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January 6th, 2011Beard Concealer and Wigs
December 6th, 2010Beard Concealer and Wigs
Wearing Wigs and Makeup
When wearing several layers of clothing– you may experience perspiration (lets just say sweating!) you want the best beard concealer and foundation for your skin type. Using as little foundation as possible is obviously most important. But for many Cross Dressers who can’t have laser, here are some tips.
For Cross Dresser the summer heat can be difficult when wearing a wig and heavy beard concealer. Not only is it hot, but perspiration can run down your face and ruin your makeup and even drip on your blouse. Being a “pageant girl” in Texas, we needed our makeup to stay on our face and off the stores clothing. Here are some tips that will.
Just before putting on your wig, take roll on clear antiperspirant (not deodorant) and run it along the ridge (just under the tip) of where the wig will touch your face. You should carry a smaller sample size along in your purse, for a second application–when things heat up.
Obtain the closest shave possible. Start with a freshly washed face, and then moisturize.I am told, to warm a moisturizer (any popular brand like Vasline Intensive Care Lotion fom a drug store), in a small bowel tocomfortable level in your microwave. Also, have a sink of warm water ready and soak a hand. After applying your warm moisturizer begin with a multi-blade (or a good electric razor if you prefer), shave using downward strokes then shave using upward strokes afterward. Repeat the upward strokes two to three times to get the closest shave possible. Pay special attention to your chin and the area just above your lip, around and on the edge of the lip and under your nose. Having a styptic pencil handy is good idea until you get used to shaving this closely, a styptic pencil will stop any bleeding from cuts. It is very important to take the time to get the closet shave possible. Apply your warm, wet handtowel to your face and hold for a 2 minutes.
With a pair of cuticle scissors, carefully trim all nose and ear hairs. Many cross dressers forget this, and even after you makeup is removed, having no visible nose or ear hair is just a good practice to get into. Remington even makes electric shavers designed just for this purpose. Purchase a good pair of tweezers and a magnifying mirror with a light and search for any stray or gray hairs on your nose or between your eyebrows.
Camera flashes will definitely show heavy shadowed beards under most makeup. I recommend purchasing a beard concealer from any TG salon or web site, or make your own.. I make my own, to use on clients…so I can create a custom color…just think this way. You want to use two colors to take out the blue beard. Yellow and Orange. Try a cream or a powder–however a cream is probably best for Tg’s. This allows you to apply the exact proportion of pink and/or orange for your first coat. And, a yellow cream for your second coat. Pink/ Orange and a Apply a Pink (or Orange cream lipstick)– to the beard and mustache areas using a “patting” motion. You don’t need to apply very much, just a light coat over the beard and mustache area will take the “shadow” out of the beard. Then, apply a yellow concealer which is found at any drug store (for dark circles under the eyes). Experiment with with how much orange you will need compared to how much yellow you will need. Everyone is different. Like the artist…find the right shade of yellow and orange to mix/blend together– to cover the color of your beard. Again, you can use a cream–such as a orange or pinkish orange of lipstick OR you can use a powder in orange or pinkish orange blush. Finding that perfect percentage of yellow and/or orange…in a cream…is the best way I know to create your own beard concealor for only a few dollars. If you need to purchase a beard concealer, on the Internet, I suggest Ben Nye beard conealer, under $10.00
If you have any suggestions, let me hear them!
Denae
Strut Your Stuff!
December 3rd, 2010Hi from Denae. I have been tardy, in my entry on the blog. You may know, I have been working on 3 new dvd’s and they are such a lot of work, to arrange taping, then thinking about everything to say…and staying on track..and then editing them, and then there was version 1, version2, and3 edit.
Regardless, it was great to hear from several of you, and I am thrilled you are enjoying the many tips, Yes, as one of you said… everyone should read back over the previous months…for the many, many tips you can use for dressing. I also learn, from many of my clients, who tell me some tip that they found works, or a product, or a line of clothing, that works for them, and I always pass that on. So, if any of you out there, have a valuable tip…that I have not discussed…then do share it with everyone!
I am sure, others will enjoy hearing any special makeup tip, or where to purchase specific types of clothing, such as Tall.
