Crossdresser photo’s are very popular with some crossdresser’s and avoided by others. I was one who resisted them until I launched my blog which pretty much requires them to get any interest. Because of my lack of enthusiasm for pictures I never developed good skills in taking them shooting many to yield a few good ones. One big problem with my crossdresser photo’s attempts was lighting and focus especially with my iPhone. Most pictures came out grainy at night unless I used the flash indoors. I was told that the iPhone had a feature that automatically makes decisions on lighting. I bought a small camera to haul around with me which was better but a hassle to carry around just for a few crossdresser photo’s.
By chance I received an e-mail announcing the iPhone 13 with 3 versions to choose from. The iPhone 13 pro grabbed my attention because of the new camera that:
Reveals more detail in dark areas.
Captures 47% more light.
Optical image stabilization for better photo’s.
I took the bait and ordered the 13 pro hoping for better crossdresser photo’s. The picture below was taken with flash indoors in elevator lobby of my hotel.
I’m standing in front of a mirror that takes up the entire wall with two recessed lights above. I have done this before but discarded the crossdresser photo’s because of poor lighting and grainy detail. Every picture I took with the iPhone 13 Plus came out just like this one clear and sharp.
I’m still playing with the phone discovering other cool stuff but what was immediately noticeable was the battery life. It’s incredible much, much, better than my previous model iPhone. The only downside at this point is my Amazon Music does not work in the car until Apple fixes the bug in the operating system.
I’m looking forward to taking crossdresser photo’s at DIVA Las Vegas the end of this month.
Crossdresser accessories are where the fun begins for me because I like to experiment. I like to think of my dressing style as classic but I am also trying new things to see how I like the look. Eyelashes are great crossdresser accessories for putting some glam in your style for the night and my latest discovery I am in love with. I bought my first pack of magnetic eyelashes as an experiment about 9 moths ago. I had used the Ardell glue on lashes for decades but never mastered the technique for putting them on. So I tried some magnetic ones and liked them right away. I did not care for the assortment though because half of them are too radical for my conservative style. About 6 months ago I discovered a 7 set package for around $10.00 on Amazon and a company called GXO BEAUTY. These were great for day to evening crossdresser accessories and thankfully I bought more before they ran out of stock. I don’t know if they will ever be back so I went on the hunt again.
CROSSDRESSER ACCESSORIES FALSE EYELASHES
Not one to wait and see I went back to Amazon searching for a replacement with all one style instead of the assortment. It wasn’t long before I found something even better although a little more expensive with 2 fewer pairs. They are a different crossdresser accessory more on the glamorous side and they look so pretty on. I especially like the way they taper from the inside getting longer as the go to the outside of the eye. The Arishine magnetic lashes
CROSSDRESSER ACCESSORIES JEWELRY
Jewelry accessories are a mainstay of every woman’s closet and are used to define her look for the day. Finding jewelry off the rack for crossdresser accessories can be a challenge. It can be done though with a little work and an imagination. Pictured below are two necklaces I bought on sale along with some needle nose pliers and lobster clasps. My intention was to make a larger necklace to fit me along with a bracelet and some earrings. It takes two of each style necklace in order to have enough links to make all three items.
I always end up making changes along the way like with the blue and gold set below. I decided to dump the bracelet idea with this project because the links are not very strong. This is sometimes an issue when converting necklaces because they are designed to be worn around the neck. Weight is a concern so they are sometimes made light to be more comfortable. There isn’t much chance they will snag on something and break. This necklace was designed to look heavy but the backs are hollowed out to make them lighter. Odds are I would be lucky to get a couple of wearings out of it before noticing it fell off somewhere.
I had better luck with the silver necklace below which was heavier material so I could make all three items. The bad news is that the earrings are too heavy and I will look like Dumbo by the end of the night.
I have not made up my mind yet what to do with this set which I am probably not going to wear. Possibly I will just toss it into my jewelry making box and incorporate the links into a future project. I never stop looking for closeout sales on jewelry and can pick some of it up for about $10.00 per necklace. I buy the earring hooks and lobster caws at Michael’s craft store in person or on Amazon online.
Mature crossdressers face taping is a great way to get rid of the dreaded TURKEY NECK. I did a post last October called CROSSDRESSER FACE TAPE where I talked about a face tape technique.
I used the Secret Lift Pro system for over a year and it worked most of the time but the rubber band broke occasionally on the top one placed on my temples over my head. I had less success with the one placed on the back of the neck. It came loose a lot when I turned my head. Every time they failed my Turkey Neck cam back instantly so I needed something more reliable for nights out.
