The Iconic Make-up Behind RuPaul's Drag Race

[@yellowtoad6803]

Raven's work ethic and general demeanor is so inspiring to me, she is very serious about her craft but doesn't take life too seriously

[@lanagaga7504]

yes!!!!

[@MoaathMas]

He*

[@defsouul3127]

What a melanin queen 👸🏾

[@akarober827]

@@MoaathMas its not that deep sis

[@germywormy]

@@MoaathMas Commenter specified Raven in the comment which is his drag persona so it would be she :)

[@stellaoliveira8657]

i really do think that Raven is one of the most talented makeup artists out there! I hope he gets another Emmy because Ru's makeup just gets better with each episode.

[@mattymariah]

Gottmik is a really ridiculously amazing artist, as well. Every look he does blows me away.

[@justanotherrichkid1053]

No doubt!

[@muhammadzikri8492]

@@marcelszpak1460 actually yes

[@HeWhoWalksBehindTheRows9]

Raven is good at painting her face not painting ru's face

[@mattymariah]

@@HeWhoWalksBehindTheRows9 do you even know anything about the art of makeup?

[@daviroman1198]

Raven was the first drag queen who wears an all beige face: neutral shadow, neutral contour, nude lips and a little bit of black in the eye. Now 2021 everybody does that color palette.

[@Drea_A]

The beige rainbow is my pride flag

[@asian6oy]

Raven's makeup was way ahead of her time like THAT BLENDING was magnificent.

[@lucasblanken]

Saw some clips of Ru walking the runway before Season 9. Raven started doing Ru’s makeup starting Season 9 and AllStars 3 respectively. Previously, Ru had his make up done by Mathu Anderson. While I’m sure unintentional, parading Ru walking the runway pre season 9 kind of insinuates the work was done by Raven. Mathu is legendary, and deserves a nod or recognition for that work.

[@lastdays9163]

Co-sign

[@melanie6014]

Mathu Anderson is a god of makeup

[@jjayjewel]

Agreed. Poor job of explaining the evolution of Ru’s makeup

[@zombieboobies]

He was featured on the show alot in the early seasons. When Drag race went to Vh1, the popularity sky rocketed.

[@lucasblanken]

@@zombieboobies I know, I’m just talking about this particular video somewhat gives the earlier seasons credit to Raven when she didn’t join till season 9. Also, the move to VH1 isn’t why Raven became Rus makeup artist.

[@hanssolos3699]

is raven the only non-winner to win an emmy and her own show??? now, that's a real winner!!! 😍😍😍🥇

[@davidgunawan546]

Technically Delta Work could also be counted to win an emmy had they given her the proper credit for her work

[@doperagu8471]

@@davidgunawan546 what happened with Delta Work and the Emmys?

[@H.so.]

Delta did win an Emmy for wig work! She just didn’t win the second time because of some inner workings that took her out of contention. Raven and Delta have been the biggest success stories behind the scenes of Drag Race.

[@hanssolos3699]

holdup yall !! so delta won an emmy, but did not have her own legit show. That makes raven the most successful non-winner from the franchise. Apart from raja, trixie, katya, the vivienne have their own spinoffs, they are notable mentions cos their shows are successful.

[@SSBB4]

Brook lynn heights hosts her own drag race show too

[@real90sjesus]

Mathu always said if he stepped down he wanted raven to come in. If you compare season 9 looks and 10 forward you see the work is really paying off and ru looks amazing. Props to David.

[@anarei22]

What a legend! Raven has made Rupaul's makeup exciting and trendy again. I find myself looking forward to her looks on Ru every week. And props to Ru for going along for the ride and stepping outside her comfort zone.

[@georgezaharoff]

I’m amazed at how Raven is able to make RuPaul Charles look like RuPaul. He once said somewhere in an interview that there’s a lot of strings being pulled under the wig….I wish they would show that! Listen to his words at 1:49 he calls the finished look “the entire monster is done…and out.” Now THAT would be awesome….I also assumed there was a filter over RuPaul as well…. No hate or shade, RuPaul is always FLAWLESS on stage and I just would love to know more about the HOW, that’s all. David/Raven is a true artist and it’s really inspiring to listen to him speak. Next time I hope he spills some tea because I will bet A LOT is said in RuPaul’s dressing room and Raven has a front seat to all of it!

