A Dr. Jen’s lab assistant puts a new shade to the test (Images: CHS)

It’s more difficult but not impossible to be fabulous during a Seattle heat wave. With help from air conditioning and ice-cooled air, Dr. Jen’s House of Beauty opened its doors on E Pike for the first time this Seattle Pride Friday.

Visitors found Dr. Jennifer Dietrich — with formula-filled manila folders bearing labels like “FOUNDATION” — already doling out solutions and dolling up customers.

CHS talked to the biochemistry PHD about her burlesque and Capitol Hill drag queen-inspired makeup shop and spa earlier this spring. She started on E Pike as a pop-up upstairs at Retail Therapy. The new space in a former “cyber cafe” and head shop was built out by Dietrich and friends into an open cosmetics lab, spa and shop area — with plenty of glitter and faux fur stairs.

In May, Dietrich told CHS she was inspired to create her non-toxic Atomic Cosmetics and Xerion Skin Science lines as she helped burlesque and drag performer friends put their faces on. Dr. Jen’s, Dietrich says, is a response to the chemicals and toxic materials normally found in mass-marked skin care and makeup products.

Dr. Jen consults (Images: CHS)