Pillow Talk: Drag Race star Kitty Scott-Claus’ night-time routine

Kitty Scott-Claus talks sleep, and the most effective way to remove drag makeup...

While Kitty Scott-Claus didn’t sashay away with the crown — drag domination is still on the agenda. The RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season three finalist won over fans with her spot-on impression of national treasure, Gemma Collins and memorable looks. I mean, who can forget her expertly channelling Kate Winslet’s Rose Dawson in Titanic?

Ahead of her second stint on the West End, we caught up with Kitty about her nighttime routine, and she also revealed the best way to remove a full-face of drag…

Sum up what you do in five words?

Sing camp songs wearing wigs

On a scale of 1 – 10, how much do you love your sleep?

11

What time would you ideally like to go to bed, as opposed to what time you really end up in bed?

Ideally, I’d be in bed as early as possible! I love my sleep — but because the majority of my work happens late at night, I normally end up going to bed between 1 and 3 AM.

What’s your usual reason for going to bed late? Work… scrolling through Instagram?

If I’m working then that’s my excuse — sometimes I don’t come off stage until about 3 AM. If I’m not, I’ll do a thorough skincare routine and plan on getting an early night but then spend hours scrolling TikTok.

What side of the bed do you sleep on?

Bottom bunk.

What kind of sleeping position do you normally find yourself in?

I don’t really have a set position I sleep in, I’ll fall asleep on the one side of the bed on my back and wake up on the other side on my front.

Light sleeper or heavy sleeper?

It normally takes me a while to fall asleep, but once I am asleep I’m a heavy sleeper.

Morning bird or night owl?

Night owl definitely! Filming Drag Race I realised we had to be both with the early mornings and late finishes.

How do you unwind before bed? Can you walk me through your routine…

Light candles, bath with lots of bubbles, maybe a cheeky facemask. I love baths, then skincare and I always put on a fragrance for bed — why not?! So bougie and glam!

What products/items are on your bedside table

Lush’s Twilight body spray and sleepy range, I spray my whole bed with the spray. It’s so gorgeous and lavender-y and knocks me right out.

What’s the weirdest thing next to your bed?

Nail scissors. I don’t know why but I always trim my nails before bed.

Do you sleep with your phone next to you?

Yes! I’d be lost without my phone!

What can’t you go to sleep without doing?

Brushing my teeth! It really grosses me out and I can’t relax until they’re done.

Do you always take off your makeup before sleeping?

Yes, every time no excuses!

Favourite way to remove your makeup?

I use Alpha H’s Melting Moment Cleansing Balm to remove my make-up. It leaves my skin feeling so refreshed!

How does your nighttime routine change on Friday / the weekend?

If I have more time at the weekend I’d maybe do a cheeky facemask- love a Garnier Moisture Bomb [face sheet mask]

Can you walk me through your nighttime skincare routine?

My skin is naturally more on the oily side so I use the Dior Hydra Life collection, it’s water-based and doesn’t leave my face looking like I’ve just done a shift in a chip shop

What do you do if you can’t sleep?

I pop on a podcast- I’d normally put on Table Manners by Jessie and Lennie Ware, I find their voices so soothing.

How much longer does it take you to get ready for bed if you’ve been in drag?

Ages! Drag looks so glamorous but it’s so hot and sweaty so I always like to have a shower after a show.

Best way to remove a full face of drag?

By not using makeup wipes! Always a cleanser and gently! Your skin is your canvas and I find makeup wipes are so harsh on your skin.

Catch Kitty at the West End! She will be playing the role of Shazza in Death Drop, opening at the Criterion Theatre on March 4. 

Writer
Nessa Humayun
Images
Kitty Scott-Claus