Luxx Noir London: The Glam, The Artistry, and the Story Behind Cosmo Queens’ Dazzling Drag Phenomenon
Explore the journey and creativity of Luxx Noir London as she redefines drag artistry, musical expression, and bold self-love in this Cosmo Queens feature.
Luxx Noir London: The Supermodel Socialite of New Jersey Shines on Cosmo Queens
In the ever-evolving world of drag, few performers have managed to seamlessly blend their artistry, personal style, and musical prowess with the confidence and sophistication of Luxx Noir London. Featured in Cosmopolitan’s Cosmo Queens, Luxx demonstrated not only her mastery of makeup but also her ability to turn beauty into performance art, bringing viewers to the edge of their seats with every brush stroke and lyric. This article explores Luxx Noir London’s impressive drag journey, signature looks, personal influences, and why this queen’s impact goes far beyond the makeup chair.
Drag Beginnings: Inspiration in Unlikely Places
Luxx Noir London, born Justin R. Reed, hails from East Orange, New Jersey. Her journey into drag began only a few years ago, inspired by the illustrious looks and performances on RuPaul’s Drag Race. While drag was not initially part of her creative practice, witnessing the transformative power of makeup and costuming encouraged Luxx to begin experimenting with her own drag persona. From the start, her aesthetic vision was clear: celebrate Black luxury, opulence, and bold self-expression.
- Origin of Drag Name: Initially considered names like “Kitty Noir” and “Luxury Noir.” Settled on “Luxx Noir London”—with two X’s for symmetry, “Noir” to signify Black excellence, and “London” inspired by both her drag lineage and the city’s fashion-world status.
- Performances: Built her reputation with shows in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and New York City’s Bushwig festival.
Cosmo Queens: The Makeup Transformation Episode
Luxx’s appearance on Cosmo Queens is nothing short of a masterclass in vibrant, fearless makeup. The featured look in her episode is described as “flaming hot”—an ensemble that echoed the euphoria of a night out, at once glamorous and unapologetically bold.
- Color Palette: A palette bursting with reds, golds, and burnt orange hues echoed both fire and luxury.
- Technique: Luxx combined intricate eyeshadow blending, precise eyebrow sculpting, and layers of contouring, culminating in high-octane cheeks and a glossy, full lip.
- Vibe: The overall look was “superstar” couture—complete confidence, whether on stage or screen.
She crafted this transformation to the soundtrack of her own song, infusing the episode with the same infectious spirit that defines her artistry.
Musical Artistry: “Round and Around” and Creative Expression
Luxx Noir London’s creative interests aren’t limited to drag performance—she is also a singer and songwriter. The episode’s soundtrack, “Round and Around,” was written during quarantine and finished in just thirty minutes on a bus ride, reflecting not only her musical talent but her ability to channel emotions into art at lightning speed.
- Theme: The track celebrates the euphoric release of dancing and socializing, offering listeners a “temporary euphoria” through music.
- Connection to Drag: Luxx’s lyrics “Every look is fire / I bring the heat” double as the mantra for her makeup philosophy and her music’s energy.
- Influence: The song’s upbeat, club-ready vibe mirrors the bold confidence she displays while performing and transforming on camera.
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Signature Style: Black Luxury, Opulence, and Fashion
The visual language Luxx crafts is grounded in the concept of Black luxury and refined opulence, a theme reflected in her high-contrast color choices, extravagant costumes, and poised stage presence. Her Instagram and digital performances are testament to this cultivated aesthetic—each post a gallery of sophistication and self-assured glamour.
| Style Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Makeup | Bold colors, sharp contours, glossy finishes, creative blending |
| Couture | Inspired by high fashion; drama-forward silhouettes and glittering embellishments |
| Attitude | Confidence, playful defiance, and a sense of belonging to a lineage of divas |
| Lyrics & Music | Celebrates self-love, open expression, and the beauty of nightlife escapism |
Creative Influences and Inspirations
Luxx Noir London cites her parents for instilling the values of self-love and confidence, which shine through in every aspect of her artistry. Her drag mother Princess London’s impact is immortalized in her chosen name, connecting both familial support and the cosmopolitan world of fashion to her persona. Now, as a competitive drag queen and creative multi-hyphenate, Luxx continues to draw inspiration from other queens, pop superstars, and the wider scope of global beauty.
- RuPaul’s Drag Race: A key influence, both in motivating her to start drag and shaping her approach to performance and costuming.
- Fashion Capitals: London’s role in the fashion world echoes the sophistication and global flair Luxx brings to her drag.
