Host and RuPaul's Drag Race judge RuPaul Charles finds the queens of drag on the hit reality show, and some contestants have entered the beauty industry after their RPDR stints. The series' stars need to be make-up artists, fashion designers, comedians, and dancers. This gives them once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to make themselves known to some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. The show has launched the careers of several drag queens, quickly turning them into celebrities with huge social media followings. Their make-up brands inspire others to express themselves however they please, and bring out their inner superstars.
Several RuPaul's Drag Race alums have made names for themselves on the show. For some of them, building successful beauty brands is a focus. The much-loved competition series allows drag performers and LGBTQIA+ artists to strengthen their careers, and illustrate their talents. Since the reality show's cast model stunning outfits and extraordinary beauty palettes, it's no surprise that many find ways to make it in the business side of the make-up industry. A few drag queens on the series have even branched out into comedy, or the music industry. As per Out, the popular show has given queens the opportunity to travel the world, expand their social media audiences, and strengthen their careers.
RuPaul's Drag Race Celeb Monique Heart
Born Kevin Richardson, RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars since 2018's season 10. Since appearing on the show, the drag queen has hosted her podcast, starred in a web series, and launched a music career. Monique is also the proud owner of the beauty company, MoBeauty. The brand has been in business since 2018, and specializes in cosmetics and personal care products. According to the 36-year-old reality star, the make-up brand is for all ages, skin types, and races. Appearing in the RPDR franchise has allowed Monique to work with stars such as Madison Beer, Vanessa Williams, and Lil Nas X.
Kim Chi From RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8
Sang-Young Shin uses the drag queen name Kim Chi, and was featured on RuPaul's Drag Race season 8. In 2012, the Korean-American influencer began performing in drag while living in Chicago, Illinois, where they adopted their stage name. Kim Chi describes her style as similar to a live-action anime character. After competing on Drag Race, the drag queen partnered with Sugarpill Cosmetics to create several new make-up products. Kim Chi then collaborated with the founder of NYX Cosmetics, to launch her beauty brand, titled, KimChi Chic Beauty. Their website explains that the beauty collection was launched with the belief that the face is a canvas that's meant to create art. Kim Chi shares her belief that make-up helps to improve the way that the wearer feels about themselves, giving them the confidence to show their true selves.
Miss Fame Is A RuPaul's Drag Race Beauty Icon
In autumn of 2018, drag queen Kurtis Dam-Mikkelsen, who goes by the stage name Miss Fame, became the first contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race to launch their beauty brand. She also became the first drag artist to walk the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival, as a spokesmodel for a beauty brand, L’Oréal Paris. Along with launching a successful music career, the model, TV personality, and make-up artist is the proud owner of the make-up brand, Miss Fame Beauty. Products include lipsticks, blushes, nail care products, and face and body creams. As the model explains via her website, the cruelty-free beauty brand, "blurs gender lines" and celebrates, "inclusivity by offering beauty suitable for all skin types and tones."
Although not every contestant walks away with the winning title, they make quite the names for themselves. It is no surprise that the drag queens of RuPaul's Drag Race show their make-up and style finesse on the reality competition series. Fans are thrilled ing the queens' beauty products to get glammed up. The main goal of these beauty brands is to allow others to look the way that they feel inside, and express themselves through colors and patterns. It is also rewarding for the creators to know that drag queens are getting their faces out there, and having their voices heard.
Sources: Miss Fame Beauty, KimChi Chic Beauty