If there’s one thing you can expect from singer-turned-beauty-entrepeaneur Rihanna, it’s that she’ll be serving face. Always. But who does Rihanna’s makeup?
The mastermind behind Rihanna’s most iconic looks is esteemed makeup artist Priscilla Ono. Tasked with painting the faces of music’s biggest stars, such as Rihanna, Megan The Stallion and Normani, Ono is renowned for her trendsetting, artistry-forward looks.
Here, Ono gives us the inside scoop on Rihanna’s best beauty moments and reveals what it’s like working as a makeup artist for Hollywood’s greatest.
What’s your favourite Rihanna makeup look?
I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Rihanna’s Heavenly Bodies look at the 2018 Met Gala. It was one of the first events Rih and I worked on to create the ultimate glam using entirely Fenty Face. To get that angel-like complexion, we simply perfected the assets Rih has. Using the Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick, we defined and contoured her cheekbones, emphasised her pronounced cupid’s bow with Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick, and created the ultimate diffused matte complexion with our go to – the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation.
Rih’s [2023] Super Bowl halftime show glam is also up there. After four years off the stage, we worked on creating something super timeless, as if she’d never left. To create the iconic look, we knew without a doubt Rih needed to don the Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in the shade The MVP. We went for a foolproof matte and blurred complexion, topped off with none other than Invisimatte Setting + Blotting Powder.
Have you had a pinch-me moment?
From a little girl playing makeup artist with her tías [aunts] in Compton [LA] to glamming Rihanna – it’s all felt very surreal. I’ve been considered for an Emmy a few times. The [Television] Academy reached out for my work on the Savage x Fenty Show. That was huge for me – knowing that the Academy knows who I am!
What would we find in your makeup kit?
I’m a type-A MUA [makeup artist], which means depotted formulas categorised by shade and labelled within my kits. I’m big on efficiency, especially considering Rih’s now on-the-go as a mom of two. Of late, I’ve been leaning into cream formulas like the Eaze Drop Blur + Smooth Tint Stick. I love that these just glide on and leave no mess or fallout – it’s honestly a makeup artist’s fantasy.
Desert Island Products?
I’d die without my Invisimatte Setting + Blotting Powder; I’m pretty sure I’ve got at least half a dozen. I’m yet to find a powder that can blur, brighten and mattify quite like this. The Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer can contour, bronze and perfect the skin all in one – perfect if you’re strapped for space. And a quick swipe of Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in Fu$$y to get me through island life– there’s no occasion where a shimmery lip doesn’t fit right in.
Are you always on makeup duty?
I’m ALWAYS on makeup artist duty! Friends, family members, even strangers at the nail salon. If they ask, I will always help. I find myself mostly helping with eyeliner and eyelashes.
Your best beauty advice?
Sleep! It makes a huge difference in the elasticity of your skin. Just eight hours can improve tightness. Skincare is a must. I get so many DMs asking how we perfect Rih’s skin, and it’s almost always to do with preparing your canvas. If you’re layering [foundation or concealer] on top of skin without creating a smoothed and plump base, you’re gonna crease. Finally, work with your features. What works with Rih doesn’t always suit me, and it shouldn’t.
When do you feel most beautiful?
Beauty to me means confidence. If you believe it, you will be it. I feel my most confident after self-care: Shower, blow out, makeup and nails done with a bomb outfit. I’m unstoppable!
Shop Priscilla Ono’s Makeup Must-haves
01
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
from $36 at Sephora
Beloved for its versatile shade range and high-shine finish, it providesuniversally flattering sheen to any skin tone. Infused with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and formulated to be non-sticky, it delivers a luxurious feel and a plump, glossy look that lasts.
Key features:
- Seven Universal Shades, handpicked by Rihanna herself
- High-shine Glossy Finish
- Non-sticky Formula
02
Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Instant Setting & Blotting Powder
from $ 49 at Sephora
A versatile, translucent powder that sets makeup and controls shine without altering the skin’s natural finish. Its ultra-fine texture seamlessly blends into the skin, providing a radiant matte finish that lasts all day. Designed to be weightless and undetectable, it’s the perfect solution for touch-ups on the go.
Key features:
- Pressed Powder
- Suits Skin Types: Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily
- Matte, Natural finish
03
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blur + Smooth Tint Stick
from $ 52 at Sephora
Effortlessly blur imperfections and gives skin a smooth, natural tinted finish. Its lightweight formula allows for easy application, offering buildable coverage for a customisable look. Ideal for those seeking a quick and effortless makeup routine, it imparts a radiant complexion with a soft-focus effect.
Key features:
- Lightweight Formula
- Blurring Effect
- Buildable Coverage
- Versatile Application
04
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer
from $ 52 at Sephora
Achieve a sun-kissed glow with Fenty Beauty’s lightweight, blendable formula that melts into the skin. Its creamy texture makes it easy to apply and build up for a natural-looking contour or bronzed effect.
Key features:
- Non-greasy, Cream Formula
- 7 Shades
- Natural Looking Bronze or Contour
