We all knew she could put on makeup, but what we didn’t know is that she can act. But, really, that isn’t too surprising. Her voice is so soothing that she could probably put newborns to sleep, and her appearance can only be magnified with her stealer makeup techniques.
At only 24-years-old, the #1 most subscribed woman on YouTube, Vietnamese-American make-up artist, Michelle Phan, is embarking on a new venture—incorporating short films into her already whimsical make up and beauty tutorial videos.
Just in time for December 31st, Phan’s latest YouTube video is a hybrid short film and makeup tutorial, “Midnight Kiss”, featuring actor Justin Chon. In the video, Phan re-creates every girl’s dream of the perfect Cindarella-esque kiss at midnight, equipped with a drop-dead-gorgeous New Year’s Eve party look.
Throughout the years, Asian Americans have yearned to see faces like theirs on the small screen. With Nickelodeon’s new show Supah Ninjas, the Asian American family is returning for the first time in 16 years as the star of a mainstream television series. While teen-oriented shows are saying they’re committed to diversity, do AA teens today really feel well-represented?
ISSUE: Spring 2011
DEPT: Features
STORY: Janice Jann
There’s a new family moving into TV-land this spring. The dad, a bumbling cop. The grandfather, a wise old man. And the son, a doe-eyed high-schooler named Mike who just wants to win over the girl of his dreams.
We all know Joseph Vincent is good looking. We also know Michelle Phan has some sort of magical ability with her makeup. Those are two facts we have no doubt about. But what happens when Michelle collaborates with Joseph to create a male makeup tutorial? Do we get an even better looking Joseph Vincent? (Don’t worry if you’re kind of cringing at the thought of guys with makeup; it’s not something I approve of on a daily basis either, but when it comes to the stage, I can make some exceptions.) Think about it: some audience members are sitting far away and you want them to be able to see you. With an endless list of shows to perform in, Joseph Vincent is constantly seen on stage many, many feet away from fans, so it’s important to have his features defined. So let’s see how Michelle Phan created a sleep-deprived rock star look for him. Also take note of her pink blazer and nails: she’s right on trend with spring colors!
So what do you think?
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!
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!
Deciding what to wear to an event can be a grueling task. Do you overdress? Underdress? Do you wear your favorite classics or try something trendier?
And in the case of a fashion show, the age old question can be, do you go with black or color?
Through my red carpet corresponding, I’ve found most celebs sticking to the classic black for the evening. Nevertheless, some found great ways to spruce up a basic. But is it better than donning a bright hue? Let’s take a look at the competition.
The Blacks:
Serena Yang sassed up her LBD with geometric gems on the shoulder blades and killer shoes.
On any other man, this outfit would look a bit frumpy and hobo-ish but Jack Yang is not any other man. Blackjack!
Pro ping pong player (dude, I know,right?) Soo Yeon Lee kind of has this Halloween witchy costume thing going on but she’s dang gorgeous so she pulls it off.
Love Karin Anna Cheung’s blingin’ chains and hot skirt.
Same for Kavi Ladnier
Lina So looks classy and elegant…and kind of out of place at this event!
Nikki Soohoo’s white stripes brings a stark contrast to her black strapless.
The Colors
Ashley Jones supports designer Jenny Han with a jewel-toned purple cocktail that looks comfy and stylish.
James Kyson Lee had a flight to NY that evening which may explain why he was so warmly dressed for the warm evening. Nonetheless, shnazzy scarf!
Lynn Chen sports a casual maroon top. We were more in love with her fabulous professional do. The first time she ever got her hair done for an event!
Mayleen Ramey looks super Californian cool in this breezy sundress and flat sandals. ROck ‘em girlfriend!
Michelle Phan’s blue gem-toned cocktail was a nice contrast to the red carpet.
Paperdoll’s unique style is shown through each members’ different fashion choices.
Sheetal Sheth rocked her gunmetal gray jumpsuit.
So what do you think? Is it cooler to stay in edgy black for the evening or don a bright hue? If you want my opinion…
I wore this for the evening (pictured here interviewing Justin Chon). So I say: viva la color!
‘Cause it was awesome!
Here are some of our favorite parts of the night.
The Venue
Audrey’s makeover of the Petersen Automotive Museum was a complete success. The already gorgeous showroom was enhanced with lavender gobo light strewn across the walls. Our only gripe may be going all the way to first floor just to use the restroom but if you can’t make the trek, you didn’t really need to go anyway.
Star-studded Red Carpet
Lots of celebs popped up on the red carpet, including The Bold and the Beautiful’s Ashley Jones (pictured above), C.S. Lee (Dexter), Youtube makeup guru Michelle Phan, and Amy Hill. Non-celebs also made plenty use of the bright orange Audrey backdrop, posing like the inner-divas they are throughout the night.
