Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hello everyone,

I'm coming back here after a long time away, because I'm entering a new stage of my journey and I needed a safe place to share it. Over the past few months, a softer, more feminine side of myself has been resurfacing, and I feel the need to give it a little space — gently, quietly, at my own pace.

I have a project that means a lot to me: I would love to experience a soft transformation with the help of a professional makeup artist. Not to go out or be seen, but simply to live a moment where I can recognize myself differently. I imagine something delicate and dreamy: a polished makeup look, a simple feminine hairstyle, and a slightly fairy‑tale outfit — a voluminous dress, a big bow, a puffy underskirt. Almost like a "princess evening" just for myself, a private moment of truth and beauty.

I've tried reaching out to a local drag association to find a kind, understanding makeup artist, but it hasn't been easy. I'm very discreet in my everyday life, and for now I need to keep this separate from my surroundings. Not out of shame, but because I'm not ready to explain everything yet. This need for discretion makes things harder, and sometimes I feel a bit lost about how to approach the right people.

So I'm turning to you for advice. 
How did you find your first contacts? 
How did you approach a makeup artist or a drag collective when you were just starting out and needed gentleness? 
How did you manage discretion without feeling isolated?

Thank you in advance for your kindness. 
Writing this already makes me feel less alone.

I suggest contacting a nearby transgender support group and ask them for recommendations of transgender friendly makeup professionals.  Then you can contact the professional directly and they will of course be discreet.  Some may even be willing to visit your home. 

If you cannot find a group, go to the Internet and search for transgender friendly makeup artists in your state.  For example, enter this search prompt:

transgender friendly makeup service california


Also check for transgender photo shoot service, as they do makeup but they also want to take photos.  But you may want some photos.


I wish you to have a great time!

Chrissy

Hello Sophie,

I'm Lori Dee. Welcome Back to Susan's Place!

Chrissy gave some good advice. Major makeup stores often offer makeover services and are accepting. (They don't know if you are trans, CD, going to a costume party, or what.) If you explain to them that you would like an appointment when they are not busy, you can also state that you are just learning, so you would like them to explain what they are doing as they do it. They are accommodating because they want you to buy the products they use. What you are really buying is the transformation experience with education about what works with your skin tone and facial features.

I will add links below that are important for new and returning members.
Pay special attention to the links in RED.

If you have any questions about the Susan's Place site and the Forums, please feel free to contact me at LoriDee605@outlook.com.

Once again, welcome to Susan's Place!

~ Lori Dee
Forum Staff

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@SophieMaidFr64 
@Sarah B
@Northern Star Girl

Hi Sophie

Welcome back.  It is good to see you here again and thank you for trusting us with something so personal.  What you describe sounds like a very intimate and meaningful moment for you.  Wanting it to be private, soft and respectful makes a lot of sense.

In my own case I was never involved with any community.  I did things on my own and that helped me keep my privacy secure.  Sometimes a quiet, independent path is the safest one when discretion really matters.

About finding a makeup artist, I really think the simplest approach is to ask directly.  Many professional makeup artists work with all kinds of clients and situations.  You do not need to explain your whole story.  You can just say that you are looking for a private feminine makeover for yourself and that discretion is essential.  I would suggest looking a little outside your immediate area so you feel safer about your privacy.  A freelance bridal or studio makeup artist, not one based on drag focused only, may also be a good fit because they are used to working one on one.

When you contact them, it can help to ask a few clear questions so everyone knows what to expect.  For example:

• Do you offer private sessions for personal makeovers?
• Are you comfortable working with someone who is exploring a feminine look for the first time?
• Can the session be fully discreet and by appointment only?
• How long should I book so there is enough time without rushing?

For preparation, a few practical things can really help the result.  If you have noticeable facial hair, waxing or another form of hair removal a day or two before can make makeup sit much better and feel smoother.  You could also ask the artist what they recommend, since some prefer to handle certain steps themselves.

Think about your hair too.  Will you use your own hair with a simple style or a wig?  Letting the artist know in advance helps them plan the look.  The same goes for being fully dressed.  If your dream is a full princess moment, arriving with your dress, petticoat, bow and shoes means the final look can be balanced from head to toe, not just the face.

