Following a suggestion by my therapist, I bit the bullet and went for a makeup lesson at MAC in Carnaby Street right in the heart of London's West End

I've recently been a bit stuck in my transition.  Whilst things are progressing well with HRT and hair removal, I have been suffering major confidence and self-esteem issues.  A few weeks ago I was struggling with my image whilst presenting in either boy or girl mode and still haven't been out as anything more than androgynous.  Whilst today was spent presenting male, it was a major step forward for me

The lesson was supposed to last for about 90 minutes but ended up being nearly twice that.  I am a total novice with makeup – absolutely hopeless but Laura, my artist and tutor for the session was brilliant at making me feel at ease and going into everything in amazing detail

Not being out to anyone other than my therapist and gender medics, this was the first stranger I have outed myself to.  I guess I had overthought it too much and was super anxious – in the end it was so easy, she was nonplussed and treated me no differently to any other girl that she might work on

Most surprising to me was that even with the high number of people coming and going from the store during my mammoth makeover, and even though I was dressed in boy mode, I didn't hear a single comment or see a single disparaging glance.  Maybe I can do this after all and maybe most people have more interesting things going on in their own lives to care about how I look or present

I am so happy with what I got from the session.  I guess I could have got the same knowledge from YouTube but the boost it has given to my self-confidence and to have fallen in love with my smile for the first time in my life really was priceless

Glad you had a good experience. I had a lesson at their Covent Garden store last year that also went great. Id recommended then to anyone.

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Thanks for your story.  That sounded like so much fun.  As soon as I clear my beard I'll follow you to do this too.

Bari Jo

That's not a small step, that's a huge step!

That took a tremendous amount of courage, pat yourself on the back.  How exciting for you, small steps giant progress .. congratulations


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Hi Charlotte,

  Your going for and getting a makeover was a big step for you and almost anyone here that is fairly new. Some of us have not done that even after being ummmm encouraged (yeah that's a good word) repeatedly several times a day for weeks to do so. (eventually they let up on it). Someday, I errr we that haven't done so, might just make that appointment and get the deed done. Good job Charlotte!
  Now the big question... Did you learn something? lol I am sure you did but there was a lot in that time to learn no doubt. I'm glad to read that you were able to do it.

Hugs,
   Laurie

Hi Charlotte,

My first make over was at a Sephora's two years ago and I can still remember the care and warm acceptance that I experienced there, it was so special and a really big step. Congratulations!

And Laurie, your turn is coming, step up and get it done.

Anne

Thanks girls - it was a brilliant experience.  I chose MAC in a large part because as a company they are very pro-trans and I really like to support those that support us (not to mention the fact that I thought it would be a more welcoming, accepting environment)

I call it a small step as in the scheme of things coming up over the next few weeks and months it seems small but for me on the day, it was huge!

Laurie - you should definitely bite that bullet and get in there - you will be so glad you did!

Charlotte

Quote from: Charlotte F on September 17, 2017, 01:33:02 PM
Laurie - you should definitely bite that bullet and get in there - you will be so glad you did!

Charlotte

Quote from: Anne Blake on September 17, 2017, 11:12:46 AM
And Laurie, your turn is coming, step up and get it done.

Anne

  Now that I am doing full time, it isn't such a big deal for me anymore. It will probably happen someday but the impetus for it is no longer there.

Laurie

Glad to hear you had a good experience. Although when I went in boy mode they gave me stink eye, when all I did was browse for a lip liner pencil. Walked out and I will never go back. MAC gets a thumbs down from me.