Take a Seat With Monika Blunder
Monika Blunder is THE makeup artist to the stars. From Jessica Alba to Gemma Chan (and even our very own Amber Lewis), Monika’s got talent that is unrivaled. We were lucky enough to sit down with Monika to hear all about her entrepreneurial journey, the story behind her work ethic, and the makeup products and tricks she’s loving right now.
With her work featured pretty much everywhere, including Vogue, InStyle, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire — she’s most definitely a force to be reckoned with. Not to mention, she has a killer YouTube channel that features step by step videos on how to recreate her looks.
Take it away, Monika!
a conversation with Monika…
1
You were a straight up hustler to jumpstart your career. Tell us about your entrepreneurial journey.
Haha, hustler for sure… First off, I am an immigrant and moved to this country in 1995 with five dollars in my pocket. It’s hard to explain, but when you don’t have anything handed to you, you get this strength and power that is so powerful. And because of that, I never took no for answer. My experiences have given me so much strength and willpower to work and succeed in my profession.
2
What was the best career advice you received when you were getting started?
To never stop learning. And to not judge your own path to anyone else’s.
3
What has been the most challenging part of your career? And the most rewarding?
The most challenging part of my career as a make up artist is never knowing my schedule. When you always want to say yes to opportunities, I had to learn that it’s okay to say no and miss out on a job. I cannot always be there for every single job. The most rewarding part is when I work with a new client and I get booked again, or when I gain a new client because they love my style of make up.
4
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to find their entrepreneurial path?
Don’t give up. There will be road blocks, but if you have passion and are good at what you do, it will get recognized. The end results are so rewarding.
5
Work life balance. Is it even a thing? How do you stay sane throughout your days being the boss-woman / mom / so many other things that you are?
You have to set your priorities. It really helps me to have a schedule and to be very organized. I usually plan out my week with my family — we work as a team and that really helps.
6
Number one makeup trick that we should all be keeping in our back pockets?
Take your blush color and swipe it on your eyelids, it brightens your eyes and will make your entire make up look stand out.
7
What are five makeup products you can’t live without right now?
8
What is a daily ritual that you can’t live without?
I am obsessed with hot yoga, I try to do it every day if my schedule allows it. Also, my new obsession is going into an ice bath for three minutes. It’s been life changing for me… I love it so much!
9
What’s next for Monika Blunder?
I’m really excited about a product that I’m coming out with this year… It’s going to be a clean, gluten free, and vegan concealer/foundation — be on the lookout for it!
shop Monika’s make up must-haves
Mascara So Intense Fortifying Volumizing Mascara
$69
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
$30
Laura Mercier Paint Wash Liquid Lip Color
$29
Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush
$48
Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation
$44
Clé de Peau Beauté Foundation
$128
Elite Mirror Oval 7 Brush
$65
Dior Lip Glow
$129.40
Glossier Lash Stick
$16
Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil
$34