Oh, I was watching the Tyra show recently, and she had a special life coach on…who had the entire audience of girls…wearing dark green garbage bags, with belts at the waist. His point was this–It didn’t matter if a girl had on a Prada this or designer that. The clothing was not….what created a feminine, confident female. The suit may make a man…but…. only the clothing….. does not make a truly, feminine woman. And, while clothing styles, make-up, and hair are important–the way we walk, hold our heads, that special “vib” that is project while walking and connecting and caring about others…. is the girl, that others will remember. No one but you, will remember the shoes you wore!
Others, don’t notice our shoes, or our blouse. Sure, they will “see” and make a three second impression of us by what color outfit etc…we’re wearing, how the over-all package looks, but the clothing alone does not “sell” you or get you very far (beyond a minute or so). The point was simple–if you can wear a dark green garbage bag with a belt around it…and walk really condiently with a smile and warm beam…you have mastered the art of feminine deportment, beauty, and sensual femininity.
Recently, I attended Southern Comfort in Atlanta, where I speak every year. That Sat night, there were many girls in their long evening gowns….waiting for dinner. The dresses were stunning, but again….it wasn’t just the dress, it was the BEING in the dress. It was the smile, the happiness, the friendly connection, the personality, it was what was being projected–that made others want to approach. I saw several girls, standing alone… in a $1,000.00 beaded gown, who did not come across as a happy, confident female, as I thought to myself…did she think wearing the most expensive dress…would make her “pass”? Sad, to see a beautiful outfit on a gg or tg go un-noticed…due to insecurity, being shy, or simply depending on the outfit to do the work. I suppose it is a balance of a nice presentation, with a confident, feminine, approachable vib…that is ”that” girl who walks by…and causes men to lean out of their chairs to get a second look.
Okay, lets call it, working it!
So, get out there and put on your version of a garbage bag…your best casual jeans, and casual blouse with average shoe (instead of the garbage bag). See if the happy, confident, smiling vib you are feeling inside….with approachable smile and eye contact…will work better than the outfit.
Lets don’t depend on “just clothing” to do all the work. After all, people do look at our faces, and smiles, right? Mostly, everyone wants others to see them, notice them. That is the girl, everyone remembers. We all want to feel accepted, right?
Blending, Smiling, and taking the time to look at others in the eyes. Get out of racing thoughts in your head, and pull yourself back down….into your body. Feel your body, feel your walk, feel your feet moving on the floor, feel the heel of your foot moving and turning, feel your legs reaching, and feel yourself being happy, feel your eyes opening up and looking around, and feel your lips, …moving, feel your shoulders moving with your head, and projecting how good you feel about yourself…to the world. Don’t be self absorbed– that’s not pretty. Be open, and be you. Mostly, be in your body, and out of your head…with doubt and fear.
E-mail any tips or suggestions you have…for others to read!
Walk YOUR walk,
Denae
Time To Change Your Hosiery To Darker Shades
November 27th, 2010I am often asked what color of hosiery to wear. In ideal situations, wear the shade which matches your natural skin shade, (arms and chest). Orange legs, with pale arms….not so great. Also, once the winter clothing comes into season, you can go into darker shades, such as coffee, taupe, sheer gray. The new hosiery has great designs with darker shades to wear with boots. Love it.
So what’s one of the biggest hosiery mistakes for TG women? Wearing dark hose to hide un-shaven legs. Certainly, dark hosiery is excellent for un-shaven legs–but the key is the color of your outfit. Unless you also have the dark shade someplace in your ensemble, you’re calling attention TO your legs, not AWAY from them. Use the darker hosiery color also in your skirt or dresses or even jeans– to match the hose, or wear a longer skirt to cover what you want to hide. Now, the stores have darker colors of hosiery, such as gray, blue, tan!
Handbags
November 26th, 2010Many of you have asked me about the new handbags. I love the new colors, so don’t feel you have to stay with basic black. If possible, put the color of the handbag, in a piece of jewelry or a color in the fabric. Now for the TG woman, who may be a little larger on top
Women with large breast and heavy shoulders should avoid carrying short-handled bags that finish around the bust area, as this only serves to accentuate your breasts and shoulders more. Go for a longer length finishing around your middle, or a mid size clutch purse, which is carried in your hand.
Hello Annie. What Color Stands Out Most For Women?
