Drag makeup is known for its bold, creative, and transformative nature. Drag queens and performers often use makeup to express their unique identities and create iconic looks. Here are a few iconic drag makeup faces that have left a mark on the drag and entertainment world:
- RuPaul: As one of the most famous drag queens in the world, RuPaul’s makeup is characterized by flawless skin, dramatic contouring, and perfectly sculpted brows. His signature look often features bold, colourful eyeshadow and voluminous lashes. RuPaul’s makeup has become synonymous with glamour and confidence.
2. Divine: Divine, known for her collaborations with filmmaker John Waters, had a distinctive and iconic drag look. In the picture below we see an iconic image of Divine in Waters’ cult classic Pink Flamingos. She often featured heavily exaggerated eyebrows, vibrant eyeshadow, and a bold red lip. Her makeup complemented her outrageous and boundary-pushing style.
3. Lady Bunny: Lady Bunny is a drag queen and DJ known for her over-the-top makeup and larger-than-life persona. Her makeup includes exaggerated features such as huge lashes, bright and contrasting eyeshadows, and heavily lined lips. Her colourful and comedic makeup style perfectly matches her comedic performances.
4. Alyssa Edwards: A standout from “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Alyssa Edwards is recognized for her fierce and dynamic makeup looks. She is known for her perfectly blended eyeshadows, strong contouring, and distinctive brows. Alyssa often incorporates bold colours and shimmer to create a high-glamour appearance.
5. Miss Fame: Miss Fame, a drag queen and makeup artist, is celebrated for her flawless and editorial-style makeup looks. She often showcases intricate and detailed eye makeup with precise lines, intricate cut creases, and bold colour combinations. Miss Fame’s makeup is a testament to her skill and artistry. She once had a popular YouTube series where she would apply her signature paint on other queens and celebrities.
6. Kim Chi: Kim Chi is renowned for her artistic and creative makeup looks. Her signature feature is her exaggerated and colourful drawn-on brows. She often incorporates fantasy elements into her makeup, such as comic book-style shading, whimsical designs, and intricate detailing. Since her TV debut on RuPaul’s Drag Race, she has appeared as a guest judge on BBC’s Glow-Up. In recent years she has launched her own make-up line which has received excellent reviews from make-up artists, drag queens, and everyday make-up wearers.
7. Bianca Del Rio: Bianca Del Rio’s makeup is characterized by her bold, black and dramatic eyeliner, which complements her sharp wit and humour. Her make-up walks the line between clown-like proportions and classic beauty shapes. She often opts for a timeless, classic look with her makeup, focusing on accentuating her features and adding depth to her eyes.
8. Aquaria: Winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 10, Aquaria is known for her innovative and avant-garde makeup looks. She often experiments with unconventional color combinations, graphic shapes, and intricate detailing, pushing the boundaries of traditional drag makeup.
These are just a few examples of iconic drag makeup faces. Drag artists continually push the envelope when it comes to creativity and self-expression through makeup, making each performer’s look truly unique and memorable.