Drag Makeup for Older Men: A Step-by-Step Guide
Drag makeup is a powerful tool for self-expression, creativity, and transformation. The process may require a few specific considerations for older men to make the most of mature skin and distinct facial features. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to perfect your look, here’s a step-by-step guide to applying drag makeup that celebrates your unique beauty.
1. Preparing the Canvas
Good skin preparation is key for any drag look, and this is especially true for mature skin. Start by cleansing your face thoroughly and applying a good-quality moisturizer—preferably one formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to keep the skin plump and hydrated. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it highly effective for maintaining skin hydration and plumpness. Glycerin, another powerful humectant, helps draw moisture into the skin, promoting softness and smoothness. If you have facial hair, decide whether to shave or keep it, as this can shape the character you create.
Next, use a primer designed for mature skin to fill in fine lines and create a smooth base for your makeup. A primer is a product that helps create an even surface for makeup, filling in pores and fine lines, and ensuring your foundation applies smoothly. A hydrating primer works well for older men, as it helps prevent the foundation from settling into wrinkles and keeps the skin looking fresh. You can also use lifting tapes hidden under your wig to shape the eyes, cheekbones, and neck, enhancing the overall contour and definition. There are different types of lifting tapes available on the market, such as single-use adhesive strips, elastic bands with hooks, and professional facelift tapes. Each type can help create a more lifted appearance, depending on your needs and the desired effect.
2. Blocking Out Brows
One of the most iconic elements of drag is the dramatic, arched brows. Most drag queens block out their natural eyebrows to draw on higher, more expressive ones. Use a washable glue stick to cover your eyebrows—apply several layers, smoothing them down with a spoolie (a spiral-shaped brush that helps groom and shape eyebrow hairs) and letting each layer dry before adding the next. Once dry, set the brows with a loose powder to prepare for the next steps. To cover any brow shadows, use a color-correcting concealer (such as an orange or peach shade) before applying foundation to ensure a seamless look.
3. Creating a Flawless Base
To achieve a flawless complexion, use a full-coverage foundation. Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone but be aware that drag makeup often requires you to go slightly heavier than usual. For mature skin, a cream foundation is preferable as it’s less likely to emphasize fine lines. You could use brushes or sponges to apply your foundation—both tools can help achieve a smooth and even coverage, depending on your preference.
After applying the foundation, use a cream contour stick to create structure—emphasize your cheekbones, jawline, and temples to create the exaggerated facial structure that drag calls for. Use a bronzer to add warmth to the hollows of your cheeks, around the hairline, and along the jawline to enhance the contours. Highlight the high points of your face (such as the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your brow bone) to add dimension and a radiant glow. A powder highlighter can be especially effective for a more intense shine, while a cream highlighter can give a subtle, dewy effect.
4. Setting Everything in Place
Drag makeup requires longevity, so setting your makeup is crucial. Use a loose setting powder to bake areas prone to creasing, such as under the eyes, around the mouth, and the forehead. This technique will help keep everything locked in place and create a smooth, matte finish.
After baking for a few minutes, dust off the excess powder with a fluffy brush and set everything with a setting spray. A setting spray with a hydrating formula can help prevent the skin from looking too dry or cakey.
5. Drawing Dramatic Eyes
The eyes are where drag makeup truly comes alive. Start by applying an eyeshadow primer to ensure your colors pop and stay put. Protect the under-eye area with powder or tape to catch any fallout and achieve a clean effect. Choose bold, dramatic colors that complement your drag persona. Work with pigmented eyeshadow for a better result. As a drag queen, you can create a signature look that defines your unique style. Older men may have more hooded or deep-set eyes, so go for bright shades on the lids and use darker colors in the crease to add depth.
For eyeliner, a dramatic wing helps create the illusion of lifted eyes. A gel or liquid liner is best for precision. If you want to go all out, false lashes are a must—choose large, dramatic lashes that follow the liner to extend the eyes and add extra glam.
6. Carving Out Brows
Once your eyes are done, it’s time to draw on your brows. Use a fine-tip eyebrow pencil to sketch out the desired shape first, then go over it with a gel or pomade for a bold, defined look, to create arched, expressive brows above where your natural brows were blocked. For a classic drag look, make them exaggerated and sharp. Don’t be afraid to go bold—your brows are key to conveying the personality of your drag character.
7. Lips That Pop
Line your lips with a lip pencil, overlining to create a fuller appearance. This step is especially useful if you’re looking to create a more youthful look. Fill in your lips with vibrant lipstick—reds, purples, and pinks are classic drag colors. Like the eyes, lips are also unique for each drag queen look. Finish with a dab of gloss in the center of the lips to add volume and shine.
8. Adding Final Details
Blush and highlight are crucial to bringing your look to life. Use a bright blush on the apples of your cheeks to add warmth, and apply a shimmering highlighter to the high points of your face. Mature skin often looks radiant with a little glow, so embrace the highlighter to accentuate your features.
Lastly, use a setting spray to lock everything in place. This final step ensures your makeup will last through all the dancing, performing, or strutting your stuff that comes your way.
Embrace the Transformation
Applying drag makeup is an art form that transforms not just your face but also your persona. For older men, the key is to adapt techniques to flatter mature skin while still being unapologetically bold and expressive. Practice makes perfect, and the more you explore and play with your look, the more fun you’ll have. Remember, drag is about being larger than life—embrace every wrinkle, and every line, and let your character shine! Chokers, scarves, or other accessories at the neck can also help hide Adam’s apple and define the jawline, adding to the overall illusion.
