Viewing the skin as a canvas, possessing an innate artistic instinct, and approaching makeup as an extension of art are the trademarks of Jose Ojeda, one of the most sought-after makeup artists by brides from around the world who choose to say “I do” in Mallorca, a rising destination for weddings. This professional has specialized in bridal makeup in Mallorca.
Jose Ojeda is one of the most sought-after bridal makeup professionals in Mallorca. Photo: Piter Castillo.
With a PhD in Fine Arts and 33 years of experience illuminating faces, the Canary Island native—who has lived on the island for the past 25 years—has found his main source of inspiration in the bridal industry, which he combines with work for magazines like Hola, Vogue, and artistic direction for shoots and events such as the Balearic Bridal Show Mallorca Dream Days.
“My first year in the bridal industry, I only did a few weddings, but last year the number increased significantly,” Ojeda says of his current professional stage, after two decades in artistic direction representing an international makeup brand with which he traveled the world. “Clients look for professionalism and locals, as we know the terrain and how to work the skin so that the makeup lasts.”
Faced with Mallorca’s heat and humidity, “the most important thing in makeup is that the skin is well hydrated and properly set with specific products.”
Quality is another key factor: “Beauty products that stay in contact with the skin for most of the day should be high quality and free of harmful ingredients,” he warns. “It’s very important to be careful when choosing what you buy, so that your skin or your clients’ skin doesn’t lose its health and youth prematurely.” The same goes for expiration dates: “Anything that contains emollients—liquids—will show an icon of an open jar with a number: 6, 12, 24… These represent the months of the product’s shelf life. And no, it’s not a marketing trick—big brands don’t take that kind of risk.”
Photo: Click 10 Fotografía.
Being direct
Ojeda has done makeup for many high-profile individuals—“partly because they value the confidentiality I offer”—but regardless of fame, “you have to be direct and above all, professional. When I meet someone, I already know the color palette that suits them best. I closely observe their style, daily life, and personality to find the right balance.”
Trends also play a role. “What people love most is the natural look—nobody wants to spend too much time doing their makeup. And this season, it’s all about a natural look with a retro touch,” he shares. Tools are also essential: “A good brush delivers the freshness, naturalness, and subtlety that fingers can’t.” Something Ojeda knows firsthand, as he has his own brush line, Gold by Jose Ojeda, launched during the lockdown and now celebrating its fourth anniversary.
And what about men?
The makeup artist prefers to talk about “skin refinement” for grooms, who are often hesitant about makeup. “Many are surprised when they see themselves—just applying a product to the face and a bit of eye contour—they still look like themselves, just with fresher skin. You don’t need much more,” he concludes.
Makeup in Mallorca: Daily Tips
The main goal is to “keep it quick, achieve a fresh look, and slightly open up the eyes. Because when your eyes look powerful, you can achieve anything.”
- The canvas—the skin—is the most important. Start with a product that gives you a healthy appearance; otherwise, your makeup won’t shine.
- The second step is to apply a tinted moisturizer or foundation to even out the skin tone and hide imperfections.
- A coat of mascara to open up the eyes and add a more sophisticated touch.
- Add luminosity to the cheeks.
- And finish with a touch on the lips.
Leave A Comment