At just 26, Chappell Roan, an emerging LGBTQ+ pop sensation, is not only capturing attention with her music but also with her distinctive beauty looks. Hailing from Missouri, Roan has rapidly become renowned for her bold, theatrical makeup and hair, which perfectly match her dynamic performances and relatable lyrics. From NPR Tiny Desk Concerts to the Coachella stage, Roan’s beauty choices have consistently pushed boundaries, establishing her as a rising style icon in the music industry.
Roan’s makeup style is an eclectic mix of ’80s glam, drag culture, theatre, and avant-garde artistry. Her signature red curls are often paired with dramatic makeup that ranges from glittering eyeshadows to stark white face paint. These daring looks aren’t just for show; they are an extension of her persona and artistic expression, visually amplifying the energy of her music and setting her apart in the pop industry.
One of Roan’s most talked-about beauty moments was her debut at Coachella. Her look was a combination of ’80s club kid culture and contemporary edge. Crafted by makeup artist Donni Davy, known for her work on Euphoria, Roan’s look featured a pale white base inspired by drag makeup, bright fuchsia blush, duo-toned brows, and a smoky cat-eye adorned with rhinestones. This striking combination evoked icons like Boy George and ’80s punk.
For the second weekend of Coachella 2024, Roan and Dony opted for a butterfly transformation. The intricate look included hot pink “antenna eyebrows,” exaggerated black eyeliner with crystals, and shimmery pink and lavender eyeshadow to match her butterfly wings.
Transitioning from the festival scene to a more theatrical homage, Roan paid tribute to drag legend Divine at the Kentuckiana Pride. Makeup artist Andrew Dahling recreated Divine’s iconic exaggerated eyebrows and bold blue eyeshadow, complemented by dramatic eyeliner and pink blush. Roan’s bright red sequin gown and leopard print accents echoed Divine’s flamboyant style, highlighting her deep connection to drag culture.
Continuing her streak of dramatic looks, Roan appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” with a makeup look inspired by the animated film “Barbie of Swan Lake.” Crafted by Dahling, her makeup featured white and black eyeshadow with tiny feathers accentuating her lashes, paired with a platinum blonde wig and a feathered outfit.
Roan’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert makeup was a theatrical spectacle created by Sterling Tull, a queer transgender makeup artist and drag queen. Inspired by a Pat McGrath design for Dior’s Fall 2007 couture collection, Roan’s look featured white face paint, exaggerated blush, and lipstick on the teeth. This combination of camp and couture, emphasizes Roan’s commitment to redefining conventional beauty norms.
Roan’s standout look at the 2024 Governors Ball Music Festival was a provocative take on The Statue of Liberty. Inspired by her love for drag and kink, Roan’s entire body was painted verdant green to mimic weathered copper, complemented by spiked lashes, bold silver highlights, and a matching green lip.
Roan’s use of clown makeup, a symbol of rebellion against conventional beauty standards, positions her as a challenger of mainstream norms. Drawing from icons, Roan’s makeup blends elements of drag, burlesque, club kid aesthetics, creating a unique and impactful visual identity. This approach not only deconstructs traditional beauty norms but also adds a layer of subversive commentary to her performances.
