Always Scrolling is PAPER‘s spotlight on our favorite TikTokers in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and more. Keep reading to discover this week’s viral sensation: Mei Pang.
If the algorithm feeds you any sort of beauty content at all, you’ve likely come across Mei Pang, an avant-garde makeup artist with a head-to-toe collection of fully symmetrical tattoos. She pumps out artistically technical looks works of beauty art that consistently go viral.
While she got her start on YouTube in 2018, the artist now has 3 million followers on Instagram and almost 4 million followers on TikTok. The fashion world has caught on too: Pang has collaborated with Gaultier and walked the Savage x Fenty runway. “I love being able to push who I am creatively and see how much I can do with makeup,” she tells PAPER.
PAPER chatted with Pang about her random algorithm, Brat and her go-to makeup brands.
@meicrosoft 🥲 and that’s on being a perfectionist and a workaholic #avantgardemakeup #editorialmakeup
What do you love about what you do?
I love how every day is different! My schedule is ever-changing, and no project that I do is alike. I also love being able to push who I am creatively and see how much I can do with makeup.
Who is another TikTok creator that you love right now?
Surprisingly, my FYP isn’t makeup content in the slightest. My algorithm is either animal content, deep-fried memes or comedy clips. As of recent, I’ve been really enjoying Caleb Hearon. It’s rare to laugh by myself but his style of comedy leaves me in tears every time.
Craziest comment you’ve received on a post?
I need to shout out this one person named Armando. He comments on every single one of my videos: “Do you like country music? Do you have any kids? Is English the only language you speak?” He doesn’t know this at all, but I trust him with my life.
@meicrosoft INVERTED MAKEUP – the results if it worked or not is at the very end! #halloweenmakeup #invertedmakeup #avantgardemakeup
What’s one of your favorite looks you’ve posted?
My inverted makeup look is probably one of my favorites, along with being one of my most popular videos. The use of color theory was a welcome challenge and the final outcome was brilliant, in my opinion.
What’s a trend that you love right now?
I’ve been enjoying people’s takes on Charli XCX’s Brat album cover. It makes me happy that Charli is getting her flowers, and seeing people’s renditions of an objectively simple album cover has been a lot of fun to watch.
One that you hate?
Not to sound like a fence-sitter, but there’s genuinely not a trend that I hate that I can say with confidence. There are makeup looks/trends that I wouldn’t wear personally, but I’ve seen people look incredible in them.
What would you never wear?
Capri leggings. Love and light to people who look hot in them. I wish I was you, but unfortunately I have been blessed with my father’s calves.
Favorite fashion and beauty brands right now?
I’ve been wearing a lot of Kapital, Sandy Liang and Acne Studios. And in terms of makeup, Blend Bunny Cosmetics, Pat McGrath, MAC Cosmetics and Viseart have been my mainstays.
Who’s your celebrity crush?
I react positively to Matthew Lillard.
What’s a good book you’ve read recently?
Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of color theory/reference books. I finished The Art of Colour by Kelly Grovier. The way the history of art is told through the storied biographies of colors and pigments was fascinating.
@meicrosoft I had this idea in the back of my head for ages – needed to phone in for help for this one! #avantgardemakeup #editorialmakeup #runwaymakeup #graphicliner
Favorite restaurant in NYC?
Congee Village. It’s a must every time I visit.
Favorite party in NYC?
I have hung up my club girl days since being sober, so I think my favorite party is watching TLC with my bestie in our hotel.
What are five songs you have on repeat right now?
“Sopping” by Bay Faction, “I’ll Come Too” by James Blake, “Dashboard” by Modest Mouse, “Left Hand” by Kaz Moon and “Picture You” by Chappell Roan.
Photos courtesy of Mei Pang
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