The Art Behind the Look: Getting to Know Mangda of Lavish Beauty
If you know Mangda, you probably know her for her lashes, makeup, or brows. But after sitting down with her, I realized her story is about so much more than beauty.
She is an artist, a mom, a runner, and someone who genuinely loves helping people feel confident in their own skin. I wanted to learn more about the woman behind Lavish Beauty, how she turned her creativity into a career, and what makes her approach so personal.
I can also speak from personal experience. I’ve trusted Mangda with my lashes, brows, and makeup, so I’ve had the chance to see her work from the client’s side too. No matter the service, she takes the time to understand what I want, pays attention to the little details, and makes sure the finished look still feels like me. That care is a big part of why I wanted to introduce her to more people in our community.
Here is a little of what we talked about.
Cindy: Let’s start with you. Who is Mangda outside of Lavish Beauty?
Mangda: I’m a mom and a wife, and I help take care of my extended family. For a long time, so much of my life revolved around taking care of everyone else. Makeup started as a creative outlet for me, something that gave me space to explore who I was outside of those roles.
I also love running and weight training. I trained for a half marathon, which taught me how much running challenges you mentally, not just physically. It gives me a chance to clear my head and do something for myself.
Cindy: As a runner myself, I completely understand that. Have you always been creative?
Mangda: Always. I loved drawing and painting when I was younger, and I knew I wanted to do something artistic. I didn’t get into beauty until after high school, but once I did, it felt like a natural extension of the things I already loved.
Cindy: How did makeup go from being a hobby to becoming Lavish Beauty?
Mangda: I went to beauty school, and around the time I graduated, makeup tutorials were becoming really popular on YouTube. I started watching videos, practicing, creating my own looks, and sharing them on social media.
Friends and family began asking me to do their makeup, and it grew from there. I didn’t necessarily set out thinking I was going to start a business. It kind of happened naturally, and eventually there was enough demand for me to do it full time.
Cindy: Your work feels very artistic. Where do you get your inspiration?
Mangda: Honestly, everywhere. I follow makeup artists whose work I admire, and I even took a class with one of the artists who has worked with the Kardashians.
But my clients inspire me too. They bring different ideas, different features, and different styles. Every face is unique, so I’m always learning and finding new ways to adapt what I do.
Cindy: What is your favorite part of creating a look for someone?
Mangda: Bringing out their natural features. There is beauty in everyone, and I love figuring out how to enhance what is already there.
Someone might show me a picture of a look they love, but that doesn’t mean the exact same makeup will work for them. I look at their features, skin, undertones, and preferences, then adjust the technique so the final result feels right for that person.
Mangda - Lavish Beauty
“I want the bride to look beautiful in person, but I also want her to love her photos years from now.”
Cindy: Is there a type of makeup you especially love doing?
Mangda: Bridal makeup is one of my favorites. I love creating a soft, refreshed look with a youthful glow. I want the bride to look beautiful in person, but I also want her to love her photos years from now.
That is why I always recommend a trial. It gives me a chance to study her face, learn about her skin, find the right undertones, and understand what she likes. Most importantly, it helps her feel comfortable and confident before the wedding day.
Cindy: Bridal looks are usually softer, but you also get to do some really creative work. Tell me about the Hmong pageants.
Mangda: I love working with pageant contestants because the cultural clothing is so colorful and detailed. It gives me more room to play with color while still making sure the makeup complements the outfit.
There can be four or five rounds with different looks, outfit changes, touch-ups, stage lighting, photos, and livestreams. I have to think about how everything will look in person and on camera, and sometimes I’m working with multiple contestants.
The makeup also evolves throughout the night. Each look needs to work with what they are wearing without distracting from it.
When the contestants trust that I’m going to make sure they look good, they can focus on competing and enjoying the experience.
Cindy: I have also seen some of your Halloween looks. Those are on a completely different level.
Mangda: Halloween is so much fun because I get to create an entire character. It is not just about the makeup. You have to think about the costume, the colors, and all the little details that make the look come together.
Some of my favorites have been an Avatar-inspired look and a look that was half Mystique and half Storm. Those kinds of projects let me push myself creatively and try something completely different.
Mangda - Lavish Beauty
“Becoming a lash artist gave me another way to create something that works with each person’s eyes and completes the overall look.”
Cindy: How did brows and lashes become part of what you do?
Mangda: Brows came pretty naturally because clients liked the way I shaped and filled them in during makeup appointments. My approach is to follow their natural shape and texture instead of trying to make everyone’s brows look the same.
Lashes were similar. Some clients loved the look of strip lashes but thought they were uncomfortable. Becoming a lash artist gave me another way to create something that works with each person’s eyes and completes the overall look.
Cindy: If someone wants lashes but has no idea what style to choose, what would you recommend?
Mangda: A wispy set with a slightly darker lash line is a really good place to start. It gives you definition without looking too heavy, and it complements a lot of different eye shapes.
Cindy: What do people not always realize about the work that goes into professional makeup and lashes?
Mangda: It takes consistency and passion. You have to keep practicing and learning if you want to get better.
It can also be demanding because you are expected to be creative all the time. Burnout is real. If you don’t genuinely love what you do, it becomes much harder to keep showing up and improving.
My clients push me too. They challenge me to try new things, and that keeps me growing.
Cindy: What is one beauty trend you are loving right now?
Mangda: Blush. I love that it is coming back because it adds color and makes people look fresh and youthful.
I also love learning about new products and techniques. When I find something I like, I enjoy sharing it with people so they can learn and try it for themselves.
Cindy: What is next for you and Lavish Beauty?
Mangda: I want to keep growing Lavish Beauty, but I also want to help other women discover their own creativity and confidence.
I offer classes where I teach the skills and techniques I have learned to people who want to get into the beauty industry. It is exciting to share what I know and help someone else get started.
Eventually, I would love to create a space where women can come together, learn about makeup and skin care, support each other, and feel inspired to pursue their own goals.
Thank you for sitting down with me, Mangda, and sharing a little more about the creativity and heart behind Lavish Beauty.
