Of all the things to come out of The White Lotus, Lisa’s acting debut as the character of Mook certainly made season 3 one to remember. Sweet, charming disposition aside, we’ll never forget the day that Lisa graced our screens with a spell-binding look: her complexion glowy and soft, her doe eyes sparkling in the light of the fire, all while being decked out in Thai traditional dress.
And the artist behind the masterpiece? Thai make-up artist Avarin Phanvichian, otherwise more popularly known as JibbieRubie. For her work in The White Lotus, she became the first ever Thai make-up artist to receive an Emmy nomination. In Bangkok, she’s the red-carpet maestro painting the faces of Lingling Kwong, Davika ‘Mai’ Hoorne, Kimberley Anne Woltemas and the like. When she’s not in the glam rooms of the biggest Thai stars, she’s teaching make-up masterclasses and offering everyone else a glimpse into the glowing world of her artistry.
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Making a stop in Singapore with Kosas, Phanvichian demonstrated her take on the Painted Flush technique first popularised by make-up artist Ngozi Esther Edeme, famed on Instagram as @paintedbyesther. First, a subtler shade of the Impressionist Multistick was laid down on the cheekbones, then a brighter, more vivid hue across the apples of the cheeks. Dots of colour corrector and concealer followed, before a careful dusting of pink loose powder along the parameters of the cheeks. Even as the demonstration came to a close, Phanvichian’s careful hands continued blending till the colours blurred together as one seamless flush. Sitting down with Vogue Singapore afterwards, she reflects on her career thus far, her first time at the Emmys, what Thai beauty means to her and her life-long love for art.
What does glamour look like to you?
For me, glamour comes through when confidence is expressed from the inside out. It’s not just about how beautiful you are, but about being the best version of yourself.
Could you describe your journey with makeup, from when you first started becoming interested in make-up, to eventually becoming a make-up artist?
Actually, my dream job wasn’t make-up. When I was little, I imagined I would become a fashion designer. While in university, I had to create my own collection—I designed, sewed and did everything myself. As a student, I couldn’t afford a make-up artist to do the looks, so I did the make-up on every model myself. That was the first time that I realised that I like make-up. And then when the show happened, everyone loved my work—I had so many bookings after that.
But my first professional job was an art teacher—I taught art and did make-up at the same time as a freelance make-up artist. One day I had to choose, so I chose to be a make-up artist. Now I can do both at the same time, especially when I do masterclasses and teach make-up to other people. I realise I’m lucky to be able to do whatever I like in my career.
Your make-up looks are always so glowy and ethereal. What’s your secret?
Skin prep is the most important part of a glowy make-up look. I go layer by layer, while keeping each layer thin. Less is always more! My tip—and my secret—is that I place the highlight on the highest point of the cheekbones, the nose-tip and the cupid’s bow. Everything is placed high to create a natural glow. I like to mix products to create the glow, but I love liquids and creams most because they are water-based and reflect the light more naturally.
Where do you get your inspiration for your makeup looks?
I get inspiration from everywhere. Like the sky, you know, the colour of the flowers, the art I see in the museum, music, the looks on the runway. I get a lot of my inspiration from the runways. Sometimes I get inspired by clothes, fabrics, or the materials of an outfit, because the make-up has to complete the look. Also, I always look at the person right in front of me in the make-up chair.
Name your make-up must-haves.
Concealer is so important, and so is a skin-like foundation and lip liner—you can use lip liner everywhere. I also love translucent powder, cream blush and setting spray.
What’s your favourite way to use the Kosas Impressionist Multistick?
My favourite way to use it is for a monochromatic make-up look, because it’s easy to use and comfortable to wear. I can use the Multistick for every part of the make-up look—on the eyes, cheeks, lips—and it’s really practical because I can carry it everywhere.
If you had to choose one make-up look in your career so far, which has been your favourite?
My favourite look is the one I did for the character of Mook—played by Lisa—from The White Lotus Season 3. I loved working on it so much because I had to create a character to create the make-up, with elements of Thai culture and tradition.
Name one moment in your career that felt like a dream.
It’ll have to be working on The White Lotus—that was a huge opportunity for me. Honestly, it was my first time doing make-up in the film industry. Usually, my work is featured in fashion or on the red carpets, but seeing my work in the series made me feel so real. The moment that I’m most proud of was getting Emmy-nominated for Mook’s make-up look. It’s like a dream come true, because I have been there at the Emmys; I was the first Thai make-up artist to be there. Being surrounded by all the talented people in the film industry, I felt very small; but then I saw my work on the stage. Seeing Thai beauty up there, I felt really proud of myself, but also of all the Thai make-up artists—I hope they feel proud too.
Your work has been featured on The White Lotus, of course, but also on red carpets—as seen on Lingling Kwong. How would you describe the relationship between fashion and beauty?
Fashion and beauty have to interact with each other to create something. Fashion is about the concept and the construction, while beauty tells the story and brings it to life.
What does Thai beauty mean to you?
I think Thai beauty is not just make-up; it also reflects the culture and tradition of where I come from. Everywhere I go, I always bring traditional Thai make-up into everything, and I try to keep my signature touches because I hope when they see the look, they will know that it’s done by JibbieRubie.
How would you describe Thai beauty?
For me, Thai beauty is about glowy, healthy skin and details like fluffy brows and eyelashes. We are really good at being detailed, and we also have to make sure our make-up lasts in the hot weather. We have to prep the skin properly to create glowy skin in this climate.
Your go-to hack to elevate makeup
I usually add glow with a highlighter—either a highlight stick or powder. Another way to elevate your make-up is with lipstick, because it helps to complete the look.
How do you like to do your hair?
I like to use a huge curling iron because it looks more natural—I love beachy, mermaid waves. I use a heat protectant every day, then put serum on so my hair looks shiny and smooth too.
Whenever you have the time to take a break, what does your self-care regime look like?
When I finish work and come home, I always take a warm bath and get a mask on. I also like to do stretches and watch TV series. I always make time to paint too, to free up my mind—I can do that all day. I concentrate while painting and it’s like I’m in my own world.
What do you hope to do more of in the future?
I will continue being a makeup artist, but I’m looking for more international projects. I also want to have my own collection one day—an art collection, actually. I want to do an art exhibition, mixing make-up with my experiences in art and painting.
