Q&A: RuPaul on eyelash curlers, shapewear, his TV show and new book

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RuPaul must be America’s most famous drag queen. He doles out advice for both sexes on makeup, hair, diet and wardrobe in “Workin It!: RuPaul’s Guide to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Style.’ The performer, who does drag only “when I’m being paid,” chatted with All the Rage about this and his exhausting makeover routine, which starts at 6 a.m., during the filming of LOGO’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race.’

He’s been in the news recently, after three South L.A. elementary school teachers were suspended and then reassigned for having their students display pictures of RuPaul and Dennis Rodman and O.J. Simpson in a Black History Month parade -- but he declined, through his representatives, to chat about that.

On the other hand, he was more than happy to chat about some lifestyle tidbits:

What’s an inexpensive product that can drastically change a woman’s facial appearance?

For both men and women, an eyelash curler is a must. It gives your eye the appearance of being well-rested and wide open.

For lips, do you prefer gloss or color?

I prefer both, plus a lip liner.

What are your feelings about shapewear; the Spanx craze?

I believe you should use whatever you can to get the silhouette you desire: padding, shapewear or control-top pantyhose.

Favorite designer?

I can honestly say I really love them all, but some items work better on my body than others. The key is knowing what works for you.

What are you wearing this spring?

Having an automobile in Los Angeles enables me to change clothes at least three times a day: I will go from western wear to nautical to Savile Row in the course of 12 hours. My current favorite accessory that goes with all of these looks is fake flowers.

What is your secret to success?

The secret of success in every field is redefining what success means to you. It can’t be your parent’s definition, the media’s definition or your neighbor’s definition. Otherwise, success will never satisfy you. Personally, I experience success when I enjoy what I’m doing. I love the creative process even if the end result isn’t embraced by anyone else.

Which contestant is the one-to-watch on this season of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’?

Each of the contestants were hand-picked by me based on the potential I saw in their audition. Without giving away any too much, I’m not surprised by any of them. I think they are all genius.

Get your own makeup tips and show gossip at RuPaul’s book signing at 2 p.m. Saturday at Samuel French, 7623 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles.

-- Max Padilla

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