If you ask us, no one does Mardi Gras makeup better than Drag Queens. For the majority of these dolls, it’s not their first rodeo, so naturally, we look to them for tips on how to look and feel our best on Gay Christmas.
This year, when tasked with finding the makeup, skincare and hair products that’ll stay put virtually all weekend, I knew I had to go before the Queens and ask them for their expert advice. Luckily for us, each of these beauties was more than happy to share the beauty products they couldn’t survive Mardi Gras without.
Drumroll, please…
18 Drag Queens On The Best Makeup To Buy For Mardi Gras
Etcetera Etcetera
“The great drag makeup artist Mathu Anderson was attributed with saying, ‘If it leaves a mark, it’s good!’ I take a very similar approach with the products I use in drag — there’s no bad makeup,” according to Etcetera.
“But like any good mother, I have my favourites — especially for Mardi Gras.”
You’ve got to start with a good base, explains Etcetera: “The first step to radiant drag makeup is keeping your canvas in check — and the MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Timecheck Lotion keeps my makeup looking fresh and radiant for longer every time (even until 4am!).”
She continues, “I feel like I can do anything with the About Face Matte Fluid Eye Paint: lips, eyes, blush — and the colour payoff is so vibrant! I want every shade in my kit.”
And finally, she recommends the glitter that’s in every queen’s kit. “Wigged Out is a wig and cosmetics company owned by drag performers — so it’s glitter BY drag queens, FOR drag queens! That should tell you everything you need to know.”
Shop Etcetera Etcetera’s recommendations:
- MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Timecheck Lotion, $84
- About Face Matte Fluid Eye Paint, $16
- Wigged Out Loose Glitters, from $10
You can follow Etcetera Etcetera here.
Hollywould Star
For Hollywould, it all starts with good skincare. “I am really, really big on moisturising your face. You have to have good skin in order to have really good makeup and for it to look smooth,” she explains.
“So, I’m all about priming and moisturising before even putting a lick of makeup on your face. I use a rice toner from Amazon, so I shave my face and then use a rice toner — it’s so beautiful for moisturising your skin.”
Over a voice note (we’re besties now), she continues… “The next thing that I go in with is Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Water Cream. It’s so moisturising! And then I use like three primers, I know, it’s really weird but I use the NYX Plump Right Back, it’s a primer with electrolytes, it’s beautiful and gives like a dewy look. Then I go win with the NYX Smooth and Blur Primer. If you have a good base, your makeup will go on really smooth.”
From there, Hollywould explains that it’s all about layering your base and setting each stage to ensure it lasts all night long.
“The next thing that I do is use a colour corrector. You can use any, but the one I use is from Mecca. It’s kind of like an orange one, and I use that for all my dark spots on my face, then you go in and set it. The best one I know is the Huda Beauty Easy Bake Powder. It comes in a bunch of colours and is the best setting powder that I have discovered. It gives you a blurring look, and you look airbrushed, so that’s definitely a product I’d recommend.”
“Foundation-wise, since it is summer, I use a tiny bit of Kryolan in the spots where I really want it to last all day, but other than that, I use the Pat McGrath Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation, which is amazing and lasts all day. For concealer, I use Laura Mercier, it’s great. I really recommend that,” says Hollywould.
For blush, Hollywould can’t go past the new Made By Mitchell Curve Case. “It has so many shades of blushes, like mango daiquiri and cherry cola, as well as contour. I don’t know if it’s out in Australia yet, someone sent it to me, and I absolutely LOVE this Curve Case because it limits the amount of things I have to take on tour,” she explains.
To set everything, Hollywould swears by the L’Oreal Infallible Setting Spray. “This will keep your makeup on all day and all night. I swear by it. There are a lot of setting sprays out there that say they’re 24 hours and won’t move or budge, but the L’Oreal Infallible Spray actually won’t! It’s the best one!”
