Bimini Bon Boulash has a message for the haters – and it's one you're going to want to hear
They're a gender-bender, our favourite cis-tem offender; release the beast, it's Bimini [Bon Boulash], the drag Queen that needs no introduction...
Ever since appearing on the second season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Bimini Bon Boulash has taken the world by storm, rising to fame not only for their otherworldly looks but for challenging the gender binary in all that they do. Not limited to their beauty, the drag Queen regularly educates their 939,ooo Instagram followers on gender and politics, has written a book named Release the Beast: A Drag Queen's Guide to Life and even walked the runway for some of the biggest names in fashion history. Quite the resumé, hey?
The latter brings me to their latest dynamic venture: stepping out at the 2024 Chet Lo London Fashion Week show barefaced and dressed as the iconic THAYERS Red Cap. Bridging the gap between avant-garde fashion and pared-back beauty, Bimini ‘toned it down’ (geddit?) with skincare brand THAYERS, best known for their iconic toner – which we now know is loved by our fave drag Queen, too.
As the brand tells Cosmopolitan UK, Bimini's make-up-free look not only allows the red cap to stand out but also symbolises resisting the overstimulation of London Fashion Week.
10s, 10s, 10s across the board.
But between their busy schedule and fashion show appearances – whether it be walking the runway itself or sitting on the FROW – Cosmo UK caught up with Bimini to chat all things that inspire their work, skincare hacks and even delve into the recovery details of their recent hair transplant. So, as previously mentioned, release the beast, Bimini!
What is Bimini’s signature look?
Bimini: GOOD TIME GIRL! That’s my go-to beauty look in three words. I’d say it’s a mix of sex, grunge and an abundance of 90s references. The main inspiration behind my glam has always been and will continue to be Pamela Anderson. She’s the original IT girl to me.
Who is on your beauty mood board?
Bimini: A lot of refs from the 90s. I feel like there was so much rulebreaking with styles and everything felt very pop. I love all the cool tones of that era. Angelina Jolie in Girl, Interrupted is always a great hair reference!
Do you have a secret skincare hack you could let us in on?
Bimini: ICE GLOBES. When I’m busy and life is a bit chaotic, whack them in the freezer and wake up to a refrigerated face mask. I put on THAYERS Facial Toner and then massage the globes on the skin. It pushes all the product into the skin and helps with debuffing.
Can you tell us a bit about your hair transplant?
Bimini: I’ve wanted to get one since I was in my teens! My hair started going back quite young and it was out of my control – something innately masculine that I didn’t like. I decided fuck it, it’s time and went to KSL clinics in Kent. They did an amazing job and I think the results are gonna be bang bang but I’m in a weird period where I’m waiting for the hair to grow. It takes a while but it’ll be super worth it.
I did swell up though which is a side effect of the anesthesia. It’s very common and totally fine – but it was bloody hilarious.
What era inspires your beauty looks?
Bimini: Mainly 90s for go-to looks but it can be anything from a messy night out in the 00s to the French Revolution! I’m sitting in glam now getting painted in a gradient of teal so that’s always fun!
If you could trade makeup bags with any other drag queen, who would it be?
Bimini: Baga Chipz!
Do you remember the first time you wore makeup and how it made you feel?
Bimini: I started wearing ‘guy liner’ at fifteen. Slightly fragile in my confidence and wanted anything to add some glam without it being ‘for girls’. I’m glad I decided to fuck those rules off!
Did the process of finding your drag makeup aesthetic help in realising your gender identity?
Bimini: 100%!!! I think fluidity is beautiful and we need more people that don’t fit into categories. I did try to go for a ‘sexy clown’ aesthetic when I first thought that’s what drag had to be but in my head, I still looked good. I’ll reiterate… in my head.
How has your drag aesthetic/beauty look evolved since you first started drag?
Bimini: I’d say I allowed myself to get creative and work with other creatives that help enhance whatever chaotic vision we have going on. My bestie and makeup artist, Byron London, brings out whatever nuts idea either of us has – from punk and in-your-face, to a toned-down look like I did for LFW this year. I’m very lucky for that!
Do you have a favourite/holy grail beauty product and why?
Bimini: WATER!!! The skin has got to be hydrated. It’s truly the best accessory for makeup application. That, and a good toner. I’m obsessed with the THAYERS one right now!!! It really helps the products to penetrate the skin and THAYERS is bang bang for that!
Favourite beauty look you’ve ever done?
Bimini: That’s such a tricky one as I think I don’t often look back, I’m always thinking about what’s next. We love a fashion week as a time to get creative so it’s probably from one of those!! Especially my look for the Chet Lo show this year.
Dark lip liner or skinny 90s brows?
Bimini: Dark lip liner – so I could draw a brow as well!
And finally, a message for the haters?
Bimini: Love you, babes! ❤️
With that, both Bimini and I sign off with a kiss. Oh, and as they once famously said (read: sang): "Love yourself, say that again!"
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