Meet 2021’s Most Iconic LGBTQIA-inspired Makeup Inspiration!

Cranking up the LGBTQIA music anthems, but can’t think of ways to step up your Pride Month 2021 makeup style? We feel your pain, people! After all, between beauty influencers and celebrities, we can’t help but feel a little left out of the limelight. But, wait a second, who said expressive makeup is only for the famed? 

Haters will say that you’re short on time, but the best part about the ever bright and colourful LGBTQIA community is that whether you’re part of gay pride, ace or trans, it’s never short on enigmatic makeup inspirations! Oh, but did you know who else you can always count on? Us, of course! This time, we have called for the beauty avengers to assemble and help create a list of the most artistic looks to ignite the Pride Month 2021 spirit. Ready to bewitch the haters with your beauty?

Pride Or Prejudice? 

 The 21st century almost feels like the ‘60s in disguise with the prejudices of the past still lingering in the present lives of the LGBTQIA community. Though many disharmonies today exist due to more recent events that have left people feeling unsafe even in their own homes.

 This global community consists of people who are united via shared common cultures and social movements. Within its diverse community, exist divisions that celebrate different orientations, identities, pride and sexuality, with their goals being simple yet necessary - to counter the various prejudices and conformist pressures held against them by the larger society. 

Riots Of Passage - Pride Month 

What is pride month, you ask? It’s a month-long celebration of self-expression and individuality, observed by this global community. To truly know what Pride Month is, let’s rewind to the infamous U.S. riots of ‘69 which re-directed the fate of a community. 

28th June’69 marks the focal point of LGBTQIA history when a riot broke out between over 500 LGBTQIA people and the NYPD on the streets of Stonewall Inn near Manhattan, New York. By the next day, thousands of people joined the ongoing riots and for the first time, people stood with solidarity against the anti-gay legal system - changing the trajectory of LGBTQIA rights across the globe. 
 

But, Where Are The Pride Parades At?  

Scattered in online virtual spaces like Global Pride, but with the Covid-19 situation simmering down and many Indian cities catching up with times, it won’t be long before you enjoy the vibrant festivities of Pride Parade in person! 

So, are you ready to find your ideal Pride Month 2021 makeup statement? Then, let’s go! 

Lookin’ Proud & Perfect! 
 

1. Jason Arland

Instagram: @jason_arland 

If glitzy and glam are your friends, then Jason Arland is your BFF! Most of us are probably familiar with his MyGlamm videos, but did you know that this 22-year-old model happens to be a dancer too? Having started his professional career at 18, Jason Arland uses makeup as a medium to express himself! 

Okay, let’s cut to the chase - you LOVE the stunning eye makeup he has on and we have the perfect products to create it! 

Makeup Haul
 

1. Makeup Revolution Maxi Reloaded - Big Shot  

Category: Eyeshadow 

Rating: 3.8/5 

2. Stay Quirky Lipstick Super Matte Blue With Badass Upgrade

Category: Matte Lipstick

Rating: 3.9/5

3. Maybelline New York The Colossal Volume Express Waterproof Mascara 

Category: Mascara

Rating: 4.2/5

Hold up! What if we told you that we have an extra dose of makeup for Pride Month that will add the razzle-dazzle you’re looking for? 

Bonus: M.A.C Strobe Cream Mini - Pinklite 

Category: Highlighter

Rating: 4.3/5

Can You Lingo?: Queer - once a slur, it’s now a term that’s used to describe countless ways people reject binaries of gender and sexual orientations to express themselves! 

#ByeByeBinaries! 
 

2. Bretman Sacayanan

Instagram: @bretmanrock

He’s one of the most sensational makeup artists on YouTube with over 8.6 million subscribers. Though, some of us prefer his funny videos with his niece, Cleo, over his makeup tutorials! But, did you know - in 2017, he appeared among the top 30 Most Influential Teens on Time Magazine, alongside actress Millie Bobby Brown!  

It’s hard to look as alluring as Bretman but it’s not impossible, especially with our lineup of makeup for Pride Month! 

Makeup Haul

1. L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation 

Category: Foundation

Rating: 3.9/5

2. I Heart Revolution Palette - Cinnamon Chocolate 

Category: Eyeshadow

Rating: 5/5

3. Maybelline New York Hyper Glossy Liquid Liner 

Category: Eyeliner

Rating: 4.2/5

4. SUGAR Cosmetics Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipstick - Modern Auburn

Category: Liquid Lipstick

Rating: 4/5

Can You Lingo?: Ally - a person who is not part of the LGBTQIA but supports and defends the community, while promoting equality. 
 

