PRISCILLA Ono’s passion for face artistry began in the 1990s, at the peak of MTV popularity, by watching music videos on the channel.
Currently Fenty Beauty Global make-up artist, she has translated her obsession on artistic expression into a 13-year career as a celebrity make-up artist and instructor, leading sold-out master classes and creating looks that have appeared on international magazine covers, campaigns and red carpets.
She speaks about the changes she has seen in the industry and how cosmetics encourage confidence and self-expression.
HOW HAS COSMETICS CHANGED IN THE LAST DECADE AS THE BUSINESS SERVES YOUNGER CUSTOMERS?
The whole industry has changed so much in a great way. I started doing make-up 16 years ago, and when I’d show up to make-up trade shows in bright make-up, people would say: “Wow, that’s so cool. I’ve never seen that.”
Now everyone is doing it. Everyone has access to the best of the best and it’s so easy to learn online. I see high school students doing the best brows, complexion make-up, eyeshadow. I didn’t have those skills in high school.
WILL THE FENTY BEAUTY SNAP SHADOW CHANGE THE EYESHADOW GAME AND HOW?
Yes, I think these palettes will change the eyeshadow game because they make it very easy for you to experiment with different looks by mixing and matching palettes with different shades. The Snap Shadow Palettes have amazing product quality and shade variety in small, easy-to-travel packaging.
CAN CUSTOMERS EXPAND THE USE OF THE PRODUCT BEYOND THE SHADOW?
I’ve used the Snap Shadow Palettes as blush, highlighter, or down the bridge of my nose. The Rose Palette (#4) has stunning colours for blush. Rihanna wants all the products she creates to be versatile, and that’s exactly what they are.
WHICH PALETTE DO YOU THINK WILL RESONATE WITH MOST USERS AND WHY?
I think the True Neutrals Palette (#1) is such an easy go-to and definitely the perfect base for any eye make-up look.
WHAT SETS THE FULL FRONTAL VOLUME & LIFT MASCARA APART FROM OTHER MASCARAS?
It’s very easy to use. It’s one of the best mascaras I’ve seen in a long time. The brush is very innovative and user-friendly. The flat side makes it easy to be precise without smudging, and the fat side allows you to load a lot of product for instant gratification. The formula delivers amazing lash volume without clumping, so you get the best of both worlds.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE FLYPENCIL?
Lady Lagoon. I am a girl of colour. I love bright tones on the eyes; bright colours speak to my soul. Even though I’ve played with every colour on the market, I’ve never seen a blue that is this blue.
IN YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A MAKE-UP ARTIST, HOW HAS EXPRESSION THROUGH MAKE-UP CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?
People want to be more adventurous, and play and try things. The advancement of make-up and social media has empowered people to try whatever they want to.
I think the access to information helps put more power behind make-up and the industry, and I’m all for it.
WHAT ARE THREE FENTY BEAUTY ITEMS YOU KEEP GOING BACK TO?
Match Stix Skinsticks, Invisimatte Blotting Powder, and Pro Filt’r Hydrating Foundation.
PLAY AND EXPERIMENT
FENTY Beauty by Rihanna’s Snap Shadow is made for playing and experimenting. With eight mini palettes that you can pair — they click together at the back — you get a wide selection of shades without the bulk of a conventional palette.
Each six-mini pan eyeshadow tells a different story. From smoky to pastel and neutrals, the shades come in matte, shimmer and glitter finishes so your combinations are endless.
The colours are super rich too. The shades you see on the palette transfer well onto the skin. The pigment is on point and, best of all, after an eight-hour use, the shades don’t crease. In fact, they look lived in and beautiful at the end of the day.