At this year’s Emmy Awards, all eyes were on Wednesday star Jenna Ortega. While her sparkling Givenchy diamond-encrusted top made headlines, it was her luminous, natural skin that truly stole the show. Behind that red carpet glow was a thoughtful prep routine led by celebrity makeup artist Melanie Inglessis—one that included ERLY Skincare as the foundation of Jenna’s radiant look.
The Inspiration Behind Jenna Ortega's Emmy Look
Ortega’s Givenchy look, designed by Sarah Burton and reportedly inspired by Isabella Rossellini’s character in Death Becomes Her, was bold and daring. The jewel-studded top left little to the imagination, making it crucial that her skin matched the brilliance of the outfit without overpowering it. As Inglessis explained, “The goal was for the skin to stay dewy and healthy, and for freckles to show.”
That guiding principle—enhancing what’s naturally beautiful rather than covering it up—set the tone for Jenna’s entire glam.
ERLY Skincare at the Core of Jenna’s Prep
To ensure her complexion looked hydrated, smooth, and glowing, Inglessis reached for ERLY Daily Dew Illuminating Serum. This dermatologist-developed product is beloved for its lightweight yet powerful formula, designed to give skin a radiant finish without shimmer or heaviness.
“I mixed the ERLY Daily Dew Illuminating Serum with foundation for that perfect glass-like glow without a shimmer, just radiance,” Inglessis shared. “I mixed the lightweight serum to ensure the combo added a radiant finish while still looking bright, never flat. Think no-makeup, makeup glow for a pearly finish.”
This intentional prep not only gave Ortega’s complexion a luminous quality under the red carpet lights, but also allowed her freckles to shine through—proof that healthy, hydrated skin doesn’t need heavy coverage to make a statement.
The Magic of the “No-Makeup, Makeup” Glow
What makes Jenna’s Emmy look so noteworthy is its restraint. In a world where red carpet makeup can lean toward full coverage and contour-heavy, her glow was all about skin that looked like skin. The freckles peeking through, the hydrated finish, and the absence of shimmer or glitter all worked together to create what Inglessis described as “bright, never flat.”
ERLY Daily Dew is formulated with phloretin, a naturally derived antioxidant, along with hydrating ingredients like glycerin. Together, they help the skin retain moisture, fight environmental stressors, and maintain a healthy glow. When paired with foundation, the serum created a texture that was breathable, seamless, and light-reflecting—ideal for high-definition cameras on one of television’s biggest nights.
Why Skin Prep Matters
Celebrity makeup artists often say that skin prep is the unsung hero of any red carpet look. For Jenna Ortega, prep was especially key since her Givenchy ensemble was revealing and placed extra emphasis on glowing skin. Without proper hydration, even the best makeup can look cakey or flat under strong lighting.
ERLY’s Daily Dew offered a solution that balanced both hydration and radiance. Instead of masking her natural features, it enhanced them—keeping skin supple and luminous for hours on end. That’s part of the philosophy behind ERLY Skincare: dermatologist-developed products that simplify routines while delivering noticeable results.
Freckles in the Spotlight
One of the most talked-about aspects of Jenna’s look was that her freckles remained visible on the carpet. In beauty, freckles symbolize authenticity, youthfulness, and individuality. Too often, heavy foundation conceals them, but Inglessis’s approach with ERLY allowed them to shine through naturally.
This choice aligns with a larger shift in beauty: moving away from overly perfected skin and embracing individuality. By celebrating Jenna’s freckles, the makeup look felt fresh, modern, and in sync with her personal style.
A Red Carpet Routine You Can Recreate
While Ortega’s Emmy look was crafted for one of the most glamorous nights in television, her radiant skin prep is surprisingly easy to replicate at home. Here’s how to channel Jenna’s glow using ERLY:
-
Start with ERLY Daily Dew Illuminating Serum – Apply it directly to clean skin for hydration and radiance. For everyday wear, it can stand alone as a glow booster.
-
Mix with Foundation – Just like Inglessis did, blend a drop of Daily Dew with your foundation. This technique sheers out the formula for breathable coverage and a lit-from-within glow.
-
Keep Skin Fresh, Not Flat – Opt for lightweight coverage that allows your natural features—like freckles or texture—to show through.
-
Finish with Confidence – Whether you’re headed to a red carpet event or simply to brunch, hydrated, luminous skin never goes out of style.
The Future of Red Carpet Skin
As beauty trends continue to evolve, looks like Jenna Ortega’s Emmy glam set a new standard: skin-first, natural, and radiant. ERLY Daily Dew Illuminating Serum played a starring role in achieving this effect, proving that thoughtful skincare is just as important as makeup artistry when it comes to red carpet-ready beauty.
By letting freckles shine, keeping skin hydrated, and focusing on radiance over shimmer, Ortega’s look was a masterclass in real skin. It was also a powerful showcase of how ERLY helps skin not just look good for the night, but stay healthy in the long run.
