Kaitlyn Muro
Causing a scene is something drag queens Sugar and Spice know too well—and it’s what made the twin sisters a viral, award-winning success. When the duo sashayed into the werkroom of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15, they had already amassed more followers on TikTok than many of their peers, despite being new to drag. Needless to say, that pre-earned fame caused a scene and some harsh criticism from their castmates and viewers for taking the non-traditional route to drag fame.
But, as has been the case since Drag Race premiered, the show was truly only the beginning of their careers. Since their season, they have attended the Emmys with their castmates—including Princess Poppy, the ultra-viral Emmys goblin—and increased their following to a combined nine million across TikTok and Instagram. Plus, as of March 12, the duo just earned their biggest award yet, Best TikToker at the 2024 Queerties, a ceremony honoring the best of the LGBTQ+ arts and media.
Obviously, to attend an awards show where you're nominated for being your best, most authentic self, you have to show up to the award show as the truest version of you—which they did, walking the red carpet and taking the stage in ensembles that perfectly illustrate their viral personalities.
Sugar, the sweeter of the two, was a vision of ’70s femininity with a modern drag twist—walking the red carpet and posing for pictures in a groovy printed headband and a plunging dress. Spice, on the other hand, went with full new-age goth glamour with a thick choker and trailing black gown.
Ahead, Sugar and Spice tell Byrdie about how they prepped for their win.
Katlin Muro
On Their Nomination
Sugar: "It means everything to me! It’s a huge reminder to celebrate the wins in life. When Spice and I first started our Tiktok, we often faced backlash for taking the non-traditional route. It was nerve racking to do something different, so it’s an honor to be nominated and recognized for the hard work and dedication we put into building our online community.”
Spice: “It’s an honor to be recognized! I love having a platform where I can be myself and connect with my community and following. We’ve been sharing bits and pieces of our lives since 2019, so it’s really cool to know that Sugar and I are making an impact by showcasing our talent, doing what we love, and setting a positive example for other Queer artists.”
Kaitlyn Muro
Their Inspiration
Sugar: "I wanted to opt for a look that was unapologetically myself. As a creative, I often find myself spending so much time and energy creating a look for a specific occasion. I wanted to create this look to reflect my OG Long Island drag days with a little modern-day twist. Something that’s fun, creative and me!"
Spice: "My look tonight is inspired by one of my favorite BeGoth Dolls. She’s wearing an edgy, punky dress, and I knew I had to make it life-size. This look is inspired by the current gothic era Spice has been living in."
Kaitlyn Muro
Their Must Have Products
Sugar: “My top tip is to create the perfect blend between the clean girl aesthetic and the ultimate glam aesthetic. I love to create my looks with a soft natural base and pair it with a vibrant, bold eye. It’s truly the best combination. [I love] Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss ($20) in Guava , it’s the perfect juicy and voluptuous nude pink gloss. I would literally die without this product. [Also] all things MAC. Their products always give that classic ’90s supermodel look that we all know, love and admire.
“My final touches this evening include my sky-high stilettos, a spritz of YSL’s Black Opium ($135), and of course a last minute touch up with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Guava gloss.”
Kaitlyn Muro
Spice: "Getting all dolled up is always one of my favorite parts of the night! I shuffle my go-to playlist which includes a few unreleased songs I’m working on, and sip on a Play Hard Seltzer to get me in the mood to strut down the carpet.
“The MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ ($33) is literally everything. It makes my skin so dewy and glowy and keeps my makeup in place all night long. I seriously cannot leave the house without it! I love the KimChi Pearl Gone Wild highlighter ($25). It’s so shimmery and the color really pops in the spotlight. It’s perfect for anyone who struggles to find a good highlighter for fair skin tones.
"Other than a quick prayer that I don’t fall in my 10 inch heels, my final touch is a quick look in the mirror to check myself before I wreck myself!"