[@ScottMcGoldrick]

Yeah there's always a filter on Ru, if you look at her hairline always you'll notice the blur. Thats always the tell. But Ru's makeup is also flawless 😍✨ I think the filter is just due to her being a 60 something year old man, i think we sometimes forget that because he's so gorg in drag

[@daintiestdiva]

@@ScottMcGoldrick Well also, drag makeup is quite harsh with no filters.

[@daintiestdiva]

You can look up face lift tape on drag queens to see how it is done, or watch AJ and The Queen and there is a scene of Ru de dragging and it shows a realistic view of the face tapes

[@EvanRockwell1]

@@daintiestdiva Or look up any Miss Fame makeup tutorial. She's known for doing it too.

[@KosOrSomeSayKosmo]

Ru uses facetapes like a lot of queens and even actresses, you can get a temporary facelift effect. Ru's said that he uses the Mark Traynor tapes, a well known brand.

[@NB-nt5bh]

The nerve of them showing mathu’s work when raven is talking. Disrespectful.

[@graceanne5601]

Yea I feel like Varetiy didn't do people research on the subject. I also feel like they should have gave two parts of this video so both Raven and Mathu could be properly recognized for their work

[@DesireeDuarteVera]

yeah, it was a tremendous producer failure

[@enchantro]

Who’s Mathu?

[@NB-nt5bh]

@@enchantro Mathu Andersen was RuPaul’s long time friend and makeup artist on Drag Race until season 9. Mathu allegedly wanted to be paid more and given more recognition, and him and Ru/Production had an argument about it which led to him leaving the show. Raven then stepped in.

[@enchantro]

@@NB-nt5bh Thank you for that. I never knew that!👍🏻

[@kaylamarques99]

Love Raven such a talented artist but most the looks they showed were Mathu's work and he was the one that created the Rupaul face!! Give Mathu Andersen the credit he deserves!!

[@austinrausch3762]

YES 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@rodolfolomelig8349]

5 years and still no words.

[@thedarthflagger]

Thank you for pointing that out

[@aliecarey]

As a former MAC Girl and someone dedicated to artistry.... I'm OBSESSED with Raven! The creme of the crop in artistry!

[@colecancillaartist]

Both Raven and Mathu Andersen’s work deserves high praise! ❤️👍

[@renae2242]

Love Raven, but I wish Mathu Andersen would have been at least mentioned.

[@finleykim]

Raven is super talented. There's a definite shift to much better makeup when she starts doing Ru's face - Raven has a very elegant touch and a very distinctive, gorgeous style.

[@mbsbrown7838]

Raven is a master of makeup, I knew it the first time I saw her on Drag Race. Beautiful.

[@weslleymatheus8276]

Gorgeous, omg. Raven always delivering on point!

[@lucasrj4129]

It is heart breaking to see footage of Season 7 (the season where Ru looked her best ever) and not see any recognition to the person who did her mug up until 2016: Mathu Andersen. Also, the wig work Mathu did on her has not been matched since All Stars 2. David is an excellent MUA and dragqueen, but it is important that Variety, as a media platform, gets their facts and footage straight. This is disrespectful to both Mathu and David.

[@doperagu8471]

Yeah I think they should have done more research and at least used the proper footage of makeup looks done by Raven, and not just putting in looks from Mathu with no mention. For the lay-viewer, they would just think all of those looks were done by Raven.

[@gustamanavo]

Yes!!!

[@ScottMcGoldrick]

I actually think Ru looks much older and her makeup isn't as precise when Matthew was doing it. Ru looks 10x better now that she's being done by Raven.

