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The Products Christina Aguilera's MUA Swears By to Make Her Makeup Last

Including a long-lasting new formula that holds up against sweat, tears, rain—you name it.

 

 

It’s nearly impossible to talk about Christina Aguilera’s makeup without resorting to a song-title pun of some sort. C’mon—“Beautiful”? “Reflection”? It’s almost too easy. But we’ll spare you the word play and instead tell you about something that may be a little less obvious: How celebrity makeup artist Etienne Ortega kept Christina's stunning matte-meets-glowy look from melting off during her powerhouse set at the Lovers + Friends Festival in Las Vegas.

It should come as no surprise that the look started with the award-winning Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, which Etienne relied on to smooth and prep Christina’s skin and really set the stage for her makeup’s longevity. From there, it was all about elevating her already-amazing complexion.

“I went in with the Future Fluid All Over Cream Concealer in shade 11C for lightweight all-over coverage,” Etienne says. (Christina is a light-to-medium cool-undertone queen.) The formula stays crease-free for up to 12 hours, so it had no problem providing medium-to-full coverage and keeping her skin even and radiant for the length of her performance.

From there, he used four different sticks: Sculpt Stick in Stoked for cool-toned contour to add depth and dimension, Matte Bronzer in Baked for natural-looking, no-sparkle warmth, Lip + Cheek in Werk—a dusty rose—for a monochromatic look, and Highlighter in Turnt for the kind of glow you can practically feel even from the back row of the venue.


And, of course, he topped off Christina’s look with Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray to ensure hydrating hold. “Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Primer and Setting Spray were essential in creating a look that would last all through the night,” he says. It was essentially a Hydro Grip sandwich.

But those weren’t the only products with serious holding power that Etienne used for Christina’s unfaltering Lovers + Friends Festival makeup. He got early access to Milk Makeup’s new RISE Waterproof Mascara, which holds curl like nobody’s business. In addition to lifting, lengthening, and adding just the right amount of subtle volume, the clump- and flake-free formula refuses to smudge and simply cannot be bothered by tears, sweat—all things wet.

“I got to test and use the upcoming launch for Milk Makeup… the RISE Waterproof Mascara, launching on May 12 on milkmakeup.com,” Etienne shared with his Instagram followers. “Just as good as the OG RISE Mascara, but even more long-wearing and perfect for stage.” Needless to say, it’s ideal offstage, too, thanks to all-day definition—not to mention monoi oil and marigold extract that help condition and strengthen your lashes each time you wear it.

If these products can ensure Christina’s look lasts through singing her heart out while wearing leather in Las Vegas, they can definitely keep your makeup looking fresh all day, too.

Meet the Expert

Etienne Ortega (he/him) is a Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist who has worked with the likes of Christina Aguilera, Demi Lovato, Kris Jenner, and more. His work has been featured in Harper's Bazaar, InStyle Mexico, Galore, Vanity Fair France, and several others.

 

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Marci Robin is a freelance writer who has served as contributing editor for Allure, senior digital beauty editor at Good Housekeeping, executive editor of xoVain, and senior online editor at NewBeauty. Her writing has also appeared in Glamour, InStyle, Refinery29, Martha Stewart, Byrdie, Today, and more.

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Marci Robin is a freelance writer who has served as contributing editor for Allure, senior digital beauty editor at Good Housekeeping, executive editor of xoVain, and senior online editor at NewBeauty. Her writing has also appeared in Glamour, InStyle, Refinery29, Martha Stewart, Byrdie, Today, and more.

All information is created for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.