Drag makeup is an art. Drag queens really know how to use makeup to create a total transformation that holds up all day and night. If your own makeup game could use a boost, read on for drag makeup tips that will seriously up your look. Image via @rubcha


Foundation for Lips
Drag queens know that foundation belongs all over your face, including on your lips. This base layer helps lock your lipstick in place.

Lip Liner Is a Necessity
For a full pout, perk up your lips with an outline of lip liner like Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lip Liner, $5.99. This product is great for shaping and defining your lips, and no drag queen's makeup bag would be complete without it.

Dot of Gloss
A simple dab of lip gloss right in the center of your bottom lip makes your kisser look even more full and queen-worthy. Reapplication can be a drag (ha!) but the bee-sting effect it has makes it worth the trouble.

Foundation on Top
Any drag queen worth her salt can contour like a boss, and the really great ones know to do contouring before foundation. A layer of foundation applied over the contouring makeup helps all your artistry look completely natural.

Light-Catching Highlighter
Glitter is a drag queen's best friend. If actual pieces of the stuff are too much sparkle for your tastes, try using a shimmery highlighter like Stila Heaven's Hue Highlighter, $32, for a sparkle that works for both day and evening.

Mascara Layers
Drag makeup calls for lashes that don't quit. Between each section of false lashes that you apply, coat all of your lashes, both natural and artificial, with layers of mascara. It will help hold the lash ensemble together.

Cream Shadow
A drag queen knows that for lasting eye makeup, you should start with a base of cream eye color for major staying power. Build on that with either powdered shadow or more cream.

Brush Variety
One eye shadow brush is just not enough when it comes to drag-worthy eyelid artistry. Instead, you need a larger one to brush color all across the lid and smaller ones to do detail work. Try the Real Techniques Enhanced Eye Set, $19.99, for a precise application.

Easy Cat-Eye Look
You can get the hang of a queen's coveted cat-eye look with this trick: Imagine an invisible line connecting the outer corner of your eye with the end of your eyebrow. Trace your eyeliner right along that path.

Setting Powder
Adding layers of powder as you make up your face will help set your products. Keep the powder lightest in the areas of your face that catch the light. This trick helps even a fully made-up drag queen achieve a natural finish.

Bold Colors
Drag makeup is all about an unforgettable look, so bright shades fit right in. Embrace your inner queen and let your colorful makeup show who you are. Try a palette like Viseart Eyeshadow Palette, $80, in Editorial Brights.

Face Hairspray
Once you achieve the perfect drag makeup look, set it with a spritz of hairspray across your face. This shouldn't be an everyday trick, but it's an invaluable drag queen hack for special occasions.