Here's the thing about make-up if you're a drag queen ā our make-up needs to be industrial-strength, and by that I mean it needs to be sweat-proof, weather-proof and sometimes rogue flying cocktail-proof (one day I'll write a book about Saturday brunches. Please buy it and validate my life choices). That level of protection and strength doesn't come cheap. Or does it?
Hello, queens, kings and other royalty. I'm a writer for heat and Closer who also happens to be a part-time drag queen in London called Beary Poppins. I'm putting on a SERIOUS face at least four or five times a week these days, not to mention writing four or five Love Island stories a week ā I can honestly say that life is pretty fierce.
I LOVE my side hustle, but paying for make-up is a hefty expense.
Unfortunately, there's a vibe of snobbery when it comes to make-up on the scene ā particularly amongst your more seasoned queens. The vibe is very much: if you're not wearing Kyrolan, Anastasia Beverly Hills or heaven forbid Fenti or Charlotte Tilbury, are you even doing drag? YES, yes you are ā and I can afford a cheeky Deliveroo when I get home at 3am, too.
All drag is valid and so is economically friendly make-up, so direct that shade elsewhere.
So here's the tea; I get 90% of my make-up from Superdrug and most of my fellow kings and queens do the same. Don't fall for the ad campaigns and #gifted vids ā you're paying for a name most of the time.
Real talk; us queens wear a HECK of a lot more make-up than your average brunch-going hun, so if most of us did turn to the luxury brands every week, we'd probably bankrupt ourselves out of a career ā not all of us are on that Drag Race UK dollar... yet.
Anyway, because I'm such a kind and generous queen, I've decided to share my cheaper go-to's with my subjects (I'm like Martin Lewis in a lace front), so whether you're a seasoned drag act looking to tighten those sequinned purse strings, a new drag act, or just a fan of drag in general, pop these in your basket, you fabulous creature, you.
SHOP: the best make-up products under Ā£10, according to a Drag Queen
1 of 7Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Foundation
Revolution are queens at giving your base that filtered look and providing I'm not doing death drops in a stuffy, smelly basement (it's happened) it really does stay on for 24 hours with a decent setting spray (amazing considering it's liquid foundation). This certainly beats turning to Kryolan for their TV paint sticks which go for over Ā£20 a pop (an industry fave).
2 of 7e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer
The key to that Ru Girl filter right here and at Ā£6 a pop; it's a drag queen's dream. A good drag face relies on a good contour ā even the subtle ones are loud for us lot ā so I go through a LOT of concealer.
3 of 7Makeup Revolution Fast Base Contour Stic
These sticks are like magic wands and help me create whatever face I'm feeling in the moment. Again, a Ā£6 bargain. They come in light, medium and dark colours ā I actually use all three to really exaggerate that drag lewk.
4 of 7Revolution Loose Baking Powder
I really don't want to keep coming for Kryolan, because Lord knows I'd let them sponsor me if they wanted to, but you just don't need to be forking out their prices for a powder. Powder is the most important item in a drag act's make-up up bag ā it holds the make-up together, blends and seals the sweat behind the base (drag is WAY sweatier than they make it out to be on RuPaul). But again, you don't need to break the bank to secure these things and keep your face on. One pot of powder can last me about two months (depending on the bookings ā hint hint).
5 of 7e.l.f. Cosmetics Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow
Drag is about SPARKLE and these are my sparkly secret. Don't tell anyone basic, will you? I use these fabulous eye gels to draw on my fake eyebrows and to really make my eyelids pop. They come in a spectrum of different colours and are genuinely one of e.l.f.'s best products in my eyes.
6 of 7NYX Lip Lingerie XXL Matte Liquid Lipstic
I rarely stray from NYX when it comes to my lips. I swear by Lip Lingerie XXL Matte Liquid Lipstick for a classic drag lip (and match up with the corresponding lip liners) ā there are over 32 different shades to choose from, too.
7 of 7Revolution Pro Blush & Glow Palette Peach Glow
I swear I've had the Revolution Pro Blush & Glow Palette Peach Glow palette for longer than I've been doing drag. It glows in all the right colours and genuinely never fails me ā and it's cheaper than a Long Island Iced Tea.
So, there you, go kings, queens and other royalty ā go off and slay. And enjoy that Deliveroo after.