Allure: Do you have a favorite recipe from your mom?
Ortega: Honestly, her frijoles, her beans, were incredible. I know the recipe by heart, but still, there’s something about when she does it that makes it better…
I grew up with essential oils a lot. So anything lavender-scented, or I like something that’s kind of mixed with sandalwood and things like that. And then [another smell is] also — this is kinda gross — but soccer shin guards and cleats. That’s a very specific smell that will take me back instantly.
Allure: Did you play soccer?
Ortega: Yeah. My whole family did! It was like the sport to play.
Allure: So what do you like about Gris Dior?
Ortega: I’m actually really sensitive to scents. If they’re too intense, it can be overwhelming for me. What I love about this one is that it’s minimal, it’s clean, it’s fresh, but I also love that it’s androgynous and doesn’t lean too heavy one way or the other. That kind of just feels like me as an individual and it’s something that I really resonate with. I think that you’re really influenced by scent — your mood and demeanor… and, you know, if you’re not comfortable with the way you smell, it’s awful! Trying this one for the first time and feeling really confident and comfortable was big for me.
Allure: Have you ever worn fragrance to help get into character?
Ortega: Not necessarily, but I do have certain scents that are familiar with certain characters. Especially if I play a character that is a bit more traumatized, or a bit more stressed out, and I feel emotionally that the job is really taxing, lavender is a huge [source of comfort]. It comes into play a lot. When I smell it, roaming around, it will remind me of jobs that I’ve had. It’s just kind of how you unwind or remind yourself to come back because when you’re shooting for long days, it’s easy to get stuck there.
Allure: On that note, if Wednesday Addams wore a fragrance, what would it be?
Ortega: I definitely think it would be Gris Dior, but the intense version. She would want to be strong and kind of smelled from a mile away.