If there’s one person whose job title instantly incites pangs of envy, it’s Priscilla Ono. As a global makeup artist for Fenty Beauty, Ono works with one of the most innovative partners in beauty, Rihanna, at one of the top brands in the industry.
And, as if that wasn’t enough, Ono has also developed her own makeup course, drawing on her experience working at Sephora and Fenty Beauty, and she’s created a plus-size clothing line in collaboration with Eloquii. (Honestly, when does she sleep?)
Here, Ono tells C&C what it’s like to work with Rihana at one of the fastest-growing beauty brands on the market, her mission to create “beauty for all,” and the beloved books every aspiring makeup artist should invest in, stat.
CREATE & CULTIVATE: You are a global makeup artist for Fenty Beauty. How has your professional background prepared you for this defining moment in your career? Can you tell us about your role and what a day in the life looks like?
PRISCILLA ONO: I think it was more of my personal background story that prepared me most to be a Fenty Beauty global makeup artist, rather than a particular professional moment. I started out in the beauty world doing makeup on the set of music videos with my (now) husband, which ultimately led me to assist a makeup artist who was scheduled to work for Rihanna’s “S&M” music video. I ended up doing the makeup on set and when Rihanna saw me she was incredibly complimentary and ultimately asked me to be an extra in the video! That’s how we first met.
Being raised by first-generation Mexican immigrants in L.A., “makeup artist” wasn’t necessarily the most obvious (or approved) career choice—they had wanted me to go into the medical or law fields. But I followed my passion and always pushed myself to be the best and work with the best—to make my grandmother proud. Hard work was always instilled in me growing up. My grandparents would say, “You have to work extra hard because you are Latina, and people won’t always give you the chance. You’ll have to prove yourself more.” So, I’ve always had tunnel vision when it comes to my work—I wouldn’t let any negativity or discrimination hold me back. I’ve always wanted to let my work speak for itself. Believing in myself, working hard, and celebrating diversity is what prepared me best for this position—especially because it’s something that Rihanna and Fenty Beauty also so strongly believe in.
One of the things I love about being a Fenty Beauty global makeup artist is that it’s definitely an eclectic role. No day is really the same as the next. I get to travel the world representing Fenty Beauty—educating cast members at our retail partners, contributing to product development, shooting videos for social media and campaigns, attending press events, or doing Rihanna’s makeup for a red carpet. I love that one week I’ll be in Asia for a Beauty Talk class with Rihanna and the next I’ll be in San Francisco in the office testing out new products and finessing shades. It’s always exciting and new with Rihanna.
What is it like to work with one of the most innovative beauty partners, Rihanna? What have you learned from her since working at Fenty Beauty? What is her greatest piece of advice?
Rihanna is such a fearless leader and it’s incredibly rewarding and inspiring to work for her. She’s a secret makeup artist in her own right, with such unique perspectives on beauty and how to create looks and accentuate features. I love that she believes in “beauty for all” and that makeup should be there for people to have fun with and to express themselves. She really celebrates everyone with her makeup line and I love that. It really resonates with me. She is so creative and free, she is like a chameleon and can pull off so many looks. Her fearlessness and confidence are so refreshing and the best advice she could offer.
“I’ve always had tunnel vision when it comes to my work—I wouldn’t let any negativity or discrimination hold me back.”
The beauty industry has changed so much, even in the last year, and Fenty Beauty is really leading the charge. What are your hopes for the beauty industry in the future? Where would you like to see change? And how are you influencing that at Fenty Beauty?
I think Fenty Beauty has started a great new chapter when it comes to representation in beauty. It’s amazing to be a part of the movement that’s prompting so many brands to showcase all the different skin tones and features so that everyone can feel included. We definitely make sure that’s at the forefront of all that we do at Fenty Beauty—whether it’s creating universal shades, or offering formulas that work for different skin types, or creating video tutorials on a variety of skin tones. I hope the industry just continues to build on this momentum.
I hope that the industry also continues to innovate in the future—I would love to see products that allow you to do fewer steps because time is precious!
What do you wish your younger self knew when you were first starting out in the beauty industry? Why? What characteristics make you successful in this industry?
Be patient. Practice makes perfect. It took me 15 years to get where I am.
On top of your Fenty Beauty role, you love to teach and have even developed your own makeup courses. Why did you take this educational path? How did you discover your passion for teaching? What advice do you have for someone who wants to pursue teaching too?
