Brooke Monk is a makeup artist and blogger who has been featured in top publications like Time and Harper’s Bazaar. Not only is Brooke Monk an accomplished makeup artist, but she’s also a strong advocate for diversity in the beauty industry. In this blog post, Brooke talks about why representation matters and how we can work to see more beauty that doesn’t conform to traditional standards. She offers tips on how to embrace your individuality and feel confident in your skin, no matter what society tells you. So whether you’re looking to up your makeup game or just want to hear another perspective on beauty, read on to learn from Brooke Monk.
Brooke Monk: Early Years
Brooke Monk, who is widely recognized for her work with transgender women, was born in 1985 in Oregon. She grew up in a conservative Protestant household and says that she never felt comfortable with her own body until she began transitioning at age 23. Brooke’s journey has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, TIME Magazine, and Vogue. She is the founder of the non-profit organization Transforming Trans Communities (TTX), which provides resources and support to transgender people and their families. Brooke’s work has helped to shed light on the unique challenges faced by transgender people and has inspired others to advocate for their rights.
Brooke Monk’s Career
Brooke Monk is a Canadian beauty and hair stylist who has worked with celebrities, fashion designers, and athletes. She has styled hair for Victoria’s Secret Angels, Heidi Klum, and Gisele Bundchen. Monk also works as an international makeup artist and has been featured in publications such as Vogue and Elle. Her clients have included Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry, and Kim Kardashian.
Monk was born in Toronto to parents who were both hairstylists. She started her career working at a salon in her hometown before moving to New York City to work at the salon of Francesco Scognamiglio. In 2002, she relocated to Los Angeles and began styling hair for celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Reese Witherspoon, Cameron Diaz, Hilary Swank, and Jamie Foxx. Monk also did makeup for these women. In 2006 she opened her salon in Los Angeles.
In 2012 Monk was chosen as one of “Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women.” That year she also received the Stylist of the Year award from the Professional Hairdressers of Canada (PhD). Monk lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children.
Brooke Monk’s Stylists
Brooke Monk is widely considered one of the most influential hair stylists in the industry. Her clients have included Gwyneth Paltrow, Meryl Streep, and Angelina Jolie. Monk has worked with some of Hollywood’s most iconic names and her clients’ hair reflects that – each style is unique and individualized to their personality and look.
Monk was born in Lexington, Kentucky and as a child, she began styling her hair using cheap products she found at the store. She eventually attended Lexington School of Hair Design where she studied under Gabrielle Reece and John Barrett. After graduating, Monk moved to New York City where she started her career as a hairstylist.
Over the years, Monk has developed a signature look that is both edgy and sophisticated. Her clients often describe her work as “beautiful but hidden.” This is likely because much of Monk’s talent lies in her ability to create natural-looking styles that are surprisingly strong.
Although many people know about Brooke Monk’s work as a hair stylist, it is worth exploring her other talents too.
Brooke Monk’s Style
Brooke Monk is a professional fashion photographer based in New York City. She has been published in Vogue and ELLE, and her work has been seen on the runway at shows like New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week. Monk’s style stands out from the rest; she favors natural fabrics, earthy tones, and subtle prints. Here are five of her favorite pieces to shop for this season:
1. A structured blazer: Monk recommends a structured blazer for fall/winter wear. Her favorite option is this camel blazer from Zara.
2. A basic tee: Monk loves wearing basics year-round, but especially in the colder months when oversized sweaters can be too much. This Basic grey tee from Uniqlo is great for everyday wear.
3. A paisley print skirt: Paisley prints are another go-to for Brooke Monk during the cooler months thanks to their versatile nature. She likes this rust-coloured skirt from Zara as it can be dressed up or down.
4. Ankle-length boots: For a more elevated look, Brooke recommends opting for ankle-length boots instead of flats this winter season. Her go-to boot choice is these black knee boots from Steve Madden which have a modern edge but also feel classic due to their shape and materials.
5. Soft neutrals: To finish off Brooke Monk’s autumn/winter style guide, she recommends opting for soft neut
Brooke Monk’s Advice for Living a Beautiful Life
1. Take care of yourself.
Be kind to yourself and allow yourself time for relaxation, fun, and self-care. If you aren’t taking good care of yourself, it will show in your appearance.
2. See the beauty in all things.
There is beauty in the simplest things we take for granted, like a blade of grass or the stars at night. Look for the beauty in everything around you and be grateful for what is present.
3. Embrace your natural features.
Some people may find it difficult to accept their natural features, but this doesn’t mean they have to hide them away or become ashamed of them. embrace who you are and use your features to your advantage!
4. Dress for comfort, not fashion.
There is nothing wrong with dressing comfortably and stylishly- both can be achieved through intentional choices made in outfit styling and fashion accessories selection! Experiment with different styles and see what works best for you.
Brooke Monk’s Beauty Tips for Every Day
1. Start your day with a soft facial wash. “If you want to start the day with a good complexion, use gentle facial wash and pat it dry,” says Monk. “It’ll remove any build-up from the night before and leave your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.”
2. For an even more dewy complexion, follow up your facial wash with a light moisturizer. “Apply a thin layer of soothing cream or lotion to your face after washing it,” Monk advises. “This will keep your skin looking healthy and bright all day long.”
3. When applying makeup, keep things natural. “Go for simple eyeshadows and lipsticks that are flattering on most skin tones,” Monk says. “And avoid using too many highlighters or powders—they can make you look too shiny.”
4. Finally, top off your makeup application with a translucent finishing powder to set everything in place—no matter what time of day it is! “This will help control oil production, keeping your skin looking matte all day long,” Monk says.
Conclusion
Brooke Monk work shines a light on the unique and undervalued beauty of people from all walks of life.