MAC has never been afraid to break boundaries or to stand up for what it believes in, with none other than world renowned Drag Artist Ru Paul as the first ever face of our MAC VIVA GLAM campaign when it was founded in 1994 – before drag was mainstream.
Drag began out of necessity, although that’s not to say its participants didn’t enjoy it. When Shakespearean theatre began in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the stage wasn’t just a place of entertainment. At the time there were rules that only men could feature on stage, so if a play were to feature a female role, then it was up to a man in the cast to dress as women.
The word ‘drag’ is believed to have theatrical origins too. The dresses men wore to play female characters would DRAG along the floor – hence the name Drag Queen.
As time went on, drag became more about the individual, self-expression, and creativity, and with shows like Drag Race bringing the art form to mainstream, drag performers have built up their own fanbases. Drag is now seen regularly on TV, magazine covers, and is part of our social fabric.
This LGBT+ History month MAC worked with six incredible Drag performers to explore how drag has developed over the years and how we have supported the drag community and art form in its evolution.
BBC Glow Up
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MAC VIVA GLAM
THE HISTORY OF DRAG
From a Drag Queen starring as our first-ever spokesperson in 1994, to our current collaborations with the drag community, MAC has always celebrated drag as a form of makeup artistry and self-expression.
MAC VIVA GLAM is proud to have partnered with BBC Glow Up Season 4 to shine a spotlight on the Art of Drag. Judged by MAC Director of Makeup Artistry, Dominic Skinner, and world-renowned Makeup Artist, Val Garland, the final 6 contestants of the makeup competition had the opportunity to make over the stars of our History of Drag Campaign – where we explored the evolution of drag for LGBT+ History Month.
VIVA GLAM is a maverick social campaign and a lipstick range that started almost 30 years ago to raise awareness for HIV and AIDs. A pioneer of the drag movement, legend Ru Paul was the first ever face of the campaign, and since then it's featured big names such as Ariana Grande, Rihanna and Lady Gaga.
We proudly stand with our employees, artists, friends, and family members in the drag community in the face of continued discrimination and oppression – and offer our stores as a safe space for people of All Ages, All Races and All Genders to express their creativity, celebrate their individuality and be their most authentic selves.
You can take action in seconds… join us in our mission to support equal rights by purchasing a MAC Viva Glam Lipstick.
“If you buy any of M·A·C’s three VIVA GLAM lipsticks, 100% (less VAT in the UK) of the price is donated to one of our charity partners in support of sexual, gender and racial equality. Since launch in 1994 we have raised a staggering £25,000,000 for charities in the UK and Ireland.”
– Sharryn Hinchliffe,
M·A·C Executive Director of Global Artistry and BBC Glow Up Guest Judge.
DRAG 101
STEP 1.
BROWS
PRODUCTS USED
STEP 2.
COMPLEXION
PRODUCTS USED
STEP 3.
EYES
PRODUCTS USED
STEP 4.
LIPS
PRODUCTS USED
LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH – THE ORIGINS OF DRAG
FEATURING
DAVE LYNN
@DAME_DAVE_LYNN
@DAME_DAVE_LYNN
BLACK PEPPA
@IAMBLACKPEPPA
@IAMBLACKPEPPA
CHEDDAR GORGEOUS
@CHEDDAR_GORGEOUS
@CHEDDAR_GORGEOUS
VICTORIA SCONE
@VICTORIASCONE
@VICTORIASCONE
RHYS'S PIECES
@RHYSSPIECES
@RHYSSPIECES
HANS
@HAUS.OF.DONS
@HAUS.OF.DONS