What were your parents’ initial reaction to you wanting to get into the beauty industry?
Mai Quynh: Actually, my father’s death(when I was 21), caused me to go to makeup school. After high school, I didn’t go to college like all my friends. I was working retail and waiting tables, just trying to figure out life. But when my father passed away, that’s when I realized I should do something more with myself. He knew I didn’t want to go to school anymore, and he asked me to find something that I had a passion for and then told me the money would come later. He was right. 

How do they feel about it now?
MQ: To be honest, my mom didn’t understand for a while what I was doing work-wise. I lost her when I was 30, so she didn’t get to see much of my success, but I’m happy that she saw me working hard towards the career of my dreams. 

What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?
MQ: It was actually my mom’s advice in life, which was “Never try, never know.” I was a picky eater when I was younger, so my mom would say that to me, to get me to try new foods. But I kind of took that quote and made it towards everything in life, especially for makeup. Because at the end of the day, you can wash your make up off and start all over and do something different tomorrow. 

During this time of sheltering at home, we notice that you’ve been doing  IG tutorials.  What inspired you to do this?
MQ: Honestly, I miss doing makeup so much, that I felt like I had to do these tutorials to stay sane and be creative. It’s a great outlet for me and it’s challenging me to try different looks on myself. 

Any beauty tips you can give someone who wants to look presentable, but not too done up for their Zoom meetings?
MQ: Yes, I highly recommend a great ring light. Lighting is key! After that, good glowing skin will really make you stand out and look flawless. I suggest the NEW Armani Beauty Neo Nude Foundation-it’s the perfect no makeup, makeup. 

How do you think Covid-19 will impact the beauty industry?
MQ: Honestly, the beauty industry is constantly changing with the times, and I think this is another obstacle that we will have to go through, but we’ll get through it. There will probably be a lot less people on set for shoots, as well as temperature regulations and PPE worn by the crew. I’ll probably eat before and after, because it’s almost impossible to eat/drink with a mask on unless we all eat at different corners of the room or in our cars! Definitely no more buffet-style eating for catering. Let’s just pray for a vaccine soon. 

What are you currently obsessed with?
MQ: Drag Race, 90 Day Fiance, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Pure Lift Face device from FaceGym and Scrabble GO