Playing Favorites: 9 Filipino Drag Queens Share Their Signature Scents
These relentless performers prove that a great fragrance can leave a lasting impression long after the show is over.
I didn’t know what to expect when I entered a club to watch a drag show for the first time. My only idea of a drag queen came from watching multiple seasons of American reality TV show, RuPaul’s Drag Race and its local franchise, Drag Race Philippines. But my experience did not disappoint. The drag queens were indeed larger than life, with colorful, exaggerated makeup, hair so big it’s probably full of secrets, and show-stopping looks that grab your attention as soon as the spotlight finds them.
But there was something I discovered that I didn’t get from watching them on screen. As the queens made their way around the room for some post-show hobnobbing and to take some selfies, I couldn’t help but notice that their scent lingered in the air, making them as unforgettable as their high-impact dance numbers. How could they smell so good even after all the emotional lip-syncing, stunts, and dips?
In an exclusive with Allure Philippines, nine Filipino drag queens share what they spritz on before they step out on stage, and they also reveal the fragrances they reach for when they’re out of drag. Because for these performers, smelling good is totally part of the transformation.
Dior J’adore Eau de Parfum
In drag, I just love how J’adore Eau de Parfum is so feminine. Out of drag I use Lush Dirty. It is very sexy and masculine.
Precious Paula Nicole
Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede and Maison Margiela Replica
I love perfumes! My day feels incomplete without wearing one. I actually have a lot of favorite fragrances, but my ultimate favorites are Peony & Blush Suede from Jo Malone, and By the Fireplace and Lazy Sunday Morning from Maison Margiela Replica. I love their scents because they’re both woody and fresh, with an androgynous quality that anyone can wear and appreciate. They also suit my personality perfectly.
Captivating Katkat
Prada Paradoxe
My ultimate favorite and signature scent is Prada Paradoxe since 2022.I love it for its bold and sweet scent. For me, it smells like power and softness at the same time which perfectly embodies the presence I want people to feel with Eva.
Eva Le Queen
YSL Libre and YSL Black Opium
My signature scent is YSL Libre. It’s warm, established, sophisticated, intelligent and a whole lot of naughty—reminds me of a CEO who means business both at work and in play. But as a guy, as Ryan, I use Black Opium from YSL. It’s a strong scent that is both feminine and masculine at the same time. Not intimidating, welcoming yet esteemed.
Tita Baby
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 and Mancera Instant Crush
I love Baccarat Rouge and Thomas Kosmala as I am into woody-smoky-sweet fragrances. When I’m in drag I layer either of the fragrances with something more sweet, like Lush sticky dates or Mancera Instant Crush.
Arizona Brandy
Mugler Angel Nova and Jo Malone Sandalwood & Spiced Apricot
Signature scent wise, I always reach for gourmand, specifically vanilla notes. Current circulation includes: Mugler Angel Nova, a very light approach to Vanilla, very feminine without being overly sweet. And Jo Malone Sandalwood & Spiced Apricot, a warm but sweet and comforting vanilla scent.
Myx Chanel
Prada Paradoxe Intense
I love Prada Paradoxe Intense because it perfectly combines freshness, warmth, and sophistication. Its unique floral scent is very versatile that I can use it in and out of drag. I appreciate how it develops beautifully throughout the day. Also, it’s very long lasting.
Minty Fresh
YSL Libre
My current favorite is YSL Libre. Nagustuhan ko siya pag naaamoy ko siya kay Rae (my girlfriend) kaya ayun, ninakaw ko sa kanya. I love how I can use it in and out of drag because it’s a gender-neutral perfume at sobrang daming compliment ang narereceive ko when I’m wearing it kasi sobrang classy at sophisticated ng amoy niya for me.
Odasha Flop
Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue
My favorite fragrance is Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue because of its fresh scent like I feel fresh from the bath.
Popstar Bench
Frequently Asked Questions:
Filipino drag queens favor bold, lasting fragrances on stage — including Dior J’adore, Prada Paradoxe, YSL Libre, and Baccarat Rouge 540. Many layer scents for extra projection under the lights, combining woody-smoky bases with sweeter top notes to match the high-intensity performance environment.
Yes — several Filipino drag queens wear distinct fragrances in and out of drag. Precious Paula Nicole switches from Dior J’adore in drag to Lush Dirty out of drag, while Tita Baby moves between YSL Libre and YSL Black Opium depending on persona.
Prada Paradoxe is a floral-musky eau de parfum known for combining boldness with softness — qualities that resonate with drag performers. Both Eva Le Queen and Minty Fresh cite it as their signature scent for its versatility, longevity, and ability to develop through the day.
YSL, Prada, Jo Malone, and Maison Margiela Replica appear most frequently across the nine drag queens featured by Allure Philippines. Niche picks like Baccarat Rouge 540 and Mancera Instant Crush also feature, reflecting a range from mainstream luxury to collector-level fragrance.
Several Filipino drag queens specifically seek gender-neutral or androgynous fragrances. KatKat names Jo Malone’s Peony & Blush Suede and Maison Margiela Replica for their androgynous quality, while Odasha Flop cites YSL Libre as wearable in and out of drag for its gender-fluid character.