[@rafaelyaguaro2842]

I was about to write the same thing...glad someone beat me to it. Whatever bad blood is there, at least recognize the work of YOUR friend, even more so is lot of the footage is prior to Raven becoming the lead make up artist

[@rafaelyaguaro2842]

@@ScottMcGoldrick true but remember the budget for the show has increased year after year, so better lighting, camera, effects. That helps a lot to appreciate the work Raven is doing on Ru more so than Mathu. Both are INSANELY talented make up artist, both have shaped Drag make up like nobody businesses

[@dalpowers]

Omg I love Raven!! So beautiful!! Glad to see she is working with Ru on the show!!! Perfect!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@emilycurl413]

i've been waiting so long for a video about raven doing ru's makeup. i think about it whenever i see drag race, like raven did this beat with her own two hands and i want so badly to see her talk about it. thank you!!!

[@aranireland]

Yessss!!! OMG me too!!! Emily 100%

[@luisthiagocalu8198]

I am in love with her success. A great human and queen

[@ANGIEHINA]

It’s been so long since I last saw Raven out of drag, he’s such a handsome man.

[@nickhyder9141]

ummm.......

[@lynne523]

Agreed.

[@defsouul3127]

What a handsome white man

[@Silnid]

@@defsouul3127 ????

[@mykoniichistorychannel]

He was.

[@vesskich]

Raven is soo legendary! I liked her ever since I first saw her in season two. she’s been killing it!!! 💅🏼

[@Clink2000]

Raven is such a FEIRCE drag performer, and has one of the BEST make up skills in the game. So much goes into creating drag. I’m so in love with all the creativity, talent, and boundary breaking artistry Drag Queens/Kings bring to the world. 👏🏼❤️

[@chloekinnss]

Okay but Ru’s face the last few seasons has been SNATCHED for the gods

[@juniorcasemiro]

Raven's work is just beyond epic. One of the finest drags that ever stepped on that runway. I just wonder how good is Ru himself on doing his own makeup. I would ADORE to watch a tutorial of him doing his own make up just one single time!

[@TheKingCoaster]

Raven is and always be (to me) the best face of drag race EV-EEEEER ! I mean she fucking slayed it on S2 and still is ❤️ She is my favorite queen ❤️

[@josef9601]

You gotta love raven ❤️

[@myfriendisaac]

Raven is a MASTER makeup artist 👏🏾💯

[@Ineddiblehulk]

Amazingly it took even Raven a season or so to get the makeup right. Shows how incredibly technical it is - because we know how elite Raven’s skills are

[@MrWhis-fe5hs]

Yes it has gotten better but RuPaul just hasn't had that glow she had during Matthew era

[@pjmasks7185]

I could literally listen to Ravens experience for another hour. Beautiful looking man and lady. Lucky for some eh.

[@michellegreer4571]

I'm so proud of you!!!

[@paritrivedi2535]

Huge respect!

[@amyweaver7413]

Every face Raven paints is perfection.

[@thedarthflagger]

I guess variety didnt know the difference between mathus makeup and ravens makeup.

[@KosOrSomeSayKosmo]

I absolutely love Raven and she has really grown into an incredible artist in her own right, but not them showing Mathu's work as hers. C'mon, do even just the tiniest bit of research! we're talking many complete seasons to choose from.

[@gracewhaley3945]

I love this. Raven, for me, has always been (next to Ru herself) my favorite, TOP TIER, drag queen. I never knew what exactly it was that made her so...just lovable, but seeing this now and hearing how she creates her work and just how passionate she is, this is why. This is why I fucking love Raven.

[@AngelaCovacs]

Masterclass with Raven NOW!

[@Gimmeshakti]

shame on Variety for attributing Mathu’s work in this video. Some of those Rupaul looks were done by him!

[@lucpraslan]

Nothing against Raven and his work, but the makeup in most of those shots of RuPaul was done by Mathu Andersen.

[@wuendo8028]

Raven is such an amazing makeup artist!!!!

[@Brandoncye]

We always knew Raven was an Icon! Now we know she's Iconic!

