Makeup Lesson at MAC

I had a wonderful experience today at MAC Cosmetics.  MAC has always been known for being friendly to the community and their store at Crocker Park on the west side of Cleveland is certainly no exception.  I was treated wonderfully by everyone and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

By the way, for any of you new or shy gals out there who are thinking that this took a lot of courage on my part - it turns out that it really didn't.  I'm pretty timid and even *I* felt comfy after a few minutes - and it's amazing what a phonecall in advance to break the ice did for everyone involved.

The key to my "courage" was being very up-front so they (and I) had no surprises.  I called them beforehand and asked 1) if they did makeovers and 2) whether they were accepting of the transgendered community.  I was pretty sure I already knew the answer to both questions but this gave the woman on the phone a chance to mentally adjust to the fact that a guy was on the phone with her making an appointment for a makeover.

Once that was out of the way, I set up an appointment with her for a private back room.  That was another question I asked beforehand...I'm SOOOO not ready to be transformed in front of an audience!

I got there a little early, en-drab, and asked for Diana.  As far as the rest of the world knew I was just a salesman/husband/etc.  I brought an exercise bag with a couple of wigs that I thought would help her get a feel for how I look, help pick colors, etc.  I also brought a camera - although I was careful NOT to be an imposition with it.  When Diana brought me back to get started, I just asked if I could take a few photos along the way to help me remember.  She sais 'No problem.'

As we got rolling she asked lots of questions about colors I liked, gave me tips for getting foundation to look natural, etc.  I was still a little nervous but she was very outgoing and professional.  At each step, she'd do the right side and then have me do the left while she watched and gave feedback.  By the end of the session we were both very comfortable.  She was suggesting colors and 'hey, how about if we try this.'  I even forgot to take pictures until she reminded me and we snapped off a few.  I'd worn a light halter dress under my guy-stuff so a quick unbuttoning of the shirt (with advance warning - don't scare the natives girls!) let us do couple waist-up photos of me "fully" en-femme.

All-in-all, this was the best $100 I've spent in a long time.  90 minutes of undistracted fun.  I'll definitely go back and I hope next time that I can go out afterwards instead of having to clean everything off at the end & leave all that hard work in a pile of wipes :(

If any of you local gals are thinking about this, I'd encourage you to give the Crocker Park store a call and ask for Diana.  Tell her I sent you - maybe I'll get some free lipstick on my next visit for the referal, LOL

Hugs!  - Christine