Jenna Ortega on lipstick, Bjork and carpentry

As she stars in Dior Beauty's latest Rouge Dior On Stage campaign, Jenna Ortega talks to Wonderland about finding her signature beauty look, the soundtrack to a perfect night out, and why her next creative pursuit might be carpentry. Images courtesy of Dior. Jenna Ortega has become something of a beauty reference point. With her signature dark, smudged eyes, pared-back skin and penchant for a statement lip, her face has inspired countless beauty looks across the globe, helped along by the creative minds of her glam team who have turned the red carpet into an extension of her ever-evolving aesthetic. Now, she's the face of Dior Beauty's Rouge Dior On Stage campaign, so who better to talk to us about all things makeup and beauty? Since first appearing on screen as a child, Ortega has grown into one of Hollywood's most recognisable young actors, while developing an equally distinctive approach to style and beauty along the way. Away from the cameras, however, her interests are much more low-key: she's teaching herself to sew, spending time with her dog, reading books and scripts, and remains eager to try her hand at carpentry. As she continues to navigate a career that began at a young age, Ortega has also learnt the importance of keeping some distance from the strange reality of life in the spotlight. Here, she talks to Wonderland about the beauty looks that have made her feel most like herself, her go-to Dior lipstick, the music she'd soundtrack a night out with and more. What has been your favorite makeup look to date, and why? I really loved my makeup at the Actor Awards in February. It felt the most like me, as it was very natural. I felt incredibly true to myself in this glowy look, with a smudged, punk feel around the eyes and a strong lip, using some intense nude Rouge Dior shades. Altogether it just felt effortless. Are there any new things you want to try that you have never done before? I've said this before, but I'll say it again: I really want to get into carpentry. I would love to make a box or tables and little things for around the house – I just think that would be so cool. How do you stay grounded? I feel very lucky to have a family that is very supportive, and who all lead different lives. But owing to the experience I've had, and also because I started so young, I am very aware that my environment and the life I lead are not natural, they are bizarre. I think that's why I compartmentalize it in my brain, and I try to keep clear of it in all other facets of my life, because like any job, I think that boundary is necessary. You tell stories that stay with people. What does a project need to have for it to feel truly meaningful to you? It is really important for a project to have honesty in order for it to feel meaningful. That doesn't mean it always has to relate to me, but usually you can tell when writing draws on experience. If I see that something in the job might affect a community of people, that's really special. It doesn't have to be an emotional drama – something satirical and hilarious can also offer social commentary. Before a red carpet or an event, do you usually have a clear idea of the makeup you'd like, or is this something you brainstorm with your makeup artist? Sometimes, when I see the outfit, I can visualize everything else in my mind. I work with lovely creative people who are all on the same page. Sometimes they present new ideas, and I like to explore their creativity and their artistry, so there is a lot of discussion beforehand. Then, when I put the outfit on and we start getting ready, we already know what the makeup needs to be. I'll suggest some tweaks towards the end if I need to, but for the most part I like to let people play. That is a very long-winded way of saying: sometimes I know what I want, and sometimes it's a bit more of a discovery. Beyond the glamour of the red carpet, what off-duty routines, creative outlets, or passions energize you and build your confidence from within? When I'm not working, I spend a lot of time going on runs or walking the dog. I'm teaching myself to sew right now, and I also spend time with the people I love. I often watch movies and I've been reading a lot of books or scripts. My life is so hectic sometimes that I really need to take advantage of the time when I'm not on set, to replenish the source. Rouge Dior On Stage captures that magical shift, from the red carpet to the moment the night truly comes alive. When do you feel most 'on stage'? I feel the most 'On Stage' after the red carpet, when I'm heading into the event or the after party. It is a beautiful feeling when the work is done, you're going to see your friends and you know you are all going to have a good time. You look good, you feel confident, and there is something very freeing about that moment. The campaign is about slipping away from the flashes and into the real night. If that moment had a soundtrack, what kind of song would it be? There are so many sound tracks for this, perhaps something by Grace Jones, or Big Time Sensuality by Bjork. What is your go-to lipstick shade from this collection for a red-carpet event? My go-to lipstick shade is going to be 460 Red On Stage, a vibrant, light red that feels bold and statement-making. What has been your favorite makeup look to date, and why? I really loved my makeup at the Actor Awards in February. It felt the most like me, as it was very natural. I felt incredibly true to myself in this glowy look, with a smudged, punk feel around the eyes and a strong lip, using some intense nude Rouge Dior shades. Altogether it just felt effortless. If you could only choose one beauty product to use for the rest of your life, what would be your absolute must-have? Recently it seems as though I live in eyeliner but I think lipstick would be the smartest choice as you can do so much with it: you can put it on your lips, your eyelids, your cheeks, anywhere. It's like a Swiss-army blade really.