[@Regina-wm6eo]

Raven is such a pro, I'm so happy for her success! Keep going Raven, you can do it!

[@anotherone4u]

Raven is auch an incredible artist who deserves so much recognition

[@Iblamecarlos_]

The level of professionalism, far too much 😍

[@teresamckeown5594]

Such beautiful work.

[@fitkingly]

Raven is amazing!!! Incredible skill and work ethic!

[@stephaniemorales8273]

This was too short 😭 I think of raven EVERY SINGLE TIME I see ru. As a mua I alwaaays check the mug 💗💗💗

[@labasurita]

Mathu Anderson and Raven…. MAKEUP LEGENDS

[@melissacoviello2886]

Whew the dedication and skill it must take to do that job. My hat is off to you. You are an artist.

[@hanssolos3699]

the question to end all questions : who will take over when ru retires in 2024? 1. The Vivienne : the real royal queen 2. Sasha Velour : the smartest of all 3. Raja : the only asian winner 4. Priyanka : canada's loudest queen 5. Kita Mean : kiwi queen of politeness 6. Envy Peru : the first euro-latina winner 7. Carmen Farala : the spanish fly queen 8. Zahara Bebe Benet : the first queen and first african queen 9. Jeff Goldblum : the nastiest queen Only one of 'em will be crowned as heiress to ru's empire. Who do u pick?

[@gabrielroxas854]

None of the above. The only acceptable answer is BOB THE DRAG QUEEN

[@Sunshine-zm1fx]

How is Raja the only Asian winner when you say Priyanka in the very next line. Where do you think Priyanka is from exactly?

[@hanssolos3699]

@@Sunshine-zm1fx im referring raja as RPDR US. Pri waarsmahname is RPDR Canada. Comprende? bueno, bebita 😊 vamos!

[@julierobertson7288]

Gotta do a shoutout to how absolutely stunning Raven is in drag herself. Was lucky enough to see her in Auckland, NZ a couple of years ago when she filled in and OMG!! More beautiful in real life that I could have imagined. No wonder she got the nod to do Mama Ru’s makeup

[@jordanvanlee5076]

you are so underrated. you definitely need to be shown off way more in that show! for sure!!!

[@bieassialaw6832]

Been a *BIG FAN* of Raven’s since season two and been falling for him every since! I am so proud of him! Might not have won either crown but still came out a winner baby 🖤

[@homehelpheart7440]

Love ya, David! Whether you or painting yourself or Ru, the result is always classy and special. I have also always focused on eyes in my makeup looks. In fact my original KZbin channel was called "The Eyes Have It." One of my favorite things in the 80s and 90s was to put someone in drag for the first time. I used to joke that from the time I finished and handed them the hand mirror, I would have to Chisel the hand mirror out of their hand because all they wanted to do was look at themselves! And then they wanted to go out and be seen! 💖💖💖

[@aarongurney9950]

Absolutely LOVEEEEE her ever since season 2. Such a genuine human and so good at what he does. ❤️

[@atmadoma9343]

Lol genuine? She said that Tatiana is shit shit shit and and always insult Tatiana behind her back. She was shady during season 2 lol.

[@misstina1986]

Girl, that was years and years ago. They have both moved on

[@lovelydayys]

Ugh 😩 I want more behind the scenes David!

[@Mr19993]

Hmmm ...Mathu Anderson Kept Ru BEAT.

[@joaquinramirez214]

Truly such an artist! I love ALL of Rupauls looks! You’re so talented! It would be so ICONIC if Raven glamed Rupaul and talks about there most crazy makeup moments together.

[@70schild420]

So proud of you raven!you are AMAZING!keep on drag’n

[@leavesofgold3479]

FUN, FABULOUS, FIERCE, AND FUNKY. She is true to her word! ✨👑

[@Catherineann413]

You are in a category all your own. Amazing! ❤️❤️

[@ravennine2767]

very pleased to see this, but why show some makeup look that he dont do it! the first ones are by mathu andersen. raven only got this job from season 9, ep 2.

