When reflecting on this year’s most unforgettable makeup moments, Lana Del Rey’s dramatic entrance at Coachella on a motorcycle stands out. Channeling Old Hollywood glamour, she created a moment we won’t soon forget, thanks in no small part to the artistry of her makeup artist, Etienne Ortega. Just as Liz Taylor’s dramatic eyes, Rita Hayworth’s glossy lips and Marilyn Monroe’s sleepy lashes are etched in our memories, Ortega’s creations for Lana are destined to become timeless.
“My inspiration is always timelessness. I always think of how to make someone look like the best version of themselves, not giving them a crazy avant-garde look unless it’s editorial,” says Ortega. “Icons like Marilyn were timeless for their beauty and who they were.”
Celestial Celebrity Clients
Etienne Ortega’s journey to becoming a celebrated makeup artist is nothing short of inspiring. Starting in Beverly Hills at a young age, he quickly made a name for himself. “I worked at a salon and started meeting people. Eventually, one of my clients happened to be Eva Longoria’s best friend and she asked her who did her hair and makeup. I was 21 at the time. That was the first door that opened for me in the bigger world of celebrities.” Now, his impressive client roster includes Christina Aguilera, Kris Jenner, Kali Uchis and Salma Hayek.
Creating Timeless Looks
For Lana’s iconic Coachella look, Ortega used products from his new line, Ortega Beauty, to create an Old Hollywood aesthetic that continued through to other high-profile events like the Met Gala and for her appearance receiving the Songwriter Icon Award. “After 17 years in my career, it felt like the right time for me to start my brand. I wanted to give people a little part of me, my style and my take on makeup. You can see that in all my lip shades. I’ve always loved the lip category and have been inspired by watching my mom and friends.”
Ortega’s journey wasn’t without challenges. A cancer diagnosis in 2021 almost derailed his plans. “Going through testicular cancer in 2021, you’re never really prepared for that kind of news and experience. I just remained really strong and knew it was a temporary thing. I wanted to heal and live. During that time, I faced failed partnerships and a lot going on. I wanted to quit, but I knew I had to keep going.”
After recovering, Ortega was more determined than ever. “When I got better and healed, I thought, ‘What if this were to happen to me again? What if this was the end for me?’ I know it sounds dark, but life could go by at any time, so you’re better off trying. I’m glad I did. It’s been almost two and a half months since the launch and it’s been really cool, fun and a lot of work.”
Secrets Behind the Glam
In the hot desert of Coachella Valley, Ortega’s preparation was crucial. “We had to ensure her skin was hydrated.” Ortega swapped black liner for a brown eyeliner to complement warm brown color palettes and prepped Lana’s lips with Ortega Beauty Blu Nectar Lip Oil. “I then used the Ortega Beauty Soft Contour Lip Liner in Xola, diffused with Liquid Icon Hyper Gloss,” Ortega explains.
Lana’s Met Gala look was another masterpiece by Ortega. He meticulously prepped Lana’s lips with the Ortega Beauty Blu Nectar Lip Oil and used the Soft Contour Lip Liner in “Cinnamon Girl,” combined with the Agave Glow Color Stick in “Petals,” for an ethereal, elegant look.
“The Blue Nectar Lip Oil is amazing. It’s for lip care and hydration and I use it to prep every client. Everything in my line has a purpose.” The blue packaging of Ortega’s line is an homage to his family and Mexican roots. “During product development, we discovered the benefits of bue agave, which comes from Jalisco, where I was born. It magically tied into the brand.”
For the Songwriter Icon Awards, Ortega opted for a combination of products that highlighted Lana’s natural beauty while adding a touch of glamour. He used the Ortega Beauty Ethereal Glow Balm in “Ice Queen” and “Golden Hour” to give her skin a radiant finish. On her lips, he applied the Soft Contour Lip Liner in “Xola” and topped it with the Liquid Icon Hyper Gloss.
More to Come
As his glam continues to inspire us, Ortega says he’s happy to be launching his line during such an incredible year for him professionally. “People have asked me over the years about my lip combos and now I can give the world my vibe and vision. I wish I had more shades to share with the world and I can’t wait to expand the range.”
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