First-Timer’s Guide to Crossdresser Makeovers and Trans Makeovers at Makeovers with Elizabeth Taylor
By Elizabeth Taylor, MtF Makeup Artist, Photographer, and Coach in Takoma Park, Maryland near Washington, DC
If you’ve been quietly researching what a professional crossdresser makeover or trans makeover is actually like, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve been doing MtF transformations since 2013 and I’ve worked with hundreds of clients — nervous first-timers, experienced crossdressers, transgender women, and genderfluid people with a femme presentation. The questions below are the ones I hear most often. I’ve answered every one of them honestly and in detail, because you deserve to know exactly what you’re walking into before you walk through my door.
What actually happens at a crossdresser makeover or trans makeover?
Crossdresser and trans makeover offerings vary widely by studio, and it’s worth understanding the differences before you book. Some studios specialize in makeup only; you bring your own clothes. Others — including large retail-focused studios like Glamour Boutique — build the transformation experience around clothes you shop for and purchase at their store, so you leave with a wardrobe you own rather than borrowing from a studio collection. Some studios offer a hybrid: they shop for one complete look for you in advance, you pay for it, and it’s yours to keep. Photography ranges from casual cell-phone snapshots taken by the makeup artist to professionally lit studio sessions using dedicated camera equipment. Full-service MtF transformation studios like mine typically offer makeup artistry, professional photography, access to a complete studio wardrobe for the length of your session, feminine coaching, and accompanied outings — all without requiring you to purchase anything beyond the session itself.
Here’s how a session works at my full-service studio in Takoma Park, Maryland. A crossdresser makeover or trans makeover at my studio is a private, one-on-one experience from start to finish. When you arrive, I greet you at the door and get you settled in. We sit down and talk about what you’re looking for — the look you have in mind, what you brought with you, what you’d like to try from my studio wardrobe, and how you want to feel or look by the time we’re done.
From there, we move on to wardrobing. I take your measurements and record them on a sizing chart you can take home with you. Then we select your first outfit together, including shapewear, shoes, a wig if you’re using one, and accessories. Wardrobing usually takes 45 to 60 minutes.
Once you’re dressed, you settle into the makeup chair and I get to work. I spend about 90 minutes on your makeup, using MAC cosmetics. We talk throughout — about your look, your goals for the session, and whatever else comes up. The conversation makes the time fly, and by the time I’m done, you’re ready for the reveal in the full-length mirror.
After the mirror reveal, we move into the photo studio. Depending on your package length, you might have 30 minutes of photos (for a three-hour session) or 90 minutes+ with outfit changes (four hours and up). I use a Nikon Z6 Mark II mirrorless camera and strobe studio lighting, and I’ll direct you through poses and help you look and feel your best in front of the camera.
At the end of the session, you’ll have time to change back into your own clothes and remove your makeup if you’d like. I will inspect you to make sure that your makeup is thoroughly removed if you wish. Your photos are sent via WeTransfer, a private download link good for 60 days — or you can leave with an SD card if you prefer nothing traveling over the internet.
That’s the shape of a typical session, but every crossdresser makeover and trans makeover is different because every client is different. Some girls bring two suitcases and nine outfits. Others arrive with nothing but their shaving kit and use everything from my wardrobe. The experience is yours to shape. Accompanied outings are available in sessions five hours or longer, and feminine coaching can be added to any session.
Read a detailed walk-through of a typical experience →
What should I expect at my first crossdresser makeover or trans makeover?
First-timers make up a huge part of my clientele, and I love working with them. Coming in for your first crossdresser makeover or trans makeover is a big deal, and most people feel a mix of excitement and nerves beforehand. That’s completely normal and nothing to be embarrassed about.
