Jenna Ortega’s Beauty Routine: Expert Skincare, Haircare, and Self-Care Tips

Discover Jenna Ortega’s refreshing approach to beauty, emphasizing simplicity, skin health, and self-confidence.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
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Jenna Ortega’s Ultimate Beauty Routine for Summer

Jenna Ortega, known for her standout roles in Jane the Virgin, Stuck in the Middle, Netflix’s You, and more recently, her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in Wednesday, has become a beauty icon for her fresh and authentic approach. In a recent conversation, she shared her pared-back, skin-focused beauty routine, emphasizing simplicity, health, and personal confidence.

Far from the heavy layers of makeup usually associated with celebrity beauty, Jenna’s routine is built on minimalism, skincare efficacy, and gentle haircare. For those seeking to emulate her glow or wondering how she cares for her skin and hair while maintaining a busy schedule, her insights offer a masterclass in practical self-care.

On Quarantine and Her Makeup Philosophy

Quarantine reshaped Jenna’s relationship with beauty. Forced to pause her usual routines, she discovered the benefits of letting her skin and hair breathe. “I might just end up being on a forever break from makeup. It’s so nice, especially when I’m working—they put so much hair and makeup products on my body. I feel like my skin reacts better and I just allow my body to breathe, which is quite rewarding.” This shift illustrates why her focus now lies in skin health over cosmetic coverage.

This philosophy is reflected in her current habits:

  • Minimal daily makeup when she chooses to wear any at all.
  • Skincare as self-care, prioritizing the condition of her skin above all.
  • Letting skin breathe, especially after heavy makeup days on set.

Surviving Summer in the Desert: Jenna’s Skincare and Sweat Solutions

Summer poses unique challenges, especially when it comes to oil and sweat. Jenna describes her skin as oily and easily affected by heat, adding, “I get oily very easily and I start sweating, so if I’m going to wear makeup, there is more powder involved. I’m using the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, pink grapefruit as always. I’ve used it my entire life and I still use it to this day— it just really works for me.” This highlights her trust in tried-and-true products over trends.

  • Favorite cleanser: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash (pink grapefruit) for consistent acne-fighting and freshness.
  • Powder for oily skin: If she wears makeup, Jenna uses more powder to control shine and sweat.
  • Scalp care: She mentions a Neutrogena scalp scrub, showing her equal attention to hair health in summer weather.

Jenna’s Skincare Routine

StepProduct/TechniquePurpose/Benefit
CleanseNeutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash (Pink Grapefruit)Cleans skin, prevents acne breakouts, balances oil
MoisturizeOil-Free MoisturizerHydrates skin without clogging pores
Spot TreatmentSalicylic Acid & Spot CorrectorsTreats acne, targets blemishes
Sun ProtectionSunscreen mistProtects skin from UV damage

Haircare Rituals: Restoring and Protecting Her Hair

Jenna’s hair has undergone frequent styling, which can lead to damage. She emphasizes the importance of gentleness: “I deal with a lot of breakage because of my work and how much it’s being damaged with heat. Scrunchies are a lot softer on your hair— they keep my hair in better condition than rubber bands.”

  • Frequent trims: Regularly cutting her hair to keep it healthy.
  • Leave-in conditioner days: Giving extra moisture on off-days, often wearing her hair in a wet bun for extended conditioning.
  • DIY hair masks: Experimenting with natural ingredients for deep treatment and shine.
  • Soft ties: Using scrunchies over rubber bands to prevent breakage.
  • Minimal heat styling: Avoiding hot tools to limit damage.
  • Loose hairstyles: Rarely wearing tight buns or ponytails to protect roots and ends.

The Five-Minute Go-To Beauty Routine

If Jenna had to leave the house in five minutes, her approach is refreshingly minimal: “Probably nothing other than moisturizer. But if I was going to wear a little makeup, I would probably fill in my eyebrows a little, curl my lashes, put some blush on, and maybe a tinted chapstick to finish it off.” Her selections underline her belief that less is more when you focus on skin health.

  • Eyebrow pencil: Neutrogena Nourishing Eyebrow Pencil to subtly define brows.
  • Mascara: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Mascara for hydrated lashes.
  • Concealer: Only when needed, to address minor blemishes or dark circles.
  • Blush: Adds a flush of color to her cheeks for a healthy look.
  • Tinted lip balm: Moisturizes and lightly enhances lips.

