Transition looks different for every woman. Some of my clients have never seen themselves presenting as a woman when they first walk through my door. Others have been living part-time for years and are ready to take the next step. Some are weeks away from going full-time at work or have been full-time for months or years. Wherever you are, I have worked with trans women at every point along this path since 2013, and I am honored to be part of your journey.
Makeovers with Elizabeth Taylor in Takoma Park, Maryland is a private, one-on-one studio where you can explore, experiment, and build confidence at whatever pace feels right for you. My name is Elizabeth Taylor. I am married to a trans woman and serve as assistant organizer of the DC Trans Ladies Meetup, so I am deeply connected to the local trans community and happy to point you toward the people and resources that can help beyond what I offer in my studio.
You are welcome to arrive in boy mode and change here at the studio. Below is an overview of how I can help, along with trusted local resources. If you would like to know more about getting to the studio, visit my Location and Travel page.
Your First Trans Makeover near Washington, DC
For many women, the first step is simply seeing themselves presenting as a woman with professional makeup and photography — their very first trans makeover. Whether you have dreamed of this moment for decades or are approaching it with equal parts excitement and nerves, I will meet you exactly where you are.
At Makeovers with Elizabeth Taylor, I recommend the 4-hour Total Makeover and Photoshoot as the best starting point for most first-timers. It gives us plenty of time for a full professional makeup application using MAC Pro cosmetics, wig placement and basic styling, time to try on outfits from my studio wardrobe or the clothes you bring, and a proper photoshoot in my studio. A 3-hour trans makeover session is also available if you prefer a shorter introduction.
Take a look at my guide for people new to presenting as a woman for ideas on how to prepare and what to expect.
Transgender Makeup Lessons near Washington, DC
Being able to do your own makeup is empowering and can make you feel and look feminine even before HRT or facial hair removal. In a 3-hour Makeup Lesson at Makeovers with Elizabeth Taylor, I work with you hands-on to develop the techniques that matter most for your face, your skin tone, and your daily life. We cover beard shadow coverage and everyday daytime looks, from a quick morning routine to an evening look for going out. You will leave with my detailed, step-by-step instructions for how to apply makeup for a range of looks plus the full list of products and formulas we used to create your look.
For a deeper dive into beard shadow coverage and foundation techniques, visit my Makeup Tips and Foundation Resources page.
Feminine Deportment Coaching and Wardrobe Consulting for Trans Women
As your transition progresses, you may want a comprehensive look at your full presentation: how your makeup, wardrobe, accessories, and deportment work together to project the image you want the world to see. The Total Image Consultation (2 to 3 hours) is designed exactly for this. You arrive fully dressed and presenting en femme, and we go through everything together — what is working, where there is room to grow, and how to build from where you are.
For many clients, workplace transition is the most pressing priority. A Total Image Consultation is an excellent way to review and develop your professional femme presentation that works in your specific environment before you take that step at work.
These services can also be booked individually. A 1-hour Feminine Deportment Training session covers your walk, seated posture, hand movements, and other elements of feminine body language. The 2-hour Wardrobe Consultation and Feminine Deportment Training combines wardrobe guidance with deportment coaching in a single appointment, which works beautifully if you are building your professional wardrobe at the same time. Both topics often come up naturally during a total makeover session as well. Booking a 4-hour or longer total makeover session with a focus on these topics is another way to work on them.
Wig Shopping for Trans Women near Washington, DC
For many trans women, finding a wig that works for everyday life — not just for a photoshoot — is an important milestone. At Makeovers with Elizabeth Taylor, I can help with this in two ways.
During any total makeover session, we can spend time trying on wigs from my collection so you can explore length, color, and style. For wigs I have details on, I am happy to share the information so you can order directly from a retailer like wigs.com. We can also look at wig cap construction, discuss the pros and cons of synthetic versus human hair, and discuss wig care and maintenance.
For a more dedicated wig shopping experience, I offer an accompanied outing to Joi Wig Salon in Springfield, Virginia, where knowledgeable staff can help you find the wig that fits your face, your lifestyle, and your budget. Joi Wig also styles the wig to fit your face and head as part of the cost of the wig. Wig shopping outings are available in total makeover sessions of 6 hours or longer. Contact me to plan a session that includes wig shopping.
Coming Out Photos for Transgender Women
When you are ready to come out to family, friends, or your professional network, having beautiful photos of yourself presenting as your true self can mean everything. At a trans makeover and photoshoot at Makeovers with Elizabeth Taylor, we create professional-level portraits and full-length images you can use for family announcements, social media and business profiles, and personal milestones. I have even shot photos for work badges and passports — just bring in the requirements for your work badge or passport so we can get it right. You will keep all the original photos, and I do not retain any copies. You can edit and use the images however you wish.
Book your trans makeover and photoshoot here.
Virtual Coaching for Transgender Women
Not every step of transition support happens in a studio. If you are still closeted, live far from the DC area, or simply want support between in-person sessions, I offer coaching by phone, video, and text. We can talk through your goals, plan your next session together, or simply have a safe and affirming space to talk with someone who understands.
