Born
Born / Manchester / Makeup, photography and wig refurbishment

Turning heads.Changing minds.

Professional makeovers, makeup lessons, portrait photography and wig refurbishment, specialising in transgender women and crossdressers. All in a private, welcoming Manchester studio.

↗ Explore Born
Real people. Real experiences. Discover more ↓
A space to be yourself / 001

Born is…
a space to be yourself.

A private makeup studio in Manchester, for transgender women, crossdressers and anyone who wants to explore their look. Everyone is welcome.

From your first makeover to a photograph you love, you can take things at your own pace in a relaxed, supportive setting with Paul.

More than 15 years of experience working with transgender clients and crossdressers.

Born client wearing a green top, photographed in the studio
Explore Born / 002

Find your experience.

01 Makeovers Transgender makeup and crossdresser makeovers, tailored to you. Choose a natural everyday look or something more expressive. Studio makeovers £75. ↗ 02 Makeup lessons Learn techniques you can use with confidence, with patient, one-to-one guidance. Lessons £140. ↗ 03 Photography Relaxed photoshoots with gentle guidance, so you can feel at ease in front of the camera. ↗ 04 Wig refurbishment Specialist care and styling to refresh your favourite synthetic wig. ↗
A fresh start for your favourite wig

A little care.
A whole new feel.

Give your synthetic wig a new lease of life with specialist cleaning, steaming and styling. From tired ends to a tangled favourite, Born can help it feel fresh and ready to wear again.

Explore wig refurbishment ↗
Long blonde wig with dark roots and soft waves, styled on a mannequin against a grey background
A few things you might be wondering

Your questions.
A little reassurance.

Do I need any experience with makeup?

Not at all. You are welcome whether you are completely new to makeup or already have a look you love. Choose a makeover to relax and enjoy the experience, or a makeup lesson to learn techniques you can practise yourself.

Will my appointment be private?

Yes. Appointments take place in a private, one-to-one studio setting in Whitefield, Manchester, where you can feel comfortable and be yourself.

I feel nervous about booking. Is that normal?

Absolutely. Trying something new can feel like a big step. Paul will take things at your pace, and you are welcome to get in touch with any questions before booking.

Who is welcome at Born?

Born specialises in working with transgender women and crossdressers. Everyone is welcome, whatever your experience with makeup or how you express yourself.

How much is a makeup lesson?

A one-to-one makeup lesson costs £140. It is a chance to learn in a relaxed setting, with guidance tailored to you.

More frequently asked questions ↗
Your own kind of beautiful / 003

Real people.
Real moments.

Born portrait client smiling
Born client with blonde hair photographed in profile
Born client in a white blouse

Real Born clients. Their own kind of beautiful.

Your photoshoot is a chance to see yourself in a new light. No modelling experience needed: just bring yourself and enjoy a relaxed session, with guidance along the way.

Explore portrait experiences ↗
In their own words

What clients say.

“Paul put me at ease. It all felt right and it was like friends just doing makeup but in a very professional way.”
Catriona · Client testimonial excerpt
“He is very skilled and very patient and never hurried. I would highly recommend him at whatever level you are at!”
Alice · Client testimonial excerpt
Read more client stories ↗
As featured on the BBC

Turning heads.
Changing perceptions.

BBC Inside Out North West visited Born to explore the importance of a safe, supportive space for transgender clients and crossdressers.

Playing this feature loads video from YouTube. Watch on YouTube ↗

The next step is yours

Ready to feel amazing?

Let’s find the right experience for you. Get in touch to ask a question or arrange your private session.

Book your experience ↗
↑