Most of all, be kind to yourself in this.  You are not asking for anything wrong.  You are just asking for a moment that feels true to you.

I hope you find someone gentle and respectful who can help you create that dreamy evening you imagine.  You are not alone here.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@SophieMaidFr64 @Lori Dee @Northern Star Girl

Thank you so much to the three of you who replied to me with such kindness. 
Your gentleness, your openness, and the way you welcomed my project really touched me. I felt understood immediately, and it gave me the courage to keep moving forward.

I wanted to share a bit more about where I am now, because your messages helped me clarify my next steps and made everything feel more real.

I've been searching for a professional makeup artist, but I've noticed that many makeup websites in my area only accept women as clients. I understand their policies, but it still scares me a little and makes the process more complicated. Your reassurance helped me realize that I shouldn't give up, and that there are people out there who can work with someone like me in a kind and respectful way.

One of you suggested using a wig, and honestly... that idea opened a whole new door for me. I hadn't considered it seriously before, but now it feels essential. I'm adding it to my plan — it makes the whole experience feel more achievable and more magical.

I'm also slowly gathering the pieces for my "princess evening": 
- a voluminous dress, 
- a huge bow, 
- stockings, 
- long gloves, 
- jewelry, 
- shoes, 
- a corset, 
- a caraco, 
- puffy sleeves, 
- and even tools to soften my eyebrows.

I love the idea of building this step by step, over several months. I've even created a small daily routine — just five minutes a day — to practice posture, gestures, and a bit of femininity. It's simple, but it helps me feel connected to this part of myself.

This six‑month plan feels perfect for me: gentle, structured, exciting, and safe. 
Thank you again for your support. It means more than I can express. 
Writing this and being heard makes me feel far less alone.

Hi Sophie

Thank you for sharing your update.  It is really good to hear that you now have a plan to follow.  The way you describe it sounds gentle and thoughtful and very much in tune with what you want for yourself.

It would be lovely to hear how you progress with your plan as the months go by.  Even small steps can mean a lot and I am sure many of us would enjoy walking that journey with you.

In a recent post I made in "Re: The biggest one or two things that make you perceived to be female" I said that for me the two most important things were "being myself" and "my long hair".  So if I had to offer you one simple thought it would be this.  Be yourself.  Practice those little actions and gestures for that special day and when the day finally comes you can glam it up and enjoy every moment of it.

Your list of clothes and accessories sounds magical already and I love that you are building it step by step.  That daily five minute routine is a beautiful idea.  It keeps you connected and makes the dream feel real without any pressure.

I cannot wait for the results and to hear how your princess evening comes together.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@SophieMaidFr64

Let us know how things come along for your special night.


Chrissy

Hi girls,

I wanted to give you an update, because your encouragement really lifted me up. 
I'm honestly as excited as a pom‑pom girl about this whole transformation project — even though I have to admit... contacting the makeup artist scared me a lot. My hands were shaking when I hit "send", but I did it, and it suddenly made everything feel real.

I've also made some progress with the outfit: 
- I already have the camisole
- the stockings
- a shaping panty
- and I've ordered the corset.

My next steps are clear: 
- choosing the dress
- making the giant tulle bow myself
- and ordering a second pair of very opaque white stockings.

I'd also love to know if you'd be interested in seeing the dresses I'm imagining, so I can get your opinions and advice. 
And if you want, I can share photos of my progress along the way too.

Thank you again for your support — it means so much to me.

Sophie 💗

Quote from: SophieMaidFr64 on December 24, 2025, 04:00:13 AMI'd also love to know if you'd be interested in seeing the dresses I'm imagining, so I can get your opinions and advice. 
And if you want, I can share photos of my progress along the way too.

Yes, please!

Many of us would love to see them.

Get some Pom Pons and have a good time!

I wish you the best results, it looks as if you are preparing thoroughly.


Chrissy

Hi girls,

I wanted to share my progress on my princess project — things are starting to feel real and I'm so excited.

