'Queen For A Night'

Drag is the art of erasing yourself to truly metamorphose you in the best version of yourself and bringing out everything you wish you could present to the world. The endless potential of becoming the image of your own imagination, it’s the most powerful thing you could ever do, and for many queens, liberation.

While the history of drag queen unfolded, makeup remained at the forefront. Drag uses makeup the same way it is used in live theater. It’s been more than 2,500 years since female impersonation was born in Grecian Age when women were not allowed on stage, so men were forced to play their roles.

Drag is all about transformation and the art of illusion achieved through contouring and other makeup techniques that sculpt the face and enhance the natural bone structure. Drag queens are the creative geniuses behind so many of today’s makeup trends and tricks that we love and use every day.

Although drag makeup is a world full of creativity, there are some foundational steps to know:

1.     Full-coverage foundation that creates a canvas allowing any look to go on easier.

2.     ‘Baking’ makeup, the process of applying a thick layer of translucent powder and letting it sit on the face for 5-10 minutes until your base is ‘baked’ by the face heat.

3.     Heavy contouring on the nose, jawline and cheekbones lets you play with depth and shadow, and reshapes your features.

4.     Blinding highlighter that lightens the areas you want to draw attention to.

5.     Cut crease eyeshadow that creates a dramatic contrast for a wide-eyed look.

6.     False eyelashes that give you a fuller flutter.

7.     Plump lips, using lip liner and lipstick that make your lips look full and juicy.

Queens are not only makeup artists but also hair stylists, comedians, singers and dancers. They are part of the mainstream culture and have certainly influenced the beauty industry. They are there to remind us how important self-expression is and how it can engender creativity.

Watch Drag Queen Soroya Marchelle get ready for a gig, showing us a stunning transformation makeover!

This PIBE Beauty exclusive has been produced by:
Words / Lucas Pontidas
Filming & Production / Studio PIBE
Special Thanks to Queen Of Hoxton