Why Conform, Let’s Contour! 
 

3. Nikkie De Jager 

Instagram: @nikkietutorials

Do I really need to introduce her? This charismatic Dutch Youtuber, aka Nikkie Tutorials, rose to popularity in 2015 when her video “The Power of Makeup” went viral. Back in 2020, after getting over the New Year celebrations, we were surprised to see her video titled “I’m Coming Out”, which revealed that she is a transgender and had undergone her transition in her teen years. 

Whether it screams Harley Quinn or strikes as bi-pride, we got something for everyone to get this look together! 

Makeup Haul

1. Rude Cosmetics Audacious Contour Palette 

Category: Contour 

Rating: 3.8/5

2. Makeup Revolution X Tammi Tropical Carnival Palette

Category: Eyeshadow

Rating: 4.2/5

3. Colorbar Stay The Day Finishing Mist 

Category: Setting Spray

Rating: 4.2/5

4. SUGAR Cosmetics Time To Shine Lip Gloss 

Category: Lip Gloss

Rating: 3.8/5

Stellar makeup calls for equally impressive eyes, but this lash minute buy doesn’t have to be expensive -  at least not with this bonus! 

Bonus: Bronson Professional 3D Eyelashes

Category: False Eyelashes

Rating: 4.1/5

Can You Lingo?: Gender Fluid - a person whose gender identity is fluid and not fixed to one gender. 

It’s Reigning Rainbows!  

4. Alok Vaid-Menon 

Instagram: @alokvmenon

Alok Menon is an internationally acclaimed gender non-conforming performer, known for his work that explores various themes of belonging, trauma, and the human condition. Some of his works also include the books he wrote, like “Femme in Public” (2017) and “Beyond The Gender Binary” (2020).

Want your truest self to come through? Then this look is the one for you - get your quirk on! 

Makeup Haul

1. Biotique Natural Makeup Diva Duo Blush - Candy N Coral

Category: Blush 

Rating: 4/5

2. Bella Voste Ulti-Matte Liquid Lipstick - Mysterious Mauve

Category: Lip Gloss

Rating: 4/5

3. Makeup Revolution Forever Flawless Fire

Category: Eyeshadow

Rating: 4.1/5

Want to truly enamour the Pride Parade-goers and get the coveted spotlight on you? Then don’t forget this little golden bonus! 

Bonus: Swiss Beauty High Shine Glitter Nail Polish 

Category: Nail Polish

Rating: 4.6/5

Can You Lingo?: Misgendering - using incorrect pronouns or other means to falsely reflect someone’s gender identity. 

~ Bite-Sized Break Brought To You By Love Is Love ~ 

Let’s Get Things Queer! 

Illustration Credit: @Artifold

It’s time to spill the reali-tea on the situation of same-sex couples and the LGBTQIA community before we begin to wave our gay pride flags, with a fun game of trivia. The rules are simple, we ask the questions and you guess the answers for a reward but, no cheating - the eyeliner Gods are watching! 

Questions or Questioning? 

1. Is This Parade-ise?:  Which country has the record for holding the largest Pride parade in the world? 

2. Maddening Myths: Lesbian, gay and bisexual people can be identified via certain physical characteristics or traits. True or false? 

3. Bold In Bollywood: What’s India’s first gay film? 

4. Love’s Not Lost: How many countries have legalised same-sex marriages?

5. Transparent Truths: The iconic Vicks ad about the transgender woman who adopted a little girl, can you name the lady? 

PAN-tastic, You Made It! 

Here are the answers to the above questions, how many did you get right? Remember - cheaters get crooked eyeliners and winners get the wing! 

1. Your Queer Destination: Brazil 

Back in 2009, approximately 4 million people attended the Pride parade at  São Paulo - phew, what a crowd! 

2. Not Conforming Today: If you answered with “true”, then you got it right! 

People who are lesbian, gay or bisexual come in varying colours, shapes and sizes, just like heterosexuals!

3. Flamboyantly Filmy: "BOMGaY"! 

This 12-minute long film starring Rahul Bose and author, R. Raj Rao was made in 1996, and it follows the storylines of queer Indians living in Mumbai. And, while it was never released commercially, it reserves its place as an important part of queer cinema in India. 

4. New Lucky Number: 29! 

The Netherlands became the first country to legalize same-sex marriages in 2001, and since then, several other countries have done the same, including the self-governing island of Taiwan. 

