RuPaul Makeup Artist Reveals Six-Hour Transformation Process
According to a single-source report from Variety, David Petruschin, known as “Raven,” serves as RuPaul’s personal makeup artist on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Petruschin, a former contestant on the show, spends approximately six hours transforming RuPaul for each episode, with 45 minutes dedicated solely to foundation application. He described the process as a “complete reconstruction” of the face. Petruschin also noted that RuPaul does not use her phone during makeup but instead closes her eyes. The makeup artist recalled being nervous initially but found RuPaul to be “one of the sweetest people.” Head makeup artist Natasha Marcelina handles the show’s guest makeup, including this season’s Brooke Shields, and said she adapts to each guest’s preferences without trying to change signature features.
What’s reported
David Petruschin, who goes by “Raven,” is RuPaul’s personal makeup artist on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Petruschin competed on the second season of “Drag Race” in 2010 and on “All Stars” Season 1.
He became RuPaul’s makeup artist in 2017 and won an Emmy for Outstanding Contemporary Makeup in 2020.
The transformation takes about six hours, including 45 minutes for foundation.
RuPaul closes her eyes during makeup application and does not use her phone.
Petruschin described RuPaul as sweet and giving, and said they bounce ideas off each other.
Head makeup artist Natasha Marcelina handles guest makeup, including Brooke Shields this season.
Marcelina said she adapts to each guest and does not try to change their signature features, referencing RuPaul’s advice: “you don’t need to reinvent the wheel.”
Key figures
David Petruschin (Raven) – makeup artist and former “Drag Race” contestant
RuPaul – host of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”
Natasha Marcelina – head makeup artist for guests
Brooke Shields – guest on the current season
Sources: Variety