Shop Hollywould Star’s recommendations:
- Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Water Cream, $149
- Mecca Max Life Proof Camo Colour Corrector 5G, $24
- NYX Plump Right Back, $14.97 (usually $29.95)
- NYX Smooth and Blur Primer, $13.49 (usually $26.99)
- Pat McGrath Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation, $120
- Laura Mercier Real Flawless Concealer, $55
- Made By Mitchell Curve Case, $51.75
- L’Oreal Infallible Setting Spray, $14.99
- Huda Beauty Easy Bake Powder, $66
You can follow Hollywould Star here.
Maxi Shield
Next up, we have the gorgeous Maxi Shield from Ruapul’s Drag Race Down Under season one — she’s an OG!
“Now, I don’t consider myself a ‘brand’ queen; after 28 years in the industry, I’ve been known to use whatever I can get my hands on (I have the stained cheeks and lip photos to prove it). But after today, I do own a lot of MAC products; maybe I’m a ‘Mac Maxi’ girl,” she explains.
“The first product I can’t survive without this Mardi Gras season is the MAC Locked Kiss ink 24-Hour Lip Colour, of course in the shade of RIPE, a delicious RED. One application, and you are right for the whole night, and when I say whole night, I mean WHOLE night. The selling tagline is KISSABLE, and it won’t move; let’s just say I’ve done my own scientific studies…. The lip colour does not move and doesn’t stain.”
That IS science we can trust!
Maxi goes on to explain that the other product she can’t survive Mard Gras without is MAC 24-Hour Brushstroke Black Liner. “The brush is designed for detailed work and dries almost instantly. This one, you may need to re-apply once in the later part of the evening, but definitely no smudges an hour after application.”
The last product Maxi recommends “and absolutely loves and can’t survive without” is the MAC Fix+Stay Over Longer Makeup Setting Spray.
“This is great to use as a primer, setting spray and during the evening if you need your makeup to have a little ‘freshen’ up. I’m not sure what magic they put in the bottle, but it has kept my makeup fabulous, either walking in the Mardi Gras parade or dancing the night away on a crowded dance floor.”
We’ll take 10.
In true Maxi fashion, she left us with some parting words to live by come Mardi Gras.
“Whatever your favourite products are, remember, if you live your life with love and kindness in your heart, you will always be beautiful.” Amen, diva!
Shop Maxi’s recommendations:
- MAC Locked Kiss Ink 24-Hour Lip Colour, $55
- MAC 24-Hour Brushstroke Black Liner, $47
- MAC Fix+Stay Over Longer Makeup Setting Spray, from $37
Barbi Ghanoush
Barbi is known for her perfect cat eye, so when she decided to spill the tea on exactly which products she uses to achieve it, we were sat.
“I like my Mardi Gras mug to be ethical as well as fierce as fuck, so I simply cannot part from my Huda Beauty products — especially the Pretty Grunge Eyeshadow Palette,” she explains.
“The gel eyeshadows keep my signature Arab cat eye perfectly sharp, and I know I’m wearing a brand that supports Arab and Middle Eastern communities on the ground!”
Shop Barbi’s recommendations:
Coco Jumbo
As for Queen Coco, her touch-up bag is full of the essentials.
“The main things I carry in my touch-up bag are the RCMA Translucent Setting Powder, Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in fu$$y, Wigged Out Loose Glitters (to cover any mishaps during the night), and One/Size On Til Dawn Setting Spray!!” says Coco.
Shop Coco Jumbo’s recommendations:
- RCMA Translucent Setting Powder, $28
- Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in fu$$y, $36
- Wigged Out Loose Glitters, from $10
- One/Size On Til Dawn Setting Spray, $58
You can follow Coco Jumbo here.
Gabriella Labucci
When it comes to her look lasting all night, Gabriella has a few go-to products.
“The most important products for Mardi Gras are a long-wear full-coverage foundation and a good setting powder,” explains Gabriella.
“You’re going to be in a full face for a long time. You want it to last! Kryolan TV Paintstick Foundation and Kryolan Translucent Setting Powder are non-negotiable for me. They’re staples in the drag community, and for good reason!”
Shop Gabriella’s recommendations:
You can follow Gabriella here.