I started searching on the internet and found a much better mature crossdressing face taping solution on Amazon. I tried this last weekend in Long Beach and it worked great. The straps below are designed for COVID 19 face masks but work perfect for lifting the face skin. They cost $10.99 for the 45 piece assortment and will probably be a 50 year supply in that they appear very sturdy.
CROSSDRESSER FACE TAPING PROCESS
The first night I selected the strap on the far left. I opened the adjuster to the maximum length then cleaned the temple area right under my sideburns with alcohol. Then I coated the area with New Skin liquid bandage letting it dry.
Next I cut a strip of 3M medical tape long enough to cover the temple area I prepared plus 1 inch extra. I placed the tape on my temple area letting the extra curl back away from my head. Taking the strap by the end I attached it to the tape on my temple. Then I ran the strap over the top of my head and attached the other temple the same way. Just like wearing headphones.
It worked great all night with the strap staying in place but stretching when I spoke or chewed dinner. One problem with just taping your face is that it typically does not stretch. If it pulls your skin too tight it can blister. Its fun trying to explain the blister in such a strange place to friends and family.
UPDATE APRIL 2021
I later found that the tape on the ends was hard to remove when the sticky glue built up on it. I went back to the drawing board for a
mature crossdressing face taping solution and found it at Home Depot. I bought a small sheet of acrylic plastic so I could cut it into small squares and glue them to the existing ends of the straps.
I cut the sheet into roughly 1 inch squares then sanded all the edges to remove sharpness. I glued them with clear Liquid Nails onto the flat side of the straps. The upper strap on the right shows the adjustment buckle facing upward which is the side that you glue to. That way the strap lays flat against your head and the strap pulls smoothly. The taping process is the same I just added the plastic tabs for better holding power.
8 in. x 10 in. x 0.050 in. Clear Non-Glare Acrylic Sheet by OPTIX
The strap stays in place all night and you clean it with alcohol before you use it again. The plastic tabs offer a larger holding area for the tape so they stay put all day or night.
Crossdresser bodies need a little work and some more than others, mine included! Shapeware is needed for many of us in addition to the hips and breast padding to achieve our feminine shape. I have tried most of them and will continue to but, have found one combination that really works great when used together. Honeylove products came to my attention a while back and was really impressed with their products and great service.
HIGH CUT PANTY
BLACK TANK
BEIGE TANK
I purchased the high cut panty because like most crossdresser bodies I don’t need the thigh compression. It has a criss cross mid section to compact the tummy as seen on the black tank. The tank also has the compression front shown above in black and the beige tank. I only included the beige picture to show the length which is not clear on the black.
I purchased them in size 1X so the legs would not be tight but, pads are compressed against my hip. I need the compression because my 20 year old Classic Curves Gel pads are somewhat heavy compared to the foam ones. The shorts keep them firmly in place all day and night without slipping. I don’t feel the weight of the pads because of the constant light pressure against my body.
Once the pads are adjusted I put the tank on along with the PALS silicone breast pads from Super Gel Products. Not quite 20 years old but still kicking and you cant beat the price. I pull the bottom of the tank down all the way then put on the high cut panty. I tuck the tank into the panty which is critical because when tucked in and the panty straps are in place it won’t move. No riding up or down and it feels like a one piece garment and works no matter how long your torso is.
Because all of the garments are compression they eliminate or minimize bulges everywhere. This is the best combination I have found for my crossdresser body and is comfortable to wear. I wore it out in Long Beach in August & September evenings in the high 70’s with no discomfort. The panty and tank are partly made of mesh which undoubtedly helps dissipate the body heat.
You don’t need a bra especially if you order the tank a little tight to hold the breast forms in place. This combination leaves the seams pretty much invisible for a much better look under tight fitting or body con clothes.
My days of tight clothes are behind me but I have lost a little weight so some old stuff fits again along with the stuff that never did but I kept anyway.
I wore a new long jacket over my midi python skirt for a taller thinner look. The jacket kind of hung on me and I spent most of the night pulling the skirt back up to my waist. The good news is that I have to go shopping in a big way. The bad news is I will have to part with some of my old stuff. I am not good at that part.
Crossdressing beginner is a just added a new page that is designed for the person with absolutely no crossdressing experience. It occurred to me that depending on ones upbringing they might have no clue how to start crossdressing. CROSSDRESSING BEGINNER hopes to give the reader a basic understanding of what is involved starting with evaluating the body they have. There are 6 stages to the evaluation which explain the importance of each one. I have included excerpts from each step to give you a better idea what they contain.
