Drag Diva’s are drag queens that have stood the test of time – their personalities and talents transcend other drag acts and their passion towards the art of drag is clear to all who are fortunate enough to witness it.
My dear friend Rui is one third of a drag diva team that make up The Naughty Nipples.
Based in Germany The Naughty Nipples travel throughout Europe hosting award shows and are frequently the opening act at fashion-ista parties and events.
Here Rui gives us unprecedented insight into the Making of A Drag Diva and candidly explains make-up tricks and tips that he has learned along his path to Drag-Diva-Dom!
Tell us how you got your start as a drag queen?
The first time I dressed up in drag was for carnival (European Halloween) it was about 14 years ago. Before that point I couldn’t imagine myself ever doing drag, but there was a large group of us that night (twelve) and somehow the atmosphere of us all together having fun made it much easier and funnier than I thought it could possibly be.
What was your first experience of putting make-up on?
The first time I transformed into a woman I was fortunate enough to have a friend who was a professional make-up artist apply my make-up for me. I sat in a chair away from any mirrors – I just trusted him. When he was finished I looked in the mirror and I was shocked! I couldn’t believe my eyes; it was like somebody else was starring back at me. To this day I am still amazed at the transformation that is achievable through make-up. I think the lesson I learned that day wasn’t so much how to apply make-up, it was that every man can be transformed into a woman and that as humans we all possess masculine and feminine qualities. Mine just happen to come out when I am in drag!
How did you learn to apply your make-up?
Before I started getting involved in the drag scene I had absolutely no experience with make-up at all. I made my living as a model and dancer, so sitting in a make-up chair and having light foundation applied was about the extent of my knowledge. Drag make-up is much heavier and it changes features rather than enhances them so I set about reading books because I was so fascinated with the art form and really wanted to learn. Kevyn Aucoin was the master in changing features so his book was what I deferred to mostly. I also had help from the other two members of The Naughty Nipples.
What is the best beauty tip you ever received?
One of the best make up tips I got from a make up artist was to spray hairspray over my face. It leaves a protecting film over the make up so that when you sweat your make up does not run down your face. When we perform as The Naughty Nipples a lot of the venues are clubs, so it is always hot inside and when you dance its impossible not to sweat. Of course I keep my eyes closed when I spray the hairspray and try not to inhale but this tip has kept me looking fresh on many occasions.
What inspires your different drag looks?
Inspiration for my different looks comes from all kind of sources: a girl I see on the street, the new fashion styles from Paris, New York and Milan. I also read a lot of magazines. I think to pull inspiration from multiple sources helps make my different drag styles unique.
Are there any make-up mistakes you have learned the hard way?
I always struggle with my eye make-up – I’m a perfectionist so I would say it’s a work in progress.
How is drag make-up different to regular make-up applications?
Make up for drag is different than make-up for women because we have to change our features from masculine to feminine. There is a natural softness to a woman’s features that most men do not posses. Because of this the make-up application has to be heavier and more exaggerated to overcompensate the naturally occurring hard lines of a man’s face. We put wax on our eyebrows to cover them up completely and then we draw our eyebrows up much higher onto our foreheads so we can achieve a feminine arch. I think regular make-up applications are more about enhancing what a woman has naturally than changing anything.
What is your favorite make-up secret?
One of my favorite make-up secrets is the basic highlight and shade technique because it has a very dramatic effect on the face. For instance, I like to bring out my cheekbones so I make the top of them lighter and darken the area underneath them and around my forehead. I like to put a highlight down the center of my nose and darken the rest of it so that I look more feminine and sophisticated – more like a woman because a woman’s features are more delicate.
The basic principles are if you want to highlight a feature you lighten it and if you want to hide a feature you darken it – there are endless possibilities.
Do you consider yourself a female impersonator, an entertainer or both?
I am an entertainer – I just happen to play with the gender – for me drag is all about being something between a man and a woman. Ultimately my personal goal is to be alien-like.
What piece of make-up can you not live without?
A drag diva cannot live without lipstick! Even if you are not made up you can always wear huge sunglasses a wig and your favorite lipstick and still looks feminine and fabulous!
Do you feel like you act differently towards other people when you are dressed in drag? If so why?
When I "drag up" I slip into a role. It’s a lot like acting. I become a different person and the most exciting part of it is I can be anyone I choose to be!
How did you learn to walk in high heels?
I was lucky to experience dance from a very young age, and I was a dancer for many years. That experience gave me a connection and understanding with my body that I think really helps when I put heels on. My advice for women who don’t have such good balance - practice at home as much as you can before you go out in them – wash the dishes in them – vacuum the floors – it’s fun! There is nothing worse that wearing heels you can’t walk in – the goal is to look sexy and you won’t look sexy if you are walking like the hunchback of Notre Dame!
What do you think the secret of being feminine is?
Just be yourself! Everyone is beautiful when they are being their authentic self.
