How Latina MUA Priscilla Ono Took Chola Beauty Global—And Became Rihanna and Kali Uchis’ Go-To
For Priscilla Ono, makeup was more than just beauty—it was self-expression, culture, and art. Growing up in Los Angeles, she was surrounded by beauty influences from her Mexican family. “Makeup has always been an escapism for me. It’s always been something artistic, something that I grew up watching,” Ono shared.
She recalled how, as a child, she would sneak into her grandmother’s bathroom, steal her makeup bag, and experiment with different looks. “I remember stealing my amá’s makeup bag and locking myself in her bathroom, doing a full face of makeup, washing it off, and then coming out like nothing happened.”
Despite her passion, Ono’s grandmother initially had other plans for her. “She made the choice for me. She actually was like, you’re going to be in the medical field. That’s what you’re going to do.” But Priscilla Ono was determined to prove she could succeed as an artist. “It was like my mission to show her like, no, I can be successful even as an artist. But I do have to say she was always my muse.” Now, her grandmother is her biggest supporter. “Even though she didn’t want me to do it at first, now she’s super proud of me.”
Priscilla Ono and How Her Mexican Roots Influence Her Makeup Style
Her Mexican background deeply influences Ono’s makeup artistry. “Just growing up, watching my tias with the darker lip liners and the thin brows… I pretty much rely on all of that influence in the makeup that I do today.” She noted that the signature Chola aesthetic she grew up with—sharp brows, bold liner, and defined lips—is now a mainstream trend. “Right now, there’s such a big trend with like darker lip liner and a lighter lip, like a ’90s nude lip. And I feel like I am a pro at it now because I’ve been doing it for so many years.”
She also spoke about growing up in a diverse environment. “I grew up with all brown and Black people, so I definitely know what it’s like… for these trendy, like now, darker lip liner and thin brows… That was like the style, and it still is today, and I love that. I love that everything kind of comes around full circle.”
Why Inclusivity in Beauty Matters
With years of experience working with top beauty brands, Ono has witnessed the industry shift towards inclusivity. “Working with all these brands, especially right now in the present moment… A lot of brands are so much more aware of being inclusive when it comes to everything from your background, where you come from, to your skin tone, to your skin type.” Ono is selective with the brands she collaborates with. “I love working with brands that I actually have a connection with. And I actually won’t work with a brand unless I have some type of connection.”
“ It’s something that actually is very rewarding for me,” she continued, explaining how it’s crucial to work with brands that are aware of inclusivity. “I love the partnership that I have with Ponds currently,” Ono added. “I feel like they are very inclusive when it comes to making sure that everyone is seen and heard, especially with your skin needs. And it’s so special to me.”
She emphasized the importance of consumer voices in shaping the industry. “Comment on those posts on makeup brands and skincare brands. Leave those comments because they’re listening. They’re watching, they’re reading. And they have a team just designated to see like, okay, what are they asking for? We need to come out with that.”
The Fierce Women Who Inspire Priscilla Ono
Ono credits her grandmother as her biggest mentor and inspiration. “I have so many, but I have to say it’s my mama, my abuela. She definitely gave me my first boost of confidence when it came to being a Latina. She always told me, ‘You’re a woman, you’re Latina, you have to work extra hard because you’re both of those things.'”
This mindset fueled her work ethic and drive for success. “I feel like because I had that in my head, again, I worked my butt off. And that’s why I think I am where I am now because people can see that I have a good work ethic and that I’m very passionate about what I do.”
Working With Kali Uchis and Rihanna
Having worked with some of the biggest names in music, Ono finds inspiration in the artists she collaborates with. “Especially like Kali Uchis… I actually just worked with her for the Latin Grammys. She is a gorgeous girl from the inside out. And just working with her is great because, you know, when they’re sitting in the chair, they’re also sharing light with you.”
She reflected on how Kali Uchis’ outlook on life has influenced her. “Kali always has like this positive way of thinking about things. And like, I think that for me, that has inspired me so much because it makes you feel like, you know what? It doesn’t matter what nobody says. I’m gonna do me. I’m gonna do how I want to do it. And I’m going to be happy about the way I did it.”
Want to keep up with Priscilla Ono’s latest work? She made it simple. “Well, I made it super easy. It’s just my name, Priscilla Ono, is my handle on Instagram and TikTok. So, you know, come over, and let’s be amigas together.”