[@RandyInCandidCamera]

she's used to working with darker makeup 🥰

[@jaymeemangang9506]

Everybody was scared yet somehow they produced the longest RPDR season ever!

[@gee1271]

BLOOP

[@gabriellamariani8323]

Raven Is a magican.. Rupaul , looks beautiful

[@rachelmarylani]

love you Rave!! so talented.

[@boyroyboy226]

You’ve done an amazing job. You stepped up to the plate when few could. #emmywinner

[@brandireichert6941]

Raven will always be the most beautiful and talented Queen of them all. Including Ms. Rupaul.

[@jisoochrist]

Raven: I'm Ru's makeup artist Variety editor: **shows clips of Ru's mug mostly made by Mathu Andersen instead of her** No shade intended, but Mathu crawled so Raven could fly 🗿

[@jisoochrist]

@@icuigloo i know, but apparently Mathu and Ru don't want anything to do with each other anymore, precisely the reason why he stopped doing her makeup after season 8

[@beccaperrin3393]

@@jisoochrist ooh do tell what happened between Mathu and Ru?

[@jisoochrist]

@@beccaperrin3393 To put it simple, the timeline, **allegedly** goes like this: After taping for S9 began, Mathu politely asked Ru for a raise Mama Ru said no Mathu enraged (allegedly) damped a wig into water, slapped it on Ru's bald head and called it a day, then resigned from working for her ever again Ru shows up in a very improvised drag look on S09E02 and mama, she looked BUSTED but not project runway kind of busted, even WOW editors tried to blur her hairline and mug in an attempt to make it look decent That's where she decides to hire Raven and Delta Work (S3 contestant) to do her mug and wigs respectively, Zaldy was already in charge of her gowns before mathu left Her wigs and mugs are hit or miss for the rest of the season, but they eventually start to step their game up on the last episodes of S10 A while after, Mathu falls sick, and at this point Ru was starting to forget about his existence, until S4 disqualified iconic contestant Willam (allegedly) chimes in and tells Ru to have compassion for Mathu and help to cost his hospital treatment (Allegedly) Ru goes all "how very dare you?" mode and tells Willam to f--k off while getting on her car in a open street, and Willam feels the same towards her; it's obvious no agreement whatsoever was ever made That's at least what I've heard of

[@TylerLethersin]

@@jisoochrist mathu from what I’ve heard isn’t doing good with health, it’s not confirmed what happened but that’s why you don’t see mathu doing much work (idk if he’s done any since after leaving) but willam has said on the podcast & interviews what happened & it’s clear ru just cares about money at this point. Delta left because they didn’t give her credit & I believe she said they were rude to her on set. Idk why ru is still doing the show because at this point no ones watching for ru at all anymore & all these queens have done way more than what ru did in his career & yeah he’s giving them a platform but like no queen needs the show anymore tbh. Insta & other social media platforms make it to wear anyone can be known, all it does is confirm these bitches are on tv & a lot of them don’t really need it IMO. Ru doesn’t do anything I mean she has a whole team or people who do everything for her it’s just annoying because she’s not doing anything special anymore. Mathu also worked with celebrities before ru so mathu should have had a raise & he was doing wigs & makeup, if someone is basically doing 2 jobs in one than they need to be paid more for that, it’s not a big 1 get 1 free & it shows because ru is just pumping out seasons like crazy now & they aren’t good tbh. Almost everyone just wants all stars seasons & tbh they have lost there magic touch, it’s annoying getting one every year now because it was fun waiting 2/3 years for a new season it allows the favs to come back & show change, these sessions are just filler with Bitches not even been off there season for a year & to me that’s not cool. Really I think the show needs to be canceled because there’s other shows that could be created that are better & that actually don’t get boring. I think they should stick with the UK & other seasons for awhile but tbh there’s newer things that could be done & be better

[@muhammadzikri8492]

@@jisoochrist Ru paid all the mathu's hospital bill tho (even tho he doesn't have to), willam just demanded Ru to visit mathu, and Ru refused. I mean they don't have the best relationship at the moment, why willam have to intervene shit between them. I will say f to willam too.

