Calling Canberra drag queens! Art Simone and Etcetera Etcetera’s makeup workshop is coming to town

Posted on 29 March, 2022

Thank tuck, the queens are coming.

Canberra performers wanting to learn secrets from two of Australia’s premier queens need to run, not walk to secure tickets to RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under stars Art Simone and Etcetera Etcetera‘s Backstage Beauty School when it comes to Canberra on Friday 8 July.

Held as part of the duo’s As Seen On TV national tour (which will come to Canberra Theatre Centre on the same evening), the Backstage Beauty School workshop will see Art Simone and Etcetera Etcetera sharing tips and tricks for nailing your unique style, as well as giving local queens the chance to feel like they’re in the Drag Race Werkroom (a dream!). Presented by NYX Professional Makeup, you’ll even walk away with some free swag at the end of the workshop.

Canberra-born queen Etcetera Etcetera says that makeup is all about possibilities.

“Makeup is inspirational! I love looking and feeling beautiful, and makeup and drag is a huge part of that process for me. The world has changed—makeup has always been used by subcultures as a form of self-expression—and now that’s all out in the open! I love working with more traditional brands as a drag artist—there’s so much possibility for exploring new ideas.”

“At the end of the day—makeup is for EVERYONE and if you feel fabulous, that’s all that matters!” adds Art Simone.

The queens have even given us a sneak preview as to what you can expect on the day.

Art Simone

 

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A post shared by Art Simone (@rtist_)

PRIME TIME BABY! 

Priming your face before makeup is an essential step for the best results, it gives you a fresh and primed canvas ready to complement all your fave products.

It also helps with the longevity of your makeup, as there is an extra barrier between your skin and the makeup—so it’ll be much longer before you begin to look crusty, dusty and disgust-y! Right now I’m loving the NYX Plump Right Back Primer & Serum combo.

INVEST IS BEST 

While I don’t think you have to spend much on makeup to turn a killer look (I could make a Mona Lisa out of a face paint kit) BUT sometimes it’s nice to work smarter, not harder. Spend some extra dosh on some key items to help speed up your makeup process and get some more bang for your buck!

I like to splash out on a great foundation and face powder but find you can save on more affordable products like shadows, lipsticks and blush! It’s all about balance.

FROM ANGLE TO ANGEL! 

Makeup is all about angles, you can really transform and compliment your natural features with a few little tweaks in the direction you apply your makeup.

For an instant facelift, I always angle my contour, eye makeup, liner and brows upwards and out. It helps lift the face and makes you look super sleek—if you struggle with picturing this, I like to imagine I’ve got a ponytail and am pulling everything up towards that on top of my head (side note: a super tight and sleek pony can also give you a bit of lift too!).

If you angle your makeup downwards, you tend to look sad and bland…and if you smile…well it can be terribly confusing. Apply that makeup up, out and away baby!

Etcetera Etcetera

 

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A post shared by ETCETERA ETCETERA (@etceteraetcetera)

STAY CLASSY AUSTRALIA

Sometimes bigger, isn’t necessarily better! Drag makeup is about finding the most effective way to transform your face and being bold with the aesthetic you are trying to achieve. Having clean, sharp, classic makeup can really shine on stage!

IT RUBS THE LOTION INTO ITS SKIN

Take care of your skin! From someone who wears heavy make-up more than the average person, it takes a toll! And you need to be kind on your complexion to be able to stretch your artistry to new heights.

SHIMMY SHIMMY!

Contouring isn’t everything! I love highlighter/shimmer. People get scared to use it, but it adds so much dimension to the face! Go forth and shine bright like a diamond.

To all the queens wanting to level up their sicking looks—good luck. And don’t f**k it up.