Why RuPaul Doesn't Have To Do Her Own Makeup (2024)

Some call her “mother,” others call her one of the world’s most influential drag performers. Whether she’s strutting the runway on RuPaul’s Drag Race or acting in the Netflix original series, AJ and the Queen, RuPaul’s makeup is always a winner, baby.

Here’s what we know about RuPaul’s makeup team and some of the former Drag Race contestants behind this supermodel of the world.

Why RuPaul Doesn't Have To Do Her Own Makeup (1)

RuPaul is the host of the reality competition series, ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’

She’s a supermodel of the world, a chart-topping musician, and an Emmy-Award winning host of the reality competition series, RuPaul’s Drag Race. Each season, this queen invites the best performers from across the United States to prove they have what it takes to become America’s Next Drag Superstar.

During each episode, RuPaul shows off a new look, complete with wigs, nails, and makeup. However, when she’s appearing on the reality competition series, RuPaul isn’t the artist behind the drag makeup.

RuPaul doesn’t do her own hair and makeup on the show

There are a few alumni of this series who help transform RuPaul into the supermodel of the world. Drag Race season 3 contestant, Delta Work, functioned as RuPaul’s hairstylist right after competing on the show.

According to Mic, RuPaul’s long-time collaborator makeup artist, Mathu Andersen, quit the show right as filming for season 9 of Drag Race began. Distractify reports that Mathu did RuPaul’s hair and makeup for The RuPaul Show in 1996, and in the film, This Is It in 2009.

Since then, RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni, Raven, became one of the people responsible for painting RuPaul for the reality series. She’s joined RuPaul’s team as a makeup artist and “creative producer.”

“I pinch myself every time I paint Ru,” Raven said during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “He teaches me and Delta something new every day; not just about hair and makeup but about life.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyH9yZt2Yrs

Does RuPaul ever do her own makeup?

Of course, now that she’s the self-proclaimed “Queen of Drag” RuPaul doesn’t have to do her own makeup. While she’s on RuPaul’s Drag Race, she’s also functioning as the host, encouraging the queens in the Werk Room and making hard lip-sync-related decisions on the judge’s panel.

When she was first starting out and even now, on certain occasions, RuPaul does her own makeup. As of recently, however, her team is normally behind her mug. For the socially distant season 12 reunion, RuPaul even wore a fashionable face mask instead of her usual makeup.

For season 13, however, the cast and crew returned to the bubblegum pink walls of the Werk Room, ready to introduce the world to the next generation of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. New episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race premiere on a weekly basis on VH1.

Why RuPaul Doesn't Have To Do Her Own Makeup (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take a drag queen to put on makeup? ›

A drag queen's makeup routine

It takes much longer than the makeup other artistes do. Personally, it takes me about 2-3 hours to get into makeup and hair. I start with colour correction and blocking my eyebrows, and end with my lipstick and highlighter. Once my face is done, I start my hair.

Does RuPaul have a makeup line? ›

Even though RuPaul has never launched an actual beauty company to call her own, the Drag Race host has had several collaborations with makeup brands over the years. Most recently, Ru announced a brand-new collab with UK company Superdrug for an affordable makeup line that will be sold in retail stores and online.

How do you get makeup on RuPaul Drag Race? ›

Makeup can be earned:
  1. From Werkroom Goal rewards during Episodes.
  2. From Ru Badge prize tiers during the Season.
  3. From Top Queen rewards after the Season ends.
  4. From Event Leaderboards after the Event ends.
Feb 7, 2022

Who does RuPaul's wig? ›

Villarreal became RuPaul's personal wig stylist for her judging panel attire beginning with the second episode of the ninth season, with season two alumnus Raven styling her makeup. Work appeared as a guest for the first challenge in the premiere of season eleven.

Do you get paid to be a drag queen? ›

How much do drag queens make? Some of the biggest stars of “Drag Race” can earn several thousands of dollars for a gig—not to mention money made from side hustles, such as modeling, makeup lines, and motels.

Why is drag makeup so heavy? ›

Most signature drag makeup looks were born out of necessity. Heavy, dramatic makeup was necessary to transform masculine features into daintier, feminine faces. Highly expressive makeup also helped exaggerate features so the performer's expression could be seen all the way in the back of the room.

Can RuPaul not do her own makeup? ›

It's not been a secret that he can't do his own drag makeup and relies on a team to make him look good…which he obviously doesn't have in quarantine (hence the luchador masks).

Who currently does RuPaul's makeup? ›

Raven placed as the runner-up on both seasons. He also served as a "professor" during all three seasons of RuPaul's Drag U. Petruschin has been RuPaul's makeup artist since Drag Race's ninth season (episode 3) and has since become a creative producer of both RuPaul's Drag Race and RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars.

How much is a RuPaul appearance? ›

The estimated speaking fee range to book RuPaul for your event is $200,000 and above. RuPaul generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Can girls join Rupauls Drag Race? ›

RuPaul, the producer and host of the reality TV competition RuPaul's Drag Race, has banned female artists from his shows, stating "Drag loses its sense of danger and its sense of irony once it's not men doing it, because at its core it's a social statement and a big f-you to male-dominated culture.

