Girl Kit
This is a list of recommendations for a basic boy to girl kit. I’ve used a lot of products over the years, and have refined my kit based on what I find works well and what doesn’t, but that’s not to say though that there aren’t plenty of other workable options! (There is a lot of clothing and makeup out there.)
First up, two accessories that are literally life changing. As in, you will feel the doors of new possibility swing open when you put them on and see a new person in the mirror.
A wig: We’re very lucky to live in a time where very high quality wigs are available cheaply. Lace front synthetics are a good option for most CDs (wigs that have a line of lace on the edge of the wig that helps them blend with your skin), and go for $40 to $50. I like Vedar, but search Amazon for “synthetic lace front” and look for one that you like and is well-reviewed.
Hip pads: It takes time for a burgeoning CD to realize how important shape is to a great feminine look. Your jaw will fall open the first time you see yourself in hip pads as they give you a new body that you always wanted. Leggings and bodycon dresses become real possibilities. DressTech silicone pads are the best, blending seamlessly and feeling like part of your body moments after putting them on.
Next, the chest area:
Breast forms: Silicone breast forms can be had quite cheaply. I use Feminique.
Some gals prefer “breast plates” which give you a sexy hyper-realistic cleavage look, but are quite constrictive, and leave “seams” around the arms and neck that need to be covered up with clothes and jewelry. Personally, I don’t like them as much, but they do produce a great illusion.
Exercise tape: Use in conjunction with breast forms to pull skin together and create cleavage. The brand doesn’t matter that much as long as it’s designed for use on skin (other types of tape can quickly lead to bad rash). I use Laneco kinesiology tape.
Bra: I don’t have a strong recommendation for bras except to err on the side of stronger support. I like to wear lightweight sports bras because they’re excellent at keeping everything in the right place.
Some other key apparel items:
Base tights: I really like to use heavy nude skater tights as a base layer for shaping legs. I wear at least two pairs, and go up to three if I’m wearing very tight leggings which are unforgiving in that even a tiny lump shows through. I’ve had great luck with Bloch, Capezio and Danskin.
- Footless tights: If I’m wearing leggings, I’ll go with footless skater tights so that I can show some bare ankle. Available from Danskin.
Washcloths: I totally eschew tape for tucking and use basic washcloths. They flatten things out down there, and combined with skater tights and hip pads, make even tight leggings perfectly workable with nothing looking amiss (I use leggings as an example a lot because once you have those figured out, skirts and dresses are easy). Brand doesn’t matter. 12”x12” is a good size.
Fashion tights: Wear a layer of fashion tights over your base layers. The possibilities are endless, with tights coming in all kinds of colors, patterns, and varieties. My tastes have changed over the years, but I’m partial to super opaque microfiber tights and dark sheer tights. You can’t go wrong.
The world of makeup is broad and very complex. It’s worth learning though, because unlike taking gender-inverted photos with FaceApp, it will let you go outside! These are a list of single, direct recommendations, but lots of other items will work too. I tend to recommend NYX a lot because it’s quite cheap for its quality where more famous brands like MAC are great, but expensive. While learning, make heavy use of YouTube videos to figure out how things work.
Primer: Goes on under other makeup to absorb oils and prevent shine. I use NYX shine killer.
Concealer: Apply to correct color and conceal stubble. I use Belloccio high definition concealer.
Foundation: I use L’Oreal liquid foundation. Apply it with makeup sponges which look a little funny, but are so much better than hands or brushes.
Eyebrows: Always fill and shape your eyebrows. I use NYX eyebrow cake powder in dark brown or black depending on my mood.
Eye liner: Liquid eyeliners look great, and can be used for a simple outline, or to create full, dramatic wings. I use NYX Epic ink liner.
Eye shadow: I use AFU eyeshadow palette, but there are plenty of good alternatives.
Mascara: Covergirl Lash Blast gives your eyelashes some incredible volume.
Contouring: I use a bright color of L’Oreal True Match concealer for highlights and a dark color of Maybelline Fit Me foundation for shadows.
Lipstick/lip gloss: Infinity options here. I use NYX soft matte lip cream.
Setting powder: Apply setting powder after makeup to set it (improving its longevity). I use NYX Studio finishing powder.
Setting spray: Apply a setting spray on top of setting powder for all-day staying power. I use NYX matte setting spray.
Makeup removal towelettes: Makeup is designed to stay on. Trust me, you’ll want these over hands and water. I use Neutrogena.
The list above is also in the order that I apply each item when getting done up.
Other clothing:
Leggings: I’ve tried dozens of leggings over the years, and for my money, Nike’s (see the “Luxe” series) and Uniqlo’s are the best. I even own Lululemon, and find them very overrated, not to mention overpriced.
Gothic styles: A lot of my goth gear comes from Killstar. Real goths would probably consider Killstar a brand for tourists, but they make some nice things.
You’ll need to find the right compromise for you in terms of price and quality, and this takes some trial and error. Clothing at the high end can be a hundred times more expensive than the low end, but it doesn’t give you even close to a hundred times the quality. On the other hand, there’s a lot of cheap clothing on Amazon, some of which is good, but a lot of which really is just as junky as its price would suggest. On the other other hand, the higher end fast fashion brands are often sourcing from the same places as brands that cost half as much.
There’s no right answer. I tend to wait for one of Express’ semi-annual 50% off sales and buy a lot of stuff from them, spot filled by random Amazon buys.
September 8, 2020 (4 years ago) by