Q&A: Bleached Brows & Queer Beauty Icons with Katie Gunderman, SELF's Associate Social Media Manager
The Gen Z creative shares her pivotal baby-gay beauty experiences, and how drag and volleyball keep her inspired—on and off the court.
In this weekly Q&A series, friends of The Beauty Chat spill their routines, recs, and rituals—from their holy grail concealers to the podcast they always push. Think of it as your new favorite scroll: beauty picks, pop culture takes, and inspo you didn’t know you needed.
Katie Gunderman
Job: Associate Social Media Manager, SELF
Generation: Gen-Z
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
💋💅💄 BEAUTY REGIMEN
How much is your beauty routine?
Moisturizer (my primer): Cerave Moisturizing Cream, $15
Base: Maybelline Super Stay Up to 30HR Wear Lumi-Matte Longwear Foundation, $14.99
Concealer: Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer, $38
Bronzer: Nudestix Nudies Bronzer Stick, $35
Blush: Merit Flush Balm, $30
Mascara: Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara, $29
Brow: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel Clear, $22
Lip: Make Up For Ever Eyeliner, $24 + Paco Rabanne Glowies, $25
Shampoo & Conditioner: Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Shampoo and Conditioner, $36 each
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TOTAL: $300-350 💸
The cheapest part of my routine right now is my base! I know a lot of people would rather invest in their base products, and it's not that I wouldn't, I’ve just found amazing drugstore products that I love.
The most expensive product I use is my concealer. I have used a lot of concealers and I LOVE this one. I will continue to purchase it. She never fails me.
Outside of my makeup routine, I spend the most on getting my hair done. I get a cut and highlights, and it's usually around $400, which is tough on the bank account! I tell myself it's okay, because getting my hair done is really more of an occasional treat than a necessity that I do regularly. I also do my own gel nails, so girl math = it cancels out. 😉
Which beauty product would you personally fund the creation of if the brand threatened to discontinue it?
MERIT FLUSH BALM! I love love love this blush. I use the shade Beverly Hills and I could not be more obsessed. She's the perfect pigmentation, perfect flushed pink shade, and perfect amount of glow. If this was being discontinued, I would freak out and have to buy 1,000 of them to have a lifetime supply.
What's the most impactful beauty lesson you've learned since you started your career / adulthood?
When I started doing makeup in high school, it was to fit in and look like everyone else. There was not a day I didn’t show up with a full face of heavy foundation, bronzer, blush, eyeliner, and pin-straight long hair. But one of the most liberating things has been learning to play with makeup and use it as a form of expression, especially after coming out.
Whether it’s colorful, fun eyeliner or over the top looks that don't appeal to the male gaze or even cutting an eyebrow slit in college (which, yes, was cringe, but also a pivotal baby-gay experience), playing with beauty became an outlet for exploring my identity.
What's your relationship with fragrance?
I love fragrance. I think it's a fun way to pull a look together—the cherry on top. I think makeup and clothing can be like playing dress up, so the fragrance gives people one more layer to the whole thing. You can try new things and have smells for different moods and vibes.
I also love how fragrances and smell can capture such vivid memories. I think of many of my favorite scents as little time capsules that bring me back to different points of my life. Like Tom Ford Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum—I bought it when I was studying in Milan and now whenever I wear it, I get transported back to my time there.
We listen and we don't judge: What's a habit you'd be put in beauty jail for?
I pretty frequently dry shave my legs and armpits... Like I don't know what I'm wearing till I'm throwing it on, so I'm not always prepared. SORRY! [Editor’s Note: 😬 Remember, we said we’re not judging…we promised.]
Is there a beauty trend or look you've been too afraid to try? And what's making you hesitate?
I really want to try bleached brows, but I'm too scared it will look crazy, and a few of my friends have advised against it, which...kind of makes me want to do it more.
😊🫶🙃 LOVE & LIFE
What is an element of your beauty routine that's cultural?
I pull a lot of influence from facets of queer culture. Whether it's tips and techniques I've learned from drag or embracing color, glitter and gems to wearing very minimal makeup and just throwing on Chapstick. Historically, makeup has been used as a tool for queer resistance, so when I pull inspiration, I want to honor everyone who came before me and fought for the rights that allow me to be who I am today.
I’ve also pulled a lot of inspiration from more contemporary queer icons that I look up to—Renee Rapp’s sultry smudged eyeliner, Chappell Roan’s iconic drag looks, and even the more minimalist looks of athletes like tennis legend Billie Jean King, retired WNBA star Diana Taurasi, and New York Liberty’s Natasha Cloud.
What's a beauty product or habit you put your friends / family / partner on to?
My best friend and I definitely pull so much from each other's beauty routines. I also do her makeup on occasions and have put her on to colorful eyeliner, body oil (after a shower), and hot tools.
We listen and we silently judge: What could a partner do to give you the beauty ick?
You have to have clean nails. I get so icked when people have dirt under their nails. Also, good dental hygiene.
What beauty advice would you give to your younger self?
Have fun with your makeup—have fun experimenting and it will help you learn to not care what others think.
⭐🎧📖🎥⭐ ZEITGEIST
Favorite Substack / Newsletter:
Favorite Social Platform:
Tiktok and Pinterest
Which content creator(s) have you been watching a lot of lately?
@frankiedarling3 on Tiktok: I love the way she plays with colors and products!
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What TV show are you obsessed with right now?
Étoile: It’s fun and not too serious, which is exactly what I want to put on when I get home from the office. And who doesn't like a dance drama?
I also admit I’m obsessed with Tobias and Gabin (and yes, my Tiktok is full of edits).
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What's the last movie you don't regret paying for, and why?
I saw Thunderbolts in theaters and it was pretty epic—and I mean…Florence Pugh. I don't think that needs further explanation. She made me want that pixie cut / bob.
Which song / album do you currently have on repeat, and why?
“Leave Me Alone” by Renee Rap. I'm obsessed with her and can't wait for the full album! (Coming out in August.)
While I wait for her to drop the album, I have her GF Towa Bird’s album “American Hero” on repeat.
What's the coolest side project you've ever worked on?
One of my favorite things I do outside of work is play recreational volleyball! As a former athlete in women’s sports, it makes me so happy that I still get to step on the court once a week. Speaking of sports…this is technically a work project, but one of the most exciting things I did recently was interview this year's WNBA rookie class on the draft orange carpet. I got to ask them who their favorite couples are! Happy Pride 🌈
What do you want to plug?
Try SELF’s Learn to Love Running Program. It’s 12 weeks of interval running with the goal of ultimately running 30 minutes non stop by the end. It started in the Spring, and I’ve been sharing my experience with participants and hyping them up in our Instagram broadcast channel. We’re currently on Week 7, but you can start whenever you want. The full program calendar breaks it down for you.
