Crossdresser fingernails are a must have to achieve that fabulous female presentation. They add that extra unmistakable feminine touch which completes your elegant look. For many years I used a process where I glued my nails on with DAP Contact cement featured on my CROSSDRESSER FAKE FINGERNAILS PAGE. It worked well for the most part but there were some drawbacks. Recently I read an article on crossdresser nails written by one of my CHIC Sorority sisters Erica. She shared a process she uses to attach her nails using press on gel tabs that stay on for days. I was intrigued because years ago I used Sally Hansen press on tabs that lasted minutes so I dumped them.
This old dog might be able to learn a new trick and be well served to give her process a shot. I ordered some and took them with me to Las Vegas last week. I wanted to try them out but brought my contact cement with me just in case.
CROSSDRESSER FINGERNAIL TEST
I put them on Monday night and was really impressed with the holding power of the gel tabs. Not one problem with lifting or loosening throughout the evening. I decided to leave them on all night because we were going shopping the next day and see how many got through the night. In the morning they were all there just as tight as the night before.
So far so good but putting on my shape wear, butt pads, and breast forms would be a real test. No problems at all although putting on make required some adjustments to my routine. I was actually ready ahead of schedule getting ready then went to lunch and shopping. Back at the hotel I changed clothes to go out that evening and my crosssdresser fingernails were intact. I even was complimented by a gentleman at the bar over my lovely nails.
I’m hooked Erica’s process for crossdresser fingernails and tossed my contact cement after ordering more tabs. I have also updated my CROSSDRESSER FAKE FINGERNAILS page to show my new technique.
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.
Cross Dressing 101 is a page I created for those who are new to crossdressing to guide them along the journey of going out en fem. However it is written to include anyone interested in picking up some techniques they might not be aware of. Cross Dressing 101 will get you ready but the decision to go out. It’s a decision only the cross dresser can make for themselves. Having said that sometimes a little push is needed to get them across the threshold which can be intimidating. Some years back there were conventions that you could attend in large hotels where you could dress in your room. Then you could venture downstairs to meet new friends. There was no Cross Dressing 101 back then so you just went downstairs no matter how bad you looked.
CROSSDRESSING 101 HELP
Thankfully there was always somebody that looked worse than you but the good news was there was a fix. In those days there were several hundred crossdressers all in the same hotel. That many captive prospects made it very profitable for vendors to set up shop. Once you made it downstairs to the vendor area you would start with Jim Bridges (Hollywood studio makeup artist) for makeover. Jim would strip off what makeup you had which was most likely all wrong for your skin type. He would educate you and apply the correct shades based on your age and skin tone. Jim had wigs but if not the right one he would borrow one from the wig ladies to complete your look. When you left Jim’s chair you were looking the best you ever could. Also armed with instructions on how to do it yourself. I think in most cases you left with the new wig you were wearing (purchased) thanks to Jim. Jim also did seminars on makeup because it was impossible to remember everything he told you during the makeover. From there it was just steps to the jewelry folks to accessorize the outfit you needed to wear that night. Extra large shoes were available and some clothing along with some corset makers.
Unfortunately there are only a handful of events going on now that are similar in some ways but much smaller. The only one that I have attended and would recommend to a cross dresser 101 girl is Diva Las Vegas. It is different from the old convention formats with no vendor area or seminars downstairs but help is available. Their version of cross dresser 101 is to have appointments available at the malls for makeovers and some independent services that cater to cross dressers. The MAC CROSSDRESSER MAKEUP counter at the mall on the strip is very popular and the artists are great along with being extremely cross dresser friendly. Amy at Just You is a full service male to female cross dresser store close by where you can get pretty much everything you need.
Diva Las Vegas this year has been re scheduled from the original March dates to October 27 thru Halloween the 31st. Being that Halloween is the official cross dresser holiday it should be fun. There are many wives who attend with their crossdresser husbandswho make it a vacation. There is probably no better time for a wife who fears being outed when seen with her crossdresser husband. Halloween is a good to go out with him in costume as a princess or Alvira. Last year I went to the CHIC Halloween party as Captain Morgana (Captain Morgans Rum) and there are many online costume stores to chose from.
