The Ultimate Ongina Glam: Makeup Transformations & Queenship
Celebrating Ongina: trailblazing drag artistry, iconic makeup looks, and the vibrant influence she brings to beauty and LGBTQ+ culture.
Ongina: The Heart of Drag Glam and Empowerment
Renowned as one of the original stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Ongina has enchanted fans and makeup enthusiasts alike with a blend of authenticity, artistry, and bold self-expression. Since her breakout appearance, Ongina continues to dazzle on screen and beyond—fearlessly redefining beauty standards and setting new trends. In this celebration of her career, we revisit her most iconic transformations, lessons in makeup, and her lasting impact on both the drag and beauty communities.
Meet Ongina: A True Drag Trailblazer
Ongina’s dynamic presence is characterized by her signature bald look, radiant personality, and fearless embrace of individuality. Emerging from season one of RuPaul’s Drag Race, she quickly established herself as a beloved figure not just for her innovative style but for the vulnerability and joy she brought to the stage. Her artistry in drag has become synonymous with empowerment, inclusivity, and limitless creativity.
Signature Style Elements:
- Bald and beautiful: Ongina defies convention by embracing her shaved head, often using it as a canvas for makeup and jewels.
- Crowns and headpieces: Replacing wigs with elaborate crowns, Ongina’s headwear is as diverse as her makeup techniques.
- Bright, expressive makeup: Vibrant eyeshadows, precision cat eyes, and gorgeously glossy lips take center stage in her looks.
The Cosmo Queens Series: Ongina’s Standout Makeup Tutorials
In Cosmopolitan’s Cosmo Queens video series, Ongina steps into the spotlight to showcase a variety of show-stopping makeup transformations. Fans and makeup lovers have been captivated by her willingness to experiment and her mastery of drag glam. Let’s delve into her most memorable episodes and the artistry behind the looks.
“Ten-Year Glow-Up” Makeup Transformation
Marking a decade since her television debut, Ongina unveiled her remarkable “Ten-Year Glow-Up”—a look that celebrates evolution while staying true to her roots. This transformation is all about sophisticated eyes, a flawless canvas, and a radiant finish that highlights her best features.
- Layered Eyeshadows: Ongina combines several shades from the Oh, Honey palette (a collaboration between Trixie Mattel and Sugarpill Cosmetics), resulting in multidimensional, shimmering eyelids.
- Sharp Cat Eye: Her signature liquid liner flick adds drama and lifts the eye, completing a bold frame for the rest of the makeup.
- Contoured Crown: With her head shaved, she contours her entire scalp—a unique signature—enhancing the regal effect of her chosen headpiece.
- Perfected Complexion: Ongina relies on robust coverage and strategic highlighting, creating a luminous, camera-ready finish.
Step-by-Step: Ongina’s Drag Makeup Methodology
- Base Perfection: Building full-coverage foundation across the face and head.
- Brow Transformation: Ongina blocks out her natural brows, drawing in dramatic arches to maximize expression.
- Eye Artistry: Eyeshadows are blended skillfully for intensity and dimension, finished with a pristine winged liner.
- Sculpting & Contour: Heavy contouring defines features, with highlights on cheekbones, browbones, and temples.
- Lips & Lashes: Full, seductive lips in powerful shades, paired with extra-long lashes, create the final impact.
- Crowning Glory: Final touch comes with a dramatic headpiece, transforming Ongina into full queen mode.
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Highlight Looks from Cosmo Queens
Below is a summary table of Ongina’s most talked-about transformations from the Cosmo Queens series, alongside the inspiration behind each:
| Look Name | Inspiration | Key Makeup Feature | Headpiece/Accessory |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Golden Radiance” | Goddess energy and empowerment | Gold shimmer, pronounced cheekbones | Gold diadem, crystals |
| “Cosmic Night” | Outer space, celestial queens | Galaxy eyes, star appliqués | Silver crown with stars |
| “Neon Edge” | Urban lights and pop art | Electric neon eyeliner, geometric shapes | Neon headband |
Behind the Scenes: Products and Tools Ongina Swears By
A crucial aspect of Ongina’s makeup mastery is her selection of high-impact cosmetics and innovative tools. She frequently features cult favorites and shares tips for achieving a drag-level finish:
- Sugarpill Eyeshadow Palettes: Known for intense pigment and blendability, a staple of Ongina’s color story.
- Heavy Coverage Foundations: Foundation is applied generously over the face and head to create seamless perfection.
- Strategic Setting Sprays: Ongina prioritizes longevity—ensuring every look withstands long performance hours and hot lights.
- Head Contour Tools: Specialized brushes and contour sticks help sculpt her scalp for a unified, 3D effect.
