For our veteran queens that have been gracing the stage since before Arianna Grande could sing, more likely than not, you’ve got some wig shop makeup favs tucked deep in your caboodle. With all those wigs, stilettos, and last minute Uber rides to the club, we’ve got to save some coins somewhere.

You don’t have to break the bank to give a flawless face. In fact, we asked some of our divas to share their favorite “must have” makeup pieces, and what we discovered was that some of the most coveted lip glosses, powders, and lashes turned out to be the least expensive.

Let’s be clear. There are certainly makeup essentials that a girl can’t live without – drag staples that every Drag Star Diva needs in her life to feel fierce, and give her best face to the world. These token treasures are non-negotiable and sometimes require us ladies to spend the extra buck. But sometimes we can save that Benjamin and use it for important things – likes drinks.

Let’s discover.

BEAT. Every showgirl we’ve ever encountered has a massive powder puff to beat that mug. A thick, tight-woven puff is ultimately the defining tool to hide the flaws (we’ve all got them) and transform our face to perfection. While some mug beaters can cost as much as $14, our friends at bh cosmetics offer a soft cotton puff with grip for only $2.50. That sounds like a deal to us.

If you are blessed with a petite face, you can try Studio 35’s Beauty Powder Puffs (two for $2.49), or Victoria Vogue’s Loose Powder Puff for only $1.49. For those queens who paint on the regular, these options may serve you well for beating and tossing. Sanitation first, ladies.

BAKED. Are you really a diva if you aren’t contoured to the gods? The art of baking is age-old, and fundamental in creating all the right angles (the brighter the better is our own personal mantra). Choosing the right shade and consistency is a personal choice, and some divas prefer to concoct their own specially-blended potion of highlight powder.

Here are some baking essentials that go easy on the purse: The e.l.f. Studio High Definition power runs for only $5.99, a great alternative to Makeup Forever’s HD Microfinish Powder ($35.00). If you want to go old school, you can always op for Coty Airspun translucent ($4.00). Coty is a timeless favorite that many queens live by. We’ve also heard some good reviews about RCMA’s No Color Powder as well. At $12.00, it’s still a good bargain. [Send Us Your Feedback]

BRONZED. We all remember Scott Barnes golden goddess creations for Jennifer Lopez, and to this day, divas bow to that sun-kissed radiance. We can all strive to be J Lo glowed, and here are some inexpensive alternatives to Barnes’ signature Body Bling and Multi Media Foundation.

We are in love with the NYX Tango With Bronzing Powder in Tribal Odyssey ($10.00). The sheerness of this mosaic bronzer creates great building power to achieve a Caribbean getaway glow. Looking for an uber-glow? NYX also offers the Illuminator in Magnetic ($9.00) to diffuse light and brighten your complexion. For the girl that prefers a matte bronze, their Matte Bronzer in Deep Tan ($9.00) works like a dream.

Some other fan favorites include the Milani Bronzer in Fake Tan ($8.99) and the Hard Candy So Baked Bronzer in Tropic ($9.00).

With thousands of makeup products on the market, a perfect face doesn’t have to cost a fortune. As Tatianna would say, you have “choices.”

Stayed tuned for our upcoming holiday “Treat Yo Self” guide, and send us your feedback on your own makeup hot finds.  

Paint on divas, paint on.

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