Here’s what you can realistically expect. You’ll arrive, we’ll talk, and within a few minutes you’ll realize this is a judgment-free space. I’ve been doing this since 2013 and I’ve seen it all — clients who have been dressing privately for decades, clients who have never worn a single item of women’s clothing, clients who are exploring their gender for the first time, and clients who are deep into their transition. Everyone is welcome here and everyone is treated with warmth and respect.
The mirror reveal is the moment most people have imagined the longest, and it lands differently for everyone. Many first-timers experience something close to pure joy — the kind that catches them off guard, sometimes bringing happy tears. Others feel a quieter satisfaction, a sense of finally seeing something they’d only pictured in their head. Some feel a complicated mix: pleased with the result and also processing what it means to see themselves this way for the first time. A few find the gap between expectation and reality is bigger than they hoped, and that’s worth acknowledging honestly.
What almost everyone shares, regardless of their reaction at the mirror, is the feeling of being seen and treated with dignity and respect throughout the session. For many people, that acceptance makes all the difference in how they see themselves.
For your first session, I recommend a four-hour total makeover. It gives you enough time to enjoy the wardrobing and makeup process without feeling rushed, and you’ll have 90 minutes for photos and outfit changes. If you’re coming from out of state, you might want to consider a longer package like a total immersion experience so you don’t feel like the makeover flew by before you had time to settle in.
The only things I ask you to bring are a shaving kit in case you need to touch up your shave, and any hosiery you’d like to wear other than opaque tights. I have everything else: wigs, clothing from size 4 to 4X, shoes from size 8 to 15, bras, breast forms, shapewear, jewelry, and accessories. You can bring your own wardrobe if you have one, but you absolutely don’t have to.
View current packages and book your first crossdresser or trans makeover →
How do I find a reputable MtF makeover studio?
Finding a reputable MtF makeover studio takes a little research, but there are a handful of signals that distinguish a professional, trustworthy operation from something more hit-or-miss.
Let’s start with the research. Knowing what to search for makes a real difference. The most reliable search terms for finding a dedicated MtF transformation studio are: crossdresser makeover, trans makeover, male to female makeover, MtF transformation studio, MtF makeover, and feminization studio. To find studios in the United Kingdom and Europe, search for crossdresser dressing service or simply dressing service. Adding the word service or studio after terms like “crossdresser makeover” or “trans makeover” helps filter out YouTube videos of personal journeys and makeup tutorials, returning dedicated studio services instead. Adding your city or region to any of these will narrow results geographically.
Some terms sound relevant but tend to return less useful results. Crossdresser salon or trans salon sometimes surface general hair salons or beauty salons that may be trans-friendly rather than dedicated transformation studios. Drag makeover will return results for drag-focused services, which are a different aesthetic and experience from an MtF transformation. Transgender makeup artist can be useful but often returns individual freelance makeup artists rather than full-service studios with wardrobing, photography, and outings.
For assessing studio quality, start with longevity. Studios that have been operating for many years and have published a substantial body of client work are almost always the real thing. I’ve been open since 2013 and have worked with hundreds of clients. That track record is publicly visible in my blog, my portfolio, and my client reviews.
Look for client photos and testimonials on the studio’s website. A professional studio will have a portfolio of real client work — not stock images, not glamour shots that look like someone else entirely. Check out the makeup, wardrobing, and photography styles of the studio to see if you like the artist’s style. My portfolio spans over a decade of MtF crossdresser and trans makeovers, and you can browse it to get a realistic sense of what results look like and what the experience is like for the people who go through it.
Check whether the studio offers one-on-one sessions or whether you are in a shared salon space. Shared or group sessions mean you may not have the privacy, time, or attention you deserve and you may be working with several professionals rather than one. My studio is private, discreet, and one-on-one for every single client. You will never run into another client while you’re here.
Read reviews and look for community mentions. Reputable studios get recommended in crossdresser and trans forums, Reddit communities, and by word of mouth within the local LGBTQ+ community. Search the studio’s name alongside terms like “review,” “experience,” or the city it’s in. You can also find real client stories on my blog, written from the clients’ own perspectives in their own words.
