Doja Cat's outspoken songs and bold presence come with the beauty to match. Since emerging onto the music scene—first with 2018's "Moo!" followed by "Say So," which took over TikTok in late 2019—Doja (aka Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini) has developed a reputation as an aesthetic chameleon, dressing and adorning for maximum impact. This is thanks in part to hairstylist Jared Henderson and makeup artist Ernesto Casillas, who work with the rapper to bring her wildest visions to life.
"Doja loves makeup, so we are always collaborating on makeup looks," says Casillas. "There are times where I bring ideas to the table and other times she has a very specific look in mind. She is an artist in her own right and my job is to bring her ideas to life."
From repurposed lashes and allover crystals to exaggerated eyeliner and endless brow interpretations, Doja's best looks come down to irreverence. "If you’re wanting to achieve a similar vibe to Doja’s makeup, I suggest really just having fun with it and not being afraid to look a little silly," says Casillas.
Still, some rules do apply. The makeup artist suggests snatching all shapes outward so that the look still reads pretty—and taking the time to play up your eyeliner. "Doja’s looks are always evolving and we are always looking for the next new thing to do. I’m excited to see her makeup evolve in this new era," says Casillas. Read on for 15 of the rapper's most out-of-the-box beauty looks.
Ironed Apricot
Doja has embraced a character-driven approach to beauty since the jump, and this extra-long ginger mane is an ideal example. The look touched on the then-burgeoning red hair trend while staying true to Doja's own sense of play.
Moody Mullet
The mullet gets a goth glam infusion when carried off by Doja. The wolfish cut owed something to Elvira, jagged baby bang, smokey eyes, and apricot-dusted cheeks, transforming the moody moment into one worthy of the red carpet.
Faux Freckles
The natural appeal of a smattering freckles is taken a touch further when dotted on by Doja. A feline pull of liner, pin-straight lengths, and the performer’s slim brows team with an hyper-extended chartreuse manicure to supply sleekness.
Monroe Moment
Doja’s take on Marilyn’s classic curls feels more like Doja doing Madonna doing Marilyn. The tousle of platinum ringlets is echoed by a curving swirl of white liquid liner.
Extra 00s
Y2K was marked by hyper-stylized beauty that was both playful and futuristic, and this look is a worthy ode. The flippy and spiky half-up peroxide strands with face-framing tendrils are perfectly paired with metallic pressed lids and frosted lips. Doja’s take on the ‘00s is fittingly extravagant.
Flippy Pony
Doja’s slicked and flipped pony comes with an eye makeup look that’s all down to the details. “Her Billboard Awards 2022 is a favorite of mine because the look is very bronzed and classic, but we added a gilded inner corner moment that adds a fun detail and tied in her Schiaparelli look,” says Casillas. A thin, fluid geometric drawn in liquid liner (also at the inner corners) rounds out the moment.
Grunge Glam
Brows, whether shaped, penciled, or absent, are Doja’s thing—Casillas even cites the element as one that sets the rapper apart. So replacing an entirely absent brow with a silver stud variation? A perfectly punk move, especially when it comes with a striped black pout and goth-girl accessories.
Crimson Crystals
Red body paint and 30,000 Swarovski crystals? A natural choice for a front-row seat at Schiaparelli couture.
Gentleman's Aesthetic
For a Viktor & Rolf couture show, Doja did extreme lashes—with a twist. The performer exchanged her natural brows for a set of false lashes, the same accessory offering a trompe-l'œil mustache and goatee.
Whimsigoth
Wednesday Addams who? Doja’s take on goth girl includes a cut-across baby bang and an extra-long raven mane paired with her go-to liner, lashes, and lined lip.
Full Feline
For the 2023 Met Gala which honored Karl Lagerfeld, Doja went full method, channeling Chanel’s late creative director by channeling his iconic cat, Choupette. The look began with a hooded gown (and cat-eared) from Oscar de la Renta and extended to a full face of prosthetic makeup.
Spider Inspired
Doja’s web of method beauty extends to include arachnids. The rapper’s gauzy Monse dress serves as a jumping-off point for a spider-inspired look that includes leg-like lashes, pencil-thin brows, and dew-strewn facial gems; details combining for an ethereal, thought-provoking look.
Piecey Pixie
"I’m a classic beauty guy, so I love when I get to create a timeless look that has a detail that screams Doja," says Casillas. In this case, the rapper's rounded, piecey pixie plays well with metallic touched graphic liner and an overlined, shimmering mauve lip.
Ephemeral Art
A rooty grown-out blonde buzz, glasses, and crimson lip could have served alone, but Doja isn’t one to settle for simple. Instead, a full-body application of stylized temporary tattoos (literally forehead to ankle, pieces visible through her sheer corseted gown) proves that the best beauty looks demand extra attention.
Inky Tears
Doja’s inky rivulets at this year’s Met Gala were the work of makeup artist Dame Pat McGrath, featuring shimmering tear tracks pouring from smoked lids. “Doja is known mostly for her eye looks,” says Casillas. “Sometimes her eye makeup is glamorous and sometimes it’s experimental, but it’s always fun.”