5. Mama Doesn’t Discriminate:  Gauri Sawant! 

Despite the odds, this trans activist adopted young Gayatri back in 2001 and destroyed the notion that transgender people can’t be parents. 

Now let’s carry on- what’s wrong? Oh, You want the reward! Well, it’s waiting for you at the end of this article. So, let’s hurry and not keep it waiting for too long - lest it expires, oops! 

Call Me By Your Pronouns!

5. Montero Lamar Hill 

Instagram: @lilnasx 

If you don’t recognise Lil Nas X, then we are calling your bluff! The echoes of this American rapper’s first country rap song “Old Town Road” still remains on our playlists and with the new release of his songs, it won’t be long before you start to stan for this young superstar. 

This striking azure look is straight from his latest song “Montero”, and though the wig screams French nobility - the makeup says, “Eyes on me!” 

Makeup Haul

1. L.A. Girl HD Pro BB Cream 

Category: BB Cream 

Ratings: 3.9/5

Shades: We Got Range! 

2. Rude Cosmetics Bikini Bottom 

Category: Eyeshadow

Ratings: 5/5

3. Faces Canada Ultime Pro Heavenly Lashes Mascara 

Category: Mascara

Ratings: 4.3/5

You noticed it and we did too - to rock this look, you need a glow that stops the show. We got you!  

Bonus: Purplle True Jewel 24K Gold Primer

Category: Primer

Ratings: 4.2/5

Can You Lingo?: Asexual & Aromantic - the first is a person who doesn’t fit traditional expectations and standards around sexual desire, and the latter is a person who experiences little to no romantic attraction to others.
 

Move On, Gender Norms! 

6. Kristen Stewart 

Twitter: @_KrisJStewart

Whether you recognise her as Bella Swan from the Twilight franchise or Sabina from Charlie’s Angels, can we all agree that her eye makeup is captivating? After making her debut as a child actress, Kristen Stewart has since appeared in several popular movies like “The Thirteenth Year” (1999), and “Snow White and the Huntsman” (2012). 

Are you ready to hypnot-eyes the room with this enchanting look? Then, let’s get to it! 

Makeup Haul 

1. Makeup Revolution Soph X Highlighter Palette 

Category: Highlighter

Ratings: 4.4/5

2. Swiss Beauty Metallic Liquid Eyeshadow - Poker Face 

Category: Eyeshadow

Ratings: 4.3/5

3. The Face Shop Water Fit Lip Tint - Pink Mate

Category: Lip Tint

Ratings: 3.9/5

Can You Lingo?: Androgynous - a person who has both feminine and masculine characteristics or features, making it hard to distinguish their gender. 
 

The Try Gays! 

7. Eugene Lee Yang 

Instagram: @eugeneleeyang

We bet you didn’t see this coming, but we love endings with a twist! Best known for being part of a group on YouTube called The Try Guys and his work with Buzzfeed, Eugene Lee Yang is a South Korean-American actor, author, director, activist and internet celebrity. Gay pride, wave your flags! 

Now, we don’t have a survey to tell you what kind of lip balm flavour you are, but we do have a list of gorgeous makeup treats that will transform you into your most elegant self! 

Makeup Haul

1. L.A. Girl Glitterholic Glitter Topper - Party Girl  

Category: Loose Pigment

Ratings: 4.6/5

2. SUGAR Cosmetics Mettle Liquid Lipstick - Capella 

Category: Liquid Lipstick

Ratings: 3.9/5

3. Wet n Wild Photo Focus Dewy Face Primer  - Till Prime Do Us Part 

Category: Primer

Ratings: 4.1/5

Since you’re updating your collection, how about some soft-bristled makeup brushes to assist you on this creative journey?  

Bonus: Swiss Beauty Professional Face & Eye Brush Set  

Category: Makeup Brush Set

Ratings: 4.6/5

Can You Lingo?: Pansexual - a person who is attracted to different kinds of people, regardless of their gender identities. 

Dear shoppers, it’s time to reveal your reward - are you ready?

 Flat Rs.100 OFF for first time users on a min. order of Rs. 499 | Use code APPFIRST 

Now, who doesn’t love a good discount? We certainly do!

*People without our list, trying to create their Pride look* 

With the newfound iconic inspirations and products that not only blend out the binaries but also, beat every budget out there, you’re ready to rock Pride Month 2021’s finale! So, let’s not delay and make way for the most unique and quintessential makeup looks that have ever dared to dazzle!