[Interview to be found in têtu·’s spring issue, on newsstands or by subscription.] A model, fashion designer and memorable RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant, Gigi Goode crossed the Atlantic to settle in Paris. Barely settled, she welcomes us into her beauty den.
Photographie : Yann Morisson for têtu·
Bienvenue à Paris ! Qu’est-ce qui t’a fait venir ici ?
I came to Paris last summer for a month, then it stretched on, again and again. I realized that I had a real social circle here, even bigger than the one in Los Angeles. I felt stuck over there, I wasn’t finding meaning anymore.
Los Angeles et Paris, ce n’est pas la même ambiance…
Everything is much more practical in Paris, compared to Los Angeles where you have to drive for everything and anything. Here, I can walk and I rode the metro for the first time in my life! And then, it’s also a city that is much richer historically and culturally.
Et ton avis sur les Parisiens ?
I love them! I know there are clichés about them, but I haven’t had a negative experience yet. I feel that people are more open and honest than in Los Angeles. Paris is also a city where I feel I can dare more, in terms of fashion, without fearing judgment.
Tu as lancé ta première collection en 2024. La suite arrive bientôt ?
I had to get rid of my sewing machine when moving, but as soon as I have my own space, I’ll work on a new collection for which I already have the sketches. I want to involve fashion students to help me.
On imagine qu’en tant que modèle, tu as une routine beauté bien rodée !
I used to spend a lot more time on it when I did a form of drag that was much more meticulous on stage. Now, my goal is to spend as little time as possible in my bathroom. I start by washing my face with a cleanser like CeraVe, for example, unscented because fragrance irritates my skin. Then I shave and moisturize: that’s mandatory, but I’m not very particular about brands. I usually use samples that are sent to me, like those from Kiehl’s or Sunday Riley. Then I apply an anti-aging serum in a stick under the eyes and on the forehead, to finish with a sunscreen product.
Tout ça en… ?
Ten minutes, counting a bit of very light makeup. But since my transition, which has made me more comfortable with my body, what takes me the most time is what I call the “total shower.” It includes washing and hydrating the hair, body scrubbing and shaving head to toe… For all that, I aim for at least an hour. By the way, I let cold water run on the freshly shaved areas, it tightens the pores and helps prevent ingrown hairs!
Et le maquillage, indispensable ?
I do it a little every day to feminize my face. I apply fine strokes of eyeshadow so my eyes look more almond-shaped. I keep the brows light so they appear thinner and lighter. Finally, I outline the contour of my mouth so there’s less space between the lips and the nose, because it misleads the gaze and makes you look younger.
D’où sortent toutes ces astuces beauté ?
They’re all my trans sisters with more experience than I have who taught me. They shared loads of other tips for recovering after surgery or making sure a scar doesn’t linger. It saved my life!
Quelle est la pire erreur qu’on puisse faire en maquillage ?
Never fall asleep without removing your makeup. Even if you’ve gone to bed drunk!
Aimes-tu ton reflet dans le miroir ?
Today yes, but it was hard. It’s really after my facial feminization surgery that I developed a healthier relationship with my appearance. I don’t think I’m vain, but let’s say that when I see my reflection, I see the journey made, and it brings me immense joy.
Quel est ton indispensable de salle de bains ?
A razor! I always have one with me, in case of emergencies, or, for example, in case I end up staying the night at a man’s place…
Quel est ton meilleur souvenir lié à la salle de bains ?
Undoubtedly my first makeup experience. I would go into my mother’s bathroom and she had a Clinique palette that contained a pearly white, a pale pink, and a matte brown, as well as a small brush. When I babysat my four-year-old cousin, I would give her a full glam with that palette!
Et ton pire souvenir ?
When I was little, my brother had a turtle and would bathe it. But once, he didn’t realize the water was boiling… Speedy unfortunately didn’t make it. It was terrible.
Qu’y a-t-il de plus intime dans ta salle de bains ?
Probably my hormones. That’s what I keep most sacred in this room.
