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Pride Month is in full swing, as are the parades, parties, and protests you've been looking forward to since *checks calendar* last June! But Pride outfits, Pride makeup, and Pride nails are about soooo much more than just rainbows and glitter—they're a representation of the pride we have in our queer identities. More than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills are making their way through state legislatures rn, so it's as important as ever to show up and show out.
That's why during Pride Month (and beyond!) we'll be using makeup products from LGBTQ+-owned beauty brands as well as industry allies putting their money where their mouths are with donations to LGBTQ+ organizations like The Trevor Project. Whether it's tri-colored eyeliner representing the trans community, sparkly eyeshadow showing off your bisexuality, or rainbow face gems celebrating your allyship, there's something special in knowing your Pride makeup look was created using products that truly uplift the queer community.
To spark your creativity, I virtually stalked the Internet's most talented LGBTQ+ makeup artists for step-by-step tutorials on everything from Pride flag eyeshadow to rainbow eyebrows. My fellow Cosmo editors shared their Pride makeup ideas and product recs, too. Don't be intimidated, these Pride makeup looks are surprisingly easy to recreate. No matter your budget or skill level, you'll look absolutely gag-worthy by the time you're done!
The false lash brand Kiss is celebrating Pride Month 2024 with three limited-edition rainbow falsies that make for an easy, one-and-done Pride makeup look. Even better, they're donating $50,000 to The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ+ youth.
P.S. Kiss has super cute Pride-themed press-on nails, too.
This Easy Pride Flag Eyeshadow
Don't be intimidated by rainbow Pride makeup that require multiple colors. All you'll need to create this Pride flag eyeshadow is a few brightly colored eyeliners, an eyeshadow brush for blending, and a bit of confidence.
"To achieve this Pride look, start by applying the first color to the inner corner of the eyelid then blend it out with a brush. You can layer the shade until your desired saturation is achieved. Then, repeat these steps for each additional shade until the entire lid is complete," says Steve Kassajikian, head of global artistry at Urban Decay.
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These Versatile Eyeliners
Eyeliner pencils offer more precise application than powder eyeshadows, especially when creating multi-color looks. Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils are my go-to for colorful eye makeup because they're creamy enough to blend with a brush and come in a multitude of colors and finishes. Best of all, the waterproof formula doesn't budge, even when I'm sweating like crazy.
And you don't have to go crazy with every single color! Many Pride flag looks only require three colors (like this pink, yellow, and blue combo representing the pansexual flag), all of which can be worn individually as graphic liner, too.
Gender-affirming hormones can wreak havoc on your skin, as can a month's worth of Pride parties. The easiest (and most festive) way to hide breakouts: these limited-edition Pride acne dots from Peace Out. The fun rainbow-colored design does more than help your pimple heal; it elevates your Pride outfit to a whole other level. Plus, now through July 6, Peace Out is donating $5 from every box to The Trevor Project.
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PSA: Your Pride makeup doesn't have to include a rainbow. A swath of brightly-colored eyeshadow can be just as impactful, as assistant news editor Sam Olson proves with this brat green look created using About-Face's Fluid Eye Paint in the shade Everything Now. Swipe on an of-the-moment shade, and you've got a quick, easy, uncomplicated beat that'll earn compliments everywhere you go.
"About-face has been one of my favorite beauty brands for a minute, and the fact that cool human/legendary performer/killer MUA Halsey is its founder is simply a plus," says Olson. "The brand's formulas are comfortable and long-wearing (it's true, I recently wore several of their products for 16-hour days at Gov Ball). The Performer Foundation is smooth, skin-like, and super easy to apply with its signature jumbo doe-foot applicator; the Matte Fix Lip Liner has the creamiest and most blendable formula in my kit; and their bestselling Fluid Eye Paints are to die for. The best part? All their products are under $30. Thank me later!"
Since the mid-'90s, M∙A∙C has donated every cent from its Viva Glam lipstick line to the M·A·C VIVA GLAM Fund, which helps fund local organizations supporting women and girls, the LGBTQIA+ community, and people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. To date, the brand has raised over $520 million globally. Gay icons like RuPaul, Kim Petras, Rihanna, and Nicki Minaj have all starred in Viva Glam campaigns, which all but guarantees this lipstick will make you feel like a total baddie.
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"Neons will always be king for Pride, and I swear by a combo of About-Face Shadowstick in white as a base, followed by patting on Bakeup Beauty Neons Palm Palette with a flat-shader brush to build up pigment," shares Beth Gillette, beauty editor. While eye gems aren't required, they'll make your neon makeup look pop even more.
Sure, you can find super cheap rainbow face gems on Amazon, but they won't stay in place nearly as well as the ones in this Pride Playbox from Bakeup Beauty—and they won't give back to the queer community, either. Created by celebrity MUA Jo Baker, $1 from every box sold is donated to one•n•ten, a non-profit that supports the LGBTQ+ community.
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This Foolproof Pride Flag Face Paint
Want to stand out from the sea of face gems and body glitter this Pride Month? A bold swipe will take your Pride makeup look somewhere totally different, and all you need is a broad paintbrush and a few cream eyeshadows. Commitment is the key to success, as are Q-tips to clean up the edges. Touch up the colors with a small makeup brush if you missed any spots on your first go.