CROSS DRESSER 101 VEGAS
The main reason I recommend Diva for crossdresser 101 girls is because of Diva’s Big Sister program. It is intended to help those needing someone to assist them getting around Diva. I have talked with many CD’s that want to attend but don’t know other crossdressers so feel intimidated going out alone. We have all had times like that especially in the beginning if you can remember that far back! The key is to sign up for the event NOW and ask for a big sister when you do. It is first come first served and they go fast so if you want one its better to do it right away.
I think when Las Vegas opens up again there will be a rush like a tidal wave some rooms could be a problem.
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 colors you say! What is that? Years ago I found out quite by chance at California Dreaming a San Francisco crossdressing event. I was wandering around the vendor area looking at all the wares available when I came upon the Donna Fujii Cosmetics booth. There wasn’t much going on during the day in that most everyone was in the city shopping. As I was talking to the lady in the booth she asked if I wanted my colors done. I replied crossdresser colors? She explained that everyone should know their colors especially crossdressers.
COLOR CONSULTATION
I sat down in the chair and she explained the difference between cool colors and warm colors. My skin is medium and I was wearing a dark brown wig so while my skin says warm my hair said cool. She started with cool and placed a piece of silver metallic cloth on my shoulder and asked me to look at my face especially my makeup. She then placed a gold metallic cloth on the other shoulder again asking me to look at my makeup. When she then removed the silver cloth it seemed like my makeup changed looking much more complimentary or warmer. She advised switching to warm tones like blond wigs and warm palette colors for makeup.
Clothes such as red really pop when worn with a blond wig.
Micki Finn crossdressed in red jacket.
Finding anybody wearing much color is difficult today women, crossdresser’s or anyone else. Yes black is slimming but gets old seeing everyone dressed that way.
HAIR AND MAKEUP
The most important colors to get right are makeup and hair so if possible get the makeup right for your skin then do the wig color and style. The ideal would be to try on wigs dressed with your correct makeup on. Shorter styles are easier to work with because you don’t get distracted with the style and concentrate on the wig color complimenting your makeup. I think you will be surprised pleasantly and please purchase a wig if you take advantage of the Solon’s expertise.
Another possibility is to attend a crossdresser convention / conference where there is a wig stylist exhibiting but again if at all possible purchase something from them. Diva Las Vegas this spring should have a wig company working with them.
Passable vs. Acceptable is the question that prompted me to update my CROSSDRESSER PASSING IN PUBLIC page. Summer is almost behind us and my thoughts have drifted toward getting dressed again after a summer of doing guy stuff.
Micki is planning a new road trip and in that process security is always an important factor. Because passing is something I am not able to do. I don’t attempt to pass as a woman when I am dressed en fem. Micki made a decision many years ago that it is not practical for me to pull it off.
PASSABLE VS. ACCEPTABLE
That is not to say that I don’t put a maximum effort to look as glamorous and feminine as I can. I just chose not to attempt to deceive people into thinking I was a real woman.
Ladies Room Break
The real me is far more interesting and fun than the hybrid I would be creating. Given the choice of being passable vs. acceptable as a crossdresser I choose acceptable crossdresser.
Most importantly there is no guarantee that I will be accepted when out and about which is why I take precautions to minimize my risk of danger.
Day 2 of my crossdressing San Francisco trip started slow because I had some work to do so I worked in my room until noon then, got some lunch down the street. We only planned on shopping in Union Square area so we could do that in one day Saturday. Ashley was getting in around 2 then would be getting ready until around six.
We met in the European Bar downstairs for cocktails (Read Cosmo) at 6:00PM. Tonight we were having dinner at Boulevard restaurant in east San Francisco at 7:30PM so we had plenty of time to relax before calling UBER.
Boulevard
Boulevard has become a favorite for both Ashley and myself along with everyone we have taken there. The hostess greeted us warmly and took us to our table in a great location.
