Hello Kathy Lauren,
Great picture! Your whole experience sound so fun and affirming; having a friend that is accepting and open to helping you in the learning process, finding the courage to shop for such things in guy mode, getting the lessons to achieve the look you seek (from a friend no less), and finally succeeding so well. Well done!
You may already be there but, for me, the next high point in the cosmetic world was when I found my self able to get past the frustration of not "getting it right" and begin to enjoy my transformation process.
Anne