It's not how you look, it's not about impersonating, it's about being in touch with yourself. At least that's my opinion. Man/Woman both genders are present in my being and both try to integrate with eachother and form one. I'm not too hung up on being a perfect woman as I'm not hung up about being a perfect man. At best I'm a decent transgender, floating somewhere in between. And that's the way I'm happy. But the story here is not about feeling, it's about expressing yourself, it's about outing your feminine side, it's about being able to look in the mirror and an recognizing yourself, it's about getting out in the open and being addressed as "Ma'am" or "Miss".

There are a great number of sites that include all the details and techniques and I'm not going to add another one. Here are my favorite links and some side comments or exeriences.

General

Renee Reyes

One of the most impressive sites from one of the sweetest girls on the web. It covers about everything, from make-up over dressing to getting out and integrating T* in your life. A definite must visit!.
Starters Introduction Tips & Tricks for the new girls on the block.
Advanced Introduction Once you got the basics going, get into the advanced mode. This section of Renee's site deals with health, work-outs, fem-looks and behavior.

Renee's site is a must. Se helped me out in the very beginning. By the way she's very accessible. So don't hesitate to drop her a line.

Make-up

Cindy's Oasis

Everything you always wanted to know about applying make-up. To me it's the best guide on the net. Actually the whole site is worth a visit. Thank you Cindy!
Normally I don't quote or take anything from other people's websites, but this one is too beautiful to let go:

"Q: How long have you been a TV?
. . . . A: For a long time. I started out as a radio. The TV stuff didn’t come along till later in my life. I gained a little to much weight in my middle thirties and became a Home Entertainment System. Fortunately, I have been able to lose most of the extra weight over the past year and I’m back to being a TV again. I’m working with some makeup, so I guess I’m a color TV now." **LOL** Great answer Cindy!!!

The big trick with make-up is: practice, practice, practice. The more you do it, the better it gets. Also: don't be shy to spend some money on it: there is a link between quality and price. I tried everything from the stuff I bought in the local supermarket to the rimmel I bought in specialized beauty shops. Do get some advice in the beginning, and don't go for the water-proof stuff (they're a pain in the butt to get off your face and tend to leave some traces). Also be sure to test your skin and complexion. I have allergic reactions with certain brands.

For certain products, like foundation, check out the shops that cater to theater companies. They have a wide selection of foundation that contains only very little oil (compared to those in a supermarket). They cover your face better and are not as expensive as the so-called specialized brands that cater specifically to our community. Shops like these can also help you out in finding the best products.

Regarding nails, do select the fast drying kind, if not... you don't know what you're getting into. When it comes to long nails: spent some eur extra for the ones from a brand called Kiss 1 Easy Step (I found them in a chain called "Di"). They are preglued, have a measuring system and the only thing you have to do is: roughen your nails, measure for size, take the corresponding nail and press it on. 10 seconds later they're ready. The Benefits: (1) they come prepolished in different colors, (2) they don't fall off after half an hour (but to be safe just mae sure you have some glue with you or at least some nail polish of the same color) and (3) to take them off you soak your fingers 10 minutes in hot water and they let loose without leaving a trace.

And not to forget the earrings. Clipons are the easy way to get started, but they hurt like hell after a while. If you decide to use them think about taking along a pair or two. When one starts hurting you can always try switching to another pair. Sometimes it helps and you'll survive a night on the town. New on the market (at least new to my knowledge) are clipon-like earrings that work with a magnet. The principle is easy: the front-side is made of metal and at the back of the earlob you attach a magnet. Rumour has it that they don't hurt.
Than the question about the 'real' stuff. To shoot or not to shoot? Again, this is hearsay but if you decide on getting the traditional earring: go to a piercer and don't have them shot in at regular jewler. The difference between both is that when they shoot, the hole is rougher and literally a hole. A piercer uses finer material and the traces are hardly noticable when you're not using them. It's on my agenda. I'll keep you posted whether the rumour was right or not.

Other things

Taping

How to tuck away...

Regarding Pantyhose

Everything you always wanted to know about pantyhose but always were afraid to ask...

Andromaque

If your French is good, check out the December issue of Andromaque, they have some useful hints in terms of selecting clothing. Alternatively you can go to Patricia Elker's site.

[RETOUR]