How much does drag makeup cost? ›

2: Makeup – Every drag queen must have in their makeup kit a foundation worth $30 or more, a contour palette that can be around $50, a $20 to $100 eyeshadow palette and a variety of lipsticks that can be around $10 or less.

Who owns Rupauls drag? ›

World of Wonder

How much do RuPaul's dresses cost? ›

As for how she spends her money, RuPaul told Money that her gowns for each season of RuPaul's Drag Race cost around $10,000 each, with 14 gowns per season.

Who is RuPaul's daughter? ›

Aquaria (drag queen)
Aquaria
Aquaria at RuPaul's DragCon in 2019
BornGiovanni L. Palandrani February 12, 1996 West Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation(s)Drag queen, television personality, recording artist
Years active2014–present
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Who does RuPaul's dresses? ›

Nobody knows RuPaul like Zaldy. The designer has been crafting beautiful gowns, fabulous frocks, and screaming statement pieces for the legendary drag queen since 1992, when the two first met in a New York City nightclub.

How much is drag queen booking fee? ›

Booking Fees & Tips

Now keep in mind, a drag queen booking fee for one show is between $50-$100 in the Queen City — unless you are a “RuPaul” drag queen and you make $1,500-$3,000 for a booking fee and then $500 plus in tips.

Do you bring cash to a drag show? ›

If you find yourself having fun, clapping, or cheering, you should probably cough up a little cash. Whether it's $5 or $20, a little tip goes a long way, plus you'll probably get to engage in a quirky interaction with the performer.

What is RuPaul's net income? ›

What Is Rupaul's Net Worth? According to Celebrity Net Worth, RuPaul Charles is worth an estimated $60 million.

Did drag queens invent contouring? ›

First invented during the Elizabethan era and made modern by drag queens and then the Kardashians, contouring is used to exaggerate and transform one's bone structure.

Why do drag queens use so much powder? ›

Powder Is Your Friend.

In order to ensure long wear, us queens quite literally pound powders into our faces to lock in our foundation. Some even say that's where the term “beat your face” comes from! Powder can be a real game-changer when it comes to making your makeup last.

Is heavy makeup bad for your skin? ›

A heavy coating of makeup clogs pores and stops your skin from breathing. It can cause skin damages like wrinkles, fine lines, acne, blackheads, irritation etc.

Was RuPaul really down under? ›

And ahead of the season two premiere, Drag Race stars Art Simone and Rhys Nicholson have dispelled rumours that RuPaul never actually stepped foot onto the Down Under set. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the popular drag queen and comedian Nicholson confirmed that host RuPaul, 61, was there in person.

Is RuPaul vegan? ›

Ru Paul is a vegetarian entertainer, drag queen, musician.

Does RuPaul only wear blonde wigs? ›

While RuPaul tends to wear platinum blonde hairpieces for the show, the styles change on an episode-to-episode basis. Another fan favorite from the show began working with Ru's wigs after Mathu's departure in 2017.

Was RuPaul actually a supermodel? ›

He achieved international fame as a drag queen with the release of his debut single, "Supermodel (You Better Work)", which was included on his debut studio album Supermodel of the World (1993).
...
RuPaul
RelativesCory Booker (cousin)
AwardsFull list
Musical career
OriginAtlanta, Georgia, U.S.
9 more rows

Who is the richest drag queen in the world? ›

1. RuPaul (Estimated net worth: $60 million)

Does RuPaul have a stylist? ›

Zaldy designs the gowns for RuPaul on RuPaul's Drag Race. He has three other team members and an assortment of other craftspeople such as painters, beaders, and graphic designers.

How much do you tip drag queens? ›

Tipping a drag queen is an art in itself and deserves an equal amount of consideration. Here are some customary rules: A reasonable tip is one to five dollars, but for performers who go above and beyond the call of duty, it never hurts to throw in some extra sugar.

How often does RuPaul see his husband? ›

LeBar has his own successful career

Most of the time, he's on the ranch. That ranch is a 60,000-acre property he manages, which spans across Wyoming and South Dakota and is the reason why they spend much of the year apart. “We see each other about every three weeks,” RuPaul, who works in Los Angeles, told Interview.

How long does it take RuPaul to dress in drag? ›

It takes RuPaul six hours to get ready.

RuPaul makes being a drag queen look effortless, but in reality, a lot of time is spent transforming. The TV star told "Hollywood Today Live" host Ross Mathews that it took him and his former makeup artist, Mathu Andersen, a whopping six hours to get him ready for filming.

Why is it called drag? ›

The term originated as British theater slang in the 19th century and was used to describe women's clothing worn by men. Today, many prominent drag artists are still people who identify as men and present themselves in exaggeratedly feminine ways as part of their performance, and are known as drag queens.

What does drag stand for? ›

Speaking on Graham Norton's BBC One chat show on Friday, the Emmy winner added: 'In stage directions, it would say “dressed as girl”, and the term drag is an acronym for stage direction “dressed as girl”.

