Hot Mess | "Get Real With Me | Symone" (April 3, 2026)

Host: Alix Earle
Guest: Symone (Drag artist, RuPaul’s Drag Race winner)

Episode Overview

In this lively and candid episode of Hot Mess, Alix Earle welcomes drag superstar Symone for a makeup-filled, laughter-heavy “get ready with me” session. As the duo sips Tequila Sunrises, they dive deep into drag artistry, self-confidence, RuPaul’s Drag Race, self-expression, and the power of chosen family. Their conversation balances beauty tips, vulnerable life lessons, fun games, and relatable anecdotes—capturing the chemistry between these two bold personalities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Meeting Story: Vogue World & First Impressions

• [02:24] Alix and Symone share how they met at the Vogue World event, instantly bonding after starting off quietly.
• Alix admits feeling intimidated at such events, but Symone’s energy helped her relax.
• Symone reflects:

  “We kind of warmed up to each other. It was really fun.”
  [02:36]

2. Tequila Sunrises & Getting Ready

• [03:00–05:11] The pair whip up Tequila Sunrises while joking about party habits, hangover cures, and morning makeup routines.
  • Symone’s party wisdom:

  "The best way to get over one is to get under a new one—meaning a new hangover." [03:29]

• Light-hearted banter about making drinks sets an easygoing, honest tone.

3. Symone’s Makeup Process & Drag Beginnings

• [05:11–07:13] Alix seeks help with eyeshadow, confessing difficulty with colorful looks.
• Symone shares their makeup routine start-to-finish:
  • Brows first, cleaned with concealer
  • Favorite product: ELF concealer, Urban Decay Moondust for shimmer [05:27, 13:17]
• On drag origins:

  “I started when I was 15, 16 years old, doing drag. So I’ve been doing it literally half my life.”
  [05:47]

  • Inspired by RuPaul’s Drag Race
  • Did makeup alone after school; learned by trial and error without YouTube tutorials

4. On RuPaul’s Drag Race: Pressure, Growth, Winning

• [07:28–08:39] Symone recounts her experience on Drag Race:
  • “Best and most stressful thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
  • Determined to showcase all her looks, had to lip-sync a few times, but ultimately won and found it “gratifying.”
  • Filmed during COVID; excitement for performing outweighed the nerves.
• Lesson learned:

  “It helped me...I learned to trust myself and have a little bit more confidence.”
  [14:27]

5. Makeup Masterclass: Application Tips and Product Recommendations

• [09:54–14:36] Symone walks Alix through colorful eyeshadow blending and shimmer application:
  • Uses setting spray to intensify shadow ("Just get it wet, babe!"), blends bold colors for drama
  • Shares love for a sharp cat eye and lifting techniques
  • Notable tip:

    “Feminine thing...you always want to elongate and, like, lift up, you know.”
    [14:11]

  • Alix learns new methods and embraces a bold eye.

6. Reflections on Confidence & Self-Acceptance

• [14:23–15:34] Symone and Alix open up about their evolving self-confidence:
  • Symone: “You get to prepare your package…but you have to trust the choices you make and go on instinct.”
  • Self-deprecating inner voice gave way to “Oh girl, you’re a bad bitch.”
  • Emotional/soft moments:

    “I’m not crying, my contacts are getting. I promise this is an open space.”
    [15:04]

7. Drag Family, Friendship, and Collaboration

• [24:14–25:02] Symone explains “houses”:
  • Houses are chosen families grounded in creativity and support, a legacy of ballroom culture
  • “It's more of a creative collective...your people, your chosen family.”
  • Their group lives, works, and creates together in LA.

