Best stores for Drag Queens according to Drag Queens
Let's say it one more time: New York City has some of the best drag queens in the entire world. Period. They serve charisma, uniqueness, nerve, talent, and also endless creativity plus incredible fashion. But have you ever wondered where New York queens go shopping? Well, wonder no more!
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To find out where drag queens are buying their lashes, wigs, dresses, and heels, we asked some of our favorite New York queens to reveal their go-to stores. In this list, you will find thrift shops, make-up stores, and other places to help you create a breathtaking look!
+ Drag Queens’ Favorite Makeup Products
Reminiscence
Rify Royalty's favorite place to thrift is a funky, eclectic store located around Union Square. "They're friendly and have cute vintage treasures," she says. Reminiscence is famous for its unique accessories, party costumes, vintage clothing, and fun gifts.
Screaming Mimi's
Miss Patsy InDecline recommends this store located between 8th and 7th avenue on West 14th Street. "I love it because it's a vintage shop with personality and it's reasonably priced," she says. Screaming Mimi's has been open since 1978 and is a famous costume resource for film and television stylists. Fun fact: Cyndi Lauper worked at Screaming Mimi's in the early 1980s.
Alcone
Pietra Parker always goes to this make-up store in Hell's Kitchen when it's time to get a new foundation or a colorful shadow palette. "Alcone and Sephora are the stores I always go to, but Alcone is more focused on artistic make-up." Nasty Queen also endorses Alcone store: "It has everything you need from foundation to glitter to lashes, everything! Including FX make-up."
Toho Shoji
Ducky Sheaboi finds everything she needs for custom jewelry at Toho Shoji. "Their website isn't super fancy, but they have specifics when creating drag jewelry. Super nice customer service and fair pricing on crystals." If you are looking for beads and other fashion garment accessories, this is the right place.
Trash and Vaudeville
Carnation has a few favorite places in New York for a drag queen treasure hunt. Trash and Vaudeville in the Lower East Side is one of them. "They have all the punk garments and metal accessories any freak in the streets could ever wish for!". The store is famous for selling punk rock clothing.
Beacon's Closet in Bushwick
If you are on your lucky day, take your chance to find an exclusive vintage garment at this thrift shop that is also on Carnation's list. "You'll have to go through a bunch of racks but will wind up finding at least one thing for drag and one thing for your regular closet with the amount of sequined and laser-cut garments hidden throughout!".
Abracadabra
What drag queen doesn't like a good Halloween store? Carnation recommends Abracadabra on 21 Street: "An amazing year-round Halloween store for ANY make-up, and ANY costume, wig, prop, or accessory; a DEFINITE go-to!"
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Spark Pretty
A quirky place with '80s and 90's clothing. "A very cute store with hidden gems all throughout from anything sexy, to dark and mysterious, to ultimate glamor! Amazing for summer looks as a lot of skin will be revealed!" says Carnation. The store inventory includes apparel, accessories, and vintage toys.
Purple Passions
Adriana Trenta recommends this adult store in Chelsea: "Purple Passions sells shoes and accessories that run up to sizes suitable for drag queens," she says. You will also find BDSM and fetish clothing at this spot!
Hai Trim
If you need craft materials for your look, Adriana suggests Hai Trim in Midtown. "It's a one-stop-shop for various rhinestones, feathers, and fabric for costumes."
Kryolan
Freeda Kalo has no doubt about this make-up brand! "Ït's the best full coverage foundation and is known to be used for film and special-effects make-up", she says. Kryolan is a german cosmetic company that has a store in West Village, where they sell trusted HD cosmetics.
+ LGBTQ-owned stores in NYC
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