Culture » Lifestyle

Drag Queen-Approved Beauty Products

by Christopher Ehlers

EDGE Media Network Contributor

Sunday July 10, 2022

After what has hopefully been a very fun, very glittery Pride month, six drag queens recently shared their beauty essentials with Byrdie. And if there's anyone who knows a thing or two about keeping a full face of makeup in place during the long, hot sweaty days of June, it's these gals.

Novaczar



New York City's "Empress of the Galaxy" and contestant on Season 1 of "Queen of the Universe," Novaczar relies on Alcone's Stop the Sweat Primer ($14) to keep her from sweating through her makeup, followed by Premiere Products' PPI SeLr Spray ($25). "The setting spray is used on film sets to keep makeup intact when exposed to harsh bright and hot lighting, which is perfect for the blazing sun," she told Byrdie. For foundation, she uses Juvia's Place I Am Magic Velvety Matte Foundation ($22), followed by Stila's Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner ($23), which stays put all day. In terms of glitter, Novaczar prefers Unicorn Skin Cosmetics' Loose Mermaid Biodegradable Glitter ($7). "It's an aloe-based, biodegradable, cruelty-free, plant-based, and recycled formula," she told Byrdie. "I always get compliments when I stack the different glitters where my highlight normally goes. It gives me a galactic look that goes right along with my drag persona."

Kim Chi



Star of the eighth season of "RuPaul's Drag Race," Chi even has her own beauty line, KimChi Chic Beauty, so it goes without saying that she knows a thing or two about makeup. She preps her skin with Soko Glam's Then I Met You Essence ($50), followed by her own Puff Puff Pass Set & Bake Powder ($18) to achieve a filtered look. "Day drag means you want flawless skin," she told Byrdie. "My setting powder will give you that look. It's a holy grail for many influencers and makeup artists for a good reason — it works." Then, she uses her own Stage Proof Matte Setting Spray ($16) to set everything in place. "Pride gigs are during the day and are usually so hot, so we need an iron-clad setting spray to keep makeup in place and refresh our skin," she said. For her lips, Kim Chi loves Sugarpill's Luvbug Liquid Lip Color ($18), which she calls the "perfect shade of red with pink sparkle pigments."

Gina Tonic



To achieve an excellent rainbow look, Gina Tonic prefers Makeup A Murder's Poison Neon Pigments ($43), which she tops with Chaotic Cosmetics' Retro Rainbow Hydro Liners ($10), which she says "easily glide on the skin for smooth and vibrant lines." For long lasting lips, she opts for Wet N'Wild's Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick ($6).

Shuga Cain


Star of "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 11, Shuga Cain is the only queen on this list that mentions sunscreen, which should be slathered on daily regardless. She prefers Shiseido's Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen ($49). "If you're performing during Pride month, you're in the sun at some point," she told Byrdie. "This protects my skin and keeps my face looking youthful." Next, she likes MAC's Pro Longwear Liquid Foundation ($38), and MAC's Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation ($36). "During Pride, my mug needs to stay stamped," she said. "I use the foundation and set with the powder because it's long-wearing, provides full coverage, and melts into my skin for that flawless finish." Lastly, she uses Melt Cosmetics' Digital Dust Duo Blush ($39), for a bit of shimmer and color.

Marilyn Monhoe



For contouring, Marilyn Monhoe likes Juvia's Pace Warrior II Contour Palette ($20), which she calls her go-to for contouring. She also thinks that "the warm tones are perfect for filling in brows — a true must-have for BIPOC artists and performers," according to Byrdie. For mascara, she likes La Roche Posay's Toleraine Waterproof Mascara, which is specially formulated for sensitive eyes. "This mascara is thick and filling," she said. "I have four tubes in my makeup bag." When it comes to glitter, she likes to keep that part a secret, but she does enjoy Ben Nye's Sparklers ($7). "This brand is my bread and butter. Dab a bit onto a liquid lip, and you'll be set all day."

Castrata



Known as "The Drag Chanteuse" of New York City, Castrata keeps her makeup in place with Urban Decay's All Nighter Setting Spray ($33). "This is perfect for this season because we often find work multiple shows in a day during Pride," she told Byrdie. For contouring her oily skin, she likes Anastasia Beverly Hills' Contour Kit ($40). "I bring this to every show for touch-ups," she revealed. "I have super oily skin, and I love that this helps keep me matte." And, of course, what would a queen be without a signature scent? Castrata spritzes herself with Jafra Cosmetics' Double Nature: Peace ($27). "Every queen needs a signature scent. Mine is a combination of essential oil and this perfume. I always have it on me for a quick spritz."

Christopher Ehlers can be reached at [email protected], or on Twitter or Instagram at @_ChrisEhlers.