Justin Chon
The Twilight star stole the show not once but TWICE when he took the stage hosting the celebrity runway portion of the show. First, he gave an endearing speech honoring and celebrating the Asian American woman and then he took off his shirt to reveal some bright red nipple tassels and short jean shorts. Talk about making a fashion statement!
Fashion
You must be 5’10″ and 100 lbs. to pull this Mik Imik dress off but we still think it’s super pretty.
The outfit on the left is SO HOT. The bowler hat, the red lace rights, the fluffy scarf. Jotting it down for our Christmas wish list. And the fur vest on the right is furr-ocious. Paws off to designer Jenny Han.
Pop Up Booths
We loved being able to check out what we saw on the runway right after at the designer pop up booths. That way, fashion like Jellypop shoes (above) can go straight from the runway to…your feet!
Goody Bags
Let’s face it, we’re Asian. We love free stuff. The packed Audrey’s Night Out goodybags reciprocated our feelings quite nicely.
Friends
Meeting new people while hanging out with old friends are the key benefits to Audrey’s Night Out. Whether mingling, networking or flirting, there were plenty of people from the 1000+ guest list to chat with.
Open Bar
Hey, we had a long, hard month working on this night, okay? Thanks Ketel One and Stella Artois for making it all that much better.
Photos courtesy of Karla Ticas. What were your favorite moment from the night?
Are you ready for Audrey’s Night Out happening THIS WEEK?
We’ve added so many more celebrity guests, models and designers. Super cute ready-to-wear designer Disaya (an Audrey favorite — you’re going to love her stuff!) and lingerie line Fleur’T. Hobnob with celebrity guests Ashley Jones (The Bold and the Beautiful, True Blood), Amy Rider (Secret Life of an American Teenager), Nikki Soohoo (The Lovely Bones), Joseph Vincent (Youtube star), James Kyson Lee (Heroes), Bobby Lee (MadTV), Justin Chon (Twilight), Michelle Phan (Youtube star) and many, many more! (Seriously, so many more) Free flowing Ketel One Vodka and Stella Artois beer all night long. Tunes spun by Amy Phamous, Dofunk (93.5 Kday DJ) and A-List let you get your groove on.
And we just need one very important guest to make this event complete: YOU!
Buy tickets here:
I’d like to make the record clear: I have never had a make-over done. No parent, friend, stranger or significant other has drastically altered my ‘look’ since I eschewed mother’s haircuts for the $8 Vietnamese-run barbershop by the mall. Besides the terrible conclusion that I am solely responsible for all this, never having had a make-over has apparently affected me in ways I am just beginning to understand.
Perhaps you too have never been made over. For some, this is a matter of guilt. I understand. I’ve paid for two massages in my lifetime–once in China, once in Vegas–and both times, regardless how much I spent, I always felt undeserving of the attention lavished upon my sometimes naked bum and rest of body. For others, avoiding the make over is due to you being A Man and this being Not Socially Accepted Yet. I sympathize with you, as I am the same way.
Samantha Llanos gets the whole undeserving-feely thing. She was chosen along with two other girls for an LA weekend make-over, courtesy of super-stylist Chriselle. Full disclosure: Chriselle is working with Audrey Magazine on a number of things including our next cover shoot, but to this day has not offered me a make-over.
Left to right: Samantha Llanos, Sara Warren and Alexandra Becker, post-make-over.
Last weekend Llanos was plucked from her home in the barren northern-Celtic lands of Boston, Mass., and flown to Los Angeles where she met fellow make-over recipients Alexandra Becker and Sara Warren. The three then went on a two-day tour of sustained attention-receiving, from having their locks combed and pampered by Ree of the Angus M Salon, to makeup by YouTube makeup phenom and Lancome video makeup artist Michelle Phan, personal styling by Chriselle, plus a photoshoot by photographer Karla Ticas to top it off.
Michelle Phan laying a foundation on make-over recipient Sara Warren
“I was just really happy,” reflected Llanos when I caught up with her this week. “I don’t remember being excited about anything, vaguely happy about anything for such a long time now.”
Stylist Chriselle stringing a necklace on Samantha Llanos.
Llanos for the past year and a half has been dealing with the death of a boyfriend. During that time, she describes her life as occupied by just the bare minimum: going through the motions, not doing much else. Now, for the first time in a long while, she’s excited for something like shopping for new clothes. When I spoke with her a work week later, she remained optimistic.
“Seeing the team and seeing [Chriselle and Michelle], I don’t think I’ve ever seen people who were working, and loving what they did so much it didn’t seem like working. It changed my perspective of life in general.”
The make-over couldn’t have hurt either. Note to Chriselle: I think I’m due for mine.
