The moment Rihanna spotted her on the set of the “S&M” music video in 2011, everything changed. Priscilla Ono was born on February 21, 1984 (making her 41 as of July 2025), in California, United States, transforming from a music video makeup artist into one of the most influential voices in global beauty. Today, she stands as Fenty Beauty’s Global Makeup Artist and the creative force behind some of Rihanna’s most iconic looks, from Met Gala moments to Super Bowl performances.
Who Is Priscilla Ono?
Priscilla Ono is a highly influential Mexican-American celebrity makeup artist, widely recognized as the Global Makeup Artist for Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty. Her name appears on the credits of countless red carpet moments, music videos, and groundbreaking beauty campaigns that have redefined industry standards.
Priscilla Ono’s ethnicity is Mexican-American, representing third-generation Mexican heritage in the United States. Growing up in the small cities surrounding Los Angeles—Lynwood, Compton, Paramount, and Norwalk—she brings authentic representation to an industry historically lacking diverse voices. Her work with Fenty Beauty has contributed to the brand’s mission of creating “beauty for all,” establishing foundation ranges that span 50 shades and setting new expectations for inclusive cosmetics globally.
As a female makeup artist who broke barriers in celebrity beauty, Ono demonstrates how cultural diversity enhances artistry and business success.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Priscilla Ono |
| Born (Age) | February 21, 1984 (41 as of July 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | California, United States |
| Gender | Female |
| Occupation | Celebrity Makeup Artist, Global Makeup Artist for Fenty Beauty |
| Active Years | Mid-2000s – Present |
| Notable For | Global Makeup Artist for Fenty Beauty, Rihanna’s Personal Makeup Artist |
| Ethnicity | Mexican-American (Third-generation) |
| Spouse/Partner | Previously married to photographer/music video director; publicly discussed divorce in 2025 |
| Social Media | Instagram: @priscillaono (891K+ followers) |
| Key Organizations | Fenty Beauty, Priscilla Ono Makeup Course, Eloquii (fashion collaboration) |
How Did Priscilla Ono Build Her Makeup Empire?
Priscilla Ono was born in California in 1984 to Mexican-American parents, spending most of her childhood with her grandparents who immigrated from Mexico in their twenties. Her earliest inspiration came from watching her grandmother apply makeup every Sunday before church—a ritual that planted the seeds of her future career.
Growing up in working-class communities, Ono faced initial family resistance to her unconventional career choice. “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,” she revealed in a 2020 interview with Create & Cultivate. This cultural expectation reflects the traditional immigrant community emphasis on careers perceived as stable and professionally respected, particularly in medicine and law, which offer clear pathways to financial security and social recognition.
Her grandparents instilled crucial wisdom that would shape her professional approach: “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.” This advice became her driving force, creating what she calls “tunnel vision” when it comes to her work.
Ono started working in the fashion industry at thirteen as an intern, gaining early exposure to the entertainment world. She later worked as a dancer in music videos before her passion for makeup took precedence. Unable to complete her college education, she chose to pursue professional makeup artistry full-time—a decision that initially caused a two-year estrangement from her grandmother until Ono appeared on a morning television show demonstrating her professional success.
What Defines Priscilla Ono’s Rise to Celebrity Status?
Ono’s professional foundation began in the mid-2000s with a three-year stint at Sephora as a cast member and color expert. “Only a year into doing makeup, I worked there for three years,” she told ELLE. “It really molded me and gave me the knowledge that I have now about makeup. You learn how to work with different skin tones, eye shapes and face shapes.”
The breakthrough moment came through her husband, a photographer and music video director whom she met in 2005. When he asked her to do makeup for Dawn Robinson from En Vogue for a video shoot, she seized the opportunity to showcase her skills. This connection led to more music video work and eventually brought her to the set where she would meet Rihanna.
In 2011, while working as a makeup assistant on Rihanna’s “S&M” music video, Ono caught the superstar’s attention. “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,” Ono recalls.
This meeting transformed both their careers. Rihanna discovered an artist who understood her vision for boundary-pushing beauty, while Ono found her perfect creative partner.
Priscilla Ono’s Signature Makeup Philosophy and Techniques
Priscilla Ono’s makeup approach centers on celebrating natural features while creating transformative artistry. Her signature style emphasizes flawless, skin-like bases that blur imperfections without masking individuality. “If you want photogenic skin, less is always better. You don’t want to look too cakey when you have your makeup on because you can tell in photos,” she advises.
Her widely shared makeup tips include using face oils mixed with foundation for luminous coverage, strategic highlighting with finely milled products for an “inner glow,” and utilizing lip gloss as an exfoliating scrub. Ono’s technique philosophy focuses on versatility and inclusivity, teaching artists to work confidently across all skin tones and face shapes—skills she developed through years of diverse client work and Sephora training.
How Has Priscilla Ono Revolutionized Global Beauty Standards?
Priscilla Ono became one of Fenty Beauty’s Global Makeup Artists in 2017 after applying through Rihanna’s nationwide search for brand ambassadors. Her role extends far beyond traditional makeup artistry, encompassing product development, global education, and brand representation across multiple continents.