8. Personal Questions, Games & Playful Banter

• [18:20–23:38] The duo answer fun and deep "cake box" questions:
  • Unhinged wellness: Symone sleeps for long periods, Alix does lymphatic drainage massage
  • Drag beat time: Symone can do a full face in 90 minutes (“I’ll have a podcast or my music on—can’t get ready in silence.”)
  • What they wish people noticed: Symone is more sensitive than many assume and values careful words
  • Dream lip-sync battle: “Teyana Taylor...versus Jane Fonda!” [22:46]

9. Childhood Advice & Vulnerability

• [25:07–26:36] What would they tell their 13-year-old selves?
  • Symone: “Don’t be so scared, not so shy. There’s nothing wrong with you. Be more vocal...you needed someone and they weren’t there, so say it.”
  • Alix: “Keep going, have more confidence. Thirteen was a weird age—I wish I could tell her you're fine.”

10. Pop Culture Faves & Manifesting

• Lady Gaga is Alix’s dream collab. Both gush about seeing her live, the hype of Coachella, and their fandom.
• [27:17–27:40]
  • Symone: "I've gone [to Gaga's show] three—no, four—not counting Coachella. Obsessed."
• Admiration for drag legends and bold self-expression abounds throughout.

11. Cosmetic Procedures & Beauty Honesty

• [28:15–29:26] Alix openly discusses her breast augmentation (age 21), parental reaction, and body image.
  • Symone brings up over-the-top Vegas drag queen Fantasia, playfully marvels at her look.

12. Games, Challenges, and Laughter

• [30:40–32:08] The two play “Fuck, Marry, Kill” with iconic drag looks, with Symone humorously agonizing over her choices.
• Symone expertly applies Alix’s lashes while wearing upside-down goggles.
  • Cue chaos and giggles:

    “You are crazy for doing this to me.”
    [35:05]

13. Throughout: Deep Friendship Vibes

• Mutual admiration, playful challenges, and promises to go out together in LA and hit up drag shows.
  • “We will be each other’s wings personally.” [36:45]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Symone on Confidence:

  “By the end of it, I was like, oh girl, you’re a bad bitch. You’re not who that person you thought you were.” [15:03]

• Symone on Drag Race:

  “At the least, you will show every outfit that you brought to the show, every wig, every shoe choice.” [07:28]

• On Creative Families:

  “It’s like your people, your chosen family, that’s the best way of expressing it.” [24:18]

• Alix on Teenage Anxiety:

  “I wish I could tell her, you’re fine, keep going, but you know, it makes us who we are.” [26:03]

• Symone’s Party Philosophy:

  “The best way to get over one is to get under a new one.” [03:29]

• Makeup Golden Rule:

  “When I find a good foundation or concealer, we have to keep her. We have to remember her.” [17:39]

• On Sibling Support:

  “I have younger siblings and I always try to tell them, keep going, keep going. You’re perfect, you’re beautiful.” [26:24]

• On Drag Showtime:

  “It’s an event. You’re getting together. You’re bringing out your character.” [20:38]

Timestamps & Important Segments

• [01:11] — Welcome, intro to Symone
• [02:24] — Meeting at Vogue World, first impressions
• [03:07] — Making Tequila Sunrises
• [05:11] — Makeup talk, essential products, drag beginnings
• [07:28] — RuPaul’s Drag Race: nerves, experiences, triumphs
• [09:54] — Makeup masterclass: blending tips, shimmer, dramatic eyes
• [14:23] — Self-confidence lessons, vulnerability
• [16:12] — Drag Race friendships, house drama
• [18:20] — Fun questions: wellness rituals, beauty regimens
• [24:14] — Chosen family and creative houses in drag
• [25:07] — Childhood advice and reflection
• [27:17] — Lady Gaga and pop culture manifesting
• [28:15] — Cosmetic honesty and Vegas queens
• [30:40] — “Fuck, Marry, Kill” drag looks game
• [32:08] — Applying lashes challenge (with goggles!)
• [36:29] — LA nightlife, friendship plans, “wings” metaphor
• [37:10] — Episode concludes with laughter and appreciation

Tone & Style

Playful, candid, and unfiltered. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, supportive affirmations, and lively banter, creating an environment that feels like two friends sharing secrets at a sleepover—where beauty, confidence, and self-love take center stage.

Perfect For

Listeners craving behind-the-scenes beauty talk, drag artistry insights, and inspiration to express themselves proudly—all served with humor, honesty, and a generous dose of glam.