We listed Shu Pei as one of the best Asian models of 2010 with reason: she’s the new face of Maybelline and her debut ad has just recently been launched, featuring Maybelline’s Color Sensational Lipcolor. She is now a spokesmodel for this global cosmetics brand, alongside Christy Turlington, Julia Stegner, Erin Wasson, Charlotte Kemp Muhl and Emily DiDonato. It seems like Maybelline New York Global CEO Demien Bertrand is confident with his decision to sign Shu Pei, and there’s no reason he shouldn’t be. As he noted, she is stunningly beautiful and has an inner fire; she projects the perfect personality to represent their brand.
Shu Pei in her debut ad for Maybelline.
She’s even in the Maybelline 2011 Calendar!
Shu Pei in Maybelline 2011 Calendar.
My hair still nice and smooth hours after I left the salon.
Since coming to Los Angeles a year and a half ago, I noticed my hair getting dry and my scalp irritated. I hypothesized long ago that maybe the water in Los Angeles is different from Hong Kong where I’m from and that there was nothing I could do about it. In fact, Southern California has some of the hardest water in the United States and the bright sun, dry air and pollution only worsens the situation. Never did I think that there was a way to defend my hair against the damaging elements of L.A., so when I was presented with the opportunity to try out the Formula LA Shampoo and Conditioner, I jumped right at it.
Rarely do I go to a salon just to get a blow dry, so I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t think washing my hair with this new shampoo and conditioner once would make that big of a difference, but it really did. My hair and scalp felt so much cleaner as the shampoo more effectively cleans away the dirt, making my hair more lightweight so that I was finally able to get the volume that I’ve always wanted for my hair. The conditioner made my hair a lot smoother and easier to manage, and did I mention how good it smells? Even after an hour or two of some window shopping and squishing in crowded public transport, my hair still behaved wonderfully. This is the best I’ve seen my hair. Bye bye hair problems!
The Formula LA Shampoo and Conditioner are designed to combat the harmful effects of the harsh conditions in Los Angeles. With these specially made products, your hair no longer has to fear the harmful, damaging elements in our environment. Plus, the products are so friendly to our hair that they can be used every day. I also love that these hair products are designed with our environment in mind. The ingredients are biodegradable and the packaging is recyclable since it is made of aluminum, which also makes it more aesthetically appealing.
You can purchase the Formula LA Shampoo and Conditioner online and in Planet Blue, The Color Bar Salon, Beverly Glen Pharmacy, Brent-Air Pharmacy and Dana’s. If you’re still unsure about it, try it out The Color Bar Salon. The staff there is really nice and the salon is very cozy.
The Color Bar Salon
DETAILS
The Color Bar Salon
9885 South Santa Monica Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
When it comes to getting my nails done, I’d like to say that I’m my own manicurist. It’s not that I’m always able to make them look professionally painted but somehow I resort to doing them myself because of the price of a manicure. An average manicure is about $15 – $30, which is not a whole lot, but considering they only last a week a so, the cost really adds up if you keep getting them redone. A good quality nail polish costs about $6 – $9 and you can probably use it for more than ten times. Let’s say you also buy a base coat and a top coat, that will add to about $18 – $27; if you get a manicure done by a beautician ten times, that’s $150 – $300. That’s a huge price difference. I understand that you get the whole package at a salon, including filing, buffing and cuticle treatment, but I guess nothing beats the comfort of my own home personally.
Nails I did myself over the holidays.
That being said, it does take some practice until you’re able to get your nails nicely done by yourself, but we do have some tips!
The Basics:
1. Start with a layer of base coat – this is to protect your nails from the colorful nail polish and prevent them from turning yellow
2. Paint two layers of your favorite nail color – it is necessary to do two layers to bring out the color and cover your natural nail color (if you’re using something opaque and not sheer)
3. Seal with a top coat – this gives your nails a glossy shine and helps them last longer
Tips:
1. Don’t worry too much about painting within the lines; you can always wipe the sides with a Q-tip soaked with nail varnish
2. Do your nails the day before a big event, not the day of. Anything painted outside the lines tend to disappear within a day so it looks as if you made no mistakes.