“It’s definitely an eclectic role, which I love! No day is ever the same and I get to travel the world representing Fenty Beauty,” Ono explains. Her responsibilities include educating cast members at retail partners like Sephora, contributing to product development, shooting campaigns and social media content, and attending international press events.
Revolutionary Product Development for Global Markets
Ono’s influence on Fenty Beauty’s product development stems from her real-world experience working with diverse clients. For fifteen years as a makeup artist, she struggled to find the right products and tones for her kit, often having to mix colors and pigments to achieve desired results. “It was frustrating to find a formula that was perfect for a project but was limited on who I could use it on, because of the limited colour range,” she told Dazed.
Her expertise directly contributed to Fenty Beauty’s game-changing 40-shade foundation launch, which expanded to 50 shades with the Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation. Beyond foundations, Ono played crucial roles in developing Fenty Beauty’s comprehensive product ecosystem, including the Match Stix collection for contouring and highlighting, the Gloss Bomb lip products known for their universal appeal, and the Cheeks Out cream blush formulations that blend seamlessly across all skin tones. Her input ensured each product category maintained the brand’s commitment to true diversity and accessibility.
The brand’s commitment to true diversity positioned makeup as expression rather than disguise, fundamentally changing industry expectations and forcing competitors to expand their shade ranges.
Creating Iconic Celebrity Makeup Looks
Ono’s artistry shines through memorable red carpet moments that set global beauty trends. Her work on Rihanna’s 2018 Met Gala “Heavenly Bodies” look holds special significance as one of the first events where they created ultimate glam using entirely Fenty Face products. The angel-like complexion utilized Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick for definition, Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick to emphasize Rihanna’s cupid’s bow, and Pro Filt’r Foundation for the base.
Rihanna’s 2023 Super Bowl halftime show makeup represents another career highlight. After four years off the stage, they crafted something “super timeless, as if she’d never left,” featuring the iconic Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in “The MVP” shade with a foolproof matte and blurred complexion.
These looks don’t just create red carpet moments—they influence makeup trends globally, with beauty enthusiasts recreating Ono’s techniques worldwide.
What Makes Priscilla Ono’s Masterclass Approach Unique?
Priscilla Ono operates the Priscilla Ono Makeup Course, sharing her techniques through comprehensive three-day programs in Los Angeles. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes technique, diversity, and practical application across different skin tones and face shapes.
The Priscilla Ono masterclass covers professional makeup education that fills gaps traditional beauty schools often miss. Her approach reflects her Sephora training: understanding how to work with various skin tones, eye shapes, and face shapes requires time and dedication. “I always tell people that if you want to be a makeup artist, make sure you’re willing to put in the time,” she advises.
Her curriculum includes:
- Celebrity makeup techniques learned from working with A-list clients
- Professional makeup education focused on inclusivity and diversity
- Business strategies for building a makeup artistry career
- Product knowledge gained from years of product development with Fenty Beauty
Through her makeup courses and online tutorials, Ono has reached aspiring artists globally, with her Instagram account garnering over 891,000 followers and her YouTube channel attracting thousands of subscribers seeking her color theory and application techniques.
How Does Priscilla Ono Expand Her Business Ventures?
Fashion and Beauty Collaborations
Ono created the Priscilla Ono x Eloquii fashion collaboration, designing a plus-size clothing line that reflects her personal style and commitment to body positivity. The collection demonstrates her understanding of fashion’s intersection with beauty and self-expression.
Her collaboration with SOSU by Suzanne Jackson expanded her international beauty partnerships beyond North America. This Irish beauty brand collaboration showcased Ono’s expertise in developing products that work across diverse markets, further establishing her global influence in the beauty industry and demonstrating her appeal to international celebrity artist collaborations.
Professional Recognition and Net Worth
Ono has been considered for Emmy nominations multiple times for her work on the Savage x Fenty Show. “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!” she shared with Marie Claire in 2024. Her Emmy considerations have spanned multiple seasons of the show, recognizing her contributions to the groundbreaking fashion presentations that redefined runway beauty standards.
While Priscilla Ono’s net worth remains private, industry experts estimate her earnings reflect her high-profile client roster, global brand partnerships, educational ventures, and product development contributions. Celebrity makeup artists at her level typically command substantial fees for red carpet events, brand campaigns, and educational programs.
Understanding Priscilla Ono’s Personal Life and Recent Changes
Priscilla Ono was married to a photographer and music video director whom she met in 2005. Their relationship began professionally when he directed music videos and asked her to handle makeup duties, leading to both personal and professional partnership. However, Ono has openly discussed going through a divorce in recent years, sharing her experience of “starting over at 40” in early 2025. This personal transition demonstrates her resilience and commitment to authentic self-expression, themes that resonate through her professional advocacy for confidence and self-acceptance.
The couple’s creative partnership initially demonstrated how professional relationships can flourish personally. Her former husband’s background in photography and video direction complemented Ono’s makeup artistry, creating a power couple in the entertainment industry.
