Drag queens reveal their best-kept beauty secrets

For drag artists, makeup isn’t just cosmetics—it’s professional-grade armor. But there are still a lot of beauty tips from the queens that we can incorporate in our daily routine.

The spotlight is unforgiving, and drag queens know it. Under scorching stage lights, through hours of performance, and amid the sweat and energy of live shows, their makeup must remain flawless. This demands a beauty arsenal unlike any other—industrial-strength foundations, bulletproof setting powders, transfer-resistant lipsticks, and waterproof everything. For drag artists, makeup isn’t just cosmetics—it’s professional-grade armor.

But there are still a lot of beauty tips from the queens that we can incorporate in our daily routine.

This Pride Month, let us dive into the world of drag queen beauty to uncover some of their best-kept secrets that can elevate your beauty game into a whole new level. 

Nicole Pardaux

When it comes to beauty secrets, here are a few of my go-to essentials:

  • Always moisturize and drink lots of water—hydration is the foundation of great skin (and a flawless beat)!
  • As the fabulous NikkieTutorials says: “Not to prime is a crime!” A good primer makes all the difference.
  • Blend, blend, blend! Seamless blending is key to making everything look snatched and smooth.
  • And finally, don’t forget to set your makeup with a reliable setting or fixing spray. It locks everything in and keeps your look fresh all night long.

Astrid Mercury

The best-kept beauty secret that I can share is to always moisturize and prime. This will keep your face smooth before the application and protect it from all the products that you will be putting on your face.

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M1ss Jade So

I always do goddess affirmations to remind myself, the goddess within me (the soul), to be at the surface of my body. We are all one, we just need to be reminded always. Second is skin care, a splendid canvas exudes a high quality outcome! 

Tiny Deluxe

My ultimate beauty secret for flawless drag makeup? Setting sprays—two of them, to be exact! I start with my “wet” spray, the GRWM Cosmetics Ultra Matte Life-Proof Fixing Spray, and completely drench my face. I let it dry thoroughly with a mini fan. Once it’s fully set, I lock everything in with my “dry” spray: the One/Size On ’Til Dawn Setting Spray. This double-spray method keeps my makeup looking fresh and locked in for over 12 hours. No touch-ups needed! 

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The new lifestyle.