Dinner
Ashley ordered the Angus Filet Wood Oven Roasted Uptown Succotash with Fava & Romano Beans Vidalia Onion & Truffle Vinaigrette White Sweet Corn & Summer Truffle Hushpuppy Roasted Beef Jus with Summer Savory
I chose theBerkshire Pork Prime Rib Chop Wood Oven Roasted Caraway Spaetzle, Sauerkraut, Bacon & Gruyere Blueberry Apple Butter with Smoked Cinnamon Tokyo Turnip & Wood Oven Spring Onion Roasted Pork Jus with Apple Balsamic
Both entre’s were outstanding which is part of why we love the place. The other is the decor of the more than a century old building.
I would be remiss if I failed to note that the service at Boulevard is excellent and we are always treated as elegant ladies with never a missed pronoun. We have several staff that we make a point to speak with regardless of who is serving us that night.
OVERDRESSED AS ALWAYS
Needless to say we look forward to our next evening at Boulevard which is already in the planning stages for San Francisco this fall.
San Francisco is one of my favorite crossdressing destinations and I was able to squeeze a trip in this month. Summer always creates problems with my dressing schedule so this was a last minute deal. My BFF Ashley flew up to meet me for the weekend but I was on my own for Thursday night.
Night 1
Thursday afternoon my early fight got me to the hotel around 2:00PM. My luggage shipped ahead so it was waiting. After a quick lunch it was back to my room to start the magic. Plenty of of time for my 7:30 dinner reservation at Jardiniere in downtown San Francisco.
I finished the process early enough to visit the European Bar overdressed as usual downstairs to get them warmed up for my Cosmo.
Just after 7:00PM I broke out my phone and ordered my UBER Coach to Jardiniere for dinner.
I have been going to Jardiniere crossdressed for a long time alone and with others and it is one of my favorites.
They know me there so it is no problem dining alone in my cozy booth upstairs. I started with the Warm Bread Salad then followed with the chicken padron, meyer lemon, eggplant, black garlic.
Jardiniere caters mostly to the San Francisco theater crowd so by 7:30 they are off to the performance and the restaurant is not so busy. The slower pace gives me time to interact with the servers and have an unhurried meal.
I skipped desert preferring to head back to my hotel for my night, night Cosmo. The alarm went off at 5:00AM that morning so I wanted to make it an early night getting some rest for the shopping extravaganza Friday.
Day’s two and three will follow this post with more San Francisco fun dining and shopping adventures.
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Crossdresser bathroom? Not really, it was the ladies room at the hotel I was staying at and yes I did go in. The problem never escapes us and is always a delicate situation to handle. Diva Las Vegas is just three weeks away and everyone who attends the event is going to have to make some decisions on where to take care of business. San Francisco, Portland, Seattle and long Beach California are places that I feel comfortable using the ladies room while crossdressed. Crossdresser bathroom doesn’t exist as an option so you have choices to make depending on where you are when the need arises.
Crossdresser Bathroom
The picture above was taken on the second floor of the hotel in a very low traffic area. My own room is my first preference but if I am away from my hotel I look for the most isolated ladies room I can find. Most hotels don’t have a crossdresser bathroom but, if they have banquet or large meeting rooms bathrooms will be close by. If no events are going on the bathrooms are usually open and empty. Gender neutral is a great option but they are few and far between and I have only seen one or two in my travels.
Crossdresser Bathroom
Even if the ladies room is empty when you go in don’t dally, read a magazine, or re do your makeup. In and out is the best approach to avoid problems with women who might take issue with you being there. I am not sure about the laws in Las Vegas so I will try to use my room most of the time just so I don’t have to worry. I don’t pass as a woman and most CD’s don’t no matter how good they think they look so I don’t take chances. Las Vegas has no shortage of meeting facilities so that would be preference number two. I also keep my eyes open when walking around to find suitable places before the need arises
Ashley ordered the Angus Filet
I chose the Berkshire Pork Prime Rib Chop
