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In our opinion, no one rocks Mardi Gras makeup quite like Drag Queens. For most of these fabulous performers, this isn't their first time around, so we naturally turn to them for advice on how to look and feel our absolute best during Gay Christmas.

This year, when it came to discovering the makeup, skincare, and hair products that will last throughout the entire weekend, I knew I had to consult the Queens for their expert opinions. Fortunately for us, each of these stunning individuals was more than willing to share the beauty products they couldn't live through Mardi Gras without.

And now, a drumroll, please…

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18 Drag Queens On The Best Makeup To Buy For Mardi Gras

Etcetera Etcetera

Image: Etcetera Etcetera

“The renowned drag makeup artist Mathu Anderson is known for saying, ‘If it leaves a mark, it’s good!’ I adopt a similar philosophy when choosing products for drag — there’s no such thing as bad makeup,” says Etcetera.

“However, like any good mother, I do have my favorites — especially for Mardi Gras.”

Etcetera explains that starting with a solid base is key: “The initial step to glowing drag makeup is maintaining your canvas — and the MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Timecheck Lotion ensures my makeup stays fresh and radiant for longer each time (even until 4am!).”

She adds, “I feel like I can achieve anything with the About Face Matte Fluid Eye Paint: lips, eyes, blush — and the color payoff is incredibly vibrant! I want every shade in my collection.”

Finally, she suggests the glitter that's a staple in every queen’s arsenal. “Wigged Out is a wig and cosmetics company run by drag performers — so it’s glitter BY drag queens, FOR drag queens! That says it all.”

Shop Etcetera Etcetera’s recommendations:

• MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Timecheck Lotion, $84

• About Face Matte Fluid Eye Paint, $16

• Wigged Out Loose Glitters, from $10

You can follow Etcetera Etcetera here.

Hollywould Star

Image Credit: Hollywould Star / @itskincade

For Hollywould, it all begins with excellent skincare. “I am a huge advocate for moisturizing your face. To achieve truly great makeup, you need good skin for a smooth appearance,” she elaborates.

“I focus on priming and moisturizing before applying any makeup. I use a rice toner from Amazon, which I apply after shaving my face — it’s wonderful for hydrating your skin.”

In a voice note (we're besties now), she continues… “Next up is Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Water Cream. It’s incredibly moisturizing! I also use around three primers, I know, it sounds odd, but I rely on the NYX Plump Right Back, a primer with electrolytes that provides a dewy look. Then I apply the NYX Smooth and Blur Primer. A solid base ensures your makeup goes on smoothly.”

Hollywould then emphasizes the importance of layering your base and setting each stage to ensure it lasts all night.

“I use a color corrector next. You can choose any, but mine is from Mecca. It’s an orange hue that I apply to all my dark spots, followed by setting it. The Huda Beauty Easy Bake Powder is the best setting powder I’ve discovered. It offers a blurring effect, making you look airbrushed, so I highly recommend it.”

“In terms of foundation, since it’s summer, I apply a small amount of Kryolan in the areas where I need it to last all day, but otherwise, I use the Pat McGrath Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation, which is outstanding and lasts throughout the day. For concealer, I choose Laura Mercier, it’s excellent. I highly recommend it,” says Hollywould.

For blush, Hollywould is in love with the new Made By Mitchell Curve Case. “It offers a variety of blush shades, such as mango daiquiri and cherry cola, along with contour. I’m not sure if it’s available in Australia yet, but someone sent it to me, and I absolutely LOVE this Curve Case as it minimizes the number of items I need to bring on tour,” she explains.

To set everything, Hollywould relies on the L’Oreal Infallible Setting Spray. “This will keep your makeup intact all day and night. I swear by it. Many setting sprays claim to last 24 hours and won’t budge, but the L’Oreal Infallible Spray genuinely doesn’t! It’s the best one!”

Shop Hollywould Star’s recommendations:

• Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Water Cream, $149

• Mecca Max Life Proof Camo Colour Corrector 5G, $24

• NYX Plump Right Back, $14.97 (usually $29.95)

• NYX Smooth and Blur Primer, $13.49 (usually $26.99)

• Pat McGrath Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation, $120

• Laura Mercier Real Flawless Concealer, $55

• Made By Mitchell Curve Case, $51.75

• L’Oreal Infallible Setting Spray, $14.99

• Huda Beauty Easy Bake Powder, $66

You can follow Hollywould Star here.

