We don’t know about you, but Ru Paul’s Drag Race has us feeling inspired lately. The false lashes. The vibrant colors. The flawless foundations. (And let’s not forget the glitter!) It’s almost too glam to handle.
But for those of us who prefer our makeup a little less extravagant, there are ways to create drag-inspired looks that work for date night, dinner with the girls or events requiring a little flair.
We headed to our warehouse to search for (and test) the best dramatic makeup products, in hopes of putting together a perfectly curated list of go-to products when the mood for glam strikes.
We’re happy to report that we did just that! Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of the 7 must-have products for achieving a dramatic makeup look.
1) Ardell Lashes
Whether you’re looking for added volume or extra length, Ardell has a lash to meet your needs. But since we’re talking drama here, we’ll focus on two of the brand’s bestsellers - the Double Up line and their magnetic lashes.
The Double Up line includes eight different lash variations, each with twice the amount of lashes than a normal falsie for a fuller, thicker look. Each lash is knotted and feathered by hand to ensure long-lasting wear and premium quality.
Ardell’s Double Wispie magnetic lash line is perfect for those trying to avoid messy self-adhesives. These reusable lashes are pre-curved and easy to apply for quick volume, length and definition. And just like the Double Up line, they include double the amount of lashes for added drama.
Shop Ardell
2) Lash Pop Lashes
This up-and-coming lash brand has taken over social media and quickly become a favorite amongst Instagram influencers and beauty lovers. The vegan, cruelty-free brand creates ultra-glam falsies that will make your inner diva come alive.
We can’t get enough of their three bestselling styles: Pink Fire (three-dimensional volume), Send Nudes (long, thick, spiky and winged) and Red Rari (silky, long and wispy).
Lash Pop carries a variety of other styles, including more natural options for everyday wear, and each pair of lashes is delivered in an adorable lollipop-esque case.
Shop Lash Pop
3) Lemonhead Spacepaste
What’s a dramatic face without a little glitter? Lemonhead’s Spacepaste is a full coverage, mess-free glitter paste designed for use on the face and body. The unique formula is easily manipulated to achieve the level of shine desired, and when you’re ready to de-glitter simply wipe away with water.
The Spacepaste dries quickly and stays in place all day. Not to mention, it smells fabulous. Each jar is infused with essential oils. Use as a highlighter, eyeshadow or allover body glow.
Shop Lemonhead
4) Perfect Poutz Silky Lip Creme
Glamourous. Bold. Richly pigmented. These silky, liquid-matte lip cremes are stunning and made to turn heads.
The metallic shine to each of the five shades is eye-catching, yet subtle. Colors range from burgundy to bright red to nude. The formula is long-wearing, does not feather, and offers a liquid-wet to dry-matte finish without depleting moisture.
For best results, allow 15 seconds for the product to settle after application.
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Metallic Matte Silky Lip Creme
5) Ben Nye Lumiere Grand Eyeshadow
The highly-pigmented shades in the Lumiere Grand line are shimmery, vibrant and perfect for a dramatic look. With 22 available color options, these bold eyeshadows provide a shimmery, pearlescent finish to intensify your eyes. Apply them wet or dry to enhance the opacity.
The formula is smudge-proof and water-resistant when sealed with the Ben Nye Final Seal Matte Sealer.
Shadows are sold individually to fit any of Ben Nye’s Metal Palette Boxes, or you can purchase a Lumiere Grande Palette with 12 pre-selected shades.
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6) Ben Nye Precision Eye Liner
New from Ben Nye, the Precision Eye Liner gives you full control of your look with an easy-to-use felt tip. Available in five shades, the formula is pigmented and smooth for a look as dramatic as you make it.
An added bonus, this liner is water-resistant and features a contoured handle for easier gripping.
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7) Joe Blasco Ultrabase Foundation
Loved by pro makeup artists and touted by Kim Kardashian as a must-have “old-school” foundation, the Joe Blasco Ultrabase is a staple in makeup bags worldwide. This creamy, weatherproof and ultra-lightweight foundation is packed with color to conceal stubborn blemishes and uneven skin tones.
With this product, a little bit goes a long way for maximum coverage. Choose from 38 shades to find your perfect match.
Shop Joe Blasco
Are you ready to get GLAM?!
Shop our site and build your own collection of go-to products for a dramatic makeup look
About Camera Ready Cosmetic
Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. Having been in the makeup artist industry for 30+ years, Mary knows quality and value and understands what an artist needs. Mary is the buyer for Camera Ready Cosmetics and chooses only what she would use on set.
If you don’t find the product you’re looking for at Camera Ready Cosmetics, that’s because we have something better. Just ask us!
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