like my skin color, and when I get home it's always either too pale or too orange.  I must have wasted so much money on things that don't work, and I really need to get professional help but I'm too frightened to do so.

[immortal gypsy]

No it is amazing what you can get away with in life. With a simple story, a smile, a confused look, and the right blend of confidence and helplesness. Just don't be embarresed to ask for help.
They do want to make a sale Rayne, as Grace said if anyone puts you on the spot say with confidence it is a gift