Jaymes Mansfield’s Step-by-Step Selena Quintanilla Drag Transformation
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ alum Jaymes Mansfield channels Selena Quintanilla with a mesmerizing drag transformation and classic 90s glam.
Jaymes Mansfield’s Tribute: Transforming Into Selena Quintanilla
Selena Quintanilla is a legendary figure whose impact reaches far beyond Tejano music. Renowned for her vibrant energy, signature style, and unforgettable beauty looks, Selena remains an enduring inspiration for countless artists and fans. For Jaymes Mansfield, a beloved RuPaul’s Drag Race alum and drag icon, channeling Selena in a daring transformation for Cosmo Queens was both a labor of love and a glamorous challenge.
In this in-depth look, we explore Jaymes’ recreation of Selena’s unmistakable 1990s looks, her personal history with drag and Selena fandom, and the artistry that goes into capturing those signature brows, eyes, and iconic red lips. Plus, get practical tips to DIY Selena’s glamour, see behind-the-scenes insights from Jaymes, and discover why this Queen of Tejano’s style still turns heads decades later.
The Enduring Legacy of Selena Quintanilla
Selena Quintanilla was more than a Grammy-winning singer and songwriter—she was a cultural icon whose bold choices in music and fashion forever changed the landscape of Latin pop and the global style scene. Her beauty staples, especially the bright red lip, bold brows, and sleek barrel-curled hair, became emblems of 90s glamour, ensuring her spot on countless inspiration boards to this day.
- Known for blending musical genres and breaking boundaries as a Mexican-American performer.
- Helped popularize iconic 90s trends—including hoop earrings, gem-studded bustiers, and figure-hugging jumpsuits.
- Her makeup, especially the red lipstick and dramatic eyeliner, serve as a blueprint for statement beauty looks.
Meet Jaymes Mansfield: Drag Queen Extraordinaire
Jaymes Mansfield is not only celebrated for her run on Drag Race Season 9, but also for her dedication to the art of drag and wig styling. Known for intricate transformations and impeccable detail, Jaymes has built a reputation on social media and live performances for delivering high-glam looks that pull from the best of pop culture, vintage references, and personal nostalgia.
- Expert at wig making and styling, with a signature touch of camp and polish.
- Passionate about famously feminine looks, especially 80s and 90s icons.
- Frequently channels music and fashion legends like Selena, Dolly Parton, and Marilyn Monroe.
Inspiration: Why Selena?
As a lifelong superfan, Jaymes Mansfield describes Selena Quintanilla as the ultimate muse. The singer’s confidence and signature looks have influenced drag, pop, and street style worldwide.
- Selena’s impact is evident on stage and in beauty routines everywhere—her aesthetic is both timeless and instantly recognizable.
- Jaymes admires Selena’s openness to experimentation and her ability to make glamorous looks approachable.
- This transformation is more than homage; it’s a celebration of Latina beauty and cultural pride.
Selena’s Signature Makeup: Timeless 90s Glam
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Recreating Selena’s look means mastering several key techniques. The focus is on bold brows, smoky liner, flawless skin, and that unforgettable red lip. Here’s how Jaymes approaches each step to capture Selena’s spirit:
1. Flawless Complexion
- Start with a full-coverage foundation to build a smooth base.
- Contour using circular techniques, as Selena had a naturally rounded face. Jaymes likes to use a card or stencil to keep the cheeks softly defined without being too sharp.
- Use warm, peachy blush for a radiant but subtle flush.
2. Iconic Brows
- Selena was famous for her full, perfectly arched brows.
- Jaymes fills in brows with a dark pencil, exaggerating the arch for drama and depth.
- Set brows firmly in place with clear gel to hold the shape all night.
3. Dramatic Eyes
- Selena’s eye makeup paired a defined black liner with shimmery shadow.
- Blend neutral shades in the crease, then add a pop of sheen to the lids.
- Use white pencil on the lower waterline to open the eyes, then heavily line the upper lash line for a retro feline effect.
- Add thick, voluminous lashes—an essential for drag and headline performances alike.
4. Legendary Red Lips
- Overdraw the lips to mimic Selena’s pout, using a deep red or berry lip liner.
- Fill with a matching red lipstick, carefully tracing just outside the natural lip shape.
- Set with a touch of translucent powder for lasting power—Selena was always camera-ready!
Hair: Barrel Curls and 90s Glamour
One of the most striking aspects of Selena’s look is her barrel-curled updo. Jaymes Mansfield, a professional wig stylist, provides insights on replicating this iconic hairstyle:
- Start with a voluminous wig in dark brown or black.
- Section into large, loose barrel curls, pinning the crown up for added retro drama.
- Use extra hairpieces for fullness and a drag-worthy silhouette.
- Secure with plenty of strong-hold hairspray to keep every curl in place—even on stage!
This hair look is instantly recognizable for fans and frames the face beautifully, a signature Selena staple from her heyday in the ‘No Me Queda Más’ video and beyond.
From Makeup Chair to Stage: Bringing Selena to Life
Jaymes details the patience and artistry that drag transformations require. The Selena look is not quick—every detail, from brow symmetry to the final spritz of perfume on the wig, is considered. The process involves:
- Prepping the face and gluing down natural brows for a blank canvas.
- Spending extra time on contouring and layering eyeshadows for depth and dimension.