3. Use a glittery polish if you’re a beginner. Mess-ups are less obvious with glittery polish than with solid colored ones.
4. Always thin out your nail polish if it’s getting thick. It’s really hard to apply goopy nail polish. Here’s how to do it properly.
5. If you messed up a little, you can always conceal it with some nail art. You even get more compliments! But don’t forget to add another layer of top coat after applying your nail art.
How to apply nail art:
1. Some nail arts come with adhesive, so you can just put it on your nail directly. Though this is simpler, it does come off more easily.
2. If there is no adhesive, I recommended using tweezers. Get your top coat and apply it to the bottom of your nail art before placing it onto your nail.
3. I am personally incapable of doing anything with my left hand, so I use toothpicks instead for rhinestones. I dip the tip of the toothpick in my top coat so that it’s able to pick up the rhinestone and the rest of the process is the same (applying top coat to the bottom and then placing onto the nail).
4. When you’ve achieved your desired design, seal it with another layer of top coat and you’re done!
To purchase some nail art, you can visit The Nail Superstore, Nail Delights and Gel Nails.
When you’re a beginner at makeup, a good source to turn to is, of course, YouTube. YouTube makeup gurus give step-by-step instructions on how to get that perfect look along with live demonstrations (although somehow they always make it look way easier than it really is). With enough studying and practicing though, you’re bound to get to their level to keep you looking gorgeous to start off the New Year.
Makeup tutorial videos are usually quite long, and no one wants to sit there for a good 10 minutes watching someone they cannot relate to, so it’s always important to find a makeup star that’s the right fit for you, whether it is because they have similar features or because they do looks that you like. Here are a range of Asian make-up gurus you might want to check out!
Michelle Phan is listed as one of our Best of 2010 YouTube Stars because she is one of the most popular video bloggers out there. As we’ve stated previously, she was even picked up by cosmetics company Lancome to be their official video makeup artist. Her videos cover a wide range from a natural beauty look for everyday to out-there looks like a gothic Lolita doll, perfect for Halloween.
Bubzbeauty is a major sweetheart with a gentle voice and a huge heart. She has tutorials for both makeup and hair so you don’t have to search around because all you need is right there in her channel. She features more of a girl-next-door kind of beauty, so if you’re that kind of girl, she’s perfect for you.
Another popular channel is fafinettex3 by Aubrey. She is a very feminine and girly makeup guru from Philippines. She is quite humorous at times, making her videos more entertaining while still being educational and easy to follow.
For girls who have monolids, Jen from frmheadtotoe teaches you how to work with what you have. She draws a lot of inspirations from music videos of Korean artists, so her looks are more for nights when you’re going out to a nice dinner or a friend’s party. She’s also super nice and relatable which is always a plus.
Girls who have a rounder face might want to check out Michelle at s2pandapple. Though she may not update her vlog as often as some others, this 19-year-old still has several makeup and hair tutorials that you may enjoy.
A few other ones you might like are hollyannaeree (for girls who love lining their eyes and wearing false lashes), itsjudytime (for a heavier makeup look), pursebuzz (good for working women), and xteeener (for girls who have a less defined bone structure).
Good luck and have fun exploring new looks to try out in 2011!
Need a makeover? Why not with Clinton Kelly, co-host of TLC’s What Not to Wear? Macy’s is holding its “Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover with Clinton Kelly” contest where one winner will get the makeover of a lifetime.
Throughout the month of January, legal residents in the U.S. 18 years or older can enter the contest here. In February, eight contestants will be selected for a Clinton Kelly makeover. Then America will vote for the ultimate makeover and the winner will receive $1 million worth of products, services, cash and experiences to transform the winner’s life.
Kelly calls Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover “my typical makeover on steroids. The winner will not only get some quality time with me to update their look, but will get a truly life-changing experience. From fashion to finance to fitness, one lucky person will undergo a complete life transformation.”
