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We've seen plenty of great beauty sites in our day, but none have captured our attention quite like L.A. hair and makeup pro Sunnie Brook. Her blog is like a ray of sunshine, with cheery, helpful tips; inspirational how-tos and helpful product suggestions (a favorite quote from the blog: "More cha-ching for your beauty bling!" A girl after our own hearts). A true embodiment of breezy Angeleno style, Brook manages to provide advice that has a professional's know-how with the friendly tone of a girl next door (one that just happens to be a beauty genius, natch).
We fell in love with her way back when we saw her lifestyle videos (her makeover with a young mom of two made us feel all warm and fuzzy inside) and knew we had to learn more about the products this California girl uses, what inspires her beautiful work, and even what she thinks about Kardashian curls (hint: She's not a fan). Read on to learn all about Sunnie and her awesome beauty tips — we promise you'll end up seriously inspired.
What was your journey from beauty lover to hair and makeup pro?
"My first memory of being introduced to beauty was from my mom, who was a dancer. I would see her get all glammed up and she would take me to do beauty pageants when I was little. I think that is where my passion for playing dress-up began. It was my mom who suggested I go to beauty school because it would give me a skill set that would help put me through college. The idea of playing with hair and makeup and making people feel good was very appealing.
I assisted in a salon for a year and then moved to England for love and adventure and serendipitously met the art director of Toni & Guy and ended up training with him for a year. Then, I moved back to San Luis Obispo, CA, the town I grew up in (voted happiest place in America by Oprah!). My best friend Harmony and I opened a salon together. Through owning the salon, I began training as an educator for Paul Mitchell and traveling around the country teaching their hairdressers cutting, color, and styling techniques. I eventually won Paul Mitchell's National photo-shoot contest and got to do my first photo shoot with Lucie Doughty, artistic director of Paul Mitchell. She inspired me to start my print portfolio and build a clientele in Los Angeles.
I eventually sold my salon in SLO, moved to L.A. and worked my booty off building my portfolio. After a year, I was signed to Celestine Agency and have been growing a clientele that includes celebrities, commercial brands, musicians, and athletes.
A year ago, I started my beauty blog as a way to stay connected to my clients in other cities and continue to help them."
What are some of your favorite go-to beauty looks?
"Dewy skin with a pop of color on the lip and soft, wavy hair. I think children's skin and hair are so beautiful. I pull a lot of inspiration from my two goddaughters. They are soooo pretty!"
What are your must-have products for hair, skin, and makeup?
"For hair, I love Neil George Leave-In Conditioner and Neil George Indian Gooseberry Treatment Oil — it smells incredible and leaves my ends frizz-free. Philip B Maui Wowie Beach Mist is amazing for on-the-go waves or for an amped-up blowout. For skin, I'm loving Epicuren Herbal Cleanser, Epicuren Glycolic Lotion, and Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Sun Defense For Face SPF 50. When it comes to makeup, I adore Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights in Dusk, Dior Diorshow Mascara, Stila Convertible Color in Fuchsia, MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy, Smashbox Eye Beam Double-Ended Brightener, and Smashbox Brow Tech in Taupe."
What does an average day in the life of Sunnie Brook look like?
"My day always starts with coffee or tea and music. Every day is different because I work freelance. Some days, I'm at a studio doing hair and makeup, or on location in the middle of nowhere shooting a music video, or at a client's home getting them ready for a premiere. Some days, I'm flying to do an appearance or makeover for a brand. I spend time each week answering emails, beauty questions, and working on my blog. When it's time to play though, I love a good meal with friends and to plant in my garden, or hang out at the beach."
Photo: Courtesy of Sunnie Brook
Clik here to view.
We've seen plenty of great beauty sites in our day, but none have captured our attention quite like L.A. hair and makeup pro Sunnie Brook. Her blog is like a ray of sunshine, with cheery, helpful tips; inspirational how-tos and helpful product suggestions (a favorite quote from the blog: "More cha-ching for your beauty bling!" A girl after our own hearts). A true embodiment of breezy Angeleno style, Brook manages to provide advice that has a professional's know-how with the friendly tone of a girl next door (one that just happens to be a beauty genius, natch).
We fell in love with her way back when we saw her lifestyle videos (her makeover with a young mom of two made us feel all warm and fuzzy inside) and knew we had to learn more about the products this California girl uses, what inspires her beautiful work, and even what she thinks about Kardashian curls (hint: She's not a fan). Read on to learn all about Sunnie and her awesome beauty tips — we promise you'll end up seriously inspired.
What was your journey from beauty lover to hair and makeup pro?
"My first memory of being introduced to beauty was from my mom, who was a dancer. I would see her get all glammed up and she would take me to do beauty pageants when I was little. I think that is where my passion for playing dress-up began. It was my mom who suggested I go to beauty school because it would give me a skill set that would help put me through college. The idea of playing with hair and makeup and making people feel good was very appealing.
I assisted in a salon for a year and then moved to England for love and adventure and serendipitously met the art director of Toni & Guy and ended up training with him for a year. Then, I moved back to San Luis Obispo, CA, the town I grew up in (voted happiest place in America by Oprah!). My best friend Harmony and I opened a salon together. Through owning the salon, I began training as an educator for Paul Mitchell and traveling around the country teaching their hairdressers cutting, color, and styling techniques. I eventually won Paul Mitchell's National photo-shoot contest and got to do my first photo shoot with Lucie Doughty, artistic director of Paul Mitchell. She inspired me to start my print portfolio and build a clientele in Los Angeles.
I eventually sold my salon in SLO, moved to L.A. and worked my booty off building my portfolio. After a year, I was signed to Celestine Agency and have been growing a clientele that includes celebrities, commercial brands, musicians, and athletes.
A year ago, I started my beauty blog as a way to stay connected to my clients in other cities and continue to help them."
What are some of your favorite go-to beauty looks?
"Dewy skin with a pop of color on the lip and soft, wavy hair. I think children's skin and hair are so beautiful. I pull a lot of inspiration from my two goddaughters. They are soooo pretty!"
What are your must-have products for hair, skin, and makeup?
"For hair, I love Neil George Leave-In Conditioner and Neil George Indian Gooseberry Treatment Oil — it smells incredible and leaves my ends frizz-free. Philip B Maui Wowie Beach Mist is amazing for on-the-go waves or for an amped-up blowout. For skin, I'm loving Epicuren Herbal Cleanser, Epicuren Glycolic Lotion, and Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Sun Defense For Face SPF 50. When it comes to makeup, I adore Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights in Dusk, Dior Diorshow Mascara, Stila Convertible Color in Fuchsia, MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy, Smashbox Eye Beam Double-Ended Brightener, and Smashbox Brow Tech in Taupe."
What does an average day in the life of Sunnie Brook look like?
"My day always starts with coffee or tea and music. Every day is different because I work freelance. Some days, I'm at a studio doing hair and makeup, or on location in the middle of nowhere shooting a music video, or at a client's home getting them ready for a premiere. Some days, I'm flying to do an appearance or makeover for a brand. I spend time each week answering emails, beauty questions, and working on my blog. When it's time to play though, I love a good meal with friends and to plant in my garden, or hang out at the beach."
Photo: Courtesy of Sunnie Brook