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Hung Vanngo needs no introduction. The go-to makeup artist of almost every A-lister in Hollywood and beyond, his wizardry with kohl and kabuki in hand is unparalleled. For a young Vietnamese migrant who arrived in Canada as a child, painting Selena Gomez and Katy Perry’s face seemed all but a dream. But, it wasn’t. Fast forward some 20 years, and Hung is the only artist Selena entrusts with her most prized possession: her face. As too Katy. And Jennifer Lopez. And Karlie Kloss. The list goes on. With skill in spades and an ingenious way with colour, Hung’s artistry is unrivalled, making him one of, if not, the most in demand makeup artist in the world. A makeup treasure, he is refreshingly humble and unlike many in the limelight, has immeasurable talent to equal his star status.
In Sydney for Marc Jacobs Beauty, we chat to the surprisingly modest and softly spoken Hung about humble beginnings, beauty tricks and what really goes into a makeup conversation with Selena Gomez.
Hung Vanngo in Sydney for Marc Jacobs Beauty
Credit: Supplied
As a child, you’ve said you loved to sketch and paint and were very artistic, how did this transcend into makeup? Why beauty?
I’ve always been interested in creative things. Thinking back, I realise now that my favourite thing to paint was faces, so it makes sense that I became interested in makeup. It’s really the same thing – but on a real person.
You’re Vietnamese but were raised in Canada, do you think this cross-cultural upbringing had an impact on the way you view the world and your creativity?
Definitely. I feel lucky that I have a constant viewpoint of Asian and Western beauty because I can pull inspiration from both.
Who was / is your inspiration?
My mother has always been a source of motivation in my life and work. She’s extremely hardworking and has instilled that discipline in me. I want her to be proud of me.
Do you have a particular muse?
All the women I work with. They’re all so beautiful, smart, and talented. It’s really humbling to work with the people I do, and I’m always learning from them.
Your trajectory to the top was (seemingly) very fast – were there any hurdles you faced and how did you overcome them?
The industry can be very hesitant to let new people in, and I definitely felt that when my career started getting busier. It feels good to earn the respect of my peers though, and it only should push you to work harder.
What’s the best piece of beauty and life advice you’ve received and from whom?
This advice doesn’t necessarily come from one person, but some of the best beauty advice is to take care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, and stay out of the sun as much as you can.
When working with all your celeb clients, do they tell you want they want or do you tell them?
It is a team effort. I like to involve my client and the rest of the team on decision of the makeup look.
How do you decide on a beauty look for your clients? (like Selena’s orange and pink eyes)
It’s always sort of a collaborative process. They’ll have ideas and we will chat about it, and sometimes it changes, or we’ll just tweak it a bit. Often we choose colours or shapes based on the dress. I want the makeup to always be interesting, but to compliment the outfit. One of my favourite things to do is pull an accent colour from the outfit.
You seemed to have done everyone! But is there any face you’ve love to do you haven’t?
Angelina Jolie.
Tell us, what is the secret to JLO’s ageless glow?! And more importantly, how can we achieve it?
She takes really good care of herself. She tries to get enough sleep as often as she can, and she doesn’t go in the sun without protection. It makes a huge difference.
Although it may be hard in such a successful career, do you have a career highlight or defining moment?
Being named Global Ambassador for Marc Jacobs Beauty was a huge moment for me. I think if you truly believe something will happen and you work hard for it, it will happen.
Is there special makeup trick you do that’s a bit different / interesting?
I always like cheating the eyes into a more almond shape by extending and diffusing the liner and shadow past the outer corner. I think it’s flattering on everyone.
What are you three top tips when it comes to makeup? (things you will ALWAYS do or tell your clients to do)
ALWAYS prep the skin. Take the time to do the eyebrows properly. And don’t be afraid of playing with colour.
Favourite makeup rule to break?
I don’t know that’s it’s a rule necessarily, but I love playing with colour in unexpected ways. Adding just a touch of colour on the eyes or lips makes the makeup more striking.
If you could only do one beauty look for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I had to pick one, I would choose no-makeup makeup because the point is to enhance the best features of someone’s face in subtle ways. It works for everyone.
What’s the biggest myth / mistake you see women do when it comes to their makeup?
I think people can get too wrapped up in makeup trends. There’s no reason anyone has to try every single thing if it doesn’t work for them.
We’re a little behind down under, what should we be wearing coming into Spring? And what should we put to bed?
Warmer weather means healthy skin to me. Lighter textures, cream products, and a light hand will give you a sheer, dewy glow that looks fresh. Put away the full coverage foundation and save it for fall.
Do you see Marc’s aesthetic similar to your own in any way?
Absolutely. When Marc Jacobs Beauty approached me, I felt like it was meant to be. The brand has the same playful attitude when it comes to colour, but it’s always about making the girl look like the best version of herself.
Your three desert island products from Marc Jacobs Beauty?
Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Primer, Dew You? Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter, and Highliner Matte Gel Eyecrayon.
Is there a great multi-purpose trick we can use with any Marc Jacobs Beauty products?
The Le Marc Lip Creme lipsticks double as a beautiful cream blush in a pinch, and then you end up with a gorgeous monochromatic makeup look.
You typically have a very glamorous aesthetic, but then sometimes we see your creative side with some of your editorials – what do you prefer?
I really love both! My philosophy is that the girl should always look beautiful. It doesn’t matter how minimal or crazy the makeup is, you have to still see a beautiful woman under it.
You have a wonderful way with colour, what are your tips for women wanting to wear colour? (Particularly if they’re afraid!)
Don’t be afraid to add a little pop of colour somewhere and just wear it for the day. It doesn’t have to be a crazy colour, or a lot…just a touch to start. It can sometimes look odd to see yourself in a way that you’re not used to, but to other people, it just looks like you’re having a bit of fun with makeup, and that’s the whole point.
What’s your take on the way social media is influencing / shaping beauty? Is it detrimental at all?
I was fairly quick to embrace social media. I loved that I could capture these moments with my clients and document the makeup as I’ve gone along in my daily work. It’s brought a lot of opportunities my way, and that’s an amazing thing.
