By Crystal Joens
Once you truly ger hooked on the joy and love of crossdressing, you may notice the little details that really nail your feminine look. At first, I was just thrilled to be wearing any women’s clothing. Then, as I watched and observed other women and sister dressers, it occurred to me the amount of time and attention it takes to get the details right. Makeup is, of course a major attribute to the female look. That is one that I have yet to master, and I use professionals when I want to get it right. For now, my glasses and a wig cover a multitude of short fallings in my own makeup, and just shaving and adding lip gloss will get by. At least at home.
One of the finer things of femininity that has caught and captured my imagination recently is fingernails. Look at my sister blogger here, Ana Cristina Garcia’s Flickr page. She always looks so classy and put together whether formal or casual. And her nails, ranging from red to white to French tips are a subtle but key element of her amazing look. Dr. Gwen Patrone shows elegant red nails in her photos. Sherry Greer has great style and that usually includes a colorful manicure.
The practice has been around for thousands of years. Both men and women did it, which is ironic in today’s world of gender balance and identity. During some periods is signified rank. Cleopatra favored dark red while the lower classes were restricted to lighter shades. In modern times, it was the automotive industry setting the trend with glossy car paint. Women took off on it making it a symbol of femininity and glamor. No wonder we crossdressers love it.
Today nail art has become a form of self-expression. In contemporary fashion they are a canvas for creativity, allowing individuals to express their personality. Now that I have realized it, and found the simple no-glue press on nails, I am making it a part of my dressing routine, finding nothing routine about nailing the look!
Crystal Joens
13 Responses
Crystal,
I whole heartedly agree with you. When I have the time I get my nails done at a salon. I love the look of bright red fingernails, it makes me feel so feminine.
I have had my manicure done while in both guy mode and female mode.
Thanks for the reminder.
Jocelyn
Amen, Jocelyn!
Waving at you with painted nails!
❤🌷💋
Love,
Crystal
Hi Crystal,
You nailed it, so to speak 😄. For me having my nails look good is important as my make up and I wouldn’t go out with out them on and painted, I ‘d feel so out of place. Have a great day girl.
Trish ❤️
My day will be great thanks to your affirmation, Trish.
❤🌷💋
Love,
Crystal
Crystal, you can see the joy nails bring to your life in you eyes.
Nails are very big for me. I’ve wanted painted nails since I was a young teen. I use to paint my toe nails as part of a ritural in preparing for a sporting activity, I fled it kept me centered. But I always thought it was a waste to paint them when clean them up right away. Around 2008-2010 I had major issues with my thumb and had my hand in and out of cast. I could not cut my toe nails, so it was suggest I go get a pedicure. At first I only had clear polish. Then I was influenced to try a tint. Then I tried OPI Kyoto Pearl and I gather the cojones to proudly wear open toe sandals with colored nails.
My fingernails came when my nails beds started to have issues and I needed to get the damaged nails covered with acrylic. At first it was just two nails and a clear gel cover. But It wasn’t enough. I wasn’t satisfied and it looked strange with the two nails looking different. Five years ago I went full set.
Today I’m painted 24/7. Toes regular lacquer polish, fingers acrylic with gel polish. My finger nails are longer than most people without getting too long. (See my nail post.)
I cherish my regular mani-pedi spa day and my nail technician spends extra time with me. She likes that I challege her to step out of the ordinary. She even orders polish just for me and wont let others use that shade. LOL
I am now use to having NAILS, but I still enjoy getting the random compliment. I have nails to envy.
I wish more of you could experience NAILS, its one of the best things I have let myself enjoy.
Cali
Cali,
You are so fortunate to have nails 24/7. Sounds like an ordeal to get there but a joy to arrive!
I can only hope to achieve what you have.
I do keep my nails painted by my pedicurist in the Fall-Winter-Spring season!
Thanks for chipping in!
❤🌷💋
Love,
Crystal
Crystal,
Most of the time the hardest ordeals are the ones we put on ourselves. I had to find the courage to have colorful fingernails in a job where my hands are always on display to the public. And it helped that I had some damaged nails.
What will people says? What will people do? These are the things that hold many of us back. Wearing toenail polish with open toe sandals was frightening the first summer. Now, it’s just ordinary.
And then I also have the advantage of age.
Cali
Crystal, when I go out dressed, having my nails done is an essential part of the process. I’ve gone to multiple salons and enjoyed the pampering, whether just for a manicure or for a full mani-pedi. For my last outing a month ago, I did my own toes and went to the salon for my fingers. Usually, the polish comes off early the next morning, unless I have more (or less) time. In male mode, I do get manicures, but only with a clear top coat that my wife grudgingly accepts. I’d love to have color more often, but I know that would not be appreciated. So I enjoy it for a short time!
Love that you do that, Tina!
Thanks for chipping in!
❤🌷💋
Love,
Crystal
I’m totally in love with my gorgeous talons!! My office manager and I swoon over dreamy nail art and look forward to sharing our latest manis. This week my long gel oval claws, seriously longer than hers, are a delicious fall caramel. Next week, who knows? A sparkly hot pink? A glamorous red? Deciding is such fun! I took the plunge two years ago. And, yes, I’m a guy and my nails are painted 24/7. Never any pushback, just compliments. So do it! Life’s to short for drab digits.
I am so very happy for your choice and happiness, George!
Yes, people are generally more accepting that we think. When I was in Racine, WI years ago, then in Las Vegas and later in Nashville, I had mani’s with long nails. Whether out as Crystal or in my boy mode, I collected wonderfu compliments.
❤🌷💋
Love,
Crystal
Hi Geogre,
I’m a 24/7 polish/gel perso, here’s some stuff to try, I done these and more, love them and I know you would too.
++Chrome: this a rub in powder over a color base then topped with a clear gel coat. Many color combinations with stunning results.
++Magnetic/cats eye. These come in many different color combinations and have different results base on the shape of the magnet used.
++Aminal prints, hand drawn of course. I’ve had cheetah and zebra in many different color combinations. Green, red, white during the holidays. Results depend on your nail artist.
++Iridescants. I currently have these. Just this wek two women have asked thebrand and color so they can get it too.
++Holographic.
Just remember your fingernails are 10 small canvases for art. Be creative.
Cali
Hi Cali,
Chromes are definitely on my list. My office manager did lavender chrome accents (with swirly art and crystals on her ‘plain’ nails) her previous and I was positively green with envy! Her tech is a magician and I’d love to let her perform her magic on me but I’m reluctant to leave my salon. I’ve done holos, magnetics and thermals, such fun!