We recently connected with Mengsi Chen and have shared our conversation below.
Mengsi, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
As a makeup and hair stylist who thrives on creativity and cultural diversity, here’s how I keep my inspiration alive:
Continuous Learning. I actively study evolving trends in Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Thai, and other Asian makeup styles and ensuring that my techniques stay fresh. Keeping up with new trends online fuel my growth.
Client Stories as Inspiration. Every bride or photoshoot client brings a unique vision. By listening to their preferences, cultural background, and event details, I turn their individuality into creative challenges. This is very important for me. I always ask about their dresses, their photoshoot locations, their photographer’s style, the mood they want to create…all of these details help me design something fresh and personal. And I never stop practicing! Even when I’m not working on a client, I’ll try out new looks on myself or collaborate with photographers and models to explore new styles. Makeup and hair is an art that keeps evolving, and I enjoy being a student of it every day.
Experimentation. I embrace trying new styles, whether it’s blending soft Korean “glass skin” with bold Chinese bridal details or adapting looks for different photographers’ lighting styles. Playtime with colors, textures, and tools keeps my work dynamic.
Cultural Exchange. Vegas’s diverse clientele exposes me to traditions and aesthetics from across Asia. This cross-cultural dialogue sparks innovative fusion looks (e.g., Thai elegance makeup and hairstyle for a Japanese client, Chinese traditional ceremony style for a non-Asian client because she was married to a Chinese man).
Passion for Transformation. The joy of seeing clients’ confidence bloom, especially on big days, reignites my purpose. Their happiness is a constant reminder of why I love your craft.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Mengsi, and I’m the founder and lead artist at MStudio, a Las Vegas-based beauty studio specializing in Asian-fusion makeup and hairstyling. I mainly specialize in soft-glam, natural Asian beauty looks that highlight each person’s unique features while still giving them that radiant glow, especially for weddings, pre-wedding shoots, and special events. My clients are mostly from the Asian community, and I love learning about their styles, traditions, and what beauty means to them.
As for what’s next, I’m currently expanding Mstudio’s services to offer more personalized styling experiences, including: In-depth styling consultations (especially helpful for destination weddings or multicultural events), collaboration packages with photographers and dress rental studios. I feel really grateful that I’ve been able to turn something that started as a personal passion into a full-time career. And I’m especially thankful to be in a city like Las Vegas, so vibrant, diverse, and full of opportunities to meet people from all over the world. Whether it’s a bride, a model, a new mom celebrating her first family shoot, or someone doing portraits just for themselves, I love being part of their most important memories.
If you’re looking for a stylist who will really take the time to understand your style, your culture, and your vision, I’d love to work with you.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three things have made a huge difference in my journey as a the most well known Asian style makeup and hair stylist in Vegas: Unserstanding cultural beauty trends, strong communication and a mindset of constant growth.
1. Cultural Sensitivity & Style Adaptability
Why it mattered:
Asian beauty trends vary dramatically. A lot of makeup artists in the U.S. just think Asian makeup is just very light of makeup. But it is not that simple.
Every country and every culture, they will have their preference, and because the internet influence, some of their style is mixing together and become new trend. You can say it is a fusion of Asian styles.
Example 1: Thai makeup style + Korean fresh makeup style = Glam Asian makeup style
Example 2: Asian makeup + American makeup = Asian Baby Girl Makeup
Don’t limit yourself to just one style or trend. Follow artists from different countries, watch tutorials, and study how beauty is expressed in different cultures. These helps me a lot in spotting emerging styles and investing fresh ideas.
2. Strong Communication
A great stylist isn’t just good with makeup and hair, they know how to listen. My best work always comes from truly understanding what my clients want: what they’re wearing, where they’re going, how they want to feel, and what kind of memory they want to create.
Advice: Ask thoughtful questions. For example, I will always ask my client if they have any makeup style they would like, understand what they want, but when I see the client, I might give them suggestions like I will do some changes on the makeup style they show me which might work better on their face feature. Listen carefully. Make my clients feel heard and supported. The more I understand their story, the better I can bring their dream look to life.
3. A Mindset of Constant Growth
Even after years of working in this industry, I still see room to improve — and I love that. I try new techniques, learn from other stylists, and stay open to change. That’s what keeps things exciting.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
If I had to choose,I believe going all in on my strengths is what helps me stand out. My strengths are what make me special, what clients remember me for, and what gives me confidence. I tried to learn all different style of makeup, but no matter what style I did, they naturally leaned toward soft, natural, glowy makeup – the kind that enhances someone’s features without feeling heavy. My clients loved it, especially Asian brides and women doing photoshoots. It became my signature. That strength brought me a lot of clients, and they came to me specifically because they knew I understood that look.
But I also realized there were styles I wasn’t as familiar with in some specific Asian makeup and hair style. That’s why I am still learning, never stop, so I will be ready for anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mstudiolasvegas.com
- Instagram: mstudio_lasvegasbridalmakeup
Image Credits
Photographer Credit:
Instagram: Antony7879
Instagram: noisy_cabbage
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
