I’m Kris Jenner’s makeup artist – my tips to make celebs look youthful at any age & my step-by-step ‘lip contour’ method
MEXICAN makeup artist Etienne Ortega is most known for his work with Kris Jenner, Nicki Minaj, and Christina Aguilera.
He revealed some of his unique tricks for achieving a youthful glow for all his clients, regardless of age — as well as some behind-the-scenes details to replicate their looks.
Based in Los Angeles, Etienne Ortega shared the driving force behind his recent Ortega cosmetics line and his career highlights with The U.S. Sun.
He has been hailed as one of the most sought-after beauty gurus on the market, with Kris Jenner and Christina Aguilera among his high-priority clients.
To create a more youthful look with makeup, Ortega said it may be cliche but “less is definitely more” — and that is a tactic he uses often.
“You don’t want to fill fine lines and wrinkles heavily,” he said.
Ortega admitted that he admired Jenner’s “business-oriented” attitude and “quickly started learning so many habits from her.”
“I take a lot of inspiration from my amazing clientele, who have served as my muses both in my early career and now, as it continues to shape and inspire my work,” he said.
“She has so many successful brands that I only wish to replicate. Over time she respected my work ethic and our personalities were just compatible.”
He launched his Ortega cosmetics line in March with five products inspired by the vibrancy of his hometown of Jalisco, Mexico and his distinctive lip contouring techniques.
“This marks a significant moment as I enter into a new role in my life, stepping into a founder position to manifest my vision into reality,” he said.
There are specific methods he uses so that Aguilera looks spectacular in concert, especially when she’s 100 feet away from her fans but there are cameras on her on the big screen.
I remember when I was testing my final samples on Christina Aguilera, and when I had to touch it up 6 hours later, the lip had not moved.
Etienne Ortega
Ortega has shared many memorable moments with the Genie in a Bottle singer, and she was part of a five-year process when creating his makeup line.
“I remember when I was testing my final samples on Christina, and when I had to touch it up 6 hours later, the lip had not moved,” he revealed.
His favorite celebrity beauty look and “full circle moment” was appearing with her on the cover of Galore — which was also released on his birthday.
“It was an incredibly special moment for me because of the personal significance it held,” he said.
“Drawing inspiration from Marilyn Monroe, I crafted a makeup look that was simultaneously simple, current, and timeless.”
LIP LINER LESSON
Lana Del Ray and Demi Lovato are a few additional performers to have benefited from his unique lip technique, and he explained the step-by-step process.
“To get an Ortega lip, it has got to be fiercely precise,” he said.
It begins with ensuring the lips are well-hydrated and cared for using products like our Blu Nectar Lip Oil, $21, which is a “holy grail” item that Ortega can’t live without.
Next, he defines the lips using the Soft-Contour Lip Liner, $16, starting at the center of the cupid’s bow and creating a heart shape.
When it comes to anti-aging the important thing is hydration, any product that I make will always have that benefit.
Etienne Ortega
“I then underline the bottom lip, before connecting the dots from the cupid’s bow to the corners of the lips, both top and bottom,” he added.
Once the outline is complete, he fill in the lips with the Agave Glow Color Stick, $22, layering it on for a more intense look if desired.
Lastly, to add dimension and shine, he finishes with a gloss or shine product and recommends the Ortega Liquid Icon Hyper Gloss, $18.
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Ortega Blu Nectar Lip Oil, $21
Ortega Soft-Contour Lip Liner, $16
Ortega Agave Glow Color Stick, $22
Ortega Liquid Icon Hyper Gloss, $18
All the pigment-rich products are infused with his “signature ingredient,” Blue Agave, known for its hydrating and moisturizing anti-aging properties.
“When it comes to anti-aging the important thing is hydration, any product that I make will always have that benefit,” he said.
NEW HORIZONS
But “every face is a different canvas,” and he switches up his techniques based on who he is working with.
“For longer and shorter shows, you need different makeup,” he explained.
“From Christina’s stage makeup to her red carpet looks, you need each look to be unique and serve a specific purpose.”
Ortega described makeup as an “illusion” that you learn to work within different environments and how it “translates onto the camera.”
His biggest drive throughout his career and especially when crafting his new line has been his family, also known as his “anchor,” who have kept him “grounded in every chapter” of his life.
“Having my sister on board, working alongside me, adds an extra layer of fulfillment to my path,” he said.
As a celebrity makeup artist, he shared gratitude for his “incredible growth and success,” but is now “eager to explore what lies beyond this role.”
“I’m envisioning a transition into entrepreneurship, where I can channel my passions into a new project that not only fulfills me but also aligns with the evolving landscape of the beauty world,” he said.