Browse virtual coaching options at Makeovers with Elizabeth Taylor.
The DC Trans Ladies Meetup
Getting out in public en femme with a group of supportive women can be one of the most confidence-building experiences you can have during your transition. The DC Trans Ladies Meetup welcomes transgender women, MtF crossdressers, and genderfluid femme people in the Washington, DC metro area. We host regular soirees at welcoming venues, including Samuel Beckett’s Irish Pub in Arlington, Virginia and The Bethesdan Hotel in Bethesda.
At our restaurant soirees, I share my cell number in advance and am happy to walk you to the venue from a nearby parking area or hotel and introduce you to the other guests when you arrive. At The Bethesdan Hotel, you can take the elevator directly from your room to the lobby where we gather. Just let me know when you RSVP that it will be your first time and I will be expecting your text. The group is friendly and welcoming, and you can expect to feel included from your very first soiree. Some of our members are actively transitioning while others are living as their authentic selves full-time.
Transgender Transition Resources near Washington, DC
Transgender Hair Removal in Northern Virginia
Many transitioning trans women find that starting permanent hair removal early — even before a full transition plan is in place — is one of the decisions they are most grateful for later. I recommend two options in the DC area: Alternative Health Associates in Alexandria, Virginia is my top recommendation for permanent hair removal. Vishka Skincare in Arlington, Virginia, where Fay (Forugh Irani) offers laser and electrolysis services, is also an excellent option. Several of my friends and clients have had excellent results with both.
For a full list of trans-friendly hair and nail services in the DC area, visit my Hair and Nail Services resources page.
Hair Styling for Transgender Women in Northern Virginia
Growing your hair out strategically with the guidance of a professional stylist can make an enormous difference during your transition. Katie Harty at PR Partners in Old Town Alexandria has personally trained every member of her team on working with transgender and nonbinary clients, and the salon proudly displays Progress Pride and Trans Pride flags in the window. Many of my trans friends and clients are regulars there. You will feel completely at ease from the moment you walk in. If you would like me to accompany you the first time you go, I would love to do that as part of a Total Makeover, Photoshoot, and Outing experience. Contact me so we can plan the details.
Gender Therapists for Trans Women in the Washington, DC metro area
A gender therapist can be an invaluable guide during your transition, whether for emotional support, transition planning, or the letters required for certain medical procedures. I have compiled a list of gender-affirming therapists and care providers in the DC area on my Gender-Affirming Care Resources page. I have either personally met these therapists or they have been highly recommended by my trans clients.
Transgender Hormone Replacement Therapy in Washington, DC
Whitman-Walker Health uses an informed consent protocol for HRT, meaning you do not need a letter from a therapist to begin the process. They are one of the most established and trusted LGBTQ+ health providers in the DC area and have served the local trans community for decades. My wife and many of my friends and clients receive their ongoing medical care here.
Transgender Community Support Group in the Washington, DC Metro Area
Second Friday, sponsored by TGEA is a welcoming monthly gathering for transgender and gender-expansive people and their families in the DC metro area. MAGIC, TGEA, and Second Friday have merged, bringing together three trans support groups. Spouses and partners are warmly encouraged to attend. It is a great option if you want to meet others who are navigating similar experiences in a support group setting rather than in a social environment.
Inspirational Stories of Transgender Women from around the World
Check out the blog, “The Heroines of my Life,” for over 700 interviews with transgender women around the world. My wife, Giselle Donnelly, was featured in this blog alongside hundreds of other trans women from around the world.
Transgender Voice Therapy near Washington, DC
Hormone replacement therapy does not change a trans woman’s voice, and for many women voice is one of the most visible and emotionally significant aspects of transition. Working with a speech-language pathologist to develop pitch, resonance, and feminine speech patterns can be transformative.
If you live in the Washington, DC area, two university clinics offer gender-affirming voice therapy:
The GW Speech and Hearing Center at George Washington University offers voice training specifically for transgender people, with sessions supervised by faculty specializing in gender-affirming voice work.
The University of Maryland Hearing and Speech Clinic in College Park has been recognized as an SLP Program Promoting Transgender Access to Care and offers individualized voice training programs tailored to each client’s goals.
If you live outside the Washington, DC area, I want to make sure you know about this resource: a comprehensive, program-by-program list of university speech pathology clinics across the United States. These university clinic programs exist in cities and states across the country and are supervised by faculty who specialize in gender-affirming voice work. I have not seen a more complete directory of this kind anywhere else online. If voice is a priority for you, this list is worth bookmarking regardless of where you live.
Book Your Trans Makeover at Makeovers with Elizabeth Taylor
I would love to be part of your transition journey. Book your session online anytime at Makeovers with Elizabeth Taylor, or contact me by email, phone, or text at 202-803-3231 to talk through which session would be the best starting point for where you are right now. There is no wrong place to begin.
To being fabulous!
Elizabeth Taylor (Beth)
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