Doechii’s Makeup Artist Dee Carrion Reveals Her Creative Inspiration Process
“Most people know me as a crazy liner girl,” makeup artist Dee Carrion jokes with a warm smile during our virtual interview. But those familiar with her work—particularly her collaborations with rising star Doechii—recognize Carrion’s distinctive aesthetic: razor-sharp winged liner, vibrant eye colors, and luminous blush applications that have become her professional signature. When we connected earlier this month, she had just finished working with Lady Gaga’s team at Coachella and shared her desert performance secret: Kryolan setting spray is the essential product for makeup that withstands scorching 109-degree heat.
Beyond her ongoing creative partnership with Doechii (whom Carrion considers her artistic muse), the makeup artist has experienced a remarkable career trajectory creating standout looks for celebrities including Doja Cat and Ayo Edebiri. Her inspiration comes from unexpected sources—from textured fabrics to exotic birds—and when seeking creative renewal, she turns to the transformative exercises in Julia Cameron’s classic book The Artist’s Way or creates digital mood boards on Pinterest. Here, Carrion shares her creative process and inspirational touchpoints.
Finding Inspiration in Creative Collaboration
When asked about individuals who have served as muses for her work, Carrion doesn’t hesitate: “Doechii is a muse for me. I’ve been working with her for two and a half years now. She’s been someone who is a genius in her own way, but she loves creatives and art. She’s someone who has pushed me out of a box that I didn’t know I was in.”
This collaborative relationship has produced some of Carrion’s most boundary-pushing work. “She believes in me and makes me feel supported,” Carrion explains. “One of my favorite looks at the moment was with Paper magazine. It was a painted-face look and Doechii was wearing full-body prosthetics. I was intimidated by the look, and I just did it. That is an example of her pushing me.”
Unexpected Inspiration Sources
Carrion’s creative process often begins with unexpected visual stimuli. When asked about recent inspiration saved on her camera roll, she enthusiastically describes a close-up image of a bird she discovered while scrolling through TikTok. “It has the most beautiful eyelash layout I’ve ever seen. I don’t even know how I’m going to re-create this, but it is stunning.”
This serendipitous discovery process is central to Carrion’s creative approach. “When people ask me where my inspiration comes from, it strikes me at the most random moments. I’ll see a photo, or something in nature, or a person. It could be a color, anything,” she explains.
Industry Influences and Artistic Techniques
Carrion readily acknowledges the makeup artists who influence her work. “Mei Pang, or Meicrosoft, I’ve been very inspired by. She’s insane. I don’t even know how her brain works. She has the most brilliant ideas; how does she even think of these looks? She’s such an artist and a true creative.”
She also cites legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath as a significant influence: “Pat McGrath is a pioneer of Black beauty and innovation and also just a genius. When she did the Margiela couture makeup with the mask, it was just crazy. I really look up to her.”
Drawing plays an essential role in Carrion’s creative process. “I like to draw a lot. I draw out makeup looks for clients, for myself. If I have an idea, I’m drawing it out. I usually do it digitally so people can have a visual.” This visualization technique helps translate abstract inspiration into concrete makeup concepts—even when that inspiration comes from unusual sources. “Once I was sitting in my room and there was a fabric and I saw a face in the way that it was folded, and that inspired me.”
Product Preferences for Creative Expression
For creating her vibrant, artistic looks, Carrion has clear product preferences. “When it comes to really colorful and creative looks, Blend Bunny Cosmetics. She has the best eye shadows and palettes.” These high-pigment formulations provide the color intensity needed for Carrion’s bold aesthetic.
Collaborative Creative Process
Major red carpet moments like Doechii’s Met Gala appearance require extensive planning and collaboration. Carrion describes this process: “Speaking specifically to Doechii’s team and our dynamics, we’ll hop on a call and talk for hours about the look or something that inspires us. Malcolm Marquez, who does Doe’s hair, will have an idea, and we’ll bounce ideas off of each other, and this will go on for days.”
This collaborative approach ensures cohesive, impactful final looks. “Whether it’s a shoot or a carpet or a performance, we’re so connected as a team, and we want to give her the best. Coming up with a board or an idea to present is the biggest part of the process. Everything needs to be cohesive, and that’s why we communicate so much.”
Signature Aesthetic Elements
When defining her signature style elements, Carrion immediately identifies a few key techniques: “Liner has always been one of my big things. A sick, fierce graphic liner or a wing. I love color and shimmer; they’re a big part of my artistry.”
She also embraces unconventional materials to create truly unique looks. “Anything unconventional, I love to tie it in too, a weird lash or brow. I like to take items that aren’t really used in makeup, like sequins or beads, even collage paper.” This willingness to experiment with unusual elements contributes to the distinctive nature of Carrion’s work and continues to attract high-profile clients seeking boundary-pushing beauty looks.