The Drag Enthusiast: Miss Maxine LaQueene: "Just Throw Some Glitter On It!"

With a mix between pretty and alternative, Maxine has really pulled together some incredible looks. Being a self taught makeup artist has helped her be one of a kind and step up her game when it comes to her drag. And like every evolving performer does, she takes any opportunity to grow and better herself as not only a queen, but an entertainer.

1. How would you describe your drag aesthetic?

Editorial on a budget. A bitch is broke. Especially being a hairstylist/drag cliché

2. When and why did you begin doing drag?

I first started playing in makeup years ago. We all would play in our mother's clinique brand eyeshadows. I'd say 16-17 was when I really took the time to study drag and begin my craft. I spent a good year working on my look before starting to perform at 18. Drag is my career. I work as a hairstylist and free lance MUA. It all just goes together.

3. Where did you learn to do your makeup?

100% self taught. All the youtube tutorials in the world can't help fully teach you makeup. I would spend entire afternoons studying magazines and models to practice makeup trends on myself. I find teaching yourself to do makeup really is the best way to learn.

4. Where do you draw inspiration from?

Good question. Like any other fashion type queen, i study fashion magazines like Vogue, and designers like Givenchy and Marc Jacobs. Most of all I draw inspiration from everyday life! Anyone I meet could inspire me in some way!

5. If you ever applied and made it on Rupaul's Drag Race, who would you be for snatch game?

Omg! There are too many ideas. My top 3 would have to be: Kelly (from that viral YouTube video...OMG shoes. Lets get some shoes), Deandra from Most Popular Girls in School (another YouTube series thats stop-and-go motion with Barbies. Its hilarious), and probably Tina Belcher from Bob's Burgers. If they wanted a real life celebrity, I'd change my persona to either Kristen Wiig or Melissa McCarthy (imagine me in a fat suit!).

6. What is something no one knows about you?

Not that its interesting or anything, but I wasn't actually born in the US. I was born in St. Petersburg, Russia. I was adopted at 2 and moved here to St Louis.

7. What is the most bizarre thing anyone has ever said to you while you were in full face?

That I look like a lady? Well, more like they want to have my baby. Not even kidding. I was at a show and this lesbian couple came up to me and said they found my beauty astounding, and wanted a baby that looked like me.

8. If you could change anything about the drag community, what would it be and why?

So many possibilities. If i could change anything it would be the acceptance of alternative forms of drag. St Louis isn't exactly known for being the most open-minded when it comes to "freaky" drag. Freaky being anything that isn't old school pageantry drag.

9. If tomorrow were your very last performance, what number would you perform?

"Death is Just Around The Corner". I went to Battle of The Seasons this summer and heard Jinkx Monsoon sing this song. I immediately wanted to know where to find it! It would be the perfect way to end my life.

10. How has drag changed your life?

Believe it or not, I used to be a dorky introvert who hardly went out. Drag has DEFINITELY given me a more fun-loving personality. Not only that, but I've learned not to take myself so seriously. Drag is art, it was never meant to be so political. I merely want people to enjoy what I do. Oh, and tip me!

11. How do you deal with negativity?

You don't. Just throw some glitter on it! RuPaul herself said "Other people's opinions of me are none of my business." I truly live by that statement. People will love you and/or hate you. Either way, they're thinking about you. If you're living your life and not hurting anyone else, then who gives a fuck?

12. What is your absolute favorite makeup product to use?

Well I'm a brow queen. If I was broke (which I am) and had no other cosmetic product, I would only need the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Duo, to at least have a crisp brow. That and an angled brush. #whoneedsmakeup

13. What would you say is your favorite quality about yourself?

Can i pick just one? Personally I love my eyes. They change between this deep emerald green, a bright sky blue, and a dull grey. Its hard to see unless you're close up, but when I'm working on my eye makeup, I love to see them change! If i could only control when they do change though....

14. Marry, Kai Kai, Kill: Jaidynn Diore Fierce, Detox, Willam

Marry Willam- she clearly has the most money and have you seen her shoe collection? I could help "enhance" her mug some too!

Kai kai Detox- have you seen her porn? If she bottomed for a black man, I'm sure she'll bottom for me!

Kill Jaidynn- she's too nice! We can't have anymore nice queens! I must destroy kidness!