Life & Work with Darlene of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darlene.

Darlene, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi, I’m Darlene a proud Los Angeles native with roots in El Salvador and Guatemala. Representing Central America means the world to me, and I carry that pride with me in everything I do.

I have to mention I’m also a proud Frenchie mom to my boy Milo who brings me so much joy.

I’ve been a makeup artist in the industry for almost 13 years now. Since I was a kid, I’ve been drawn to all things beauty, fashion, music — and yes, sneakers! My love for sneakers runs deep — I’m both a dedicated collector and lifelong fan of the culture. I always knew I was meant to be in the arts. I spent my childhood glued to music videos, flipping through magazines, cutting out images that inspired me, and tagging along to the beauty salon with my mom — soaking it all in. I was obsessed with how artists could completely transform through makeup, hair, and style. No matter what path I considered, I always came back to beauty.

After high school, I wasn’t quite sure what direction to take, so I started working as a merchandiser in fashion. It was creative, but something was still missing. That’s when I enrolled at MUD in Burbank for makeup school and it was there that I found my true passion.

Once I graduated, I was on my own and had no idea how to break into on-set work. My first makeup job helped build my confidence, and not long after, I met an amazing woman named Daniela. She gave me my first shot on a Steve Aoki music video, and that experience changed my life. Daniela believed in me, supported me, and showed a stranger genuine kindness when I was just starting out — and I’ll always remember that. From that moment, I knew this was it. I wanted to create, to work on set, and to have fun doing what I love.

My journey has had its ups and downs, but I’ve met so many incredible people along the way who’ve helped shape my career. I’ve now had the opportunity to do makeup and men’s grooming for artists I grew up admiring — and I still pinch myself that this is my job. Whether a gig is big, small, paid, or trade I approach each one with gratitude and respect. I’ve learned that in this industry, it’s all about connections, relationships, and staying ready. Word of mouth is everything.

I’m forever thankful to Dani for that first break, THANK YOU!
Grateful to my parents for always backing my dreams, and to God — for giving me the strength, clarity, and faith to keep going.

Keep the hustle high 

— Darlene

Los Angeles Based Makeup Artist and Men’s Groomer

“Sara, you’re the poet in my heart.”

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey hasn’t been easy — being a freelance makeup artist in Los Angeles comes with its own set of challenges. The freelance life is full of highs and lows, and there are times you don’t know when your next job is coming, especially in an industry that’s been through so much over the past five years. It can be tough not to compare yourself to others or get stuck in the quiet moments that can feel isolating.

But through it all, I’ve learned to keep my faith strong and trust that hard work always pays off. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a hustler — I’ve never been afraid to work hard for what I want. What keeps my energy and spirit up is my circle. It may be small, but it’s made up of powerful, hardworking people who uplift and inspire me. We encourage each other, remind each other of our worth, and show up — even when things aren’t perfect.

The tough times have only made me more resilient. They’ve taught me to appreciate the wins that much more and to move with gratitude in everything I do.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a makeup artist specializing in beauty and men’s grooming, based in Los Angeles. I’m known for my clean beauty looks, glam transformations, and — if you ask anyone in the beauty world — my signature cat eye. I take pride in being able to nail one of the sharpest wings in the game!

A big part of my work includes celebrity men’s grooming, and one project I’m especially proud of is a show I worked on called Rewind the ‘90s on Disney+. I was on that set for about a month, and every single day I got to work with icons from the ‘90s and early 2000s — people I grew up watching on MTV and VH1 in music videos, movies, and magazines. I had so many pinch-me moments, because every day felt like a full-circle dream come true.

My inner child was thriving. That same little girl who used to obsess over pop culture was now doing makeup for the very people she admired growing up. Seeing my name in the credits was surreal — a reminder that all the hustle, late nights, and years of dreaming led me right here. I think young Darlene would be so proud of how far we’ve come.
Another true highlight of my journey was doing makeup for the film “The Ossan” which shot at the home of John McVie—the legendary bassist of Fleetwood Mac. If you know me, you know how deeply their music has shaped my life. It’s been my comfort through heartbreak, my joy during celebrations, and everything in between. That experience felt like a divine gift—and to top it off, I even got to meet John McVie himself (yes— screaming) He was every bit as kind and cool as I could’ve hoped. I’ll cherish that moment forever.

“Everything I do is to honor little Darlene’s dreams. The best is yet to come and I’m staying in this game to WIN IT!” -Darlene <3

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I truly hope to see the industry return to what brought us here in the first place — the heart, the passion, and the storytelling that inspired so many of us to pursue this path. Over the past five years, Hollywood has felt a bit stuck, and I believe it’s time for real growth and a creative reset.

As an LA native, I’d love to see more work coming back to California — especially Los Angeles. This city is home to some of the most talented, visionary creatives, many of whom were born and raised here. I’m rooting for projects with soul, purpose, and authenticity — and I’d love to see more Latinos not just represented, but thriving and leading in every space.

While I appreciate what new media has brought to the table — and yes, I’m guilty of loving it too — I still hope we can return to a time where we were more connected to the craft and less consumed by the scroll. Maybe that’s wishful thinking… but I’m holding onto it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.makeupbydarleneorellana.com
• Instagram: @Darleneinreallife