I got into teaching because I really wanted to inspire others, particularly Latina women, with what I had learned over the years. Makeup is part instinct and part practice. I had experience from working at Sephora for three years, which helped shape my artistry, as well as helped me in becoming an educator. I also assisted professional artists which really helped me understand how to work on major sets. To set yourself apart in this industry, you need to be more than just good at makeup. It’s about adaptability, common sense, problem-solving, that really gets you to the top. So, yes, I teach skill and technique, but more importantly, I teach was set etiquette really is.
You also created a plus-size clothing line in collaboration with Eloquii. Why did you decide to move into the fashion space and develop this line? What did you learn through the process?
I’ve always been really attuned to fashion trends because I use it often as inspiration as a makeup artist. I’ve been plus size my whole life and have always struggled with finding clothes that are fashion-forward. Because of that, I always wished I could just create my own! Eloquii, though, is one of the few brands that actually is fashionable for plus-size and it was a really natural partnership because I was already a fan and existing client.
You are obviously a multi-hyphenate with so many careers happening simultaneously. What is your best work hack for getting everything done? Tell us your productivity secrets!
Oh man, this one’s tough! When you have so much going on, it’s important to just absolutely love everything you do—it makes it so much easier to digest. There’s no real secret to getting it all done, but I like to promise myself a nice vacation periodically as a light at the end of the tunnel.
You are one of our favorite people to follow on social media, so we'd love to know: What is the secret to growing a community like yours? What are your top three tips for growing a following and building a brand on social media? In a pay-to-play world, how do you grow your business organically on social media?
Try to be aesthetically pleasing. Make sure your posts are crisp and clear and pleasing to see.
Make sure your posts are remarkable. Don’t post anything boring or repetitive. Quality over quantity. You should always ask yourself, “What would I want to see,” or, “What stops me in my scrolling tracks?”
Don’t compare yourself to others, you have to set yourself apart and be unique. People want to be inspired by something new and fresh.
Social media always shows the highlight reel, but we know that this is not a depiction of reality. What's a mistake you made in your career and what did you learn from it? How did you turn it into an opportunity?
When I first started doing makeup, I tried to please a client by implementing a technique that I didn’t usually do to create a look that they wanted. Since this wasn’t something I did regularly, I failed miserably when I did it. The client was upset with the end result, and so was I. I learned that instead of trying to do something that you’re not used to or experienced enough at, it’s important to communicate to your clients and instill trust in them that your own techniques and aesthetic will prove more successful. Don’t try to be someone other than who you are. I’ve carried this experience throughout my whole career and it’s served me well.
With success comes opportunity, which also means you have your hands full. What keeps you inspired and motivated to keep going even on your most challenging days?
Another tough one! I am deeply obsessed with my industry and even on down days I do research and make mood boards to lift me back up. I also find that when I have time off, I really “turn off”—I find that I end up missing work and wanting to get back into the routine as soon as possible and get my creative brain going again.
“If you try and compare yourself and have a competition with your peers, you’re setting yourself up for a big letdown.”
Fenty Beauty is a unique and diverse brand. What has been the best part of working for Fenty Beauty? What is something about Fenty Beauty you would like to change?
It’s been such an amazing experience. I’ve always wanted to work with a brand that prioritizes diversity. I’ve been a makeup artist for 15 years and it was a struggle for many years to carry the right products in the right tones I needed in my kit. I always had to mix pigments. I’m so proud that Fenty Beauty has set the tone for everyone to see that this is so necessary and overdue. I wouldn’t change a thing!
There is so much competition in your industry. How do you set yourself apart from other major players in the industry? What is your advice for others reading this who want to achieve your success?
I don’t compare myself to others in my industry. I have realized over the years that if you try and compare yourself and have a competition with your peers, you’re setting yourself up for a big letdown. You have to always be yourself and do what drives you, do what inspires you, not just follow the latest trend that another makeup artist is succeeding at. Everyone has a different style and that’s what will make you stand out—you have to be remarkable in your style of creativity—and that has to be different from the others.
How do you define beauty? What makes you feel beautiful?
Beauty is pure CONFIDENCE! I, personally, feel my most confident in a full face of my favorite skincare and makeup. I’m not sure if it’s because I personally researched, chose, and applied the best products for myself, but it’s just incredibly rewarding and confidence-boosting to see the end result—it’s like, “yeah, I just did that.”
What is the #1 book you always recommend? Why?
I love all of the Kevyn Aucoin books! When I was growing up as an aspiring makeup artist, we didn’t have social media or the internet for makeup inspo. Kevyn Aucoin was way ahead of his time when it came to artistry and being a celeb makeup artist. His makeup looks are timeless and his background and story are so inspiring. Any aspiring makeup artist should invest in reading them.
Photographer: Jenna Peffley
Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska
VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 BEAUTY LIST HERE.
