In the words of Queen Of Drag RuPaul, “You are born naked, the rest is drag.” Whether you’re actually taking the stage every night as a drag queen or doing your makeup every morning for the day ahead, you are crafting art and expressing yourself on the daily. The sentiment is beautiful, and the art form of drag itself has saved countless people regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Many drag artists, especially those who have been platformed on RuPaul’s Drag Race, have started their own makeup brands to share their style and help others achieve their best looks and feel beautiful. Here some cult favorite products from each brand.
Plus, with the recent drag ban legislation passed in Tennessee, it is clear that the LGBTQIA+ community and freedom of expression in and of itself are under attack. Supporting drag shows and businesses such as these is vital at this time.
Along with supporting these drag queen-owned beauty brands, make sure to support your local and touring drag performers. Get tickets to their shows, buy their merch, re-share their content, show up to local drag story hours, show your pride and allyship on your laptops and water bottles on campus, and do whatever else you can to share the love and support these incredible artists.
- KimChi Chic Beauty
-
Make your eyes pop with KimChi Chic Beauty’s Super Bish Lashes ($12). Whether you’re on campus all day, or partying on the weekend, these lashes will give you the volume and definition you want and need. Kim Chi is beloved for her colorful and artistic drag inspired by anime, and she brings this brightness to everything in her line, from palettes and lipsticks to beauty blenders and branded mirrors. Plus, she frequently collabs on products with your other fave Drag Race cast members including Naomi Smalls, Plastique Tiara, and Trixie Mattel. You definitely will work with these poppin’ shades and lashes.
- Trixie Cosmetics
-
Perhaps one of the most famous queens to come from RuPaul’s Drag Race fame is makeup mogul and real-life Barbie, Trixie Mattel. Her Nighttime Realness Mini Palette ($30) is the follow-up to her OG Daytime Realness blue eyeshadow palette. Plus, Trixie even shared how to use these 12 colors to transition from the ideal work and school look to a club-hopping sexy eye. If you’re a fan of the comedy queen duo Trixie and Katya, you can pick up the Team Katya palette from this cosmetic line as well, which was the No. 1 bestseller of 2022 for Trixie Cosmetics.
- Bomo Beauty
-
Dynamic duo Bob The Drag Queen and MonĂ©t X Change brought their two powerhouse drag styles together to bring fans and beauty connoisseurs BOMO Beauty in February. With their premier product The Pretty/Funny Palette ($39), you can show off your sensual and sensational side all at once with this two-for-one set. I mean, seriously, the shade Flirt pairs so well with Heckler. I truly can’t wait to see the future products that come from these two queens.
- SUCK LESS
-
Willam may have risen to notoriety on the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2012, but now, she is known as a podcast host, actor, author, and makeup maven with the SUCK LESS brand. One popular product includes the Lip Varnish, which comes in five shades and retails for $16 individually, or $49.99 for the full pack. This is definitely a makeup necessity if you’re out on the town as it will stay on through every drink, appetizer, and Uber ride. Plus, SUCK LESS offers an extensive line of body glitters perfect for any party, festival, or drag brunch.
- Miss Fame Beauty
-
Highlighter is my personal favorite product in my bag. I, like many glitter-loving girlies, can’t get enough of any white iridescent powder, stick, or serum. Miss Fame of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 7 has the perfect line for gals who love to glow, with her Skin Illuminator ($32) that comes in shades Incandescent Pink, White-Hot Gold, and Brilliant Bronze. This long-lasting cream will leave you glam for days.
- MoBeauty
-
Multi-hyphenate Mo Heart isn’t just a beloved RuPaul’s Drag Race and All Stars alum — she is here to satisfy all of your makeup and skincare needs with MoBeauty. From face masks and serums to setting powders and beauty tools, this brand offers something for you to incorporate into your daily beauty routine. My personal fave is the Slick And Stick ($11). It serves as an eyeliner and acts as glue for ladies who love faux lashes. One little product with two purposes for just $11? Everyone say, “Thank you, Mo Heart!”
Looking for more ways to support queer performers? Check out these resources.