- Community Support: Family and drag siblings encourage her to push boundaries and challenge norms.
The Power of Positive Representation and Personal Advocacy
As a Black feminine drag queen, Luxx Noir London uses her platform to address issues of representation, speak out against discrimination, and advocate for self-love within marginalized communities. Her commitment goes beyond entertainment—it’s about building safe spaces for self-expression and empowering others to be themselves without apology.
- Misogynoir: Luxx has openly discussed the intersectional discrimination she faces, and her resilience is a beacon for those encountering similar obstacles.
- Social Justice: She actively encourages her audience to stay engaged with issues like voting, public health safety, and supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.
- Mentorship: Provides advice for aspiring queens: “Trust the journey, always give 100%, practice, have fun, and don’t take anyone’s advice!”.
Recent Achievements: RuPaul’s Drag Race and Beyond
Since her debut, Luxx Noir London has earned national recognition as a finalist on the fifteenth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Her time on the show gave her the chance to display a range of talents, from impersonation during “Snatch Game” to designing runway looks that drew direct praise from RuPaul himself.
- Challenge Wins: Awarded wins in both the show’s fifth and eleventh episodes.
- Runway Impact: A signature look paying tribute to RuPaul landed her special accolades.
- Original Performances: Contributed a remix for the episode “Blame It on the Edit” and performed “It’s Giving Fashion” in the finale.
| Drag Race Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Episode Winner | Fifth and eleventh episodes |
| Finalist Status | Third/Fourth place (tie) |
| Iconic Runway | Praised for RuPaul tribute look |
| Music Video Appearance | “Blame It on the Edit” remix with all finalists |
Public Life, Appearances, and Ongoing Advocacy
Off-screen, Luxx stays active in the creative and LGBTQ+ communities, guest lecturing for courses on the impact of drag performance and maintaining strong presences on social media platforms. Her advice for new queens is rooted in perseverance and finding joy in the artistry itself: give your all, stay true to the vision, and don’t let criticism stifle creativity.
FAQs: Everything You Want to Know About Luxx Noir London
Q: How did Luxx Noir London choose her drag name?
A: Luxx wanted a name that embodied Black luxury and opulence. She shortened “Luxury Noir” to “Luxx” and added “London” for its fashion connections and drag lineage.
Q: What inspires Luxx’s makeup looks?
A: Inspiration comes from high fashion, bold color palettes, contemporary beauty trends, and the ethos of Black excellence.
Q: Which song did Luxx feature during her Cosmo Queens transformation?
A: “Round and Around”—an original club anthem she wrote during quarantine to capture the euphoria of dancing and nightlife.
Q: What advice does Luxx offer aspiring drag queens?
A: “Trust the journey, always give 100%, practice, have fun, and don’t take anyone’s advice!”
Q: How has Luxx addressed issues of representation and advocacy?
A: She openly speaks out about misogynoir and advocates for self-love, representation, and engagement in social justice causes.
Behind the Glam: The Editor’s Perspective
This Cosmo Queens episode was covered by Annabel Iwegbue, an associate editor at Cosmopolitan with deep experience in entertainment and lifestyle journalism. Annabel’s feature highlighted not only Luxx’s stunning transformation but also her musical talent and unwavering commitment to making every look “fire”.
- Editorial Experience: Annabel previously worked for Harper’s Bazaar, The Knockturnal, and Black Film, grounding her coverage in both aesthetic appreciation and cultural insight.
- Focus Areas: Entertainment and lifestyle, especially stories that empower and celebrate diverse voices.
Connecting the Dots: Luxx Noir London’s Enduring Impact
Luxx Noir London’s journey merges artistic exploration, music innovation, and the pursuit of fierce self-love. Her story is a testament to the power of drag not only as performance but as a celebration of identity, creativity, and advocacy. If you’re seeking inspiration to unleash your inner superstar, Luxx’s advice rings true: “Trust the journey, always give 100%, practice, have fun, and don’t take anyone’s advice!”
- Follow Luxx: Stay tuned to her social media channels for more dazzling looks and empowered advocacy.
- Find Her Music: Listen for a burst of confidence and joy woven into every lyric.
- Discover Her Story: Through every transformation, runway, and song, Luxx Noir London’s legacy continues to flourish.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/a36984279/neon-calypso-cosmo-queens/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/a36830257/cosmo-queens-luxx-noir-london/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxx_Noir_London
- https://thotyssey.com/2020/08/18/on-point-with-luxx-noir-london/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkT-cHd4Y6E
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVEDi-rWnY0
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