You have until January 31, 2011 to enter. Entrants must “like’” Macy’s to access the contest application, which will require either a video or picture. Each contestant’s personal story and makeover will be filmed and posted to for an open voting period that begins in March. The videos will be posted two per week, with the most-voted on video each week proceeding to the semi-finals in April. The two most voted on videos from the semi-finals will compete in a finals round – with the victor winning the million dollar makeover.
To enter, click here.
Twenty-four-year-old Jessica dela Merced has been experiencing a little bit of unexpected fame recently. The Filipina American, San Francisco native is currently a second-year graduate student at New York University and her short student film, Bleached, has been the subject of much buzz on the Internet – and it hasn’t even been completed yet! We sit down with the rising auteur to get the scoop behind her film and its controversial topic, skin bleaching in the Asian community.
Jessica dela Merced directs and stars in Bleached.
Audrey Magazine: What’s your reaction to the recent buzz on blogs and Twitter about your film?
Jessica dela Merced: The movie isn’t even done yet and the fact that the trailer alone is getting a lot of attention is crazy. Even this interview is insane! [Laughs] But I think that’s just indicative of how big of an issue this really is. Some people who’ve heard about my film have asked me, “So … those bleaching creams exist?” and I say, “Yeah! I didn’t make that up!” It’s crazy how some people don’t know about those products or the harmful consequences they can have.
AM: What inspired you to make the film Bleached?
JDM: With everyone they sometimes buy into that whole beauty thing, whether they want to change their weight, their appearance or their skin color. And it’s just started to really bug me. I’m guilty of falling into that whole thing myself, but it just really disappoints me that other people’s opinions of you can change who you are. It can make people second guess themselves and that’s a dangerous thing. I know it’s impossible to not listen to what other people say and we have a long way to go for men and women in terms of just accepting who you are and being happy with it.
Honestly, my mother never made me use bleaching cream. I don’t remember exactly how I became familiar with this topic, but I know that when I was younger I wanted to use the soaps and the creams myself. My mom introduced them to me, but like I said, she never forced me to use them. I just always had this weird desire to use the products and I really wanted to explore that with this movie. It’s not autobiographical at all in terms of my mom forcing me to use bleaching products. I hope no one thinks that about her because she’s a saint! [Laughs]
Jessica dela Merced plays Lenny in Bleached.
AM: How did you come up with the story and are any characters based on people you know in real life?
JDM: I’m Filipino so I know how most Filipino families work. [Laughs] The characters are loosely based on my family and friends who aren’t so confident with how they look. That really upsets me so I put that all into my main character [Lenny, played by dela Merced]. My film isn’t just about skin whitening cream. There are a lot of beauty issues that do come up. Overall, it’s a movie about a girl who knows herself, but she gets confused because of other people and she starts to lose herself. She’s forced against a wall and has to find herself again and I think a lot of people can relate to that.
AM: How was the filming process?
JDM: Filming is complete. We shot the movie in San Francisco this past November. I planned for this to be a half animation movie so I’m working with an animator right now. It was tough being the director and main actor of the film. I also had a small crew to work with because I had classmates from New York fly in and I had friends from Los Angeles come to help. It wasn’t as big of a crew I could have had if we had shot in New York, but I really wanted the film’s story to be authentic so we shot in San Francisco.
AM: What was your favorite part about filming?
JDM: We shot at my old high school [St. Ignatius] so I was able to cast students as extras. It was really cool to go back there and incorporate them into the film. There’s also a vomit scene that’s my favorite. It’s really hilarious and I can’t wait for everyone to see it!
Henrietta Gard (left) and Elaine Pinto plays Lenny’s mom and lola (grandma) in Bleached.
AM: How did Henrietta Gard and Elaine Pinto get signed on to the project? How was it working with them?
