Where should I begin buying things (UK)?

[Ruruko]

Hello,

I'm a bit clueless, I need to begin my RLE stuff soon so I best get started.
Basically, I'm not the most penny-pinching eagle-eyed online shopper,
and I don't have much capacity to spot whether something is quality or not,
so I'm hoping some of you have been around the block a couple of times and
that you would be so kind to share some of your knowledge with me.

I'm looking for, I guess you could say, good places for "Asian" fashion or
makeup, gaffes, wigs, etc. for a decent price at decent quality. I've been
looking around a bit, but I'm no closer to anywhere for anything than I was
when I started looking, and I have no real point of reference to ask anyone
in my situation whether these places are any good, and to narrow that list
down to the UK.

I guess for me, I should just shop where any woman would shop?
(I'm MtF, but I have no idea where to change this information in the profile settings...)

Anyway, apart from that, are there also any tips you have before
I buy things? Measurements? Specialist stores? I'd hate to have bought
something that doesn't fit or doesn't work for me.

Thanks in advance!

[Leila]

I am of East Asian descent. I don't know what your complexion or skin type is like, but I find generally the make up available in the UK is compatible with my skin tone. I started out by buying cheap make up from supermarkets like ASDA mainly to practise technique and also to get a sense colour and hues that work. I also went online to eBay and picked up a cheap set of kabuki brushes for about £10 to apply it.

To get an idea of what sizes may fit you, get handy with a tape measure and check the sizing guides of clothing websites such as M&S or Next. As for buying 'starter' clothes, TBH I just went to Primark and bought a few cheap clothes to get a sense of the types of styles I might like. Trying them on in store may be too much of a big step for a newbie transitioner, but Primark are happy to exchange or refund outerwear within 28 days without any fuss at all. At this early stage in your transition, you probably don't want to buy high quality expensive fashion anyway, especially if you start HRT and your body shape begins to change. Not sure why you need to buy 'Asian' fashion. Are you planning on going to Asia and needing to blend in or do you just want to look strikingly different from other women in the UK?

As for tucking, there are plenty of threads on the subject, so I suggest you read up on them for a method that suits your physical size best.

Do you need to consider a wig because you have MPB? Otherwise if you have a decent head of hair, as you are starting out, don't be afraid to start growing out your hair now. I initially had loads of inquisitive people ask me when I was getting my hair cut, but to be honest it's none of their business. A popular excuse I used to tell the really persistent ones; was that I was growing my hair out for charity. I've actually now grown my hair long enough now and made a donation to the Little Princess Trust. If you do decide you need to get a wig, then don't scrimp, and expect to pay a lot of money for a real human hair wig. Buying one online is no substitute for going in person to a wig shop to select a style suitable for you.

[Ruruko]

I am of East Asian descent. I don't know what your complexion or skin type is like, but I find generally the make up available in the UK is compatible with my skin tone. I started out by buying cheap make up from supermarkets like ASDA mainly to practise technique and also to get a sense colour and hues that work. I also went online to eBay and picked up a cheap set of kabuki brushes for about £10 to apply it.

To get an idea of what sizes may fit you, get handy with a tape measure and check the sizing guides of clothing websites such as M&S or Next. As for buying 'starter' clothes, TBH I just went to Primark and bought a few cheap clothes to get a sense of the types of styles I might like. Trying them on in store may be too much of a big step for a newbie transitioner, but Primark are happy to exchange or refund outerwear within 28 days without any fuss at all. At this early stage in your transition, you probably don't want to buy high quality expensive fashion anyway, especially if you start HRT and your body shape begins to change. Not sure why you need to buy 'Asian' fashion. Are you planning on going to Asia and needing to blend in or do you just want to look strikingly different from other women in the UK?

As for tucking, there are plenty of threads on the subject, so I suggest you read up on them for a method that suits your physical size best.

Do you need to consider a wig because you have MPB? Otherwise if you have a decent head of hair, as you are starting out, don't be afraid to start growing out your hair now. I initially had loads of inquisitive people ask me when I was getting my hair cut, but to be honest it's none of their business. A popular excuse I used to tell the really persistent ones; was that I was growing my hair out for charity. I've actually now grown my hair long enough now and made a donation to the Little Princess Trust. If you do decide you need to get a wig, then don't scrimp, and expect to pay a lot of money for a real human hair wig. Buying one online is no substitute for going in person to a wig shop to select a style suitable for you.

Alright, thank you! I think I'm also of East Asian descent, and I didn't really know what I meant with "Asian", I guess fashion in developed countries is fairly the same in most places...
Again, thanks for the info, it's always nice to have some knowledge about these things!