Our series, “The One Thing,” is Sparknotes’ version of the products, rituals, and moments that your favorite celebrities and influencers promise – their go-tos, must-haves, and things they can’t live without. So, go ahead and take a short, intimate peek into the lives of your favorite people through the things (and people and moments) they cherish.
I never considered myself a basketball fan until I encountered the phenomenon of Cameron Brink’s tunnel seizures. In its most literal sense, a “tunnel fit” is what athletes wear when walking from the arena entrance to the locker room. But beyond that, this outfit is a bold statement of confidence and purpose. So it’s no wonder that viral fan edits about Blink’s tunnel seizures have recently flooded my For You page. Whether the WNBA player is strutting around in an asymmetrical Balmain gown or knee-high suede boots, Blink exudes an appealing confidence that turns heads.
As we speak over Zoom, you’re instantly captivated by her easygoing charisma. We’re both 22 years old and recent college graduates, but we feel like old friends catching up on life. ICYMI, the past year has been a blur for Blink. After finishing her career as a Stanford women’s basketball player with a record-breaking 424 blocks, Brink was drafted by the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. Shortly after, she tore her anterior cruciate ligament (and captioned her Instagram post, “#DelayDenied”). Despite this, she hasn’t stopped dealing with her tunnel seizures and recently announced her engagement via TikTok. It’s Cameron Brink’s world, and we all live in it.
What is her latest endeavor? The newest ambassador of iconic beauty brand Urban Decay. To celebrate their partnership, Birdy spoke to Cameron Brink about her pre-game ritual, beauty secrets and what gives her confidence.
urban decline
The only product that’s always in her gym bag
“I use hypochlorous acid. My face has a lot of bacteria, so it helps with the acne aspect without ruining the base.
“As an athlete, I drive about an hour every day to rehab and back again. It’s a long time to sit there sweating. So I spray my back, my chest, my face, and basically… That’s it. It kills all the bacteria, so I don’t get any more stubborn acne.”
A song that gets you excited about the game
“I love listening to all the amazing female rappers right now, like Flo Milli, Ratt, and Megan Thee Stallion. When I listen to Boss music and get my face done and dressed, I feel like I’m playing a basketball game. You can walk into the venue feeling very confident without feeling like you’re doing it.
“Flo Milli’s ‘conceit’ gives me an aura of confidence, which I don’t have, but which I feel we all need.”
Brandon Todd/NBAE via Getty Images
The only product her fiance always steals
“He steals my sunscreen. He steals my sunscreen and body wash because he’s always outside. I get so mad because he uses too much of the good ones. And my shampoo. ”
The look that gives her the most confidence
“I feel most myself when I have black liner on my waterline. Looks that focus on the eyes feel the best because they are one of my favorite features.”
Getty Images
The only way to protect her makeup from sweat
“This is just the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray, tried and true. I’m a girl who trains with a light concealer, a little bit of blush, and a brow gel. It’s nice to have a little something. After use. It’s just everything blending together that makes my skin glow.”
The best beauty advice she ever got
“My mom is a huge beauty queen. She taught me to take pride in my appearance. If you look good, you feel good and play well.
“Makeup is something you can use to feel like the best version of yourself. I definitely grew to love my femininity because of her.”
