The Ultimate Drag Makeup Kit: Essentials from Drag Race Royalty

Earlier this month, Drag Academy sat down with two incredible Drag Race royalty: Eva Blunt from Drag Race Mexico and Suki Doll from Canada's Drag Race. We asked them about their drag journeys, their must-have makeup items, and what every drag artist—whether a king, queen, or non-binary performer—needs in their kit. Here’s what they told us:

1. Full-Coverage Foundation

Why You Need It: Drag makeup is all about transformation, and a high-coverage foundation ensures a flawless base that covers all imperfections, including beard shadow and texture. A thick, full-coverage formula provides the perfect blank canvas for the rest of your look.

2. Color Corrector

Why You Need It: For those covering facial hair or discoloration, a color corrector is a must. Orange or red correctors help neutralize beard shadow before applying foundation, ensuring an even and smooth complexion.

3. Setting Powder

Why You Need It: To keep makeup locked in place and avoid creasing, a finely milled setting powder is essential. It helps absorb excess oil, prevents smudging, and ensures your look stays fresh throughout the night.

4. Contour and Highlight Kit

Why You Need It: Drag is about creating exaggerated features, and contouring helps sculpt the face into a more dramatic shape. A mix of cream or powder contour and highlight shades allows for chiseling cheekbones, defining the jawline, and enhancing the nose.

5. Brow Block (Glue Stick or Pros-Aide)

Why You Need It: Many drag performers reshape their brows completely for a more exaggerated or lifted look. Using a glue stick or Pros-Aide helps flatten natural brows, creating a smooth surface for new brow shapes or dramatic eye looks.

6. Bold Eyeshadow Palette

Why You Need It: Dramatic, high-pigment colors are essential for any drag look. A versatile eyeshadow palette with bold and blendable shades allows for endless creativity in eye makeup.

7. Liquid & Gel Eyeliners

Why You Need It: Precision is key for drag eyeliner. Liquid liner helps achieve sharp, winged looks, while gel liner is excellent for smudging and smoky effects.

8. False Lashes (Stacked for Drama!)

Why You Need It: Bigger is better when it comes to drag lashes! Stacking multiple pairs creates a fuller, more dramatic effect that enhances the eyes and makes them pop under stage lighting.

9. Glitter & Shimmer Pigments

Why You Need It: Drag is all about sparkle! Loose glitters and shimmer pigments help add extra glam to eye looks, lips, and even cheekbones for maximum impact.

10. Long-Wear Lipstick & Lip Liner

Why You Need It: Bold lips are a staple in drag. A long-wearing matte lipstick combined with a precise lip liner ensures a defined, crisp lip shape that lasts all night.

11. Setting Spray

Why You Need It: After all the hard work of creating a drag look, a heavy-duty setting spray keeps everything in place. It prevents makeup from melting under stage lights or during high-energy performances.

12. Spirit Gum & Lace Adhesive

Why You Need It: Whether applying facial hair as a drag king or securing lace-front wigs, strong adhesives like spirit gum and lace glue keep everything secure throughout performances.

13. Pros-Aide or Liquid Latex (For Prosthetics & Special Effects)

Why You Need It: For performers incorporating prosthetics, body paint, or more avant-garde elements into their drag, Pros-Aide or liquid latex is an essential adhesive for intricate designs.

14. Makeup Remover & Skincare

Why You Need It: After the show, proper makeup removal is crucial. Heavy-duty cleansing balms, micellar water, and gentle skincare help maintain healthy skin and prevent breakouts from frequent drag makeup applications.

These are the essentials that Eva Blunt and Suki Doll swear by for any drag performer looking to elevate their look. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your drag journey, investing in these must-have products will ensure you’re ready to turn the party every time!

What are your go-to makeup essentials for drag? Let us know in the comments!