“I Wear Makeup to Have Fun, Not to Create a Perfect Image” – Jenna Ortega on Freedom in Beauty

At just 22, Jenna Ortega has become more than a breakout star. She’s a cultural force—known not just for her acclaimed acting performances in shows like Wednesday, but for her refreshing, pared-down approach to beauty and wellness. In an industry often defined by excess and transformation, Ortega is quietly redefining what beauty means for a new generation.

While her career continues to rise—with new roles under the direction of J.J. Abrams, a highly anticipated second season of Wednesday, and even whispers of her directorial debut—her personal routines remain rooted in simplicity, authenticity, and intentionality.

A Career That Demands Everything — And the Balance to Handle It

Ortega’s work schedule is intense. She’s frequently on set, juggling overlapping roles, meetings with directors, and promotional commitments. Despite this whirlwind, she carves out moments for rest, meditation, and stillness, using every sliver of downtime as an opportunity to ground herself.

She acknowledges that mornings aren’t always structured—sometimes she’s up just in time to rush to set. But whenever possible, she incorporates meditation into her day, even if it’s in the makeup trailer or between scenes. For her, it’s a vital part of preserving mental and emotional clarity. Meditation helps her release tension, especially physical stress held in her body and jaw.

This emphasis on internal calm isn’t just spiritual—it’s foundational to how she moves through an industry that constantly pulls her in different directions.

A Make-Up Minimalist at Heart

Though Ortega’s roles often require dramatic looks, her personal approach to makeup is the opposite. She considers herself a makeup minimalist, preferring fast, light routines over complex beauty regimens. On most days, her look comes together in just five minutes.

While fans might notice her signature eyeliner, it’s rarely the result of a carefully planned process. Instead, it’s a spontaneous stroke of creativity—more instinct than precision. The final look might seem bold, but to Ortega, makeup is meant to be fun, not performative.

For events, she may switch things up with a bold lip color, but day-to-day, she sticks with products that are easy to use, hydrating, and natural-looking. Her go-to shades often carry personal significance, such as those reminiscent of what her mother or sisters wore when she was growing up.

This personal connection to beauty—where products are tied to memory and emotion rather than trends—makes her aesthetic both nostalgic and modern.

The Difference Between On-Camera and Real Life

On set, makeup is often layered, sculpted, and heavily applied to withstand harsh lighting and long hours. Even characters who are meant to look “barefaced” will have a base layer to smooth skin tone or accentuate features under camera angles.

In contrast, Ortega doesn’t follow those same steps when she’s off camera. Her own routine is intuitive and hands-on—she literally paints with her fingers. She avoids overloading her skin and doesn’t feel pressure to look flawless in daily life. For her, real beauty shines through in comfort and ease.

This contrast between her on-screen transformation and real-world minimalism reinforces the authenticity she strives to maintain, even while navigating the spotlight.

Skincare: Clean, Simple, and Gentle

Just like her makeup routine, Jenna Ortega’s skincare philosophy is rooted in simplicity. While people often suggest trendy skincare techniques or products, she’s learned through experience that less is more.

Her skin reacts best to clean, uncomplicated routines—no harsh acids, no overly layered products. She prefers to give her skin room to breathe, prioritizing hydration and protection over correction or perfection.

Ortega also ties skincare into her self-care rituals. Washing her face and moisturizing is more than just hygiene—it’s a way to reconnect with herself after a long day of performing or traveling.

Meditation and Mental Stillness

Meditation plays a powerful role in Ortega’s daily life. She doesn’t always have the luxury of long sessions or perfect quiet, but she makes an effort to find stillness wherever she is. Sometimes that means meditating in the car, in a trailer, or even while walking her dog.

These moments of pause help her recalibrate. As someone prone to holding physical tension, she uses meditation to stay aware of how her body reacts to stress. The practice grounds her emotionally, preparing her for the demands of acting, interviews, and public appearances.

In a fast-paced world—and a faster-paced career—Ortega’s commitment to mindfulness gives her a foundation from which to operate with clarity and control.

What an Ideal Day Off Looks Like

Even on her days off, Ortega is often immersed in work. She meets with producers, discusses scripts, and brainstorms new projects. But when she manages a true break, she gravitates toward simple pleasures.

She enjoys long walks with her dog, unstructured time outdoors, and hours spent reading or listening to music. Watching films is both a passion and a professional necessity—something she refers to as an “education” as much as an escape.

Her ideal day ends with time in the sun, perhaps sitting in a park or open field, appreciating a moment of normalcy in the midst of a chaotic schedule.

Music and Film as Emotional Anchors

Beyond beauty and wellness, Ortega finds inspiration and grounding in music and cinema. Her playlists are filled with emotionally rich tracks—often alternative, timeless, or a little bit obscure. She gravitates toward artists like Lou Reed, Scott Walker, and Bruce Springsteen, finding resonance in haunting melodies and poetic lyrics.

When it comes to film, she references several classics that have shaped her outlook, such as Wim Wenders’ Wings of Desire, Ingmar Bergman’s Fanny and Alexander, and John Smith’s The Black Tower. These films move her deeply—some even to tears—and reflect her artistic sensibilities.

Ortega doesn’t just act—she studies the craft from every angle, learning from cinematography, storytelling, and emotion-driven performances. Film is both her career and her compass.

The Beauty of Doing Less—and Meaning It

Ultimately, Jenna Ortega’s relationship with beauty is defined by intention over effort. She doesn’t believe in wearing makeup to hide or impress, but to play, to explore, and to enhance what’s already there. Her routines are designed to support—not mask—her identity.

In a culture that constantly urges people to do more, buy more, and perfect every detail, Ortega stands out for her refusal to overcomplicate things. Her message is clear: it’s okay to keep it simple, and you don’t need to change yourself to be beautiful.

This minimalist mindset extends into how she speaks, how she dresses, and how she presents herself in interviews. She’s not interested in filling space with noise—but rather, creating space for real connection.

Final Thoughts

Jenna Ortega’s beauty philosophy isn’t tied to trends, brands, or viral routines. It’s built on self-awareness, emotional clarity, and a commitment to being honest—both with herself and with her audience.

As she continues to grow in her career, balancing blockbuster roles with creative ambition, her calm and centered approach is proof that beauty doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful.

Ortega represents a shift in what it means to be a beauty icon today: someone who values presence over perfection, and who finds her glow in simplicity, stillness, and storytelling.