Jojo Zaho
“Drag makeup is one of a kind — the levels and layers of liquids, oils, powders, sprays, and glitters it takes to look this fabulous is wild. But an important and often overlooked part is taking it all off safely,” says Jojo Zaho.
“So, my Mardi Gras makeup must-have are Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes and the Garnier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water in Oil.”
According to Jojo, “These two combined remove every last drop of makeup, and they break down my mascara with ease, they strip my sideburns of all spirit gum and gently break down the large amount of pros-aide needed to block down my John Howard-esque eyebrows. And by the end of it, my skin feels clean and clear, and I genuinely avoid any skin breakouts.”
Don’t mind us, we’re off to Woolies.
Another must-have for Jojo is sticky tape. “It’s a big must-have for removing glitter safely, especially around the eyes and lips, if it’s not removed safely and can eventually cause serious damage to your eyes,” explains Jojo.
And, last but not least, Jojo recommends lots and lots of baby wipes, but the generic home brand from Woolies, the ones at Coles shed too much fluffy. “While I beat my mug, they come in handy for cleaning up my pros-aide application, cleaning up my makeup brushes, and because I often get ready in hotels, they remove all evidence that a shapeshifter was here.”
Shop Jojo’s recommendations:
- Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, $7.99
- Garnier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water in Oil, $12.99
- Sellotape Sticky Tape Roll, $3.40
- Little One’s Baby Wipes 80 Pack, $2.20
You can follow Jojo Zaho here.
Miss Ellaneous
Our Queen, Miss Ellaneous, likes to go all out for Mardi Gras, and YES! POP OFF, QUEEN!
“As an ‘au naturel’ gal, I usually keep it simple — just a nude lip gloss and a touch of eyeliner. But during Mardi Gras, I make an exception and go BIG and BOLD!” she explains.
Her go-tos are: Lashes from House of Priscilla, biodegradable glitter from Mullumbimby (of course!), and sexy colour palettes from Kryolan — because more is always MORE, Darling Hearts!”
Shop Miss Ellaneous’ recommendations:
You can follow Miss Ellaneous here.
Ashley Madison
For Ashley, sticking everything down is a Mardi Gras must because no one needs to be distracted by a stray lash while booting the night away.
“One of my absolute must-have beauty products leading into Mardi Gras is a good, industrial-strength adhesive. You’d be shocked at how much glue and tape it takes to hold a Drag Queen together — honestly, I’m one wardrobe malfunction away from being a modern art installation,” she laughs.
“Lash Glue, Wig Glue, Boob Tape, Tuck Tape, Face Tapes… if it sticks, I’m probably wearing it. And in the Australian summer heat? Let’s just say that without a strong adhesive, things start slipping faster than a twink at his first drag brunch,” she explains.
“Oh, and don’t forget the adhesive remover — because nobody wants to wake up still duct-taped to last night’s decisions.” We hear that!
And if Ashley had to choose an actual beauty product to get her through gay Christmas, it’s a heavy-duty setting spray.
“When you’re sweating under stage lights, dodging rogue vodka sodas, and trying to out-dance a bear on his third Red Bull, you need your face to stay put. A good setting spray will lock in your makeup like it’s in witness protection — no smudging, no melting, no tragic eyeliner breakdowns halfway through the parade. If your setting spray isn’t strong enough to survive a drag queen doing a death drop in 40-degree heat, is it even worth using?”
So, which one does she recommend? One/Size On Til Dawn Setting Spray, of course.
Shop Ashley Madison’s recommendations:
- One/Size On Til Dawn Setting Spray, $58
- DUO Lash Glue, $9.99 (usually $11.99)
- Kryolan Spirit Gum, $35
- Gorilla Glue Duct Tape, $13.45
You can follow Ashley Madison here.
Pangina Heals
If Pangina Heals has to recommend one product for Mardi Gras and one product only, she’s choosing a setting spray.
“I live by the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray because out of all the setting sprays I’ve ever used in my life, this will get me through the humidity of Thailand, and it will keep you partying all day and all night long, and your face will be just as beat as it was when you left the house,” she explains.
