SHAVING / BEARD COVER / LASER SURGERY





BY MELINA STEVENS
Shaving your face is perhaps the least favorite (I hate it) but most necessary
part of trying to pass as a woman. I use the new triple blade razor, but can the
four and five blade models be far behind? Shaving your face as close as possible
is paramount. And if it doesn't hurt a little (sometimes a lot), then you aren't shaving
close enough. Some crossdressers suggest hot and moist shaves; others say shaving
after getting your face cold with ice is better. The theory behind the cold shave is that
your skin contracts when it’s cold, allowing you to shave closer, since your skin will expand
when it warms, supposedly covering whatever little stubble remains. Again, it’s a
theory! Try 'em both and make up your own girlish mind as to what works best for you.


LET IT GROW / BEARD COVER
Let your beard grow a couple of days or more before shaving. You'll get a
much better (closer) overall shave. When it comes to beard cover, you name it and
I've tried it - usually with mixed results. Some girls say cover your face completely
with white make-up before applying foundation; others recommend red or orange;
still others say blending colors works best. No matter what I've done, I always see
shadow under my make-up. I've also bought beard cover through some of the magazines
and found it no better than drugstore brands. Experiment until you find what works best.


CD-TIPS


Lynda K. Krupa, a crossdressing transformation expert in Philadelphia,
has a Web site -- CD-Tips -- with advice on numerous topics, including beard cover.
She recommends using foundation with an orange base to negate blue beard shadow.
Her site often contains great advice on make-up and facial care. Check it out.
If you are thinking about using Lynda’s consulting services, I highly recommend her.

EXPERT ADVICE
Looking for a cheap way to pick up some expert make-up advice: Drop
by your local second-hand bookstore and check out the health & exercise
section. There should be several books about make-up at reasonable prices.

HOME LAB WORK
Experiment when you plan to stay home, not before heading out.
Because if you don't like the new look, you can wipe it off and start again.
At least give yourself lots of time for a make-over (no pun intended, gals).

LASER SURGERY
I have no desires to undergo sexual reassignment surgery, but I did have
five laser treatments. The first was September 2001. My results: mixed. I was
happy to see my beard lighten up, but the dermatologist didn’t remove my beard
entirely. At the end of my five sessions, he suggested three more, but at
that point, I felt somewhat conned. He’s the expert and should have been
able to tell me five to eight sessions were needed, not three to five. And
honestly, I’m not sure the extra three sessions would give me the desired results.
I was very pleased with my doctor. He explained everything and knew what
he was doing, but I don’t think he was totally upfront with me about the total
number of sessions required. The total cost, by the way, was $1,400 (not cheap).
Oh yes, laser surgery hurts like hell. Basically, they use a super strong light
to burn the hair off your face. It was tolerable, but it definitely hurt quite a bit.