Astrology

The Camp Beauty Aesthetic is Going Mainstream: Discover the New Haven Where Everyone Can Be a Queen, Beyond the Pink Pony Club!

Hyper queen beauty and the camp aesthetic is going mainstream

Clover Bish | Pandora Nox / Photo Illustration Keila Gonzalez
Clover Bish | Pandora Nox / Photo Illustration Keila Gonzalez
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There’s talk about a kingdom where everyone reigns as a queen, and it extends beyond the Pink Pony Club. With drag kings and hyper queens, also referred to as AFAB (Assigned Female at Birth) queens, the camp aesthetic—defined by its extravagant and theatrical flair, akin to drag makeup—has entered the realm of mainstream beauty. Need evidence? Just observe Julia Fox’s distinctive style or everything Chappell Roan represents.

Indeed, in Hulu’s recent “Faces of Music” series, Roan highlighted her love for drag makeup, emphasizing that she wears it on stage and in music videos to celebrate her identity and community. It’s all about stepping outside conventional boundaries and making beauty accessible; she picked up her skills by watching YouTube tutorials. “It just has to be camp,” she stated while applying star eye stickers and white foundation.

Camp is an ever-evolving concept. Initially characterized in Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay “Notes on Camp,” where she outlined 58 characteristics—ranging from “doing something extraordinary” to “challenging seriousness”—to explain the term. Fundamentally, it relates to dressing and behaving in a flamboyant, dramatic manner. It celebrates fluidity and absurdity, contrasting with rigid beauty norms targeted toward the male perspective and the relentless microtrends instigated by capitalism, valuing the one thing that truly matters: individuality.

The queer and drag communities have long embraced camp. With increased awareness and diversity, it’s only natural that it pervades popular culture and fills our social media feeds. “The camp aesthetic is extremely Instagram-friendly,” Clover Bish, a hyper queen and former competitor on Drag Race España, shared with PS. “It’s visually striking to see something that is bold and extravagant, and camp aesthetics typically have that. It encourages people to stop scrolling.”

While cis women have been part of drag for decades, we’re only now witnessing the rise of hyper queens in pop culture, which is inspiring women to reclaim beauty ideals. Pandora Nox, the first cis woman to prevail on RuPaul’s Drag Race, alongside Clover Bish, is sharing their most campy beauty recommendations, styling techniques, and insights regarding the future of drag.

How Hyper Queens Bring Camp Beauty to Their Homes

You don’t need to perform a dazzling eight-count on stage to immerse yourself in the camp aesthetic. This style also invites you to enjoy playful expression in everyday life. Chances are, you already have the tools you need to embrace this vibe right at home.

“Drag is about expressing oneself and embracing freedom, and I adore that more individuals are joining in on the fun,” Nox explains. Having engaged in drag since the age of 14, she possesses numerous beauty secrets to share, the essential one being: ample rest. “My usual beauty routine before a drag performance involves prioritizing sleep.”

Known for her elaborate, timeless looks—all achieved using vegan and cruelty-free products—Nox swears by a particular product. “I utilize a very affordable waterproof liquid eyeliner from the drug store—by Essence ($4). I use it both in and out of drag.” Beyond just products, Nox emphasizes the necessity of imagination in crafting a signature style in the drag world. “I aim to draw minimal inspiration from others because I don’t want to replicate others’ ideas… I strive to showcase something crafted by me.”

Clover’s makeup routine aligns closely with ours: cleanse your face, use a primer, and morph into a life-size doll. “I consistently choose the Extreme Shine Volume Lipgloss ($4) by Essence, which gives my lips a plump, Bratz Doll-like appearance,” she shares. A favorite hack of hers is a hairspray that helps keep her wig in place. “Like every drag queen, I rely on the Got2b Blasting Freeze Spray ($8) to style my wigs, and I’ve recently started using it to secure my forehead since it cleans up easier than other products.” Clover also praises the Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara ($26) as a top contender in her beauty kit. “It’s vegan and easy to remove as it doesn’t run like other mascaras.”

Creating Space for the Hyper Queen Aesthetic

When asked about the mainstreaming of camp beauty aesthetics, Nox expresses her enthusiasm. “I find it fantastic since drag and its aesthetics revolve around self-expression and liberating individuality, and I enjoy watching others engage and enjoy it too.”

Camp Beauty is being popularized by hyper queens
Camp Beauty is being popularized by hyper queens
Getty | Clover Bish / Pandora Nox

However, like any concept that challenges societal norms, hyper queens often face criticism online. “People frequently inquire, do you experience a lot of hate? Interestingly, whenever I perform live, I don’t encounter negativity. It primarily arises online, where people hide behind their screens,” Nox observes.

Clover has faced invalidation regarding her drag from both online critics and other queens. “Many believe we require less time to prepare. Anyone who knows my drag companions can confirm that I’m often late.” Clover clarifies that she prepares her skin, shaves, and more, just like any other drag queen, making it equally time-intensive. “We have no particular advantages; if anything, we face disadvantages due to a lack of acceptance from various communities.”

Nox emphasizes that wearing women’s attire does not diminish the intricacies of drag, stating, “[People assert] there’s no real transformation as you already identify as a woman. However, the reality is, I don’t wear wigs, heavy makeup, glitter, or rhinestones in my everyday life.”

Such rejection may stem from a stereotype that associates drag solely with flamboyant men. However, a broader understanding reveals drag as a form of performance art. “Drag is art, and art belongs to everyone. It’s not confined to what’s between your legs,” Nox asserts.

The Evolution of Camp Beauty

The reciprocal relationship between drag and pop culture is as enduring as glue sticks and false eyelashes, and with its rise to mainstream attention, Clover believes that camp beauty is destined to remain relevant. “Drag not only influences makeup in popular culture, but also aesthetics and performances… the camp beauty aesthetic will continue to flourish,” she predicts.

While drag culture has made significant strides, there’s still much to learn and preserve. As it continues shaping mainstream beauty, it’s vital to safeguard, amplify, and uphold the integrity of the community. Whether you identify within or outside the gender binary—encompassing non-gendered individuals too—drag encourages us to explore beyond societal limitations, offering a pathway to self-discovery and personal expression. It stands as an invitation to liberation.

Let us not forget that it was indeed the queen supreme, RuPaul, who wisely said, “We’re all born naked, and the rest is drag.”


Jasmine Desiree is a writer and editor based in Los Angeles, specializing in topics ranging from beauty and wellness to interior design. She is passionate about covering innovative and culturally influential people, places, and trends. Her work has been published in Coveteur, Architectural Digest, Mane Addicts, and others.


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