1. FACE
The biggest problem crossdressing beginner men have to deal with is the face which is what people spend the most time looking at. Just coating it with makeup does not accomplish anything unless it is done properly.
2. BEARD
The darker the hair the harder it is to cover requiring heavier base makeup to cover.
3. BODY
The body you have also dictates what kind of female shape you can get because you need to add padding for hips and breasts. Doing this right saves not only lots of money but time also.
4. STYLE
I don’t know any crossdressing beginner who starts out wanting to dress like their grandmother but I suppose its possible. Your age plus or minus a decade is a good rule of thumb unless you are a fetish dresser in which case their are no rules.
5. HAIR
Choosing a wig is right up there with the face in importance because its one of the first things people are going to notice about you.
6. MAKEUP
The makeup foundation product matched to your smooth skin (true foundation) gives you a great base to start the pretty process.
The CROSSDRESSING BEGINNER page will give the new crossdressering beginner some things to consider before making decisions on how to go about starting to crossdress.
The other pages on the site will further their understanding and knowledge helping them to put their best female presentation.
Crossdresser face tape is not new and I have written previously about my technique. I recently discovered a tape system online and gave it a try and I love it. Rather than using strips of tape sticking to my head band this system uses rubber strips with sticky tapes on the ends. It is not designed as a crossdresser face tape particularly. It is designed for women but because we wear wigs it actually works better for us.
CROSSDRESSER FACE TAPING
This crossdresser face taping system works very well and starts by wiping your temples with alcohol to remove the oil and dirt from your skin. The don’t call for it but I dab New Skin liquid bandage over the cleaned surface once the alcohol evaporates. The I peel off the paper cover on one of the tabs and stick it to my temple pressing firmly. Then I stretch the band over my head to the opposite temple and press it on. The rubber center section of the band maintains a constant upward pressure lifting your eyes, face and neck. It is in the eyes of the beholder but I think it takes 10 to 20 years off.
NECK TAPING
Hopefully you don’t have the dreaded Turkey Neck but it pretty much comes with age male or female. For those of us with a little left after the crossdresser face tape we have crossdresser neck tape. I use the alcohol and New Skin process I described for the face tape. This time you place the crossdresser neck tape on the back of your neck in line with your jaw line.
Go slow at first with either process because it you pull too much the tape will actually tear your skin. Blistering may be a better description as the top layer of skin separates from the lower layers.
Crossdresser wife support for your dressing is truly a gift. My wife has always been a great help with my crossdressing even though she chose not to actively participate in the beginning. Wigs, makeup, shoes, outfits and accessories are areas she has helped me with. Most things I willingly accepted but the short wig took decades for me to buy into.
Crossdressing Wig
My wig style was pretty much shoulder length through most of my dressing career. Like a caring crossdresser wife support she was constantly suggesting the shorter ones but I never liked how they looked on me. That changed a couple of years ago when we returned to our hotel from the CHIC Christmas Party. She took off the short wig that she was wearing and asked me to put it on. She wanted to see how it looked on me as it was a complimentary color. I knew what she was up to but put it on anyway. She teased it up a little higher than she wore it and the look on my face said it all. I loved the way it looked but, the wig cap was too small for me. The two wins for her was I now was ready to explore the Micki in short hair concept along with she one the argument.
Godiva’s Wigs
I was fortunate to discover Godiva’s Secret Wigs online because they are great quality and come in large cap sizes. I have purchased several large cap wigs from them but what I call a short wig they refer to as medium which, refers to the length. The two wigs below come in large cap size but are medium length.
Freedom in Nutmeg F colorTrixie in Creamy Toffee color with roots
For a Traveling T Girl like myself there is a wonderful advantage to these wigs. I pack them in a large zip lock freezer bag with the wig turned inside out. When I arrive at the hotel I open them up, hold them upside down by the tag and shake hard 3 times. I style them later when I go out with my long fingernails. It only takes a couple of minutes and has cut down my time getting ready.
Trixie wig Creamy Toast R (with roots)
On trips where my wife accompanies me she takes over on the styling which always looks better than mine but, she has been at it longer.
She has also bought me numerous Betty Boop figures over the years because she knows Betty was my first love as a child.
Maybe Betty was the influence that made me dress in the 1st place.
I like them but have some issues mainly about the weight which is 1.68 lbs each. I need two so I am looking at over 3 lbs added to my 50 lb luggage limit. Because of the weight I did not take them to DIVA Las Vegas 2019 this year as planned.
Normally I ship my luggage ahead of time and weight is not as big an issue. I think I will appreciate them in the long run. They were attractive because I assumed the wigs would stay put on the stand without slipping like my other portable stands.
