Maria Katrina Paras

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Metro Beauty Insider Versex

<p>Under unforgiving lights doing gravity defying stunts, energetic choreo, and soulful lip syncs drag queens know a thing or two about not just good makeup but great makeup. No one takes the ritual of transformation through makeup more than a drag queen about to perform. So we had to seek the sage beauty advice of one of the most recognizable and creative queens out there. She goes by many a moniker— Miss Manila, the eternal it girl, Miss Congeniality, but everyone knows her as <strong>Versex</strong>.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774238351697Versex 1.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><p>The 27-year-old internet darling got her first major TV break by being one of the most memorable contestants on <strong>Drag Race Philippines Season 3</strong> in spite of her short time on the show. She was best known for her witty quips and repeat-worthy zingers but also of course being one of the fashion queens of her season. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774238546524Drag Race Philippines - Versex.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo via @dragraceph</span></span></span></div><p>She may be famous for her impeccable eye for fashion and styling but best believe that her paint and hair are also must-see attractions. Besides her stint on DRPH, she was also known for her hair styling artistry, hairsex. Her clientele included the likes of <strong>Heart Evangelista</strong>, <strong>Liza Soberano</strong>, <strong>Marina Summers</strong>, and <strong>BJ Pascual</strong> to name a few.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774238882300Versex.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>These days, she keeps herself booked and busy both online and offline with live drag performances and YouTube shows like <strong>“Add to Cart”</strong> with fellow Drag Race Philippines alums <strong>Viñas Deluxe</strong> and <strong>Minty Fresh</strong>, and <strong>“Style Stealers” </strong>with renowned photographer, <strong>Shaira Luna</strong>. </p><p>Read below as we get to know more behind what it takes to make Versex the drag queen come to life, her non-negotiable makeup products to make her mug stay all night long, and the technique she thinks everyone can take from the drag beauty playbook.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Metro.Style: Can you take us through a day of being a drag queen?</strong></div><p><strong>Versex: </strong>Honestly, prepping for drag is a whole day of ritual for me. It’s beyond just getting ready, it&#x27;s kind of spiritual. I have to internalize the idea that I’m about to transform into a completely different entity, Versex. So if there’s work that day, I start by mentally preparing myself. Once I’m in the right headspace, that’s when I do my glam. I always give myself at least an hour before leaving for the gig because, as makeup girls know, we need to marinate our makeup before stepping out. It has to reach its maximum potential! Then it’s showtime: I perform, meet people, do my thing. That’s pretty much a day in the life. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774239150258Versex 2.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>MS: What’s your relationship like with makeup?</strong></div><p><strong>V:</strong> Makeup has been such a powerful tool for me to reach my full fantasy. My job requires me to embody different personas, so makeup isn’t just an accessory it’s  my weapon of choice. It’s how I express, transform, and communicate. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774239206637tempImageUHyegy.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Image Caption</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>MS: How long does it take you to do your makeup? Do you have any pre-show rituals or maybe music you listen to?</strong></div><p><strong>V: </strong>For a normal drag day, I like to give myself a good three hours to get ready. It&#x27;s my ritual. I take my time, feel my oats, and perfect every detail. If it’s a big event, I give myself around five hours because I never want to feel rushed. Prepping for drag is actually very zen for me. It’s my calm before the storm. While doing my makeup, I love listening to podcasts like Call Her Daddy or Rotten Mango. It helps me get in the groove and stay grounded.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP-4lOkkipF/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A2209547%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="945" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong>MS: You’re also known for your hair work— hair.sex. Is there a rule of thumb you swear by when matching your hair look to your makeup?</strong></div><p><strong>V:</strong> Whenever I wear colored wigs, I have one rule: everything has to be cohesive. The tones, the undertones, it all has to make sense together. Sometimes I even tweak my foundation shade depending on my hair color, because certain tones can wash me out. And I always make sure my hair color complements my brows, it just ties the whole face together. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774239292935Versex 3.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner"></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>MS: Who are some of your personal beauty icons that you’ve drawn inspiration from?</strong></div><p><strong>V: </strong>Pat McGrath and Raoul Alejandre have both played a huge role in shaping my makeup aesthetic. There’s something about their work that’s so chic and impactful, sometimes angular, sometimes soft but always quietly powerful. Their looks are streamlined, intentional, and fully realized. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774239606075Versex 8.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>MS: What’s a drag makeup technique that people should try?</strong></div><p><strong>V: </strong>Honestly? Just play. Experiment with makeup and try things outside your comfort zone. That’s the only way you’ll really learn what flatters your face. At the end of  the day, you can always wipe it off, it&#x27;s just makeup! </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774239374776Versex 4.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner"></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>MS: How do you make your makeup last long and what’s a no-fail product or skincare step that melts it away at night?</strong></div><p><strong>V: </strong>As drag queens, we layer a lot on our faces, but what I’ve learned over the years is that the key is to apply thin layers. You’re still wearing a lot, but it won’t feel or look cakey. Skin prep is also non-negotiable. A lot of people think makeup lasts longer when everything’s matte, but that’s not true drying your skin out just makes it produce more oil. The secret is to moisturize properly so your skin doesn’t overcompensate. That way, your base stays locked in all night. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774239476274Versex 5.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>MS: Any tips for baby drag queens trying to figure out their signature makeup look?</strong></div><p><strong>V: </strong>Don’t be afraid to be “ugly.” Seriously. Play around, try different things, and let  yourself experiment. You’ll never know what really works for you unless you risk looking a little crazy at first. Beauty is subjective, and that’s the fun of it. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774239501635Versex 6 .jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>MS: You’re known for your catchphrases, any beauty catchphrase you want to leave us with?</strong></div><p><strong>V:</strong> Just put it siz. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774239538314Versex 7.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><br/></div>

Metro Beauty Insider: Makeup Chameleon Drag Queen Versex

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Metro Beauty Insider: Makeup Chameleon Drag Queen Versex

Chin Ann Obiedo

Published March 25, 2026 02:00 PM PHT

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Updated March 25, 2026 02:27 PM PHT

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