Ask questions before you book. A trustworthy studio owner will be happy to answer your questions about what to expect, how privacy is handled, and what happens to your photos. If your questions are met with evasiveness or pressure to book immediately, take note.
Finally, look for evidence of professionalism: a real booking system with clear pricing, a detailed website, named and consistent ownership, and visible contact information. My studio has all of that, and I’m always happy to talk before you book. You can reach me at elizabeth.taylor.makeover@gmail.com or by phone and text at 202-803-3231.
Is a trans or crossdresser makeover studio private and discreet?
Every crossdresser makeover studio is different and you should review what each studio promises for privacy and discretion. At my Maryland MtF transformation studio, privacy and discretion are things I take seriously in every aspect of how I run my studio.
My studio is in a private home in a residential neighborhood in Takoma Park, Maryland. There is no storefront, no sign on the door, and no waiting room full of strangers. When you arrive, you come directly to the door and I let you in. From that moment until you leave, it’s just the two of us.
I see one client at a time. You will never encounter another client during your visit, and I don’t schedule back-to-back appointments in a way that would create overlap. The timing is built around your privacy.
Your photos are yours. I do not post, share, or keep any images from your session without a signed model release. If you don’t sign one, you will have the only copy of your photos and I don’t retain any copies. You receive your images via a private WeTransfer link that expires in 60 days and deletes all the images then, or on an SD card if you prefer nothing traveling over the internet.
I understand that many clients are not out to their families, employers, or communities. Some clients drive hours to get here specifically because they want to be somewhere that isn’t their own backyard. I am deeply respectful of that. I don’t ask you to explain your situation or justify your reasons for being here. Your privacy is simply part of how I work.
If you have specific privacy concerns — about parking, arrival logistics, how to handle payment discreetly, or anything else — I’m happy to talk through them with you before you book. Just reach out by email or phone.
How do I prepare for my first crossdresser makeover or trans makeover?
Preparation will differ depending on which transformation studio you visit. For a full-service transformation studio like mine, it is simpler than most people expect, because I have almost everything you need here at the studio including a studio wardrobe for sizes 4 to 4X, shoes for sizes 8 to 15, wigs, shapewear, accessories, and more.
How to prepare for your MtF makeover
Bring your shaving kit and shave as close as possible right before you head over — within two hours of your appointment if you can. Beard shadow coverage is better the closer the shave, and a fresh shave makes a real difference in how your makeup photographs. I’ll ask you to do a touchup when you arrive if needed.
If you have body hair you’d like to reduce, the most important areas are the chest (especially above the nipple line) and the backs of your hands. Shaving arms and legs is a nice touch, but we can work around that with cardigans and tights if needed. Avoid Nair unless you already know your skin tolerates it — razor bumps from a new product right before your session aren’t fun for anyone.
Bring any hosiery you’d like to wear other than nearly opaque tights: stockings, thigh-highs, garter belts, sheer tights. I provide opaque tights, bras, and panties, but I don’t stock stockings and nylons since they’re generally single-use items. If you have a preferred style or brand, bring your own. If you’d like to wear a gaff, bring that as well since the fit and look on those varies widely. Bring any clothes from your own wardrobe that you’d like to wear or photograph.
If you have a particular look or aesthetic in mind, gather some inspiration photos beforehand — screenshots from Instagram, images from my portfolio, anything that points toward the makeup look, hair, or overall vibe you’re going for. That guidance helps me make the most of our time together.
If you’d like to ship items to the studio in advance of your appointment, you’re welcome to do that. Send them to Elizabeth Taylor, 1009 Hopewell Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912, with tracking, and include your femme name on the package so I can set things aside for you. Please don’t ship anything more than two weeks before your appointment.
