I’ve always wondered what life is like for beauty influencers to receive or packages, film, and edit youtube videos. How long does it actually take to block eyebrows and paint a face? It has always seemed intimidating to me the thought of makeup. This is why I have asked a dear friend of mine that I have collaborated with on numerous projects and run into them at drag shows on the weekends, Dusten Perry, to give us insight into the world of beauty from a makeup artists’ perspective.
Dusten Perry: age 21, pronouns: he/they, sign: Aries (they wanted to make that clear)
What is your current title right now? Are you an influencer/MUA/beauty enthusiast?
Perry: I fully encapsulate all of the above. I’ve been all (influencer/MUA/beauty enthusiast) at some point in my career. Currently, I call myself a makeup artist simply because I do that more often than post youtube tutorials or post PR unboxings. I’ve been working on other people’s projects and getting girlies ready for the club.
When did you start exploring with makeup?
Perry: I’ve always reached into my mother’s makeup bag as a young kid, but at thirteen years old, I caught a glimpse of a drag queen painting her face before an all-ages drag show in Orlando, and I asked myself if they can do it, why can’t I?”
How did you learn how to apply makeup?
Perry: Originally, I had a drag queen mentor. I would watch her apply her face. But I also watched a lot of youtube, which was a time where there was a lack of male makeup-oriented videos. So I watched Patrick Starr, Jkissa, Ash Levi, and Lucy Garland. Even back then, there were only “makeup for men” videos which were a bit mascara and concealer, and I was trying so hard to do natural glam watching these videos. Still, I used paint sticks and drag makeup techniques to give “natural makeup.” But the more I explored makeup. I realized I didn’t have to see makeup in a binary way. I can do any look I want.
It’s so glamorous watching in front of a screen beauty influencers/YouTubers’ go-to party launches and test out a new product drop before the rest of us can get our hands on it. But what are the harsh realities of being a beauty influencer?
Perry: It’s all true what any beauty influencer has vented about feeling alone at a party. It’s not the most inviting world. For me, it was being added to the Anastasia Beverly Hills pr list that helped me put my foot in the door. What sucks, too, is that you can be producing amazing content and work, but if it doesn’t have that stamp of approval by a brand, your work isn’t seen as valid.
I think people have an idea that they’re just going on branded trips to Mykonos, but the reality for me has been staying inside filming for hours, then having to sit and edit- and it can be lonely.
What do you do to get out of a creative rut?
Perry: As an internet person, most might say never to do this, but – I just stop. There is such an emphasis on go-go and make-make- sometimes reaching for quantity, you’re ruining the quality. If I’m not into it, I’ll stop posting and return when I am feeling ready again. I refuse to ruin any sense of integrity and genuine joy that my passion brings.
How has makeup helped define your identity?
Perry: Makeup for me wasn’t ever about boosting my confidence. When I watched a drag queen paint their face for the first time and learned from them, I viewed makeup as a way to accentuate my features. Makeup is something I just love. With my traditional art school background in oil paints, I’ve always loved creating, but my creativity translates better on my face rather than a palette.
Thoughts on the beauty/makeup industry?
Perry: Extensive change needs to be made in the beauty industry. Every year, we see how often brands are called out for lack of inclusion in their shade range or not catering to people with skin conditions. It’s disappointing because makeup should be for everyone, and we even still see a lack of inclusion in campaigns and advertising. There is just no excuse for big brands not to put in the effort.
What advice do you have for anyone who is scared to explore makeup?
Perry: The first step is to find good skincare! Find a good cleanser and
moisturizer. Don’t worry about the rest. Secondly, just play around with makeup in your room. No one has to see you pick a safe place and start doing it. Thirdly, you don’t need expensive eyeshadow palettes to get better. Hit the drugstore first. There are so many great brands like Elf or Maybelline.
What’s in store for Dusten this year?
Perry: The wise Greek Philosopher Kylie Jenner once said, “this is the year of realizing things.” But really, I always tell people that I am going to dip my toes into drag. But there are a few problems. I suffer from Caucasians- can’t dance. No rhythm. Two- my art school years were terrible for learning how to sew, so my garment construction sucks. So I want to create a Drag Queen Bootcamp series on my YouTube channel where I teach myself the ins and outs of becoming the queen I hope to be.
Creative Direction/Styling/Interview conducted by Daniela Guevara @danielatguevara
Images by Taylor Golda @taylor_golda
Talent by Dusten Perry @dustenjperry