November 23rd, 2010Hello Annie, thanks for the great question. I was just discussing this recently, with a color expert I work with. She reported–wearing red, peach, medium pink (not hot pink) are the three colors most responded to, on women. Now, with the holidays upon us, go find a great red dress and knock em” out!
Denae
First Event in Boston 2011
November 22nd, 2010I hope all of you are getting ready for Thanksgiving.
I will be attending First Event, on Friday and Sat in Jan. Please check out their web site, and make a private with me…if you’re on the east coast. If interested, do email me early at:
denaedoyle@femimage.com in Subject Line put First Event.
See you ladies there. Oh dear, it is sooo warm in California. Boston, hummmm I suppose long boots, long coat, hat and gloves. Takes all the fun out of dressing!!
When Trying On A Dress
November 19th, 2010Hello Everyone- I was recently shopping with a client, and she did not understand how important it is to SIT in the outfit, especially dresses that are fitted.
When you are trying on a dress, skirt or pants/jeans– always take or wear the undergarment you’re going to wear with it, and the shoes. Also, never, ever forget when you try something on, to sit in the clothes. People do more sitting than standing in life, and you want to make sure it’s not too tight around the hips and tummy. Happy Shopping!
Denae
Walking In Heels, Holiday Parties, Get Your Feet Ready!
November 18th, 2010Thanks Shelly- for sending this article about our favorite subject…high heels!!! I love them!Denae
What women doesn’t love the way her legs look in a dress with a great pair of high heels? It creates a longer line, great calve’s curve and sleek appearance. With the holiday season creeping in, there will be more parties, galas and long work days with your feet balancing on the most adorned shoes. Although some women will wear flats or sneakers to and from events, the fact remains we are still wearing our heels.
A survey conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association showed some 42% of women admitted they’d wear a shoe they liked even if it gave them discomfort; 73% admitted already having a shoe-related foot issue.
So what’s a girl to do? Give up her Jimmy C’s or Christian’s and wear calf-flattening shoes? I myself being in the fitness industry for almost 30 years have made the switch to office heels “clackers” as they say in the movie The Devil Wears Prada, and found three simple steps to help avoid foot pain.
1. Self massage: Use a golf ball or tennis ball each night before your go to bed. Stand on one leg and put your foot on top of the ball. Roll the ball with slight pressure under the ball of your foot massaging the plantar tendon. Small circle motions that lead up under the heel. Roll the ball under each foot for about 30-60 seconds.
2. Toe Pulls: Before you go to bed, lie on your back and pull your toes towards your shins with legs extended. Do not point your toes but flex your entire foot. Perform 20 repetitions with toes pointing towards the ceiling, another 20 with toes pointing outward and last 20 with toes turned inward.
3. Heel Walk: Each morning on your way from the bed to the bath and back to your room, lift your toes off the floor while you walk. This simple shin strengthening exercise helps stretch the calf muscles that become tight from wearing high heels.
Television Show On Bravo ~ That Girl Can Walk!
November 15th, 2010Okay, I admit it. My newest vice is watching the HouseWives of ALL the cities. I really enjoy observing how differently the women dress, in various cities. And, how they express their femininity differently due to their weather, culture, and how they were raised. Orange County has lots of blonds in jeans. New York has lots of boots, coats and natural color hair.
I have to admit, the newest show…HouseWives of Beverly Hills (which just aired late Sept 2010) is now my favorite to study. Why, you ask? Yes, of course, these ladies are spoiled rotten and over the top–that is a given. However, the feminine movement of several of these ladies is so graceful, natural and feminine. This is how I was trained, to move. In the first week of the Beverly Hills show, they introduce each housewife, each having their very own look, style, personality and life. But, watch for “Taylor” – her walk is perfect, she obviously has been trained and it shows! I am often asked, who is truly feminine. This show, has 3 ladies out of my top 10 list. Perhaps, they spent some of their money, learning how to move and how to look great in the right clothing.
So, if you want to have fun, see some over the top styles…watch for The House Wives of Beverly Hills, currently on Bravo on Thurs nights. Email me, who is your favorite and why! Bravo is running re-runs of the HouseWives of Atlanta, not such a good study.
Bravo, to Bravo!
Denae