- Multiple rounds of styling, teasing, and pinning the wig to achieve the classic updo.
- Stepping into the completed look—sometimes revisiting and fine-tuning details even moments before reveal.
Why Selena Remains a Drag and Pop Culture Icon
The Queen of Tejano’s influence extends from music charts to fashion runways to drag stages worldwide. Her fearless embrace of statement beauty, sparkling costumes, and stage presence make her an everlasting icon for performance artists and beauty enthusiasts alike.
- Selena’s looks are both bold and approachable, bridging glamorous femininity and everyday wearability.
- Drag performers often cite her as a top reference for Latin heritage, transformation inspiration, and evocative nostalgia.
- Even outside the Latinx community, her legacy continues to inspire boundary breaking and artistic bravery.
Step-by-Step: DIY Selena Makeup and Hair Inspired by Jaymes Mansfield
- Prime and Prep: Start with a long-wearing primer—this is essential for stage and daylight alike.
- Flawless Base: Apply foundation, set with powder, and contour circularly on cheeks and forehead for a rounded Selena glow.
- Brows: Define with a dark pencil using small hair-like strokes. Set with gel for boldness.
- Eyes: Sweep browns through the crease, use shimmery shadow on the lid, line heavily with black liquid liner, and finish with dramatic false lashes.
- Lips: Trace and fill lips with a bold red, slightly overdrawing for a fuller look, seal with setting powder for transfer-proof wear.
- Hair: Curl hair in large sections, secure an updo at the crown, add extensions for drag-level fullness, and finish with intense hairspray.
Jaymes Mansfield’s Personal Touch: Behind the Scenes
Jaymes brings her signature enthusiasm and humor to the transformation process, often referencing her own experiences with Selena fandom and drag culture:
- Jaymes frequently remakes Selena-inspired costumes, even blending elements of Selena’s 90s ruffle looks with her Wisconsin cow-print stage outfits to merge Tejano roots with her own Midwest style.
- The process includes light-hearted commentary and a playful, supportive vibe, as seen in both Cosmo Queens and Jaymes’ regular online tutorials.
- She improvises and adds drag-specific flourishes, such as extra volume or sparkle, without losing the essence of Selena’s natural glamour.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the must-have products for replicating Selena Quintanilla’s signature makeup?
A: Essentials include: a full-coverage matte foundation, dark brow pencil, black liquid eyeliner, bold red lipstick, and volumizing mascara or false lashes. A high-hold hairspray and extra hairpieces are also necessary for the iconic updo.
Q: How can I make my eyebrows look like Selena’s?
A: To mimic Selena’s bold, arched brows, use a dark, finely pointed brow pencil. Draw a strong arch that follows the natural brow line, then fill and blend for fullness. Finish with a strong gel for precise, lasting shape.
Q: What are some simple ways to give a drag twist to Selena-inspired looks?
A: Add extra hair or wig extensions for drama, overdraw lips slightly, and use glitter or rhinestone embellishments to take stage looks up a notch—while staying true to Selena’s glamorous origins.
Q: Why do drag queens often choose Selena for transformations?
A: Selena is an enduring symbol of confidence, beauty, and boundary-pushing performance. Her universally beloved style and the cultural pride she instilled make her a favorite muse for drag queens aiming to celebrate heritage and iconic glamour.
Q: Can I do this look if I don’t have professional drag tools?
A: Absolutely. Many of Selena’s beauty staples—like bold lipstick and strong brows—require only basic products. Practice, patience, and enthusiasm matter more than expensive tools.
Selena-Inspired Look: At-A-Glance Guide
| Feature | Selena’s Signature | Jaymes’ Drag Spin |
|---|---|---|
| Brows | Full, arched, defined | Extra bold, super-arched, set with gel |
| Lips | Deep red, overdrawn | Plumped, glossy finish, set for stage |
| Hair | Barrel curls, updo | High-volume wig, extensions for drag drama |
| Eyes | Smoky, liner-focused | Heavy shadow, bright waterline, oversized lashes |
| Costume | Bejeweled bustiers, jumpsuits | Sparkle, custom drag embellishments |
Final Reveal: Jaymes Channels the Queen
The finished transformation is undeniably Selena: sky-high hair curled and pinned with retro perfection, dark brows and red lips sharply defined, and a costume inspired by Selena’s stagewear. Jaymes’ exuberance and attention to detail shine through, capturing both the superstar’s energy and the fun of drag artistry. The look, as seen on Cosmo Queens, perfectly fuses reverence with creativity, showing the power of transformation and tribute.
Get inspired: With a few key products, a tribute to Selena is possible for any fan—no pro makeup kit or reality TV background needed.
More On Jaymes Mansfield & Drag Transformations
- See Jaymes’ full transformation on YouTube and Instagram for even more tips, behind-the-scenes banter, and wig magic.
- Shop Jaymes’ custom wigs and get exclusive styling tutorials for your own stage-ready looks.
- Explore more Cosmo Queens drag tutorials for inspiration from queens across the globe.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/a36148360/jaymes-mansfield-selena-quintanilla-transformation-cosmo-queens/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETHXFPXjL_k
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2zPhwleUBM
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwOm9NKPZtU
- https://www.imdb.com/list/ls593127197/
- https://www.uvu.edu/graduation/docs/finalcommencementbooklet2022/commencementbookdigital.pdf
- https://www.imdb.com/list/ls076591463/
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