Of Course Drag Queens Make The Best Makeup Products
Including glitter. So much glitter.
No one can beat their face for the gods quite like drag queens. In fact, some of the biggest mainstream makeup trends of the past decade, like contouring and cut crease eyeshadow, have origins in drag, with the application techniques being staples among queens backstage.
Considering even the fiercest queens create their most gag-worthy looks (unless you're RuPaul who has her own personal makeup artist), the Drag Race dolls know their way around a makeup kit, and thanks to the show's branding challenges and capitalism, they all how to market their signature styles as well.
That's why a number of beauty brands are tapping the queens' charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent for limited-edition makeup collaborations.
Aside from Ru Paul's iconic MAC Viva Glam campaign and Color Evolution collection, season 5 alum Alyssa Edwards teamed up with Anastasia Beverly Hills (one of the show's sponsors) on a palette in 2019, while season 10 winner Aquaria created one with NYX Professional Makeup that same year. In 2021, season 12 top three contestant Gigi Goode created a lipstick collection with Christian Audette.
Other queens like All Stars 3 winner Trixie Mattel and season 8 contestant Kim Chi, among others, have created their own beauty empires and created brands.
From sweat-proof glitter to ridiculously pigmented eyeshadow palettes, here's a complete guide to makeup brands by queens who clearly know how to turn a mug.
Trixie Cosmetics
Trixie Mattel doesn't paint for the back row, she "paints for the Denny's down the street." The singer, songwriter, author, and comedian is known for her exaggerated, over-drawn, Barbie-style makeup. And thus, her makeup line, Trixie Cosmetics, includes impressively pigmented lipstick, eyeshadows, blush, and glitter, boxed up in nostalgia-inducing vintage toy-inspired packaging.
"Stacy" is a hot pink matte lipstick that would absolutely stand out under the lights of a Denny's parking lot. But the vegan formula is also creamy and comfortable to wear for an everyday look, too.
To shop: $16; trixiecosmetics.com
KimChi Chic Beauty
The top three season 8 contestant describes her makeup style as an anime character or "bionic doily." Her makeup line, KimChi Chic Beauty includes a full spectrum of color cosmetics, including cheek palettes, faux freckle pens, lipsticks, eyeshadow palettes, makeup mirrors, and more. The fan-favorite queen has also created limited-edition collections with fellow sisters like Naomi Smalls. Kim Chi's brand is created in collaboration with Bespoke Beauty Brands, a beauty incubator by NYX Professional Makeup founder Toni Ko. Now that's iconic.
There's no gag, the You Make Me Happy Palette will actually boost your mood with its vibrant colors. It includes soft, buttery shimmer finishes for a bit of sparkle, and neutral mattes for bases and shading.
To shop: $25; kimchichicbeauty.com
Suck Less
On top of acting in countless TV shows and movies (have you heard of A Star Is Born starring Lady Gaga?), and co-hosting the Race Chaser podcast with fellow queen Alaska, being a beauty brand founder is one of season 4 contestant Willam's many gigs. Suck Less Face & Body is known for its face and body glitters, long-wear lipsticks, and bold false eyelashes.
Suck Less' Glitter Jelly in Roller Rink has a translucent base with iridescent flecks of glitter in various shapes and sizes, including stars.
To shop: $12; sucklessfaceandbody.com
Miss Fame Beauty
After competing in season 7, Miss Fame has conquered the fashion world, modeling in ad campaigns for L'Oréal, editorials, and was even the first drag queen to walk the Cannes Film Festival red carpet in 2016. She's also a makeup artist, so her namesake beauty line rivals pro brands. Miss Fame Beauty includes vibrant lipsticks, eyeshadow palettes, and glitter.
You won't have any complaints about "How's Your Head," a creamy, long-lasting peachy pink lipstick that's scented with a hint of vanilla.
To shop: $19; missfamebeauty.com
Christian Audette X Gigi Goode
After making it to the top three in season 12, Gigi Goode has spent the pandemic starring in magazine editorials, beauty campaigns for Shiseido, styling wigs for season 13 winner Symone, and collaborating on a lipstick collection with Christian Audette.
"Bloode" is a classic red lipstick inspired by Goode's '50s pin-up looks. While the formula has a staying power of a matte, it's infused with hydrating ingredients to prevent drying the lips.
To shop: $29; christianaudette.com