RuPaul's Drag Race, season 12, introduced its contestants over two episodes. Seven queens made a formidable impression in episode one with innovative looks, including a high-fashion Freddy Krueger.
The second episode saw the debut of six queens with five looks each. (Contestant Sherry Pie's misconduct caused VH1 to begin the episode with an announcement that she is disqualified from the finale. She is also disqualified from this article.) Though the second batch of queens struggled to reach the high bar set by their predecessors in Episode 1, they still brought effervescence, volume, and great eye makeup to the screen.
Here are the 10 best outfits of Episode 2 of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 12!
Rock M. Sakura's Selfie Obsession
Anime-loving Rock M. Sakura's striking signature eye makeup is attention-grabbing, but her painting skills don't end at her jawline. Sakura's spring runway sleeves featured exaggerated cartoon self-portraits. The result was a wild, mixed-print identity statement complete with an exaggerated kimono silhouette and truly formidable false lashes.
Aiden Zhane's Lovely Lime
Aiden Zhane was vocal about her outsider sensibilities, but her lime green offering for the tulle-themed runway challenge was a clear callback to her Georgia roots. The color and styling called Scarlett O'Hara's famous curtain dress to mind. Zhane's knack for golden-era Hollywood makeup amplified the effect. The neon hue and sheer fabric gave a familiar look modern zest, allowing Zhane to broadcast her edgy persona in a challenge that leaned toward conventional femininity.
Jan's Avocado Alligator Situation
Jan came dressed for the weather with her fall runway look. The unusual, heavy alligator fabric that formed both her coat and frock looked rainstorm-ready, and the avocado color choice was seasonally appropriate.
The silhouette was unusual, bordering on animalistic; stiff pleated ridges on the shoulders and skirt-slit of the outfit echoed reptilian frills. Jan's furry accessories provided a contrast in texture and worked well with her severe black ponytail. The result was an outfit unlike any seen before on the RuPaul runway.
Dahlia Sin's Frothy Take On Shania Twain
Dahlia Sin's shock-red tulle silhouette echoed camp classic country-pop performance outfits and would not have looked out of place on Shania Twain. The thigh-high boots added some fierce to the froth, and Sin's makeup and hair choices further elevated the look. Her bold red lip-and-eye amplified the monochrome mood, and her dewy foundation made the most of Sin's gorgeous features. A high-volume wig balanced her outfit's barely-there top.
Jaida Essence Hall's Fosse Fringe Fantasy
All eyes were on Jaida Essence Hall during the group Fosse-inspired performance thanks to her perfect makeup and a gorgeously tailored outfit that moved beautifully in the dance number.
Though all the queens wore black for the performance, Hall pulled focus with a fun, swinging fringe. The criss-cross netting of her neckline led the eye to Hall's masterclass in flattering makeup choices. Her pussycat wig kept the Roaring 20s vibe alive without distracting from her fabulous face.
Jan's Tulle Time
Jan was not interested in blending into the crowd - or in blending her wig line. Every other competitor leaned into tulle's association with high-volume femininity. Despite her questionable hair choices, Jan cut a striking figure in her see-through take on a construction worker's uniform.
Her orange and green eye makeup playfully echoed the color of her safety glasses. Jan made sure to make the most of her many props while presenting the look. The concept was fun, and Jan's playful use of accessories showed the ambitious queen's campier side.
Rock M. Sakura's Over The Sailor Moon Entrance Look
Rock. M. Sakura was quick to establish her classic anime credentials. She entered the workroom in a perfectly-proportioned homage to Sailor Moon's signature silhouette. Sakura's sense of fun and eye for details accessories elevated her look beyond past queens' attempts to take inspiration from cosplay culture. Sakura's exaggerated eye makeup is sure to draw comparisons to Trixie Mattel, but Sakura's clear reference points and careful details make sure the audience knows she's a different, entirely original brand of cartoon character.
Jaida Essence Hall's Butter-Wouldn't-Melt Frothy Frock
Jaida Essence Hall showcased her golden shoulders in a smartly-proportioned tulle look in a beautiful butter yellow. Hall's top managed to look both soft and structured. The skirt took advantage of tulle's exaggerated volume while the high-low hem allowed Hall to show leg.
The outfit's smart construction also allowed Hall to pull off a reveal as part of her episode-winning lipsynch. Her impeccable makeup gave the look extra lift, from the matching yellow eyeshadow to the luscious liner-forward contrast lip.
Dahlia Sin's Cruella-On-Acid Spring Runway
Dahlia Sin was not shy about her preference for runways over performance. It's no wonder that her spring runway was a marvel of perfect proportioning. Sin's skintight, neon green vinyl sheath dress featured high volume in all the right places. The off-the-shoulder fur neckline gave the illusion of bust and took full advantage of Sin's tattooed shoulders. The fur trim at the gently curved hemline made the outfit, emphasizing Sin's seamless hip pads and creating an extremely flattering leg line. Sin's blaring orange wig ensured that the audience wouldn't forget her face, either. The only misstep was a surprisingly sedate shoe choice.
Rock M. Sakura's Tulle Much
Drag's charm can be in the exaggeration, a principle that Rock M. Sakura took fully to heart with her tulle runway outfit. Sakura swallowed the stage in an extravaganza of tulle in every Lisa Frank hue. Sakura's makeup was equally maximalist. Her eyes and lips both incorporated multiple pastels, including unusual greens and yellows, and her lashes reached all the way to her hairline. Her high-volume wig worked with the tulle to give an impression of head-to-toe effervescence. Sakura kept it sexy with white heels, scads of cleavage, and just enough structure to reveal hints of her figure as she moved.