October 26, 2017 - Finding that right Perfume

I need to update my perfume. I have worn Elizabeth Taylor's Passion for ever. Probably at least 2 decades. Its time for me to find that "perfect" perfume for Susan at 60+ with an "estrogen body".

Below is a short video on how to find that perfume. I personally like water. I want to retire around water and my vacations include water (beach, pool or lake). So I am going to shop for a new perfume this month.

Tuesday October 17, 2017 - Adding false Eyelashes

There are so many false eyelash styles. I have three pair in my makeup kit. I have not worn any lately, but they do make a big difference.

My problem is learning how to properly apply them.

Below is a good short video on how to apply these lashes. I recommend you buy an inexpensive pair and take some girl time playing around with them.

Thursday October 5, 2017 - New TV Series about Drag

New Series Looks At The 'Hustle And Sacrifice' Of NYC Drag Queens

" RuPaul's Drag Race " may be successfully ushering the glamour of drag culture into the mainstream, but a new documentary series will give viewers a less glitzy, behind-the-scenes peek at the lives of some multitalented, gender-bending stars. HuffPost got an exclusive first look at " Shade: Queens of NYC," which debuts Oct.

Saturday July 1, 2017 - Need a tan

I was looking at my pictures from Friday. I need to get some sun on my body. Usually, I would have been to the beach by now. But not this year and my body skin tone is light from a lack of sun. So it makes my face look too dark. I know the foundation color is good, but the face versus my chest skin color are different shades.

It has been raining so much, I have not sun bathed in the backyard. But I am going to get out in the sun over the next 2 weeks.

Monday April 10, 2017 - More about Transwoman consultant

Being a transgender woman isn't nearly so simple as throwing on a dress and a wig. In fact, one 'femininity coach' explains that there is a lot of work - and emotion - that goes into transitioning from being a man to a woman - and she should know, as she's helped hundreds of clients through the process.

Monica Prata founded her company, Nouveau She, in 2008, and since its inception, she has taught a long list of male-to-female transgender clients to dress, apply make-up, speak, and even behave like women.

'Often by the time my clients come to me, they've suppressed these feelings for 40 plus years,' the New York-based feminine image consultant told Daily Mail Online, explaining that it's become clear to her that being transgender is not a choice. 'It's a great honor to be a part of their process,' she added.

Sunday April 9, 2017 - Transgender consultant

Meet Monica Prate, owner  and founder of Nouveau She. Since 2008, she has been offering image consulting and more to transwoman.

Saturday April 8, 2017 - Your eye color and eye shadow

As I learn about makeup, one area I am struggling with is eye shadow.  I try to match my eye shadow with my outfit. Here is an infographic about eye shadow color and you eye color.

I think I am going to try to incorporate this idea into my eye shadow color.


My eye color has a brown tint, link my Mother.

Wednesday March 29, 2017 - Makeup tips and tricks

I found this short video with some nice transwoman makeup tips. For me the concealer under the eyes, contouring and using a sponge to apply your foundation, has really made a big difference.

The two pictures below show on the left (3 months pre-HRT) vs on the right (6 months into HRT)

There are many differences, such as lighting and overall face look. However, I hope you maybe able to see the makeup and how much better is was applied.

The video is below

Wednesday March 22, 2017 - Eyebrows

Eyebrows help frame your face and can project a hint of femininity, even when in guy mode. In the late 1990's, I had my eyebrows permanently shaped by going to an electrologist. It made a difference in my look and nobody mentioned it.

Below is a nice inforgraphic about eyebrows. This is followed by two short videos. If you are not shaping your eyebrows, think about doing it yourself or have them done.

HOW TO SHAPE

DIY

Monday January 30, 2017 - Taking care of my face

Below is an inforgraphic concerning face care during the day and evening.

I have a basic care routine that is slightly different.

Morning:

1. Wash face with non-soap face wash in shower
2. Once out of shower I use a cotton pad and wipe my face with witch hazel
3. Moisturize with liquid vitamin E
4. Add primer if putting on makeup

Evening:

1. If I was wearing makeup - I remove it with towelettes in shower
2. Wash face with non-soap wash in shower
3. Once out of shower I use a cotton pad and wipe my face with witch hazel
4. Moisturize with coconut oil

Saturday January 14, 2017 - Makeup expiration dates

Sunday November 13, 2016 - Removing Makeup

One of my issues is removing makeup at the end of the day. I usually do it during my evening shower. I use a non-soap facial wash and some makeup remover towelettes. It take a few washes and towelettes to remove all my makeup. Especially eye makeup.

I found a nice video and shows me an alternative way of removing makeup and I am going to try it.

I just wonder if those white towels can get clean enough to reuse.

