Master and Muse: Etienne & X-Tina
Imagine being a young boy from Mexico with big dreams of making it in the Beauty World. That’s exactly what happened when Etienne Ortega followed his heart. Etienne stars alongside his muse and fellow collaborator, Christina Aguilera, in our Master and Muse Issue! Working with the faces of Xtina, Kris Jenner, Mariah Carey, Demi Lovato, and Lana Del Rey are some of Etienne’s milestones in his ever-growing career that eventually led him to create ‘Maestro Workshops’, his sold-out class where he created a space for students to learn all his tricks while using some of his key products. We’re so excited to have Etienne as our cover star, read his full Interview below.
Featured Interview:
When did you first fall in love with makeup?
I’ve been doing makeup since I was a kid but I fell in love with it when I was seventeen. I did a makeover on a woman who left an abusive relationship and her self-esteem was really low. I didn’t let her see anything until I was done. When she turned around she lit up. She was glowing and she started to cry. When I realized that I could uplift somebody so deeply through my craft and my work is when I knew I wanted to do this forever.
Growing up in a Mexican household, what products did your mom or grandma use that intrigued you as kid?
Of course, my mom did makeup – the thin eyebrows and lipliner – but it was actually my dad who stuck out. He always used Ponds lotion. He would always tell us “Put lotion on your face” and it just stuck with me. I recently got to work with them actually and it was a full-circle moment. I told my dad and he loved it
more than me I think.
When was the first time you painted a woman’s face?
I honestly can’t remember the very first time. My first memory of painting a woman’s face for real was in high school during prom season. There would be eight girls rotating through my house like, boom boom boom boom boom I was doing all their makeup.
What about a woman’s face is inspiring to give a good beat?
I’m not inspired by any specific facial feature (or gender) to give a good beat, but I’m more inspired by the event that the beat is for Weddings, quinces, and stuff like that. People who care and want to feel good about themselves are what inspire me most. When I am excited, for some reason I find that I focus hardcore on their lips.
What do you think makes a great makeup artist?
What makes a great makeup artist is the talent of course. I also believe in curiosity and a passion to get better at what they’re doing. You’re never done. There are always new generations of kids and even things you can learn from history to help refine your craft. Keep up with yourself, pay your dues, and never think
you’re above being inspired.
What was your journey like getting into celebrity makeup artistry?
It happened very organically because, as a kid, I would create mood boards. I made this world for myself and let it guide my life. It didn’t appear the moment I wanted it (that’s not how it works) but the intention was there – I wanted to work with Xtina. It gave me something to believe in. I didn’t care about what people said that I was an immigrant from Jalisco or that we grew up in a small house and that these things weren’t possible for people like me. I was always in service to my vision for myself and my family above all that and it paid off. I would showcase my work on social media and eventually, people like Kim K noticed me which (obviously) changed everything.
You’ve done some of the most iconic faces of our time… XTINA. LANA. KRIS JENNER. and the list goes on. What is one thing you’ve learned from these legendary women?
I’m so grateful to call them my muses and I learn different things from each one of them. Kris Jenner is a businesswoman. It’s hard not to learn about business when you are around her. The way she carries herself, the professionalism, it’s so valuable. She’s taught me the value of being on time: When you value
peoples’ time and your own time, that’s respect. Xtina showed me how creatives can execute at the business and professional levels. A lot of people are either creative or a business person. Xtina is very good at both.
How does Xtina inspire you?
The resilience and beauty in Xtina’s music really inspired me to be a makeup artist. Artistically, she inspires me to just play. I’m never bored and I’m always excited to work with her. Whether it’s a concert, photo shoot, album cover, whatever. Her talents are God-given, she’s an icon, and I feel free to play when I
work with her. “The Voice Within” from Xtina is a song that to this day got me through some of my lowest points. She’s my muse because she got me through some of my darkest days. It’s like therapy for me. Working with her is my reward for sticking it out and also my way to thank her.
You call your clients your muses, but who was your first muse?
My mom and my sister were my first muses. I would practice on them and do their makeup and hair. I didn’t know the word at the time, but they had olive skin and it informed and inspired the way I use and play with color to this day.
Some would say you’re THE modern-day Kevin Aucoin. Who would you say were your heroes growing up?
I was obviously so inspired by him. So this question is very rewarding in itself. My makeup career was inspired by the early 2000s. Scott Barnes, who did J-Lo’s makeup. Kristofer Buckle who worked on Xtina’s “Burlseque” and “Back to Basics” projects. Sam Fine, who does beautiful African skin. Billie D. who did
basically every pop star in the ’90s and early 2000s.
What was the first music video you saw growing up that made u feel like you want to be in show biz?
Haha, this question is like asking an artist “What’s your favorite color?” (it’s blue). I am inspired by so many music videos from all the legends – Beyonce, Pink, Britney – but a music video that sticks out is “Come on Over” by Christina Aguilera. The video was so colorful and her makeup was incredible. Her tummy was bedazzled and it was so shimmery and really fun to look at.
Has there been a moment in your career where you felt like you’ve really made it?
The first time I worked with Xtina. I had a flashback to this memory of being a kid and buying her first album with my own money. I always said “I’m going to work with her one day” and now I get to do it?? It never stops. I feel that way when I work with any artist I really admire. Lana Del Rey too. I met her through a friend and Immediately I was like, “Who is she?” I was so drawn to her uniqueness. A few years later she’s sitting in my chair and we’re working on a music video.
Has there been a moment in your career where you felt like you’ve really made it?
The first time I worked with Xtina. I had a flashback to this memory of being a kid and buying her first album with my own money. I always said “I’m going to work with her one day” and now I get to do it?? It never stops. I feel that way when I work with any artist I really admire. Lana Del Rey too. I met her through a friend and Immediately I was like, “Who is she?” I was so drawn to her uniqueness. A few years later she’s sitting in my chair and we’re working on a music video.
What is your beauty philosophy?
My beauty philosophy is “Hakuna Matata”. For real. Emotional well-being is number one. External beauty is visible, but internal beauty is felt. I deeply care about having a healthy relationship with the person I see in the mirror. Music and songs are a big help for me with that.
What advice would you give to that little Mexican boy or girl wanting to get into this industry?
Do not give up on yourself. Do not let others dictate who you are. Follow your dreams; and in the hardest times, keep going. Consistency is key. At the same time, be easy on yourself. Be gentle, heal.. you’ll get there.
What can we expect to see from you in the future?
I’m entering a whole new chapter of my life. I want to use all the tools that I’ve learned and carry them into the next chapter. Building a brand and helping people in the process are two things I’m really focused on right now. If God permits me to become bigger in my platform and financially improve I would only want to help as many people as I can.
Team Credits:
Photographer- Alex Loucas (@Grizzleearts)
Xtina’s Team
Sarah Francus, Brett Ruttenberg
Xtina’s Assistant – Martin
Etienne Team
Assistant – Freddy Castro
Brand PR-development – Steven Villescas
Agent brett@theonly.agency Jose@theonly.agency
1st Photo Assistant: Aaron Morganstein aaron@aaronmorganstein.com
2nd Photo Assistant: Charles Brown browncharlesa2015@gmail.com
DIT: Zack Ballantine Zack@zballantine.com
Makeup/talent – @Etienneortega
Stylist for Etienne – Sam Cook Samcook527@gmail.com
Assistant – edgaredu42@gmail.com
Producer – Aleen Aleen@maestroworkshops.com
Cover Art Design – Carlos Graciano @sadpapi666
Editor-in-chief – Prince Chenoa @princechenoastudio
Galore Features Editor – Perrin Johnson (@Editsbyperry)