Shop Pangina Heals’ recommendations:
You can follow Pangina Heals here OR catch Pangina Heals at her book signing in Sydney on Feb 28. Details here.
Lazy Susan
In the words of Lazy Susan, “Any drag queen worth their salt knows nail glue is for amateurs.”
“Get your claws on with the good stuff, aka super glue. It’s also a lifesaver for quick acrylic repairs or when your earrings just won’t stay put,” she explains.
And when are the night’s over? Lazy recommends heading to the pantry and grabbing the coconut oil. “When you need to go from queen to civilian in a flash, nothing removes makeup faster than coconut oil. Slather on a generous layer, let it sink into the beat, and watch your face melt off like you just cracked open the Ark of the Covenant.”
Shop Lazy Susan’s recommendations:
You can follow Lazy Susan here.
Karna Ford
For Karna, a strong, well-defined brow is the only way to finish off your Mardi Gras look.
“With drag queens working back-to-back gigs, having a strong brow block can take you a very long way because you can touch up with all your other makeup like lips, eyeliner, powders, but if your brows start melting off, it’s game over.”
For a strong block that can last all night, she recommends “spirit gum, glue stick and powder.”
Shop Karna’s recommendations:
Vybe
For Queen Vybe, it’s all about makeup that lasts. “Mardi Gras is hot, sweaty and possibly the gayest marathon we have in Australia, so I need the face to not only go on but to stay on,” she explains.
“NYX’s Face Glue Primer is a godsend for long drag gigs, and I literally wouldn’t be able to get through Parade Day without it,” she says as she awards it bonus points for the packaging, “it’s as camp as a row of tents!”
When it comes to Mardi Gras, the brighter, the bolder, and the more colourful, the better in Vybes eyes. “My go-to eyeshadow palette ATM is this Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Pro Palette. SO many incredible colours to choose from, and the formula is so buttery and easy to work with, it makes being this gay a walk in the park.”
As for the lips, she recommends glossy, not sticky. “I love a glossy lip, but I hate it when it is too sticky because you end up with a mouthful of synthetic hair,” she laughs. “The NYX Fat Lip Oil is a perfect combination of glossy, but it doesn’t feel as wet or sticky as other lip glosses I have used in the past.”
Finally, the newest addition to her makeup kit — and one that’s got RuPaul‘s tick of approval — is the Maybelline Sky High Mascara. “It can have mine, too,” she says. It’s a really gorgeous lengthening Mascara with a great applicator, AND it isn’t too hard to remove once the gig is done.”
Shop Vybe’s recommendations:
- NYX’s Face Glue Primer, $19.99
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Pro Palette Vol 6, $90.40
- NYX Fat Lip Oil, $16.99
- Maybelline Sky High Mascara, $21.99
Champagne
The Nars Orgasm Afterglow Lip Balm is Champagne’s number one Mardi Gras recommendation. “It keeps your lips from getting dry and chapped whilst also adding shimmer and sparkle.”
She also emphasises that smelling good is also key. “The Sarah Jessica Parker New York City Perfume smells gorgeous and is affordable. I’d argue if Carrie were wearing this she would have locked down Mr Big much sooner!”
Um, we agree!
Finally, she loves the Got2b Glued Hairspray, but as a setting spray! “Those water-setting sprays are scams in a bottle!” she explains. “If you want your makeup to stay and not move even an inch, this ultra-freeze spray is foolproof!”
Shop Champagne’s recommendations:
- Nars Orgasm Afterglow Lip Balm, $46
- Sarah Jessica Parker New York City Perfume, $29.99
- Got2b Glued Hairspray, $9.99
You can follow Champagne here.
Dammit Janet
As you can see from her glam shot, it’s all about the eyes for Dammit Janet, which means you need good eye prods.
For Janet, it’s the Painted. Co-create Paints every time. “I’ve got the blackest black and the whitest white. I use these on my eyes, and they last a whole night, looking just as good at the end of the night as when I applied them. Mac Studio Fix Powders — shivering white — I add this into the corners of my eyes and between my brows at the end of my routine just before setting powder, and it makes my whole face pop.”
