Doja Cat Debuts as MAC Cosmetics’ New Ambassador by Taking a Bite of Lipstick at the MTV VMAs

Doja Cat is sinking her teeth into the world of MAC Cosmetics.

Ahead of Sunday night’s MTV Video Music Awards show, the 29-year-old rapper did the unexpected and playfully bit into the brand’s Lady Danger red lipstick — the same that dressed her lips — on the carpet, only it wasn’t the actual product; it was an edible, chocolate-coated replica concocted by world-famous pastry chef Amaury Guichon. The stunt, MAC confirmed to WWD in an email, was a teaser for Doja Cat’s new ambassadorship with the brand.

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“Welcome to the MAC family, Doja,” said Aïda Moudachirou-Rebois, MAC Cosmetics senior vice president and global general manager, in the official press release. “MAC has always been a platform for artists, performers and creatives who shape culture. Not only is Doja one of the most exciting voices of her generation, we love her creativity, unique artistry and fearless spirit, which resonate around the globe. We could not think of a more perfect partner to help us write the next chapter of MAC’s story.”

This new ambassadorship will see Doja Cat, born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, star in a series of global campaigns for the brand, featuring a handful of bestselling products. In an email sent exclusively to WWD, Nicola Formichetti, MAC’s global creative director, said: “Doja is fearless, subversive and completely original, which is everything MAC stands for. She doesn’t just wear makeup; she uses it as an art form. Together, we’re going to create campaigns that feel disruptive, joyful and unapologetically MAC.”

The “Paint the Town Red” performer expressed excitement over her new partnership, acknowledging her long-standing relationship with makeup. “Makeup is my paint, my armor, my way of creating characters — and MAC has always stood for that kind of artistry and freedom. We’re going to push it even further and make people see beauty in a whole new way,” she said in the press release.

Her beauty aesthetic at the VMAs included her signature skinny eyebrows and a sharp cat-eye wing. Meanwhile, Doja Cat’s eyes were carved out using a bronze shadow in the crease and a matte white in her inner corners. Her hair was styled in a bouncy blond blowout, Pamela Anderson and Dolly Parton style. The artist opened the show with a performance of “Jealous Type” before later being honored with the Best K-pop VMA award for “Born Again,” her track with Lisa and Raye.