JDM: I actually had a really tough time with casting. It was hard finding Filipino actresses in general. We did casting in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco and couldn’t find anybody. I found Henrietta Gard and Elaine Pinto through SF Casting. They were pretty much the only two people who submitted for the roles and, luckily, they were perfect for the mom and grandma. This is Henrietta’s first film because she usually does print work, but she was amazing. I think the reason why she was so good for this role is not only because she’s Filipino, but she’s also very aware of the whitening cream issue. She has a really interesting back story. Her ticket to get to America was to become a flight attendant for Philippine Airlines, but they only accepted light-skinned Filipinos. Henrietta was dark so she stayed out of the sun for an entire year just to get that job. It was too perfect! When I heard that story I knew she was the right person for the role.
AM: Last I checked, on the film’s site more than $8,000 was raised. How did you feel when you found out the goal was reached?
JDM: I pretty much cried, to be honest. I felt like George Bailey from It’s A Wonderful Life. [Laughs] I worked all this summer and saved money and thought, “I’ll just keep working until I make enough money for it,” so I was stressing about money a lot. The first donation was actually made by my friend and I could not stop crying! Friends and family members donated. Most weren’t even my family members! People I don’t even know donated. Just knowing that there are people out there who don’t know me but donated because they believe in this project is such an amazing feeling. I’m also thankful for everyone who’s been spreading word about the movie. It’s so great!
AM: What are your future plans for Bleached?
JDM: I’ll be submitting the film to festivals and I’m hoping it’ll do well in the film fest circuit. It’s a story that hasn’t been told yet so I hope it can make its way around film festivals.
AM: What do you ultimately hope to achieve with the film?
JDM: I want to open people’s eyes to this issue and for them to realize that it is a problem. It’s a problem not just for Filipinos or Asians, but everyone. It’s a big thing in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Philippines and India. The products are sold in the black market in the United Kingdom and are being sold here in the U.S., but called “blemishing cream.” I’m not saying that it’s totally wrong to use these products, but as soon as you try to change other people by saying they need to use them it becomes a problem and it needs to be addressed.
AM: What do you hope people will take away with them after watching Bleached?
JDM: Honestly, I hope that people don’t feel like I am lecturing them with this movie. I wanted to tell this story because I have been prone to feeling bad about how I look and even wanting to be Caucasian at one point in my life. I just think now, in retrospect, it’s just so ridiculous. I think people who use skin whitening products need to think about why they use it and why they feel they need to change themselves. I hope the film inspires people to look at who they really are. It’s hard to really see yourself because there are so many things that influence us like the media, friends and family. It’s difficult to really know who you are and to be happy with yourself, but if you can start earlier, the better off you’ll be.
If you’d like to know more about Bleached or how you can help support the movie, visit the film’s website www.indiegogo.com/bleached-the-movie or contact Jessica dela Merced at jessdela@gmail.com.
YouTube has allowed us a glimpse into the world of gifted musicians and comedians who perform in the comfort of their own homes. Those who have had some success in more mainstream platforms include makeup guru Michelle Phan (who’s now makes makeup videos for Lancome), AJ Rafael (who tried out for American Idol), and Kevin Wu (who most recently starred in The Amazing Race), but that hasn’t stopped them from continuing to stream online. To pass on the stream, here’s a toast to the YouTube stars we know and love from 2010.
Joseph Vincent’s acoustic soul and Filipino American baby face continue to make girls and boys alike swoon, especially after his appearance on The Ellen Degeneres show last April.
Peter Chao delivers somewhat of the Chinese version of the Ken Jeong persona with his focus on societal and pop culture issues like bullying, Megan Fox’s hotness and PDA. As the number 1 and 2 Most Viewed in Canada of all time, Chao will be touring south to Washington and California in January 2011.
Her smooth strokes and smooth voice has landed Michelle Phan a Lancome career as the company’s first video makeup artist. Her makeup tutorials are made easy and accessible for millions of viewers, whether it’s Lady Gaga’s latest look or something more for everyday.
L.A. local Jason Chen, number 38 Most Viewed on Youtube for December, has been swooping the scene over the recent months. His covers, including Bruno Mars’ “Grenade” created on Garageband and Logic Studio, are now available on iTunes.