Friday November 11, 2016 - Contouring and Highlighting

My skin has gotten so smooth and clean. I think that is why I am geting remarks from friends about how young I look. As you may know, I have a strict daily facial and body routine every morning. I have been doing for years and the results show.

So currently, I do not wear a lot of foundation. But I do like to highlight (lighten) and contour (darken) my face to create shadows and bright spots that help feminize the face.

I have had two makeovers over the past year, Clinique and Ulta Beauty. I liked Ulta Beauty makeover the best and incorporated a few of her suggestions. 1) two foundations and 2) darker lipstick.

One of my new looks will be changing from a red blush to a bronze blush. I have seen a few woman with it and I like the look.

Below is an inforgraphic on how to apply highlight and countour lines on your face. It does not take long to apply and does make a difference.

Friday October 28, 2016 - Artificial Nails

I love artificial nails. I have worn them only a few times.Currently,  I get a pedicure and my toe nails painted but I do not wear artificial finger nails. Currently, HRT is helping me (either directly or indirectly) grow my finger nails without biting them (reduced stress) or having them break (stronger nails).

My question has always been which type of artificial nails to use. Below is the information to help you answer the pros and cons of different nails.

Above is a list of different nail shapes.I like the round and almond styles. These two styles appear more natural.

Below shows the list of gel versus acrylic nails.

Below is a short video that does a good job of discussing the difference.

Wednesday October 19, 2016 - Making your eyes stand out.

One of the major differences I notice between men and woman are the eyes. Transwoman on HRT, seem to reach a point when their eyes just pop.

Started at 27 and it's been 4 years

But makeup also helps. Below is a picture of me with false eyelashes and basic makeup. I can not wait until I reach the point in my HRT, where my eyes seem to clear and stand out. Sorry this picture was taken with my older phone with the poor camera.

Below are two nice graphics that show how to apply lashes and eye shadow.

Saturday July 23, 2016 - Choosing a nail salon.

I picked my current nail salon by going to the nail salon I randomly picked way back in 1994. Yes, 22 years ago, I spent my first week as a full-time woman. On my way, I randomly stopped at a nail salon to have my first set of acrylic nails. It was a very pleasant experience. So, I decided go become a regular 20+ years later.

The current owner and employees have always been so nice to me. I always present as a femboy or now as Susan. They have never seen me in boy mode. I have had some great conversations with the owner about clothes and fashion along with general chit chat.

Some of you girls may not have been to a salon recently. If not, please go and try at least a pedicure. They are amazing. And if you are still in the closet, you can hide your feet with socks. Also, men now go to the salon to get pedicures.

If you are looking for a salon, I found this video and thought the advise was very helpful.

Friday July 8, 2016 - Having a Manicure with my daughter

My youngest daughter has been in town the last few days. She is the one who took me to get my belly button pierced. Yesterday we spent time talking about the issues of the day while doing our own manicures.

It felt like a slumber party. But we did not have rollers in our hair. I wear a wig while my daughter has extensions.

My daughter was impressed with my new nail growth.

I painted my nails with my clear polish but may change it for my Monday's doctor's appointment.

Below is an infographic which shows most of my routine when I do my own manicure. However, I soak my nails first to soften the cuticles. I may add a softener if needed.

Thursday July 7, 2016 - Determining your skin tone will help with makeup and fashion

One of the things I love about being a woman is that fashion, makeup and overall appearance are constantly changing and always in need of updating.

My male wardrobe rarely changes. I have had the same shirts, socks and pants for years. I wear the same stuff over and over again. Its so boring. Now not all men are like that. My Dad was into men's fashion and constantly updated his wardrobe. He once told me that he wished I was into clothes like he was. We even went clothes shopping together and he taught me about determining the quality of male clothes and colors. It was nice, but I wanted to go to the women's section. It was a nice outing, but it was not me and we never did it again.

However, my female wardrobe, along with my makeup is always changing as I try to improve my look and stay current. It can be expensive but its fun. Now I know while many woman love to shop and find deals.

Below is an infographic I used to help determine my skin tone and which colors work for me during different seasons.

I am definitely no expert, far from it, but this type of inforgraphic helps.

Tuesday June 21, 2016 - Makeup has an expiration Date

Makeup can be expensive. Especially if you are a part-timer. This is why I buy drug store brands. At this point I do not wear makeup often and I am still experimenting with color and looks.

Below is an infographic concerning makeup and their expiration date.

Thursday May 12, 2016 - Lipsticks

I learned to like a darker color lipstick after my Clinque makeover. I want to try our different lipstick colors without buying them first. I wonder if trying testers at the makeup store is healthy enough?

Here is a nice infographic about lipstick color, followed by a video I watched about lipsticks.