[@EmpressCocokiss]

I still need to learn how to do the eye but thanks to this man my foundation and contour game is awesome. Thank you

[@Turner__22345]

Raven’s makeup is always stunning its makes sense to why Rupaul looks so damn good 😍

[@v51w4]

Kudos Raven! Salute!

[@barbratwomey4536]

Love Raven, her makeup skills are on point , just spectacular

[@cappytin6730]

Raven is beyond talented!

[@BlakeGildaphish76]

For SOME reason, i always imagined RuPaul doing his/her own makeup. i've never seen the transformation, so it's even more intriguing that RuPaul hires someone to do it. It also feels so good to know that Ru is always giving people jobs. If you're on Drag Race, chances are that you will be set for life.

[@3greenaliens729]

Raven is an amazing makeup artist and performer. I used to see her years ago at the menagerie in Riverside. The makeup was absolutely gorgeous.

[@DantesflameX]

This is the same person who said no chocolate no rice on their “dating” profile. The fact everyone ignores that

[@MedusaJellyFish300]

One of my favorite Rugirl's, funny, witty, and beautiful 😍

[@shirajai]

I haven’t seen him out of drag in soooooo long!

[@jannclark9589]

You're An Excellent Artist so Talented! Blessings to you!

[@leavesofgold3479]

Since I found out Raven is RuPaul's makeup artist, I have to find out all I can about her (always loved Raven/David.) I saw Ru on Painted With Raven and now I want to see more of them together! Great people in this world they are. ❤

[@Camoback.Ape7]

Raven is the epitome of excellence!

[@asekun022]

Raven is so talented! 👏❤👏

[@miguelferreira1195]

We love you Raven!

[@justanotherrichkid1053]

He’s a makeup genius.

[@gingercarrion6670]

I am in absolute love with Raven!!

[@seahwkgrl80]

Always has been & always will be one of my top 3 favorites! Raven 🖤

[@klekloo]

Not a word for Mathu Andersen who crafted Ru's face up until Raven. OK.

[@seanian8986]

Ru and Mathu don't like each other anymore

[@klekloo]

@@seanian8986 and Raven is being interviewed about the MAKING of Ru's face. Which is Mathu's legacy.

[@denisejones5932]

@@seanian8986 what happened?

[@Sofoca]

Raven dedicated his first Emmy to Mathu...

[@seanian8986]

@@klekloo yes Mathu made Ru's original face but Raven reinvented it when she stepped in, and that's all she claims to do here. I doubt Mathu wanted to be interviewed about Ru

[@bbsteele671]

I stan you... I've had the biggest crush on you since season 2.. I'm so proud of all your accomplishments!! You deserve it all & more!! 💜💛💜💛💜💛

[@jazzsayin8435]

Love Ravens work

[@hanssolos3699]

cant wait to watch raven's own make up challenge shoe.....i mean show 😜😜😜 congrats mama 🎉🎉🎉🎊🎊🎊💐💐💐😍😍😍

[@user-lp9fu9dp2h]

The master of #Face. Yassss!! Raven ❤💯

[@lastdays9163]

Wish he would have mentioned Mathu Anderson, the originator or the RuPaul face.

[@siobhanair2659]

More more we need more 👑🔥🙌🏾

[@naigh-naighwhy222]

The comm hunny! Give Mathu her flowers

[@BeautyObsessedMom]

I got to meet David and he’s an absolute sweetheart! He deserves every bit of the success that’s has come to him!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@stephenn8366]

Raven is a supremely talented performer and makeup artist ♥️

[@Sunshine-zm1fx]

Every time I see Raven, and think of her Emmy, all I can think of is Delta Work and how she wouldn't pay her $5,000 union dues to be able to win an Emmy or continue doing Rupaul's hair.

[@ramibasioni8624]

Yes, Raven 👑💜