With matte and shimmer shades in every color of the rainbow, these Hy Power Pigment Paints from Haus Labs will help you master all the Pride makeup ideas on your FYP. I recommend grabbing all the colors from your particular flag—peep the yellow, white, purple and black non-binary flag above—to play around with, even if it's just for a quick pic on the 'gram.
FYI, a dollar from every purchase on the Haus Labs site is donated to Lady Gaga (and her mom!!)'s Born This Way Foundation all year round, not just during Pride Month.
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Who better to create a rainbow eyeshadow palette than a pair of drag queens? Reviewers rave that Kim Chi Chic eyeshadows are "easy to apply and long-lasting" with buildable coverage that accommodates all kinds of Pride makeup ideas. This glittery collab between Drag Race MVPs Kim Chi and Trixie Mattel feels particularly fitting for a Pride party.
This Trendy Rainbow Blush
Everyone, and I mean everyone, online is obsessed with under-eyeshadow, thanks to SZA's makeup gal @naezrahlooks. With the right eyeshadow shades, her signature multi-colored blush can easily be adapted for a Pride makeup look. Prime with a white base to make the colors really pop, especially on darker skin tones.
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This Full-Face Palette That Works on Everyone
Most limited-edition Pride makeup launches pale in comparison to Danessa Myricks' Love is Love All Over Face Palette. Each of the eleven chromatic shades can be used on the eyes, cheeks, and lips, allowing for even more experimentation. Are you feeling a glittery eyeshadow look today, or are you in more of a rainbow blush mood? Doesn't matter bc this baby can do it all.
When I say Danessa Myricks' makeup is for everyone, I mean everyone. The Black-owned beauty brand's products are pigmented enough to pop on all skin tones, so there's no need to worry if they're right for your complexion.
This Setting Spray That Locks Everything in Place
"I simply could not make it without this waterproof ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr On 'Til Dawn Setting Spray," says Chaise Sanders, associate editor. The mattifying formula locks makeup in place so well that even Beyoncé uses it, so it's safe to say it'll withstand a sweaty Pride march or summer concert.
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This Rainbow Lip Liner
Bold and subtle and the same time, this rainbow lip liner commands attention while requiring minimal time and effort. If you can't find the right lip liner colors, you can use liquid eyeliner or eye pencils to create the Pride flag of your choice.
Through its Proud Allies for All program, NYX Cosmetics donates over $500,000 annually to organizations like the Los Angeles LGBT Center. The brand's affordable Epic Wear Liner Sticks and Epic Wear Liquid Liner are ideal picks for this 5-minute Pride makeup idea.
Revolution Beauty's Beam Bright Rainbow Highlighter contains pigments of every color, creating a subtle holographic effect. If you're looking for low-key Pride makeup that you can wear to work; this is it. A few swipes with a fluffy brush and you'll be glowing from the inside out.
This Pride Month, Revolution Beauty is donating £25,000 to Switchboard and The Trevor Project to increase mental health awareness among the LGBTQIA+ community. As if you needed another reason to add this one-of-a-kind highlighter to your cart!
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"If I was short on time and needed to quickly get ready to slay the house down boots at a Pride party, I'd layer on a bajillion coats of colored mascara. It's so quick and easy but the clumpy look feels editorial and looks like I spent way more time on it," says Gillette. "If I had an extra 10 minutes, I'd stick on a set of matching press-on nails like I did here."
This $9 colored mascara from Colourpop and $5 KISS press-ons are all you need to nail this easy Pride makeup idea for under $20.
Glitter Eyeshadow
I've got two words for you: glitter eyeshadow. Though it may not have the wow factor of the intricate Pride makeup ideas on your FYP, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And, it's something you'll use year-round.
Urban Decay's 24/7 Moondust Eyeshadow is a Cosmo team fave, especially for all-day wear. "It’s easy to get a high-impact look because you only have to swipe on one shade to get lots of different colors of shimmer. The glitter catches the sun in the day and the chrome effect comes to life at night under lights. Swipe this on heavily from the inner corner to brow bone, throw on some face gems, and you’re set for a loooong Pride day," says Heath Owens, senior commerce editor.
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These Trendsetting Rainbow Brows
Makeup artists are still crediting this NikkieTutorials video six years later for teaching them how to nail these bold rainbow brows. Paired with a full mug or perhaps just a swipe of mascara, it's sure to grab attention at a march or party.
But, there's no need to worry if Pride makeup ideas like this feel too advanced for your skill level. "The coolest thing about Pride makeup looks is that there are no rules. Like, anything goes—sparkly disco makeup, rainbow eyes, lip art, graphic eyeliner, the list goes on," says Gillette. "Traditionally, you're gonna see lots of bright colors to match the pride flags, but glitter, rhinestones, and serious drag looks will reign supreme in 2024. Expect to see lotsa Chappell Roans running around."
Sarah Maberry
Fashion and Luxury Commerce Editor
Sarah Maberry is a fashion and luxury commerce editor at Hearst Magazines, where she covers fashion, beauty and pop culture. A seasoned trend forecaster and fashion historian, she analyzes viral products and trends on a deeper level, helping readers determine what's worth buying. When she’s not writing for ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR, Town & Country, Esquire, Cosmopolitan and other publications, she can be found roaming the Museum at FIT (her alma matter) or sewing her own couture while she binge-watches reality TV.