Maxi Shield

Image Credit: Maxi Shield / @bettie_blackheart

Next, we have the fabulous Maxi Shield from RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under season one — she’s an OG! 

“Now, I don’t consider myself a ‘brand’ queen; after 28 years in the industry, I’ve been known to use whatever I can get my hands on (I have the stained cheeks and lip photos to prove it). But after today, I do own a lot of MAC products; maybe I’m a ‘Mac Maxi’ girl,” she explains.

“The first product I can’t survive without this Mardi Gras season is the MAC Locked Kiss ink 24-Hour Lip Colour, of course in the shade of RIPE, a delicious RED. One application, and you are right for the whole night, and when I say whole night, I mean WHOLE night. The selling tagline is KISSABLE, and it won’t move; let’s just say I’ve done my own scientific studies…. The lip colour does not move and doesn’t stain.”

That IS science we can trust!

Maxi goes on to explain that the other product she can’t survive Mardi Gras without is MAC 24-Hour Brushstroke Black Liner. “The brush is designed for detailed work and dries almost instantly. This one, you may need to re-apply once in the later part of the evening, but definitely no smudges an hour after application.”

The last product Maxi recommends “and absolutely loves and can’t survive without” is the MAC Fix+Stay Over Longer Makeup Setting Spray.

“This is great to use as a primer, setting spray and during the evening if you need your makeup to have a little ‘freshen’ up.  I’m not sure what magic they put in the bottle, but it has kept my makeup fabulous, either walking in the Mardi Gras parade or dancing the night away on a crowded dance floor.”

We’ll take 10.

In true Maxi fashion, she left us with some parting words to live by come Mardi Gras.

“Whatever your favourite products are, remember, if you live your life with love and kindness in your heart, you will always be beautiful.” Amen, diva!

Shop Maxi’s recommendations:

• MAC Locked Kiss Ink 24-Hour Lip Colour, $55

• MAC 24-Hour Brushstroke Black Liner, $47

• MAC Fix+Stay Over Longer Makeup Setting Spray, from $37

You can follow Maxi here.

Barbi Ghanoush

Image Credit: Barbi

Barbi is renowned for her perfect cat eye, so when she decided to reveal exactly which products she uses to achieve it, we were eager to learn.

“I like my Mardi Gras mug to be ethical as well as fierce as fuck, so I simply cannot part from my Huda Beauty products — especially the Pretty Grunge Eyeshadow Palette,” she explains.

“The gel eyeshadows keep my signature Arab cat eye perfectly sharp, and I know I’m wearing a brand that supports Arab and Middle Eastern communities on the ground!”

Shop Barbi’s recommendations:

• Pretty Grunge Eyeshadow Palette, $118

You can follow Barbi here.

Coco Jumbo

Image Credit: Coco Jumbo

As for Queen Coco, her touch-up bag is full of essentials.

“The main things I carry in my touch-up bag are the RCMA Translucent Setting Powder, Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in fu$$y, Wigged Out Loose Glitters (to cover any mishaps during the night), and One/Size On Til Dawn Setting Spray!!” says Coco.

Shop Coco Jumbo’s recommendations:

• RCMA Translucent Setting Powder, $28

• Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in fu$$y, $36

• Wigged Out Loose Glitters, from $10

• One/Size On Til Dawn Setting Spray, $58

You can follow Coco Jumbo here.

Gabriella Labucci

Image Credit: Gabriella Labucci

When it comes to her look lasting all night, Gabriella has a few go-to products.

“The most important products for Mardi Gras are a long-wear full-coverage foundation and a good setting powder,” explains Gabriella.

“You’re going to be in a full face for a long time. You want it to last! Kryolan TV Paintstick Foundation and Kryolan Translucent Setting Powder are non-negotiable for me. They’re staples in the drag community, and for good reason!”

Shop Gabriella’s recommendations:

• Kryolan TV Paintstick Foundation, $57

• Kryolan Translucent Setting Powder, $39

You can follow Gabriella here.

Jojo Zaho

Image Credit: Jojo Zaho / Kincade Photography