Who are your favorite YouTube stars? Tell us and you just might see them in Audrey!
Now that we’re in the middle of winter, tans are fading and it looks like everyone needs a boost of color to their skin. I certainly do. I wish my skin would glow all day and night so it doesn’t seem like I’m lacking some much-needed sleep. I’m obsessed with powder bronzers, but it becomes a hassle to have to apply it every day, especially when I’m always in a rush.
With Fake Bake Beyond Bronze products, you can get a natural looking tan without the sun. Plus, we’ve all heard that too much exposure to the sun can be harmful, so why not do it the safer way? Pure forms of soluble Vitamin D are added to these products to benefit the skin. These easy-to-apply formulas will keep you glamorously golden all season long.
I’m always worried about making a mess with self-tanners, but with the different application methods (Beyond Bronze comes in airbrush, mousse or lotion), there’s bound to be one I can perfect to keep people wondering how I managed to keep my tan through the cold days. It sure costs less than a vacation in the tropics!
Five lucky Audrey readers will be able to win a whole Fake Bake Beyond Bronze set, which includes a Self-Tanning Mousse, an Airbrush Self-Tanner, the Face Anti-Aging Self-Tanning Lotion (plus a cute pair of pink rubber gloves for application.) By Wednesday, December 29, 11:59 pm, please comment below which sunny locale you’d best like to spend your vacation. Retweet, “Hey @audreymagazine, I’d most like to spend my vacation in __[insert your location]__” for an additional entry. Remember, you must have a U.S. mailing address to win.
Good luck and hope you get to score that marvelous winter tan!
It was a big year for models of Asian descent. Here are some of our favorites.
Charlene Almarvez
Charlene Almarvez is one of the youngest successful Asian models of the year. This 16-year-old Filipino model was the 1st runner-up in Ford Supermodel of the World. This year, she had editorials for Vogue China, V Magazine and NY Times T Magazine. Her runway appearances include Diane Von Furstenberg, Ports 1961 (Resort 2011 Collection) and Lacoste.
Charlene Almarvez walks the runway for Diana Von Furstenberg, Spring/Summer 2011, left, and Ports 1961, Resort 2011, right.
Hyoni Kang
In 2008, Hyoni Kang was the first Asian to win Ford Supermodel of the World. She has been around for a while now, but she continues to shine throughout the year of 2010, modeling for Tory Burch, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Betsey Johnson and DKNY. She can be found in editorials for renowned magazines, like Elle and Marie Claire. She also worked on ad campaigns for DKNY, Hilfiger Denim, American Eagle and Urban Outfitters Beauty.
Hyoni Kang in an editorial for Cosmopolitan Korea, October 2010
Ad Campaign for American Eagle Outfitters, Spring/Summer 2010
Liu Wen
If I had to pick the most successful Asian model this year, it would have to be Liu Wen. She is ranked top 10 model in models.com. We know she signed a contract with Estée Lauder, but she was also in ads for Vivienne Tam, Calvin Klein and Alexander Wang. She has been featured in magazines and catalogs worldwide: the cover of Elle Singapore and China, Vogue China, Harper’s Bazaar Korea and WWD Beauty Biz; editorials in V Magazine, Vogue Germany, i-D UK, Elle China, Vogue China; and commercial work for the J. Crew catalog. She has walked for some of the fashion industry’s biggest names like Anna Sui, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Donna Karan, Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Alexander Wang, Christian Dior and Derek Lam.
Liu Wen in an editorial for Vogue China, January 2010
Ad Campaign for ck Calvin Klein, Spring/Summer 2010
Ming Xi
Ming Xi is a Chinese model whose career launched since being the 1st runner-up in the 2009 Elite Look Competition. She is listed as one of Style.com’s favorite new faces of the season. In Spring/Summer 2011 New York Fashion Week, she walked for designers such as Diane Von Furstenberg and Alexander Wang. She also appeared in Givenchy’s Haute Couture show. She has many editorials on Vogue China, and is featured in an ad for Givenchy.