Beauty Lessons from Ongina: Confidence Beyond Makeup
While the artistry is dazzling, Ongina’s influence extends far beyond the surface. Each look is imbued with a message of strength, playfulness, and authenticity. Fans and followers consistently highlight the following lessons drawn from Ongina’s showcase:
- Embrace Individuality: Ongina’s confidence in her bald look and elaborate crowns proves beauty is about self-definition.
- Take Creative Risks: Her fearless experimenting with color, shape, and materials inspires others to play boldly.
- Visibility Matters: As an openly HIV-positive drag artist and LGBTQ+ advocate, Ongina’s platform serves as both entertainment and empowerment for marginalized communities.
Ongina’s Continuing Influence in Drag & Beyond
Ongina’s career demonstrates the lasting power of innovation in drag—the blending of theatricality, makeup mastery, and personal narrative. After her return on RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars, she reminded everyone of her undeniable talent and positive spirit. Off-screen, she champions AIDS awareness, mental health, and LGBTQ+ visibility, reinforcing her impact not just as a performer, but as a role model and activist.
Key Moments in Ongina’s Journey:
- RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 1: Established Ongina as a pioneering drag artist, remembered for her emotional performance and openness about her HIV status.
- Cosmo Queens Appearances: Reintroduced Ongina to millions, inspiring the next generation of makeup artists and drag performers.
- RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars: A celebrated return that underscored her fan-favorite status and unbreakable optimism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ongina
Q: What sets Ongina’s drag makeup apart from others?
A: Ongina is known for her bald aesthetic, intricate headpieces, and skill in blending bold colors with avant-garde looks, allowing her to use her entire head as a creative canvas.
Q: Which products does Ongina recommend for drag transformations?
A: Ongina often opts for high-pigment eyeshadow palettes like Sugarpill, full-coverage foundations, precise liquid liners, long-lasting setting sprays, and professional contour tools.
Q: Was Ongina the first bald queen on RuPaul’s Drag Race?
A: Ongina was among the first contestants to eliminate wigs entirely, pioneering the bald-queen look that is now iconic in drag performance.
Q: What social causes does Ongina support?
A: She is an outspoken advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, LGBTQ+ rights, and inclusivity within the beauty industry and beyond.
Get Ongina’s Look: Step-by-Step Guide
- Prep and Prime: Thoroughly hydrate and prime your skin for a smooth application—including scalp if recreating Ongina’s signature look.
- Foundation Application: Use a high-coverage foundation and blend over the face, ears, and scalp for uniformity.
- Brow Block and Draw: Block natural brows with glue and powder, then sketch bold, arched brows for exaggerated drama.
- Eyeshadow Intensification: Apply multiple layers of vibrant shadow, blending up towards the brow and temples.
- Liner and Lashes: Create a sharp, extended wing using waterproof liquid liner. Attach long, dramatic false lashes.
- Contouring and Highlighting: Carve out cheekbones, jawline, and scalp, using cream and powder products in contrasting shades.
- Lips: Overdraw lips with liner, fill in with bold lipstick, and finish with gloss for high-impact dimension.
- Accessorize: Complete the transformation with jewelry, gilded crowns, or crystal-studded headgear.
Fan Reactions and Cultural Legacy
Ongina’s artistry extends far into the hearts of fans worldwide. From heartfelt messages about representation to makeup artists recreating her looks across social media, the feedback is overwhelmingly supportive. Her willingness to challenge conventions and advocate for important social issues adds meaning to her makeup transformations, making each look a statement of resilience, pride, and unapologetic beauty.
Popular Fan Messages:
- “Ongina inspires me to embrace what makes me different!”
- “Watching Ongina’s tutorials gave me the courage to try bold makeup for the first time.”
- “Thank you, Ongina, for representing all kinds of beauty in drag!”
Final Thoughts: Ongina’s Enduring Reign
Ongina’s career reminds us that true beauty is about authenticity, creative risk-taking, and the courage to stand out. Her iconic looks, magnetic charisma, and message of self-love ensure that she will remain a beloved icon in the worlds of drag, beauty, and beyond. Whether on screen, in tutorials, or onstage, Ongina continues to inspire us all to be unapologetically ourselves—and to add a little extra glam along the way.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a24236779/ongina-drag-queen-makeup-transformation/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1rHltIKddE
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RuPaul’s_Drag_Race_All_Stars_season_5
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a34042900/best-of-ongina-cosmo/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chi_Chi_DeVayne
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCvnWIbDjkc
- https://rupaulsdragrace.fandom.com/wiki/Ongina
- https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Katja_Glieson
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