Getting to your MtF Makeover near Washington, DC
My studio is a private home at 1009 Hopewell Ave in Takoma Park, Maryland. Park on the street in front of my house or across the street — there’s parking on both sides of our one-way street. Come to the front door and ring the doorbell, and please call or text me at 202-803-3231 as well. If you’d like me to meet you at your car and walk in with you, just let me know when you call.
If you arrive early, please wait in your car until your appointment time. If you’d like to explore while you wait, Historic Downtown Takoma Park is about a ten-minute drive away and has coffee shops, sit-down restaurants, and some casual window shopping. Takoma Junction, also nearby, has our local grocery co-op, a bakery and coffee shop, and a sandwich shop.
Your MtF transformation photos
For total makeovers, I send your images via WeTransfer — a private download link that gives you 60 days to save your photos. If you’d prefer the ultimate in privacy, you’re also welcome to leave with your images on an SD card instead, so nothing travels over the internet at all. Just let me know your preference. Fantasy session clients receive an SD card with their original RAW and JPEG files.
What you don’t need to bring
Everything else is here. Wigs, clothing from size 4 to 4X, shoes from size 8 to 15, breast forms, shapewear, bras, panties, opaque tights, jewelry, accessories, and all makeup. You are welcome to bring your own wardrobe, your own wig, or your favorite lipstick — many clients do — but you don’t have to bring a single thing beyond your shaving kit and a sense of adventure.
View current packages and book your makeover →
What does a crossdresser or trans makeover cost?
Pricing varies widely depending on the studio type, location, session length, and services included — a makeup-only session at a salon or makeup store will cost very differently from a full-day immersion experience at a dedicated MtF transformation studio. Pricing at Makeovers with Elizabeth Taylor is based on session length and services included. I keep current, accurate pricing on my booking menu at FullSlate, where you can also view real-time availability and book your appointment.
You can view all packages, add-ons, and current pricing at makeoverswithelizabethtaylor.fullslate.com.
Sessions range from short makeup-focused appointments to full-day and multi-day immersive experiences, and the pricing reflects that range. A 50% deposit is required at booking for most sessions. Fantasy feminization sessions require a 67% deposit. Sessions two hours or shorter and virtual sessions require payment in full at the time of booking.
If paying by credit or debit card isn’t comfortable for you, you’re also welcome to book by USPS money order. Just contact me first to confirm availability and get the details.
If you have questions about which package makes sense for your goals or your budget, I’m happy to talk it through. Reach me at elizabeth.taylor.makeover@gmail.com or 202-803-3231.
What happens to my photos after a crossdresser makeover or trans makeover?
Each studio processes photos differently. Be sure to read their policies to find out if they shoot with your cell phone or their camera and whether you get original photos or edited ones. Some studios provide you all the photos from the session while others have a set number of photos they provide at a later date. A few studios require you to purchase photos separately from your sitting fee. At Makeovers with Elizabeth Taylor, all of your unedited photos are included in your total makeover cost and belong to you. I have a clear, consistent policy on how they’re handled.
For total makeovers and most sessions, you receive your original, unedited images via WeTransfer — a private download link that gives you 60 days to save everything. If you prefer the ultimate in privacy, you’re welcome to leave with an SD card instead. Fantasy feminization session clients receive their original RAW and JPEG files on an SD card.
In both cases, you receive the original, unedited files straight from the camera. I shoot in RAW format alongside JPEG, which means you have full-resolution originals with complete editing latitude if you want to work on them yourself in Lightroom or another program.
I do not keep copies of your images after your session. I do not post, publish, or share your photos anywhere — not on my website, not on social media, not in my portfolio — without your explicit, signed permission in the form of a model release. If you don’t sign one, your photos stay entirely private between you and me. Period.
I also do not offer retouching or editing as a service. What you receive are the original files as I captured them. Many of my clients edit their own photos with Lightroom, other photo editing software, or AI chatbots, and I always love seeing what they create.
If you have specific questions about photo handling for your session type, just ask before you book.
Will I look feminine and beautiful after my MtF makeover?