$40.00 is too high given the fact that they are just cut from sheet plastic. In addition I had to widen one of the slots so the pieces would fit together without rocking.
WIG BANDS
I also found a new wig band that I liked because it has a flesh tone closer matching my skin. I followed the directions placing the label on the right side, it stayed in place all day and night. My wig fit over it and was secure in place.
I did wear the wig band everyday at DIVA this year and it was great. The only thing I would change is to order the 23″ size to give me some extra room.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
I am currently planning my next adventure which will most likely be San Francisco, Portland, Seattle or back to Las Vegas. The later will be a weekday event most likely and the others a weekend adventure. Hotels in Las Vegas are a bargain during the week while the others are more expensive. I will definitely be shipping my luggage this time.
Being a traveling T Girl road trips are something that most of us do to at one time or another. Some often like myself others only occasionally but we all have the same challenge. What to take and how to get it there in addition to how to pack it all. If driving, you can take everything you own depending the size of your vehicle but flying takes some planning. My wife organized my packing process years ago and I have used her system for years with great success.
WHAT TO BRING
My traveling T Girl road trip starts with planning my evenings out differentiating between casual and dressy nights. Once I decide on an outfit for a night, I lay it on the bed and pick out some jewelry to go with it.
ACCESSORIES CAN MAKE OR BREAK THE OUTFIT
Setting the jewelry on the garment gives me an idea how it will look when worn with the clothing. Then I hang it on a door nob or cabinet nob so I can lay the purse and heels I choose below it.
ACCESSORIES
Once I am happy with the nights look the jewelry goes in a zip lock sandwich bag and hung on the hanger by punching a small hole just below the zipper.
I do this for every night I will be going out along with days outfits. Daytime outfits are far easier to put together because the emphasis is on casual as opposed to the night time glamour. Makeup is toned down also as not to stand out so much in the crowd. Shopping rules the days so jeans and flats come first followed by a thin top so I can try clothes on over it. My preference weather permitting is a light jacket with a zipper in front. That way I don’t have to take my wig or blouse off before trying things on. Jewelry is conservative also with smaller earrings and bracelets. My wig for daytime will be light brown as opposed to flashy blonde shades. Again, the jewelry will go in a zip lock over the hanger.
When all the outfits are selected, I put a clear trash bag over the hanger of each outfit to guard against wrinkles.
TRAVELING T GIRLS
Packing wigs depends on the wig short or long full or straight. I have used cases which take up lots of room but protect the styling and they are great if you are driving. Flying traveling Tgirls are another story due to luggage limitations on size, weight and quantity of suitcases. I have used a trick for traveling crossdressers taught to me years ago by the late JoAnne Roberts for longer and full hairstyles. You place the wig in a plastic bag folding the excess bag under the wig and insert it into a plastic she box. Takes up very little room in the suitcase and preserves the styling well.
You can take collapsible wigs stands with you or you can buy large pop bottles to use for wig stands when you arrive at your destination.
Milano 2 piece wig stands slide together with offset slots in each of the halves
My wigs are all short and can be packed inside out then shaken upside down. I can style them quickly and I bring portable collapsible wig stands. I just purchased two new stands pictured above that I will be trying out but think they are going to be great as they are very compact.
Fake fingernails are a must for crossdressers and they can easily be bought on line or in most drug stores. Size can be a problem as they are designed for women who have much smaller nails. Some of the prepackaged nails will fit but thumbs usually don’t. My solution is to but unpainted nails in my size form Talon Nails and shape them myself.
FRENCH MANICURE
A couple of years ago I started experimenting with doing nails in a French Manicure style. It takes more work than just cutting, shaping and painting fake nails but is worth the effort.
The process is the same as the one detailed on my CROSSDRESSER FAKE FINGERNAILS page. The big difference is when you paint the fake nails it will be with a French Manicure polish designed to look like your natural nails.
On the nails above I painted 3 coats of the polish on the right using my nail wheel.
I let the Polish dry overnight and then mask off the section of the nail I will paint white the next day.
Because I will be using an airbrush to paint the tips I need to mask off the back part of the nail. The masking strips are available at most any beauty supply or of course Amazon.
Now its time to fire up the compressor and get to work on the tips. I use the white tip paint mixed with nail polish thinner 50/50 so it will spray easier. I tried brushing the white tips on but, it was always too think. The fake nails did not look natural like you see women wearing on the street.
I let the paint dry overnight and then remove the masking the next day.
After letting the dry another 24 hours I put two coats of Orly topcoat on and i am all done.
I bought my airbrush equipment from Amazon and the compressor from Harbor Freight.
