Gloss Angeles Podcast Summary

Episode: Hung Vanngo on Launching His Namesake Line, His 5 Kit Essentials, and How He Became the Makeup Artist Celebrities Flock To

Date: September 12, 2025
Hosts: Kirbie Johnson & Sara Tan
Guest: Hung Vanngo

Brief Overview

In this highly anticipated episode, beauty journalists Kirbie and Sara welcome celebrity makeup artist Hung Vanngo for his first-ever on-air conversation with the hosts. Hung discusses the launch of his long-awaited, namesake makeup line at Sephora, shares the five products he can’t live without, delves into the evolution of his career from Vietnam to North America and ultimately to the top of the beauty world, and offers candid advice and behind-the-scenes stories about working with A-list celebrities. Hung reveals his artistry philosophy, the painstaking development of his new palettes and products, and his commitment to authenticity and user-friendly design.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Hung’s Entry Into the Beauty World (08:07–17:00)

• Background:
  • Born in Vietnam, fled to Thailand as a refugee for three years before immigrating to Canada.
  • Artistic roots in drawing—initially only in black and white—shifted to color in high school (08:41).
  • Entered hairdressing school post-high school, but always gravitated toward makeup:

    “…in my heart I always want to do makeup… But makeup is self-taught.” (09:32)

• Career Development:
  • Success in Calgary as a gifted hairdresser; eventually moved to Toronto to pursue editorial work.
  • Hairstylist and makeup artist in Toronto, but upon moving to New York, focused solely on makeup for higher recognition (10:17, 10:55).
  • Persistence: often struggled with representation before landing with a top agency (“the Wall Group”), facilitated by a former assistant (16:01).

2. Launching the Hung Vanngo Brand at Sephora (01:29–05:12; 30:41–46:41)

• Brand Launch:

  • Brand debuting in Sephora, with a highly anticipated collection of eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks, liners, and complexion products (01:29-01:48, 30:41+).
  • Emphasis on inclusivity, vegan, and cruelty-free formulas—challenges amplified by ingredient bans in California (“…my goal is to do a vegan and cruelty free brand… we tried to do the best that we could with the ingredient allowed.” 33:32).

• Eyeshadow Palettes:

  • Eight palettes launching first, each with coherent “color stories”—from neutrals to bolds (31:24–32:32).
  • Unique textures, including satin, matte, metallic, and an innovative “3D Matte” for foolproof finger application (36:12–37:19).
  • Palettes are designed to be both pro- and consumer-friendly:

    “I refuse to…do a full eyeshadow look from two palettes or more… I want to put myself in the consumer that I say… they look at the palette, they say, I can do this.” (34:23)

• Other Product Highlights:

  • Lipsticks and lip liners with shades reflecting Hung’s heritage (e.g., “Taste Twin” named after his hometown in Vietnam, 39:24), and hydrating matte formula.
  • Two types of eyeliners: creamy kohl and long-wear, with shades specially developed for all skin tones (41:18–43:40).
  • Upcoming bronzer and blushes: special attention paid to pressing and formula to ensure minimal mess and maximum wear (43:57–45:57).
  • Packaging: Designed for easy cleaning and a luxe feel (46:10).

3. Five Kit Essentials (02:04–05:22)

Hung’s must-haves—spanning rare finds, cult favorites, and his own creations:

• 1. Eyebrow Marker: Discontinued Japanese brow marker, painstakingly stockpiled via eBay (02:04–03:05).
• 2. Aquaphor: For lips and any dry or cracked skin—always in his kit (“…for me, the one that worked the most for me is always go back to Aquaphor.” 04:40).
• 3. Rare Beauty Highlighter ("Mesmeri"): Versatile for damp or dry skin, and even mixed with moisturizer for body glow (03:05, 05:28).
• 4. La Mer Moisturizer: Usually the original crème, but will adapt based on client’s skin needs (“…for me, it feels like it’s healing the skin a little bit…” 07:26).
• 5. iS Clinical Eye Cream: Key element in Hung’s detailed skin prep routine (04:10–04:33).