Ming Xi in an ad campaign for Givenchy, Fall 2010/Winter 2011
Left: Editorial for Numéro China #3, November 2010. Right: Editorial for Vogue China, December 2010.
Shu Pei Qin
Shu Pei is a 19-year-old Chinese model whose biggest success this year was signing a cosmetics contract with Maybelline. Additionally, she can be seen numerous times on the runways for shows such as Oscar de la Renta, Alexander Wang, Tory Burch, Christian Siriano and Carolina Herrera. Additionally, she had an editorial with US Glamour.
Shu Pei Qin on the cover of Vogue China (Supplement), August 2010
Both: Editorial for Vogue China. Left: May 2010. Right: February 2010.
Sun Fei Fei
This Chinese model is also one of the Style.com’s favorite new faces of the season, alongside Ming Xi. Sun Fei Fei started modeling locally in Asia until she won third place in Elite Model’s Look World competition. She was one of the Asian models to walk in the most shows during Fall 2010/Winter 2011 New York fashion week, an estimated number of 23. These include Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Max Azria, Jill Stuart and Alexander Wang, to name a few. She is featured in ad campaigns for H&M and Shanghai Tang.
Sun Fei Fei in an editorial for Vogue Korea, July 2010
Editorial for Grazia China, January 2010
Tao Okamoto
Tao Okamoto is a Japanese model who may be best known for her black bowl-cut hair. She started modeling in 2006 and her career is at its peak. In the December 2009/January 2010 issue of Teen Vogue, she was listed as the Girl of the Moment. In this year alone, she has been in ad campaigns for Uniqlo, Gap, Kenneth Cole and Zac Posen. She also appeared on the cover of Vogue China and in the Nordstrom catalog. During New York Fashion Week, she was seen in more than 15 shows for Spring/Summer 2011 and more than 20 for Fall/Winter 2010, walking the runways for Isaac Mizrahi, Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Z Spoke by Zac Posen and Tommy Hilfiger.
Tao Okamoto in an editorial for V Magazine #53, Spring 2010
Ad Campaign for Zac Posen, Spring/Summer 2010
In our Winter 2010-11 issue, I raved about ecoStore‘s All Purpose Citrus Cleaning Spray. Not only is it all natural (literally, five ingredients in its ingredient list, including palm and coconut based non-ionic and anionic surfactants), but my cleaning lady raves about its efficacy.
I’ve personally become a huge fan of ecoStore products, and the best part is, it won’t cost you a premium to switch to all-natural products (one of the hindrances for me to switching). ecoStore is committed to their mantra of “Truly Green, Truly Affordable, Truly Works!” I mean, the cleaning spray is just $5. That’s practically the same price as your grocery store standby, if not less expensive.
Now, for the month of December, ecoStore is offering special discounts so it’s a great time to stock up!
December 16: 60% off all hand, body and bar soap
December 23: 60% off all products
And one lucky Audrey reader will win an ecoStore Gift Basket full of their best selling products, including:
Hand and Body Wash
Household Cleaning Products
Baby Care Products
The book Raising Baby Green by renown eco pediatrician Dr. Alan Green
“The ecoStore philosophy is to bring safer and healthier products into our babies lives from day one,” says Lyne Appel Downing, the VP of Operations at ecoStore. That covers household products, baby products, personal care and even pet products. In addition, ecoStore partners with HealthyChild.org, a Santa Monica, Calif.-based nonprofit that researches and recommends the products that protect our families and planet.
To win, do the following by Wednesday, December 15, 2010, 11:59 pm:
1. Take a photo of yourself with your Audrey Magazine Winter 2010-11 issue.
Example
2. Upload your photo to our Facebook wall or tweet the photo to @audreymagazine
3. Finally, comment on this post and tell us what you do to be green in your life (or why you need to start).
As always, you must have a U.S. mailing address to win.
Start off the New Year right with green products for your household and baby! Good luck!