Favorite Skincare Treatments & Masks

When her skin needs extra TLC, Jenna turns to powerful yet clean treatments. She swears by the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask for deep cleansing and glow. She’s also tried DIY approaches: “I’ve done face masks using fresh avocado.” Her passion for experimenting with simple, natural ingredients is evident, always prioritizing products that “do more work than the bare minimum”— especially given the demands her roles place on her skin, like constant makeup or even fake blood for filming.

Body Care and Self-Care Rituals

Although she isn’t generally a huge bath person, Jenna recognizes the value of self-care time. “It’s weird because I’m generally not a huge bath person. But when I do take those self-care baths, it would be so much more fun if I had some nice salts or something.” This points to her practical, down-to-earth attitude; self-care, for her, isn’t about luxury but about relaxation and recovery.

  • Occasional baths: To unwind from long days or heavy periods of work.
  • Bath salts: Adds fun and recovery benefits to rare self-care baths.
  • Staying hydrated: Essential for skin and body health, especially with an active lifestyle.
  • Giving herself permission to rest: Recognizes the need for relaxation between projects.

Evolution of Her Beauty Attitude

Jenna’s approach reflects her growth. When she was younger, she was deeply invested in makeup, even hosting live streams to interact with fans and share makeup tutorials. “I would get up early to do a full face every single day….A lot of people would be surprised to know that I rarely wear foundation, concealer, or any type of face makeup anymore—especially the people who have stuck around and have followed me for a while.” This evolution signals her confidence in her natural features and the comfort that comes from self-acceptance, offering inspiration to fans.

She also counters the Hollywood norm: “People often start to use more and more makeup as they get older or are in the spotlight. Yeah, I just committed from the get-go. And then I was like, my skin feels better when I do less.”

Jenna’s Top Beauty Tips Anyone Can Steal

  • Take breaks from heavy makeup—Let your skin breathe for healthier, clearer results.
  • Prioritize skincare & cleansing—Consistent washing (with products that work for you) is foundational.
  • Use gentle products for hair—Scrunchies, leave-in conditioners, and DIY masks restore and protect strands.
  • Keep routines simple and effective—Focus on products that serve clear, proven purposes.
  • Choose comfort and health over trends—Listen to your body, adapt routines as needed.
  • Embrace self-care rituals—Allow yourself moments to recharge, emotionally and physically.

Frequently Asked Questions: Jenna Ortega’s Beauty Routine

Q: What is Jenna Ortega’s skincare must-have?

A: Jenna cannot live without the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash in pink grapefruit; she’s used it since childhood for clear, balanced skin.

Q: How often does Jenna use makeup?

A: Very rarely; she’s on a “forever break” from makeup, preferring to focus on skin health. On the rare occasions she wears makeup, it’s minimal—brows, lashes, blush, and lip balm.

Q: How does Jenna protect her hair from damage?

A: By limiting heat styling, using scrunchies, deep conditioning often, and making regular trims to keep her hair strong and healthy.

Q: What face mask does Jenna swear by?

A: The Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask, plus occasional DIY masks using natural ingredients like avocado.

Q: What bodycare ritual does Jenna enjoy during self-care moments?

A: Critical baths only occasionally, usually with bath salts for added relaxation and recovery.

Quick Reference Table: Jenna Ortega’s Go-To Beauty Staples

CategoryProductPurpose
CleanserNeutrogena Oil-Free Acne WashDaily facial cleansing, preventing breakouts
EyebrowNeutrogena Nourishing Eyebrow PencilSubtle brow shaping and definition
MascaraNeutrogena Hydro Boost MascaraLash definition and hydration
Face MaskAztec Secret Indian Healing ClayDeep cleanse, detoxifies complexion
Hair TiesSatin ScrunchiesMinimizes breakage, gentle on hair
MoisturizerOil-Free MoisturizerHydration without clogging pores
SunscreenSpray/MistUV protection

Key Takeaways from Jenna Ortega’s Routine

  • Authenticity: Choose what works for your skin and hair, not what’s most popular.
  • Consistency: Daily care routines matter more than sporadic product changes.
  • Rest and Reset: Frequent breaks from makeup and styling allow natural recovery.
  • Simplicity: Fewer products, more results — especially when focused on essentials.
  • Empowerment: Confidence grows from care, not coverage.

If you’re seeking a beauty routine that’s both practical and empowering, Jenna Ortega’s philosophy is the blueprint—centered on health, minimalism, and genuine self-love.

Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

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