Here's what I've already bought:

- Camisole (the soft, stretchy one from Amazon)  : (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61RYwkjFYgL._AC_SX522_.jpg)
- White tights (the very opaque ones)  : (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51BGYBQjJlL._AC_SY741_.jpg)


- Petticoat (the fluffy one from AliExpress, perfect for volume)
(https://ae-pic-a1.aliexpress-media.com/kf/Sbea1f78212684a6b87a2f737ffd114c39.jpg_220x220q75.jpg_.avif)
- Detachable sleeves (the sheer, princess‑style ones)
(https://ae-pic-a1.aliexpress-media.com/kf/Sc5e2077120d143fcb8b06ca7f9d81a84H.jpg_220x220q75.jpg_.avif)

And now I'm at the stage of choosing the dress... which is both thrilling and terrifying.

I've found two options I really love:

1. The pink princess dress (AliExpress) — soft, romantic, very doll‑like
(https://ae-pic-a1.aliexpress-media.com/kf/S9babbe6fcce84cb0a31486bada501ed3V.jpg_220x220q75.jpg_.avif)

2. The big quinceañera‑style gown — beaded, ruched, sparkly, absolutely massive and totally princess‑fantasy
(https://ae-pic-a1.aliexpress-media.com/kf/S9176a4aa86494feda2f781d257664436d.jpg_220x220q75.jpg_.avif)

I would really love your opinions on these.
Which one feels more "princess"? Which one fits the vibe of the outfit I'm building?

Google lgtbq friendly salon your town state and you should be able to pull up one that will provide all the hair skin and makeup services a girl needs. If you live in a small rural community like me you will have to search larger communities that are the closest to you. Salons aren't cheap but they give you excellent results.

I love the Princess dress! It is beautiful and elegant.

Things are progressing for you. It is exciting, isn't it?

@SophieMaidFr64
Dear Sophie:
I am so very glad that several days ago that you found your way to Susan's Place and
the Forum and registered as a member here. 
I am happy to see that you have been submitting your first postings....
  ....and I am giving you a warm WELCOME
I have really been enjoying your postings and sharing regarding how you are
preparing for your special night... "Princess Night Preparation"

Please keep me and your other readers and followers update, we are eager
to read about your special night.

HUGS, and my best wishes to you.
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
The Forum Administrator    Direct Email: alaskandanielle@yahoo.com

Quote from: Lori Dee on December 26, 2025, 11:05:17 AMI love the Princess dress! It is beautiful and elegant.

Things are progressing for you. It is exciting, isn't it?

Yes, it's crazy... I've actually made a 6‑month plan to create my perfect dream moment. Every morning I get a reminder to add something new — order the next item, learn something, write something... 
The only problem is that I scheduled only 5 minutes a day for it... but it looks like I'm doing a bit more than that :)

Quote from: SophieMaidFr64 on December 26, 2025, 12:10:49 PMYes, it's crazy... I've actually made a 6‑month plan to create my perfect dream moment. Every morning I get a reminder to add something new — order the next item, learn something, write something... 

That is the best approach. Make a plan and stick to it, even if it is only baby steps. As long as you keep moving forward, you'll get there!

Quote from: Tig58072 on December 26, 2025, 10:36:00 AMGoogle lgtbq friendly salon your town state and you should be able to pull up one that will provide all the hair skin and makeup services a girl needs. If you live in a small rural community like me you will have to search larger communities that are the closest to you. Salons aren't cheap but they give you excellent results.

Interesting... I hadn't thought about that. And there's actually one only 60 km from my home. 
The only problem is that I'm in full James Bond mode with this — it feels like a very secret mission :D 
I would have preferred a makeup artist at home, but I'll contact them and explain my project. 
Thank you so much!

Quote from: SophieMaidFr64 on December 26, 2025, 02:08:26 PMI would have preferred a makeup artist at home, but I'll contact them and explain my project. 

You may get lucky, and one of the group members does makeup and would be willing to meet you wherever you are comfortable. I am sure things will work out in some way or fashion.

Quote from: Lori Dee on December 26, 2025, 03:41:54 PMYou may get lucky, and one of the group members does makeup and would be willing to meet you wherever you are comfortable. I am sure things will work out in some way or fashion.

Really??? who? :)

Quote from: SophieMaidFr64 on December 26, 2025, 04:38:42 PMReally??? who? :)

I mean someone from a local LGBTQ+ support group.

Some professionals will come to your home to provide makeup services.

Good luck!