You also need a delicious fragrance to finish off your look. She recommends the Sabrina Carpenter Sweet Tooth Perfume.
“This scent is sweet and smells so good! I douse myself in this as I’m leaving the house and touch up throughout the night because no one likes a smelly drag queen.”
Shop Dammit Janet’s recommendations:
- Painted. Co-Create Paints, $25
- Mac Studio Fix Powders, $68
- Sabrina Carpenter Sweet Tooth Perfume, $39.99
You can follow Dammit Janet here.
Dominique Topp
Dominique Topp has three Mardi Gras beauty products she can’t party without. Starying with the Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color. “The name says paint because it literally is,” she explains.
“It’s the only lipstick I trust to get me through Mardi Gras that is long-lasting and looks amazing even after a long day of gigs and a few too many glasses of Prosecco.”
Plus, she assures me that there’s a huge range of colours to suit every look and every skin tone. “If you like a matte liquid lip, RiRi got you covered.”
She also recommends another drag queen favourite, the Kryolan Fixing Spray. “This is definitely not for the faint of heart and is essentially the cosmetic equivalent of epoxy resin for your face, but if you want your make to be FIXED to your face for the whole night and probably well into the next morning, this is the one”, she says.
As for glitter, don’t get sucked into buying expensive glitters from makeup brands (although MAC, if you’re reading this, I love you, and I’ll send you my address if you want to send me any), she warns.
“As long as it’s an environmentally friendly glitter, the cheaper, the better. Some of my favourite glitters are the ones from $2 stores that you used to decorate your primary school swimming carnival posters with (hot tip: a bit of lash glue on your lips over your favourite matte liquid lipstick and a bit of glitter will make the best glittery lip).”
Shop Dominique Topp’s recommendations:
You can follow Dominique Topp here.
Kalin Klein
Kalin, Queen of the graphic eyeliner and gorgeous moustache, swears by Painted by James Charles for all her Mardi Gras looks.
“I’m a graphic girly, known for my moustache looks and bold eye makeup. I can’t go without Painted by James Charles! The graphic liners and blush, both of which are absolutely incredible!” she explains.
Shop Kalin’s recommendations:
You can follow Kalin Klein here.
Tina Bikki
“Mardi Gras season is CRAZY for a drag queen,” Tina explains. “Running from brunch to bingo to corporate functions to clubs to bars on repeat. I think I speak for all when I say a good setting spray is a must-have! I’ve found the Maybelline Lasting Fix Setting Spray keeps my face LOCKED and stops it from sliding off my skin onto the floor like a dropped pancake.”
She also recommends investing in a good eyeliner. “In fact, Maybelline really has been that girl for me lately. Their Hyper Sharp Wing Eye Liner has been a godsend to me for years now! I swear the applicator is so sharp and precise that I could do calligraphy with that thing. She really is diva boots!”
Shop Tina Bikki’s recommendations:
You can follow Tina Bikki here.
Logan The Drag Queen
“As someone with sensitive skin, I believe the first step to achieving a flawless mug is nourishing the skin under the makeup,” says Logan. “That’s why I love using ReMe Beauty Cleansing Balm and Hydra Gel. They’re plant-based and founded here in Australia.”
Another product that is a staple in Logan’s makeup kit is the One/Size On Til Dawn Setting Spray. “It locks my makeup in all the right places; every night, one of my high energy dance shows my foundation is still smooth like butter.”
Shop Logan’s recommendations:
You’ve got everything you need now, babies. Go forth, place your orders and enjoy a happy and safe Mardi Gras. Oh, and if you see any of these gorgeous Drag Queens on your travels, please say hi and tell them I sent you!
Note: Some quotes have been edited for clarity.
This story is part of our Mardi Gras digital issue, celebrating the LGBTQIA+ culture makers and game changers. Read more here.
The post 18 Iconic Drag Queens Share The Beauty Products They Couldn’t Survive Mardi Gras Without appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