4. Approach to Artistry & Signature Style (22:07–25:12)

• Philosophy:
  • Inspired by the supermodel era and Kevyn Aucoin—aiming for glamour that keeps the client looking like their best self:

    “I still want them to have that glamour, but they still have to look themselves. Not going to change their look…” (22:23)

• Working with Clients:
  • Known for punctuality, discipline, never being late, and not rushing artistry (“…I like to take my time because I think that’s the art in me…” 23:15).
  • Keeps feedback honest and direct, balancing artistic integrity with client requests (25:18).

5. Celebrity Relationships & Memorable Looks (12:01, 25:59–27:21)

• Big Break:
  • Supermodel Helena Christensen helped launch Hung’s NY career, introducing him to the right people (12:39–16:01).
• Notable Looks:
  • Selena Gomez (Oscars), Jennifer Lawrence (No Hard Feelings premiere), Scarlett Johansson (Transformers in London)—all cited as personal favorites (26:10).

    “I love that just because people went nut for that… she looks so beautiful. And I look back at the picture and I said, I really proud.” [On Jennifer Lawrence, 26:30]

6. Industry Wisdom, Makeup Tips & Trends

• Complexion First:
  • Old-school rule: always begins with complexion before eyes or brows, arguing it creates a better blend and finish (28:02–30:16).
  • Controversial stance backed up by other artists (Helena Christensen, 28:07).
• On Trends:
  • Launching eyeshadow palettes despite trend reports: palette design is rooted in personal passion and client needs (31:54–32:32).
• Pro/Consumer Balance:
  • Every product and shade developed with the broadest possible audience in mind—no intimidating palettes or formulations (34:23–35:44).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On his secret to success:

  “I’m very disciplined… every day I still wake up and then pretend… I’m going to work today, because I think that’s the only way make you feel motivated.” (19:25)

• On makeup philosophy:

  “My goal is to achieve those looks on my client with the modern touch, but still look like themselves.” (22:23)

• On product development:

  “My goal is to do a vegan and cruelty free brand… even like, you know, the palettes… there’s 15 shade that it wasn’t originally… because… ingredient bans.” (33:32)

• On client relationships:

  “For example, Selena, I worked for 12, 13 years. I have never late for her once. And that’s something about me… I will sit in the coffee shop next to their door or something like that.” (23:15)

• On artistry vs. Trends:

  “I’m not launching something that I never use. I launch in something that’s still very me, but the creator is for the consumer.” (32:32)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:29 — Introduction to Hung and the launch of his line
• 02:04 — Five essentials in Hung’s makeup kit
• 05:22 — Rare Beauty and product testing with Selena Gomez
• 08:07 — Hung’s background: Vietnam, Canada, Art, and Beauty
• 12:01 — Moving to New York, Helena Christensen’s impact
• 19:25 — Early career discipline and approach to freelancing
• 22:23 — Signature style and philosophy
• 25:59 — Red carpet highlights and favorite looks
• 28:02 — Complexion-first philosophy explained
• 30:41 — Launching the makeup line: palettes, packaging, and design
• 34:23 — Palette design for real consumers
• 36:12 — “3D Matte” and foolproof palette textures
• 39:24 — Lipsticks and shades inspired by personal heritage
• 41:18 — Eyeliners and inclusivity
• 43:57 — Bronzer and blush perfectionism
• 46:10 — Packaging, accessibility, and hands-on details

Final Thoughts

This episode is a must-listen for beauty lovers aspiring to artistry, fans of Hung Vanngo, and anyone curious about the meticulous behind-the-scenes process of creating a modern makeup collection. Hung’s humility, exacting standards, and generous spirit shine through as he reflects on his extraordinary path—and the intentional, inclusive vision behind each product in his new line. His advice, candor, and personal stories offer inspiration and practical wisdom for beauty pros and enthusiasts alike.