BEAUTY WITH LAUREN ANN TONGCO of mirth.MUA

mirth.MUA | TRANSFORMING BEAUTY FROM THE INSIDE OUT

by Christina Jarret and Milan Carter

Lauren Ann Tongco is a makeup artist and owner of mirth.MUA. Her career began as a passion for creating vivid makeup looks on friends and family. Lauren’s talents were quickly recognized, and she began working at MAC cosmetics. She says that creating makeup looks on a variety of clients is “like a science,” but her favorite parts of the career are client interaction, helping others improve their confidence, and having fun! After leaving MAC to begin her own business, she has worked for a wide range of clients like online clothing brand Boohoo and TAO Group, a hospitality company in Las Vegas.

Lauren shared her thoughts with us on current makeup trends, how she grew her career, and a fun neon makeup look to try at home! You can learn more about Lauren by following her on Instagram @mirth.mua

What does it mean to be a MIRTHdoll?

Well, the name MIRTH has two origins for me: one is obviously the Biblical reference (Ecclesiastes 8:15 “Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun), but my other source of inspiration was sparked by a friend who was starting a clothing line. I wanted to separate myself as an artist and create a brand that represented me as an artist. It was a really great creative soundboard, so calling by brand MIRTH was a nod to our friendship. Becoming a MIRTHdoll is all about being confident and loving your inner self. Once you realize what makes you, YOU - those characteristics will radiate your inner beauty, which also makes you beautiful on the outside. The goal of MIRTH is to “transform beauty from the inside out,” and that feeling should make you happy!

What is your first memory of using makeup?

My best friend and I were playing with “makeup” and I put baby powder on my face as “foundation", and my first makeup purchase was lipgloss! It was in a clear glass bottle with a classic roller ball.

Where do you pull your inspiration from when creating looks?

My inspiration usually starts with how I feel that day. Do I want a bold look? Something more subtle? Am I feeling edgy? Second, I spend a lot of time on Pinterest makeup boards and Instagram makeup accounts. Unique looks from celebrity makeup artists and fashion designers also play a role in how I create a makeup look.

Are there any trends that you wish would fade away?

This is tough; I’m not sure. Everyone is different, and I wouldn’t want to bash on any trends since that might be someone's favorite look. Creativity is important, and I know that another artist had to have the vision to make it become a “trend.”

What are the top three makeup products you can’t live without?

Less is more! I’d always choose brow pomade, mascara, and a lipgloss or lipstick.

How has social media helped you grow your brand?

First and foremost, social media has helped me connect with other artists, which makes me a better artist! Networking with other creatives, models, and agencies that reach out via social media have also helped me grow my brand as well. I want to focus on the impact of my content and maintain authenticity. If you are passionate about what you create, supporters will follow.

Were you always fascinated with makeup? Who or what inspired you to invest in makeup as a career?

I have always been fascinated with makeup and how it makes a person feel, whether it is expressing their creativity or getting ready for a special occasion and wanting to feel extra beautiful. I feel that makeup can be an accentuation of your features. Whether it be beautiful skin or gorgeous lips, we are individually unique and I love how makeup can accentuate those features. My appreciation of others’ beauty is what led me to investing into my career as a makeup artist, because I could see the outer transformation with makeup affect one’s inner confidence. Also, as more friends and family asked me about how I achieved certain looks and what products I used, I began to realize that people valued my opinions and artistry on a professional level.

What beauty trends do you think will be prominent this summer?

I love neon and pastel eyeliner and eyeshadow looks! But I think “less is more” when it comes to skincare - go for a dewy look.

Check out the mirth.MUA x Women Within Neon eyeshadow tutorial below!