Cameron Brink Believes Beauty and Basketball Are a Perfect Match
We spoke to the WNBA star about her modeling career, inspiring young women in sports and her makeup essentials for on and off the court.
Cameron Brink’s path to stardom didn’t follow the trajectory of your typical WNBA athlete. Growing up, she was more of a “girly girl,” insisting on wearing skirts and leggings while initially rejecting the sport because she perceived it to be too masculine. Yet, by the time she reached eighth grade, her love for it became undeniable. “I tried to put off loving basketball for as long as possible,” Brink tells Hypebae. “But, falling for it was inevitable.”
Before embarking on her career, she drew inspiration from powerful role models, who come from both her personal and professional life. Her mother, a former player at Virginia Tech (who she thinks could’ve gone pro), shaped and influenced Brink to marry her love of beauty and basketball. “She played, she modeled and she still did her makeup every single day,” she gushes.
The young athlete’s mom reflects a type of versatility Brink admires and embodies herself. She also looks up to legendary figures like Lisa Leslie, Tina Thompson, Dawn Staley and Elena Delle Donne — women who merged their athletic talent with other passions, such as fashion and business. “I just love seeing women who can do both,” she shares.
Her draw to the sport came from the fun she had playing it, but the strong friendships and sense of community she found with her teammates were what inspired her to keep going. For her, it became more than just a game — it was a way to build relationships and find belonging. In fact, it’s what inspired her to create her basketball camp, Next 22. It aims to empower young women to stay in the game. “I always encourage young girls to play,” Brink says.
She emphasizes the broader life skills athleticism offers — teamwork, confidence and resilience — that she hopes camp-goers can build by attending. “It’s not just about being active,” she says, reflecting on the lasting impact that comradery had on her life. “There are so many benefits that come with being involved in sports.” For Brink, being part of that legacy, contributing to young girls’ growth and the privilege of being a role model is a responsibility she embraces wholeheartedly.
Looking to the future, Brink is ready to expand her horizons both on and off the court. The athlete’s dreams are big, from getting back to full health and playing at her peak, to diving deeper into the fashion world through modeling and magazine covers. “I checked off Sports Illustrated — that was a huge goal of mine,” she says, hinting at even bigger aspirations in the industry. Clearly, she’s on the right track, having recently signed on as an ambassador for makeup giant Urban Decay. She also hopes to expand her camp to new locations like California and eventually contribute more to charitable causes.
Her simple advice for others following her professional trajectory is simple: protect your mind, catch your breath and don’t be afraid to take space for yourself. “Rest is a four-letter word,” says Brink. “I think it’s okay to say no. Value your time and stillness.” For her, her makeup routine is where she sits in silence and reflects. The connection between sports and beauty is as clear as day for the young star; it’s about finding balance, bringing an authentic version of yourself to everything you do and embracing your feminine side — in whichever way that looks like for you.
From her Urban Decay “Face Bond” Illuminizer to her “Blanche” Eau de Parfum from Byredo, Brink spilled her must-haves for feeling and looking good on the court.
La Mer “The Moisturizing Cream”
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The La Mer “The Moisturizing Cream” is so good, that whenever I use it, I don’t get breakouts.
Supergoop “Protec(tint)” Daily SPF Tinted Sunscreen
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Tinted sunscreen is something that I use every single day and this one from Supergoop is the best.
Caliray “Hell or High Water” Volumizing Tubing Mascara
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My favorite mascara is “Hell or High Water” from Caliray. This tubing mascara is great for basketball. It doesn’t sweat off and stays on through practice.
Byredo “Blanche” Eau de Parfum
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My mother and I’s favorite fragrance is “Blanche” from Byredo. It’s super interesting how differently it wears on her versus me, yet we’re both obsessed with it.
Urban Decay “Face Bond” Illuminizer
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I love the “Face Bond” Illuminizer because of how versatile it is. I use it on my eyelids, the tip of my nose and my cheeks. I also like to put it on my collarbones and legs to accentuate them. It’s super easy to use and comes in this fun, little squeezy bottle.
While you’re here, check out our interview with Olympian Suni Lee.
