There is little doubt that today’s divas are shaking up the beauty industry. Many of the most recent hair and makeup trends that everyone loves were first seen on drag queens. Diva looks are not designed to hide flaws or accentuate natural features. Diva looks have the ability to transform anyone into a beauty goddess.
Contouring Queens
Contouring and highlighting is a must-have skill for drag queens who are taking the stage. Contouring is intended to enhance your best features by choosing foundation products that are a shade darker than your natural skin tone and highlighters that are a shade lighter than your skin tone. Contouring is now a major mainstream trend with countless YouTube videos being uploaded featuring contouring tutorials and tips.
Go Long With the Liner
The “cat eye” is everywhere with divas using the makeup technique to add high drama to their looks. A true cat eye can be ultra-long, but the idea is to simply create a line that extends beyond the corners of the eyes as a way to give them a larger appearance. Tools required include a cream liner and a liner brush with an angle. Length of the cat eye can be adjusted, but a good point of reference is the end of the eyebrow. The eyeliner should never be applied in one single swoop, but instead applied lightly and then filled in later to thicken the lines.
Blocking Brows
Fans of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” have likely learned the importance of blocking brows. The number one diva lesson on the show is to erase natural brows completely as a way to create gorgeous faux brows. The process involves using a combination of Elmer’s non-toxic glue, setting powder and concealer to block out the eyebrows. With blocked out eyebrows, you can now draw on bold and beautiful eyebrows in perfect shapes. Gluing down eyebrows is a must for all clients who shudder at the thought of taking a razor to their brows.
Go Big or Go Home
Celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Katy Perry consult drag queens for style inspiration because they know that the divas know how to work it. Instead of natural looks, the idea is that less is not always more. Add plenty of sparkle to your eye makeup looks with glitter and bold color choices. Get glam lips with bright red lipstick and lip liner overdrawn to help you achieve a pouty mouth.
Interested in learning all about diva makeup? Attend New York Institute of Beauty’s “Accessing Your Inner Diva” workshop by esthetics instructor Robert C. Kohnken and his professional drag queen alter ego Naomi.
