![]() It's why you can always count on a drag queen's recommendations of the best hairsprays, nail glue, and makeup that can hold on for dear life through every cartwheel. (Although anyone who's watched any season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" could have told you that.) With drag, the entire getting ready process is an art form, a masterclass in transformation.Īnd that's before the stage lights, coordinated twirls, and strenuous lip-syncing routines (to Madonna or Beyonce, probably) come in to play. To riff off the wise words of Benjamin Franklin, there are only three certainties in this life: death, taxes, and the slay of a drag queen's hair and makeup. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work. ![]() Sign up for our weekly newsletter here.As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. “When you work really hard, and give the world something only you can give them,” she says, “you can make it happen.” There’s no way to put a price on that feeling. “It’s very hard for it to be profitable when you are first starting out.”īut, she adds, there’s a magical moment that happens onstage when the audience falls in love with what you’re serving. “This is the hard truth - drag will take all your money,” says Alaska. If you go out and perform with confidence, all fashion sins will be forgiven.” An amazing queen once told me: If they are thinking you wore the same dress last week, your performance isn't good. “I rotated them and made a quick costume out of a bed sheet for another number during my first 6 months. “Cardboard, zip ties, and dollar stores will be your friend.” And don’t be afraid of repeating outfits! “When I started drag I had two dresses and one wig,” says Jelly. “It's important to learn from folks who have been doing this for a while, so watch the show with a critical eye and dissect what is working/what isn't working in a compassionate way.”īeing thrifty is key, says Jelly. When doing an unpaid gig, Kitty says, “make sure know you’re doing them a favor to set expectations.”Īnd make the most of your time in the audience, KaiKai says. But making yourself available shows people you’re a professional who wants to work, which leads to opportunities and it’s a great way to meet people and make friends.”īut even if you decide that it’s worth it to perform for just tips, don’t let “free” become your standard rate. “You may have to be willing to work for free (or for tips) when you’re first starting out. Save the diva attitude for the stage.”Īlaska agrees that a positive attitude is key. Cheer other queens on, take photos or videos of the numbers, help pick up tips for the performers. “Meet other queens, and most importantly of all be kind, courteous and helpful. “Find any gay or queer friendly bar,” says Jelly. How do I find a drag venue and get booked?Īs in a lot of industries, it’s all about who you know, which means you should get to know plenty of people, and let them know you. “It’s hard to carve out time to practice,” says KaiKai, “but it goes a long way.” Become a Frankenstein of the parts of queens’ makeup you like until you find the look that is particularly you.” “I learned how to do drag by looking at pictures of other queens online and trying to emulate their looks. Get a decent glue, though.”Īlaska is even more direct: “Steal!” she says. A good lipstick will stay on a lot longer. Eyeshadows and blushes can be cheap and cheerful. TV Paint Stick and a translucent powder are fine. ![]() “If you’re just practicing at home then you don’t need to worry so much about fixing like you would if you’re going out to do a gig,” saus Kitty. Instead, get the stuff that works for your particular kind of drag. Ultimately, you should be strategic about your supplies - what works for someone else might not make sense for you. If you have a TV Paint Stick and a good white eyeshadow (I personally use Tako by Sugarpill) you'd be amazed to see how many looks you can turn out with an eyeshadow palette and lipstick from Walgreens and Target.” “You can be thrifty and creative for your outfit and wigs. “Skip the designer make-up brushes, wigs, and limited edition eyeshadows for now,” Jelly says. You don’t need to drop a ton of cash on drag toys. Thicker, more full coverage will help make any look.” I use two paint sticks, one as a highlight and one as a base foundation color. For foundation, “ TV Paint Stick is a staple for the majority of drag queens and a GOOD white eyeshadow. Jelly has a few favorite standbys that she’s come to depend on. But don’t sweat the gear too much! “As long as you have some beauty blenders and a nice array of brushes, you can focus more on technique - which can be more important than equipment,” KaiKai says.
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