J: So what concerns do male transvestites have?

A: They look for makeup that's going to stay on. I guess their concerns are [applying it properly], as they tend to overdo it, and looking pretty and feeling pretty and comfortable. [T]he hardest thing for male transvestites is often how to deal with facial hair, because some [have facial hair that] will grow back really quickly. Many will wear Dermablend makeup because it's full coverage...it's almost waterproof. Most transvestites wear that and then almost anything for colors.

I had [a male customer] the other day, and he was a pretty amazing man. He was dressed as a man when he came in, but he had long fingernails and arched eyebrows. I've never met anyone like him.

He was married and has three sons, and was very open. [He] said he was a transvestite, and wanted help with a foundation because it was breaking up as the day went on. [H]e said when he dressed as a woman, he dressed in [women's] business suits, and said (jokingly) that when people saw him they weren't sure if he was a very ugly woman or a man in drag, so they sort of left him alone. [H]e said he had a hard time when he was younger, but now his confidence is better and he feels more comfortable dressing as a woman. His wife was very instrumental in him coming out and accepting who he was. He said it was harder with his sons, but they've accepted him and so have his co-workers.

J: I know it's stupid, but I'm usually pretty nervous going up to the make-up counter to ask for advice, do you think this is common?

A: I see all kinds [of people]. Some very shy. One [type of customer] I've seen again and again over the years, and one that I just saw last week is the customer who comes in for a wedding make-over, and I talk to her, and ask her, 'So when are you getting married?' And she'll say 'Oh, this afternoon.' And I look at them and wonder 'Oh, my god!! What are you thinking? You don't know anything about me. I could be horrible. This could my first day on the job! So it always amazes me when people don't do any research, especially when it's an important day. By contrast, someone who's more confident will come in three times until you get it right. So you really see all personalities. You just try to make them feel as comfortable as possible.

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