Drag King Makeup 101: Where Do I Even Start?

For the gender-questioning soul who’s never picked up a makeup brush—and maybe swore they never would.

So, you want to be a Drag King…

But the idea of makeup makes your chest tighten a little.

Maybe you’ve gone your whole life without wearing it. Maybe you’ve rejected it—on purpose. Because makeup was never about you. It was about performing femininity for someone else’s approval. And here you are now, seriously considering a gender-bending art form that involves… contour sticks?

If you’re feeling that internal tug-of-war, I want you to know this: you’re not wrong. You’re just early in the journey.

And you don’t have to go it alone.

Why Drag King Makeup Isn’t What You Think

Let’s get one thing straight—this isn’t beauty YouTube.

Drag King makeup isn’t about looking pretty.

It’s about transformation. Costume. Stagecraft. Gender play. Power.

It’s painting your face, not to conform to anyone’s standards, but to embody a version of yourself that maybe the world hasn’t seen yet. It’s not eyeliner and blush—it’s jawlines and stubble and swagger.

So if you’ve felt resistance to makeup before—good. That means you’re paying attention. And now, if you’re curious enough to lean in, this article will walk you through the very first steps.

Start Here: Your Drag King Makeup Mindset

Before we talk tools, we need to talk approach.

Here’s your permission slip:

You don’t need to know anything to begin.

You don’t need to be an artist. You don’t need to get it right the first time. You are not behind.

Start by seeing makeup as a form of expression, not expectation. Masculinising your face is a creative process, not a performance of someone else’s masculinity. This is yours to explore.

The Four Tools to Start With

You don’t need a full kit to get going. Here’s what I recommend for your first experiment:

1. A Contour Stick

Choose a cream based 'TV stick' that’s a few shades darker than your skin tone. This is your jawline, cheekbone, and nose-defining magic wand.

2. A White or Light Highlight Stick

Used to highlight the areas you want to bring forward—usually the forehead, chin, and under the eyes.

3. A Stick Matching Your Skin Tone

 Use to fill in the gaps left by the contour and highlighter.

4. A Beauty Blender or Makeup Sponge

This is your blending bestie. It helps make your lines look like shadows instead of streaks.
(Tip: Dampen it first. It’ll make everything softer and easier to work with.) 

The First Time You Try It

Here’s how to make your first go less intimidating:

1. Give yourself privacy. No audience. No pressure. Put on music you love.
   
   
2. Set a timer for 10 minutes. You’re not trying to nail a stage look—just get the feel of the tools.
   
   
3. Try contouring just your jaw and cheekbones. No beard. No full face. Just a taste.
   
   
4. Blend and observe. Don’t judge. Be curious. What feels good? What’s surprising?
   
   

You can wipe it off after. Or take a selfie. Or both. This is your space to experiment. 

Common Fears (and How to Talk Back to Them)

“I’m going to look ridiculous.”

Maybe. And that’s part of the fun. This is gender theatre, not corporate headshots.

“I won’t be able to do it right.”

You will learn by doing. Every Drag King you admire started with a makeup stick in one hand and a confused look in the mirror.

“Makeup feels like betrayal.”

Let’s flip that. Maybe this time, it’s not about hiding. Maybe this is the first time makeup gets to be for you. 

What Happens Next

If you decide to keep going (and I hope you do), you’ll start experimenting with:

• Beard and stubble styles
  
  
• Different contour placements based on your face shape
  
  
• Masc makeup that works for stage lighting
  
  
• Creating your King’s signature look
  
  

But for now? Just start. Take one step.

Play. Smudge. Wipe off. Laugh. Start again.

You’re not doing this to impress anyone.

You’re doing this to become someone you already know is inside you.

You’re Allowed to Take Up Space

I created Kings of Joy so that queer people like you—like me—could have a place to explore identity without apology. A place where you can experiment, be seen, and be celebrated exactly as you are, with cream stick in hand and doubt in your heart.

You don’t have to know what you’re doing.

You just have to show up with a little curiosity.

💌 Want to learn more?

Come hang out with us. We’ve got makeup learnings, backstage laughs, and a crew of Kings who will cheer for your every attempt. Whether it’s your first time picking up a brush or your 50th, you belong.

👑 Join the Kings of Joy community and start creating a persona that feels like home.

Xx

Danica Lani

The King Coach

Hello handsome, 🌈 I'm Danica Lani, also known as The King Coach. I'm here to empower you in your exploration of gender, sexuality, and performance. I have proudly mentored and choreographed 138 first-time Drag Kings since December 2020. Welcome to the joyous community of Kings of Joy, where we uplift and celebrate each other every step of the way! 🎉🤩 Let's embark on this Drag King journey together! 🤗💖 #KingsOfJoy

📸 Sarah Malone