Drag makeup is an art form that might seem eccentric, but common elements can be incorporated into an everyday look. Overlined lips, a colorful eye, a thick wing or a bold eyebrow are just a few Drag essentials you can incorporate into your personal repertoire. Even your favorite artist’s favorite artist is doing Drag makeup, so jump on the bandwagon if you’re feeling feisty and don’t want to miss out.
Define “Drag”
Drag is an exaggerated expression of femininity, masculinity or other gender expressions. The art of Drag is most commonly expressed through makeup and fashion.
When hearing the word “Drag,” many think of a face painted in color and vibrance — sharp contour, beaming highlighter, lashes touching the sky and eyeshadow that is anything but basic. Basically, any makeup element that screams “fierce” constitutes as a form of Drag.
Drag is often used for entertainment purposes or as a form of celebration of the Queer community. At this point, what is the point of going out to brunch if the word “Drag” isn’t in front of it?
The beauty of Drag is celebrated in a wide range of performance styles. From pride parades, to cabaret shows, to pageants, to clubs, to balls, drag queens will show up and show OUT for the LGBTQ+ community.
Living in Miami is a huge plus if you want to venture into the Drag entertainment realm. The R House in Wynwood hosts a plethora of Drag extravaganzas, including Drag bingo and Friday night parties with groovy DJ’s. The Palace is also a noteworthy spot in South Beach with Drag performances every day and night, including Drag Lunch events if you’re looking for a mid-day pick up with a side of attitude. If you’re not one to step far outside the gates of Coral Gables, the University of Miami hosts an annual drag show for students called Drag Out. This event takes place during the collegiate celebration of Pride Month, also known as “Gaypril.”
Shoutouts
Jinkx Monsoon, Bianca Del Rio, Trixie Mattel, Courtney Act, Sasha Velour, Nymphia Wind and Katya Zamolodchikova are just some of the beloved Queens out there, and the list goes on.
You might be questioning where one of the most noteworthy names in Drag is on this list. She isn’t a Drag Queen, but the Queen of Drag: RuPaul. Rupaul so effortlessly appointed herself with this title during a Late Night interview with Jimmy Fallon where his life flashed before his eyes; you know the one, right?
Nathan Frazier, a senior majoring in health studies, highlighted his all-time favorite Queen.
“Valentina does Drag best. The way she has really made her mark by being on Vogue, and selling out stadiums, has allowed her to become respected highly by the Mexican community,”said Frazier.
Drag doesn’t end with the pros. With a little bravery and glitter, we can all unleash our inner Queens. Admiring and uplifting Drag Queens is a sign of respect to the Queer community and its unapologetic forms of self expression.
If you’re just getting started when it comes to the Drag world, try tuning into television shows or movies that star Queens in their natural elements. A few notable mentions include, “Kinky Boots,” “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “The Birdcage” and “Wig.”
Drag is Everywhere
Learn to imitate the artistry of Drag by seeking inspiration from the game-changers of popular culture. The overnight singing sensation, Chappel Roan, is well known for her head-to-toe Drag inspired looks. Her funky outfits and glowing makeup electrify her stage presence. At this year’s VMA awards, Chappel strutted the red carpet in a Joan of Arc inspired look with a sexy medieval soldier as her breathing accessory — besides the huge sword she also carried, of course. Time after time, Chappel has given credit to Drag divas for making such a large impact on her own identity and distinctive style.
Frazier mentioned how our favorite “feminimonenon” is making huge progress in representing the Queer community.
“Right now, Chappel is doing her big one. She is showcasing local drag queens at her performances while also partaking in the art of drag herself,”said Frazier.
Daily Drag
Taking inspiration from a Drag look, or the overall persona that our Queens carry, can be effortlessly incorporated into an everyday look. If you’ve already experimented with striking contour, you’re pretty much halfway there.
Suggestions for bringing Drag into your regular makeup routine might require stepping outside of your comfort zone. For example, if you’re normally a nude-lip person but want to be giving Alyssa Edwards, swap out the clear gloss for a colorful lipstick. If you’re more into trying a sassy eye look, go heavy on the liner and Ariana-Grande that wing to the sky. You could also play with brow color and shape. Go thinner with your brows, or, if you’re feeling extra frisky, bleach them entirely. Caking on a little extra blush is never a bad bet either when you want to subtly spice up your look.
If going full Drag isn’t your speed, adding some sparkle might be more on pace. Sticky face gems, like the ones “Euphoria” inspired during its premiere, are perfect for adding a slight twinkle to your eye.
Incorporating elements of Drag into your style is not just limited to playing with makeup techniques. Experimenting with maximalistic fashion and accessorizing is another great method.
Drag-inspired upgrades to your closet can be made simple and affordable with DIY techniques. Hot glue some rhinestones to a corset you haven’t picked up in years. Add a funky belt to your bottoms or hot glue some feathers to the hem of your jeans. Throw on a Satin glove the next time you dress for a black tie event or attending a holiday party.
Being more Drag inspired can also be as simple as taking reference from characters in the media or even inanimate objects for the truly bold. Only a true it-girl would willingly dress up as the Statue of Liberty. No matter how you tweak your routine or wardrobe to resemble Drag, the most essential ingredient is confidence.
Administrative Assistant for UM’s LGBTQ Center, Nicholas Diaz, explained what Drag means to him.
“I believe drag is inspiring because I always see people’s confidence boosted in drag. People also want to blame drag for being the reason why they become confident, but the confidence was always there,” said Diaz.
So, don’t be a drag next time you have an unexplainable feeling that something is missing from your look. Instead, look to the queens for guidance.
words_remi turner. photo_marra finkelstein. design_sal puma.
This article was published in Distraction’s Fall 2024 print issue.
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