Working with everyone from Rico Nasty and Doechii to Tems and Sza, Dee Carrion’s boundary-pushing make-up looks are defiantly non-conformist
Dee Carrion’s passion for make-up is infectious, it spills out from her and you can’t help but get caught up in it. “I love how transformative it is. I love the way I can make it my own. I love that it’s limitless, I love how individualised it can be. I love how artistic and creative I get to be, it’s truly boundless. I love how people glow after getting their make-up done, it’s like something ignites in them and they feel like another version of themselves!”
From words alone, it’s clear how much joy and fulfilment Carrion derives from her work, but looking at it, too, you get a sense of the passion and care that goes into every creation. Experimental and defiantly non-conformist, her glam-punk looks involve intricate linework full of life and colour that swirl across the faces of her clients including Rico Nasty, Sza, Tems, Doechii and Saucy Santana.
Now based in LA, Carrion grew up in Portland and says she was always painting, drawing and creating ever since she can remember. Then she discovered make-up and realised that it was one more tool that she could express herself through. “Make-up is just another medium and the face is just a different canvas,” she says. “I think that’s why my make-up style is so creative and avant-garde. I allow myself no boundaries and create as freely as I want.”
It’s no wonder, then, that Carrion has found herself naturally drawn to working with musicians who are as experimental and creatively free as her. From going on tour with Nasty and Doechii to doing Tems’ glam for the Met Gala this year, she is fast becoming a go-to name in the industry. Here we caught up with the 2023 Dazed 100 MUA about her relationship to beauty in her work, being a triple Scorpio and her weirdest internet obsession.
How do you define what you do?
Dee Carrion: I would say I’m an artist and creative of all sorts. I try not to limit myself to just a make-up artist because I’m so much more than that! I’d define what I do as creating art that’s going past what’s socially considered visually appealing and/or beautiful. Unconventionality.
What’s your star sign and are you a typical one of that star sign? (Or, if you’re a real astrohead, can you share your ‘big three’?)
Dee Carrion: I am a triple Scorpio! Sun, moon, and rising! People don’t guess me as a Scorpio when first meeting me. They’re always surprised. I wouldn’t say I’m typical Scorpio I don’t exude Scorpio energy.
Do you remember your first experiences with beauty and make-up?
Dee Carrion: Yes! Ever since I was little I always loved playing dress up with my mom’s clothes, wigs and make-up. I remember going to her vanity and closet and putting on all her make-up and clothing and then going outside and having a photoshoot. I remember how fabulous I felt!
I think I’ve always had a fascination with beauty. I would watch so many YouTube make-up tutorials. I even remember the first time I put on mascara and feeling like the most gorgeous girl ever. Even back to 2016 when I started posting my make-up to Instagram, it’s wild to see how far I’ve come. 16-year-old me couldn’t even begin to fathom all she’s accomplished, she’d be in shock! It’s weird reflecting on these memories now that I do this for a living. It’s made me realise that it’s always been such a major part of my life. It was always in alignment.
Makeup on Doechii by Dee Carrion. pic.twitter.com/aWfT7PI80s
— Brooklyn White-Grier (@brooklynrwhite) November 28, 2023
Is ‘beauty’ (whatever that word means to you) something you try to capture in your work or something that you reject?
Dee Carrion: I think I try to capture both depending on what I’m doing. I think beauty is very subjective and up to perspective. When I do make-up I’m not usually thinking about what is going to be the most appealing or digestible. That’s art. What’s beautiful to me may not be for the next and that’s okay. But most of that time I’m not doing make-up for the ‘beauty’ aspect.
Who is your beauty icon?
Dee Carrion: I would have to say Lady Gaga. She has shaped and inspired me more than I can put into words. Through her music, fashion, make-up, mind, everything. I’ve been a fan of hers since I was nine! I think seeing someone do things that were so outside the box at a young age gave me the courage to be creatively and unapologetically myself. She’s an icon forever.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Dee Carrion: ‘Beware of the assumption that the way you work is the best way simply because it’s the way you’ve done it before.’ – The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin.
What’s been your career highlight so far?
Dee Carrion: Wow. I’ve done some incredible things this year. Goals I only thought of as a dream. Something that has been such a major turning point in my career was moving to LA. Being here has changed my life in unimaginable ways. I got to glam Tems for the Met Gala which was such a major goal of mine I didn’t think I would accomplish this year. Another is definitely touring alongside Doechii and our entire team for the Doja Cat Scarlet Tour. This was such an incredible experience. Our team is truly one of a kind and I’m so proud of all of us and everyone involved.
What’s your weirdest internet obsession?
Dee Carrion: There’s this TikTok account where he puts random items like toothpaste or paintballs in front of his truck wheel and runs them over. It’s so satisfying!
When do you feel most beautiful?
Dee Carrion: I feel most beautiful when I’m bare faced and have all my skincare layered on and I’m glistening but I also feel my most beautiful when I have a full stunning beat on and I’m feeling myself!
What is the future of beauty?
Dee Carrion: I think we’re reaching such a pivotal point for beauty. I see it becoming less about what’s aesthetically pleasing and more about doing what you want regardless of what’s “trending” whether that be make-up, clothing, hair, etc.
What’s one ambition you have for 2024?
Dee Carrion: One thing I’m planning on is hosting an art show. Not going to reveal too much but it’s going to be something spectacular.
Who would you nominate for the next Dazed 100 and why?
Dee Carrion: I would nominate @makeupbychelseax! I think she’s so talented and her looks are so beautiful and inspiring! Love all that she does! I’m a fan!