Who was the youngest person on RuPaul's Drag Race? ›

Crowned at the age of 19, Krystal is the youngest ever Drag Race winner.
...
Krystal Versace
OccupationDrag queen
TelevisionRuPaul's Drag Race UK (series 3)
4 more rows

How much does RuPaul make per episode? ›

This was before Bianca Del Rio, Trixie Mattel, or Bob the Drag Queen ever walked into the workroom. This was before the show won a single Emmy Award. So, it's safe to assume that RuPaul now earns more than $50,000 per episode — exactly how much, though, is unclear.

How do you keep drag makeup on? ›

From their favorite setting sprays to an unexpected technique involving baby powder, these makeup secrets will keep you looking royally good no matter how sticky or sweaty the night gets.
...
DEERE's Tips:
  1. Put primer under everything. ...
  2. Utilize waterproof products. ...
  3. Resist the oil. ...
  4. Use lasting lip products. ...
  5. Set the look.
Jun 17, 2021

How do you remove drag makeup? ›

To cut down the process, she begins by rubbing Ponds Dry Skin Cream all over her face. "This breaks up the layers of makeup and glue without harsh scrubbing," she explains. After wiping the cream off with paper towels, she uses Neutrogena Makeup Removing Cleansing Towelettes to remove what's left of her makeup.

What does RuPaul's husband do for a living? ›

While many celeb couples consist of two megastars, this marriage is a little different: one partner is a drag star and reality TV host, and the other is a rancher. Yep, you read that right. LeBar is the manager of a 60,000-acre ranch on land in Wyoming and South Dakota.

How many acres of land does RuPaul own? ›

(If you didn't know by the way, RuPaul and his husband own a 60,000 acre ranch in Wyoming. 60,000 ACRES! For reference, that's about 1/10th the size of Luxembourg!) TG: “Do you have, like, horses or cattle or a farm or…?”

Who designs Rupauls clothes? ›

A three-time Emmy winner, Zaldy has designed Ru's costumes for “RuPaul's Drag Race” and all of its spin-offs. Because of their long relationship, the two are “telepathic” with one another and Ru trusts that Zaldy will always deliver.

How long should a makeup application take? ›

Q: How long does a makeup application generally take to complete? A: Professional makeup applications may take from 30 minutes up to 1.5 hours to complete, but most often bridal party member applications take about 30-45 minutes and bridal makeup applications take around an hour.

How long does it usually take to get your makeup done? ›

In most cases, it'll involve a mix of a consultation, skin prep, and full-face makeup application, which usually takes 45 minutes to an hour.

How long does a full makeup look take? ›

Appointment times will vary depending upon desired look and person but on average, full face makeup applications take approximately 60 mins.

How long does makeup take to set? ›

Always give it enough time to set before you jump in with powder, so like four or five minutes, because if your foundation is still wet when you apply your powder, all sorts of terrible, horrible, frightening things happen… OK, not really.

What comes first makeup or hair? ›

To put your mind at ease, opt to apply makeup before styling your strands, so you don't have to worry about your hair getting in the way. Do your makeup first…if you're pressed for time. On a tight schedule? Spend more time on your makeup.

Is it better to do hair or makeup first? ›

Doing your hair first gives it time to dry or set, so your hair will be ready by the time you finish your makeup. Doing your hair can be tiring, and sweating while your face is covered in makeup contributes to clogged pores and breakouts.

Should I tip my makeup artist? ›

Yes! Gratuity shows your appreciation for services rendered. If a business owner is also functioning as an artist, they deserve that appreciation.

Do brides pay for bridesmaids makeup? ›

"The bride should cover the cost of her wedding party's hair and makeup, especially if she's requesting or encouraging them to have it done," says Jove Meyer of Jove Meyer Events. Meyer says most of his brides fund bridesmaid hair and makeup for their crew.

How long is too long for makeup? ›

Water-based foundation typically is good for a year, while oil-based foundation is good for about 18 months. Consider replacing cream-based foundation or blushes every six months to a year. Powder products, if stored properly and free from moisture, are good for up to two years.

Does hair or makeup take longer? ›

Expect both hair and makeup respectively to take 30 to 45 minutes per bridesmaid (and mother of bride) and 60 to 90 minutes for the bride.

How much does it cost to pay someone to do your makeup? ›

On average, a professional makeup artist can cost between $125-$165 nationwide, depending on the services you select. For different event styles, makeup application can require more or less products, time and expertise, and therefore, costs vary significantly. Bridal makeup generally demands the highest rates.

Is it okay to wear a full face of makeup everyday? ›

If you are applying makeup on a regular basis and leaving it on your skin for a long time, there are chances that your skin pores get clogged. This does not let your skin breathe, making it prone to acne, bumps and other facial skin problems. You may notice bumps around your eyes as well.

Why does makeup look better after a few minutes? ›

Some powder foundations go on a little powdery. So giving it 10 minutes allows it to meld with the oils and look more natural.

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