That’s the goal, and in my experience, the answer is yes — though I’d encourage you to think about it differently than you might expect.
The word “passing” comes up a lot in this community, and it’s a word I prefer to set aside entirely. When people ask “will I pass?” they usually mean “will strangers read me as a cisgender woman?” That’s a complicated question with a complicated answer. Male bone structure — the brow, the jaw, the shoulders — is not something makeup changes. Neither are height, hands, feet, or voice. Hormones, surgeries, and years of training can shift some of those things significantly, but makeup, a wig, shapewear, and clothing can only go so far.
What I can do, and what I’ve been doing for clients since 2013, is bring out the most feminine version of you that exists right now. I work with your features, your coloring, and your personal style to create a look that is beautiful, polished, and authentically yours. The results vary by person, and that’s exactly why I encourage you to look through my portfolio before you book. My clients are real people — not models, not exceptions — and their photos give you the most honest preview of what a crossdresser makeover or trans makeover here actually looks like.
What I consistently see, regardless of how any individual client reads to the outside world, is that people leave feeling beautiful. They see themselves in the mirror looking feminine and radiant, and that feeling is real and meaningful. Some clients are visibly androgynous. Some are remarkably feminine. Most fall somewhere between those poles.
The most realistic expectation isn’t “will I pass as a cisgender woman?” It’s “will I see myself as feminine and beautiful, and will other people treat me with dignity and respect?” In my experience, the answer to both of those questions is almost always yes.
What is it like to go out en femme for the first time?
Going out in girl mode for the first time is one of the most memorable experiences many of my clients ever have — equal parts terrifying and exhilarating, and almost universally worth it.
For clients who are ready to try it, I offer accompanied outings starting with five-hour and longer packages. We go out together, which means you’re not navigating it alone. I know the neighborhood, I know the trans-friendly spots, and I’m right beside you the whole time.
The most common destination for a first outing is downtown Takoma Park, which is about a ten-minute drive from the studio, LGBTQ+-friendly, and low-key. In this neighborhood, people sometimes offer unsolicited compliments on your appearance or approach us when we are taking selfies to see if we’d like them to snag a shot with my phone. We might grab coffee, browse a bookshop, sit on a bench and take photos, or stop for lunch or dinner. Some clients want to stay close to the studio. Others want to venture further — into DC, over to Old Town Alexandria, or to Freddie’s Beach Bar in Arlington, one of the most welcoming spots in the region for trans women and crossdressers.
What almost everyone discovers on a first outing is that the experience is much less dramatic than they imagined. Most people around you are not paying close attention to you. They’re on their phones, in conversation, or simply going about their day. The feared confrontation, the staring, the comments — they rarely happen. And when they don’t happen, something shifts.
“I was feeling a little exposed and wondering what people would say or do,” one of my clients, Jenna, told me during her first outing in my snow-covered neighborhood near the studio. “People didn’t even say anything and just looked at me and moved along their way. After a while I was able to let my fears go.”
That’s a story I’ve heard in one form or another from many clients who have gone out with me. The world turns out to be more ordinary than the fear suggested. And by the time you’re back at the studio, you’re usually already thinking about where you want to go next time.
Outings are always optional, and there is never any pressure to go out if you’re not ready. Some clients take their time over multiple visits before they feel ready to step outside. That’s completely fine. The outing will be there when you want it.
Read more about accompanied outings en femme →
Ready to book your crossdresser makeover or trans makeover?
You can book online anytime or reach me at elizabeth.taylor.makeover@gmail.com or 202-803-3231 to talk through your vision first. My private, one-on-one studio is in Takoma Park, Maryland, two miles from Washington, DC, and I see clients Monday through Saturday. I regularly work with clients from throughout Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, the broader Mid-Atlantic, the United States, Europe, Central America, South America, and Asia — and I’d love to work with you.
To being fabulous!
Elizabeth Taylor
Leave a Reply