Ono maintains privacy regarding specific family details while being open about her cultural identity and professional experiences. As a proud Mexican-American, she actively represents Latina voices in the beauty industry, using her platform to advocate for greater diversity and inclusion.
Her personal aesthetic reflects her professional expertise. “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!” she told Marie Claire.
What Challenges Has Priscilla Ono Overcome in the Beauty Industry?
Early Family Resistance and Cultural Expectations
Ono faced significant family pressure to pursue traditional careers in medicine or law rather than makeup artistry. Her decision to leave college for makeup caused a two-year estrangement from her grandmother, who only reconciled after seeing Ono’s television appearances demonstrating her professional success. Her grandmother’s change of heart came specifically after watching Ono showcase her skills on morning television programs, providing concrete evidence of her daughter’s professional legitimacy and success.
This experience reflects broader challenges faced by many Latina women pursuing non-traditional careers, particularly in creative industries where family expectations often favor more stable professions. The immigrant community’s emphasis on careers with clear professional recognition and financial security created initial resistance to Ono’s artistic aspirations.
Industry Discrimination and Representation
As a plus-sized Latina makeup artist in Hollywood, Ono experienced different treatment on sets but chose to focus on her work quality. “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,” she explained to Create & Cultivate.
Her success helps pave the way for greater Latina beauty industry representation, proving that diverse perspectives enhance creativity and business success.
Building Professional Credibility
Building credibility in celebrity makeup required years of strategic networking and skill development. Her breakthrough with Rihanna came after years of music video work, Sephora training, and assistant positions that built her technical foundation and industry connections.
This background demonstrates the importance of foundational training and persistence in building a successful makeup artistry career.
What Are Priscilla Ono’s Current Activities and Future Outlook?
Currently, Ono continues as Fenty Beauty’s Global Makeup Artist while expanding her educational offerings. Her makeup courses remain in high demand, and her social media presence continues growing as beauty enthusiasts seek her techniques and product recommendations.
Recent projects include developing new Fenty Beauty products, creating content for the brand’s social media channels, and traveling internationally for brand education and press events. Her Instagram bio prominently features enrollment information for her three-day makeup course, indicating ongoing commitment to education alongside her celebrity work.
The beauty industry’s continued evolution toward inclusivity positions Ono for sustained influence. Her unique combination of technical expertise, cultural perspective, and celebrity connections creates opportunities for further brand collaborations and educational ventures.
Potential future developments include expanding her educational programs internationally, developing signature product lines, and continuing to influence global beauty standards through her work with Fenty Beauty and other partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions About Priscilla Ono
Q: Who is Priscilla Ono? A: Priscilla Ono is a renowned Mexican-American celebrity makeup artist and the Global Makeup Artist for Fenty Beauty, best known for creating Rihanna’s iconic makeup looks.
Q: How old is Priscilla Ono? A: As of July 2025, Priscilla Ono is 41 years old, born on February 21, 1984.
Q: What is Priscilla Ono’s ethnicity and background? A: Priscilla Ono is Mexican-American and identifies as third-generation Mexican, growing up in California communities including Lynwood, Compton, Paramount, and Norwalk.
Q: How did Priscilla Ono meet Rihanna? A: Priscilla Ono met Rihanna in 2011 on the set of the “S&M” music video where she was working as a makeup assistant and caught Rihanna’s attention with her work.
Q: What is Priscilla Ono known for in the beauty industry? A: Priscilla Ono is best known for being Rihanna’s personal makeup artist, Fenty Beauty’s Global Makeup Artist, her contributions to inclusive beauty product development, and her professional makeup education through her masterclass programs.
Q: Does Priscilla Ono have her own beauty brand? A: While Priscilla Ono doesn’t have a standalone beauty brand called “Ono Beauty,” she has her own makeup school and courses, and has collaborated on fashion lines including Priscilla Ono x Eloquii.
Q: Is Priscilla Ono married? A: Priscilla Ono was previously married to a photographer and music video director whom she met in 2005, but has publicly discussed going through a divorce and “starting over at 40” in early 2025.
Legacy: Priscilla Ono’s Lasting Impact on Global Beauty
Priscilla Ono’s impact extends far beyond individual makeup applications. Her work with Fenty Beauty helped establish new industry standards for shade inclusivity, proving that diverse representation isn’t just socially responsible—it’s profitable and essential.
Her commitment to education ensures her techniques and philosophy reach future generations of makeup artists. Through her courses, she emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse skin tones and face shapes, skills that were lacking in traditional beauty education when she began her career.
As a visible Latina in the beauty industry, Ono represents authentic diversity rather than tokenism. Her success demonstrates how cultural perspective enhances artistry, bringing authenticity to brands seeking genuine connection with diverse consumers.
The ripple effects of her work continue expanding globally. Beauty brands worldwide now prioritize inclusive shade ranges, professional makeup education increasingly emphasizes diversity training, and young Latina women see representation in high-profile beauty roles.
Priscilla Ono stands as proof that technical excellence, cultural authenticity, and strategic vision can reshape entire industries. Her influence on global beauty standards through Fenty Beauty and commitment to professional education ensures her impact will continue inspiring artists and consumers worldwide.
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