Hopefully you will have seen from previous articles Amanda is still work in progress. Make up has been vital to this.
Over the years my wife has been very supportive and critical about how I present my female persona. I want to present as a natural woman and blend in without attracting undue attention.
Over the years I have been very fortunate to have had lots of help from many female friends in the beauty business. I have visited shops and department stores to get help and advice. One of the most difficult areas is getting the correct foundation to look natural. For many years I have used Estee Lauder Double Wear, Clinique and Benefit products to give a good base. These foundation products are used a lot in the TG world. How to apply these products, tools and tricks of the trade take a lot of learning and practice! Books, You Tube etc have been a great help! I love the glamour side of creating a well-groomed look.
Where is all this going? Well, it all leads to Christiane and her make up artistry. I found her web site by chance. We emailed each other, I exchanged some of my blogs and the rest is history!
Who is the real Christiane, what is she like? I knew she was at the top of the tree by the awards, accolades and achievements she has posted on her site. The pictures, articles etc. tell it all. Real talent!
Amanda soon booked in for a 1-2-1 with Christiane in her lovely home studio. I was going out for the evening to meet up with some friends in a classy country pub and wanted an evening look. I was warmly greeted at the door and taken into her very well-equipped professional studio.
“Like a drink? Tea, coffee?” Yes please!
We started to chat. Christiane is very approachable.”Let’s start” she said handing me some make up removal pads and Micellar Water. “You look great but we need to start from scratch.”
Christiane has a huge selection of beauty products covering all the major brands, some of which I have never come across. She does not have brand loyalty but selects carefully the best products for the client. She has a massive product range. We started from basics including cleansing, moisturising, to primers and foundation. We covered techniques, brushes and some great tips!
With me Christiane started with my eyes and primer, then eye shadows and finishing with lashes and mascara. We covered brow shaping and contouring to give a lovely shape. My brows are regularly shaped using waxing, tinting and threading!
Next came the face, primer, foundation etc. covering topics from contouring, shaping, blusher, bronzers, highlighting etc all clearly shown, demonstrated and expertly taught. Nothing was too much trouble! She is a great teacher! Very patient and understanding. Clear to follow and understand advice and instructions.
Lastly we covered lips, something that I don’t find easy, but again her expert tips helped greatly. All through the demonstration – lesson or to me a “master class” I could clearly see every stage with the aid of a large mirror.
Time flew by! Conversation passed! What an experience! So much was covered! The end result was a stunning look. The real me! WOW! I felt a million dollars!
For those of you who are apprehensive about getting help and advice don’t think twice! Christiane has her studio at home. She is super aware of TG issues and problems and would love to help those on a journey like me. It does not matter where you are on the TG spectrum, she is there to help.
There was also a lot to take in and remember! Christiane produces an individual written plan – revision sheet of every topic covered, products used and some useful reminders. Great for cognitive overload! She also took pictures on her phone and mine. Great visual reminder of the session.
A 1-2 1 is a must have, must do! I’m still no expert and have so much still to learn but, with help and advice from Christiane I am now so much better equipped and qualified with my makeup knowledge, technique and skills.
My confidence has grown so much! She has raised goals! Go on treat yourself. You know you deserve it! You will learn so much! You will love it!
I must do this. I would really love to learn how to apply my makeup properly.
Hi Terry,
Do book in with Christiane.
She is so talented! Very creative!
You will not regret it!
She is the best I have ever come across being Amanda for many years.
She really understands your needs and requirements.
You will learn so much.
Amanda x
Pop me a message whenever you’re ready Terry. You should find most of the information that you’ll need on the website, but let me know if you have any more questions at all! 🙂
I have just spent the last hour reading and re-reading your inspiring story Amanda. Thanks you for sharing your journey. Looking forward to the next update.
Thanks to you and Christiane for posting.
Christiane, I have visited your beautiful site several times and thought about booking a lesson with you, but been a bit apprehensive. I can see that I need not have been worried and I will definitively be looking to arrange a makeover lesson soon!
Karen x
Hi Karen,
I’m very lucky that Amanda has given her permission to share her personal journey. She is very generous with her time and truly inspiring.
Looking forward to meeting you too at some stage x
Hi Karen,
I’m so pleased that you found my story inspiring.
Amanda has been out and active for many years!
It has been a long term dream of mine to help and inspire others along their journey.
Christiane has and still does inspire me. She has very kindly given me this platform to share with others.
Don’t hesitate, book in, Christiane will help and inspire you
Amanda x
I have booked a makeover with Christiane and although there is almost 3 months until my appointment I am really excited about the day after reading your wonderful experiences at her business. I am driving to Crawley for a day of shopping and a spot of lunch before attending an event in the evening . My makeup skills are very limited and I will definitely be booking some makeup lessons in the future so I can confidently apply my own makeup for any upcoming events.
Hi Regina,
Christiana is a very talented and creative make up artist!
She is in a class go her own!
She gave me loads of tips, ideas, advice etc.
She is a lovely caring person who loves her work.
She really understands the needs and requirements of the TG community.
I hope you really enjoy your visit and gain skills and confidence.
Hopefully 3 months will fly by!
Amanda x