Confetti, vogueing, wigs and mascara: What went down at the Garnier Micellar Pride Ball

This Pride season, Garnier Micellar Water—the undisputed Mother of all Cleansers—proved that it doesn't just clean up the party; it is the party.

On 18 June, the UK's #1 Micellar Water* made a bold move; a grand-scale takeover of Camden’s legendary KOKO. The Garnier Micellar Pride Ball was a masterclass in community, high-octane queer culture, and pure, unadulterated spectacle.

The tone was set before guests even crossed the threshold, with a Pink Carpet hosted by the incomparable Tiara Skye. Armed with her signature brand of campery and hijinks, Tiara grilled arriving queer icons, creators, and community members on behalf of Gay Times.

Inside, attendees were immediately immersed in the world of Micellar. Guests were greeted with an ocean of pink from every angle, Micellar bottles were given a disco ball makeover, paparazzi were clambering for the best shot, Micellar goodies adorned every surface, and a main stage lineup was packed full of queer culture: everything working together to unquestionably affirm Garnier Micellar Water as the Mother of all Cleansers!

It was ten’s across the board when the main stage lit up, introducing hosts for the evening – podcast hosts and best friends Ash Holme and Jack Remmington. Their introductory speech paid a respectful homage to the foundational roots of Ballroom, reminding the crowd that it is Ballroom culture that has inspired so much of modern-day pop culture, fashion and language.

We were then treated to a very special vogue performance which kicked things off with some of the leading faces from the UK’s Ballroom scene. DJ Jugu took to the decks with MC Taboo on the mic, bringing unadulterated energy to the stage where four powerhouse vogue dancers – Ella, Cherry, Bambi and Amani Cosmo – gave an iconic look into true ballroom artistry. Spins, dips, and lines that defied gravity sent the KOKO crowd into absolute hysteria.

"We could not be more grateful for those Black and Latinx queer people and Black trans women who paved the way,” said Remmington, “and for those leading the community today."

Midway through the evening, we took a pause from the celebrations to hear from the event’s charity partner, Just Like Us. Marking their third consecutive year of partnership with Garnier Micellar Water during Pride Month, it was revealed that the brand has already donated over £80,000 to the young person’s charity this year alone. Representatives from the charity shared vital insights into exactly what this corporate support unlocks for LGBTQIA+ youth across the nation: funding school workshops, resources, and mentorship programs that foster acceptance and safety for the next generation.

Then came the drama. The crowd gathered for a high-stakes, ruthless lip-sync battle judged by a panel of LGBTQIA+ royalty: Georgia Wood, Charley Marlowe, Kim Cumberbatch and Dolli Glam.

A lineup of drag legends saw Sophia Stardust and Kyran Thrax battling Blu Hydrangea and Vanity Milan on the main stage. Ultimately, it was Blu and Vanity who sashayed their way into the final where Vanity snatched the crown - which, in true, camp Garnier fashion - was a massive, custom-designed, over-glittered bottle of Micellar Water.

As the night reached its fever pitch, the crowd were treated to an energy-enthused surprise performance from the human tornado herself, Elektra Fence. Before the final curtains fell, the resident vogue powerhouses took to the stage one last time, turning the venue into a beautiful, pulsing celebration of community strength.

It was a night of sweat, glitter, energy and dancing – and thankfully, everyone had their Micellar Water waiting at home for that gentle touch, because when you live loud, your skin needs gentle.

Find out more about Garnier Micellar Water and discover how to keep your skin gentle while living loud here.