professional makeup artist, established content creator, AND BRAND PARTNER
ABOUT KAROL
Karol Rodriguez (they/them) is a Latinx beauty expert, professional makeup artist, established content creator, and brand partner with viral, revenue generating, and highly desired work. Impacting a brand’s bottom line, Karol’s vibrant creations can be attributed to their rich culture and identity.
Karol learned that gender could be conceptualized and made into art. This life-changing experience came full-circle when years later, Karol was commissioned to do Stromae’s makeup a handful of times including a viral NPR Music Tiny Desk performance that landed Karol a content partnership with the skincare brand Caudalie.
In 2015, Karol’s influence took off via Snapchat as daily viewers tuned in to see their daily escapades and everything in between such as college life, makeup tutorials, the vulnerability of mental-health struggles and body positivity.
After graduating from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Musical Theatre, Karol worked at a media company for a year, but later quit to pursue full-time makeup artistry. Shortly after, Karol was hired by Maybelline as a makeup artist. Karol earned a coveted role as a makeup artist at Sephora’s Manhattan’s flagship store on 34th Street and went on to become a full time freelance makeup artist and content creator.
Currently, as a top beauty influencer, professional makeup artist, and brand ambassador, Karol is inspired by their wellness journey and commitment to empowering others and creating community . An advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, gender inclusivity, and mental health, Karol’s brand partnerships include Ulta Beauty, Sephora, Revlon, Maybelline, Fenty Beauty, Anastasia Beverly Hills, e.l.f Cosmetics, Benefit Cosmetics, Caudalie, Drunk Elephant, IPSY, META and more. Their makeup clients include Maybelline, Lancôme, Nike, Calvin Klein, Refinery 29, VICE, Anheuser Busch, The Phluid Project, Bravo, and more.
Karol’s passions include making art and connecting with people. Karol’s recent discovery for cosmetic chemistry, specifically ingredients and product formulation, has expanded their makeup education and commitment to the industry. Karol is recently engaged and enjoys discussing marriage and family planning with their partner Yasmine. A proud dog-parent to Maria (seen above), today, Karol enjoys editorial, colorful, textural designs and recording in their content studio. The ambitious artist currently resides in Queens, New York.
You can connect with Karol on Instagram, Tiktok, Twitter and www.KarolRodriguez.com.
Born and raised in the vivacious Washington Heights section of Manhattan, New York, to a Peruvian immigrant single-mother of three, Karol is no stranger to dedication and hard work. As the youngest child of three, Karol’s humble beginnings led to active involvement in local NYC youth resource centers. Today, community work is an integral part of their life.
As a true artist, Karol spent the majority of their teenage years watching YouTube makeup tutorials and practicing makeup designs. As a middle school student, Karol began to question their presentation and though they didn’t know it at the moment, this was the start of a gender expression journey.
Growing up in a strict household where makeup was not allowed, Karol did their makeup at school and walked out of the school restroom each morning with great confidence. Karol swiped on bright green shadows with their fingers, wiped them off with a paper towel, and applied foundation with their hands. After school, they returned to the restroom and washed away the dramatic makeup expressions and creations. Karol’s beauty styling enhanced at a young age, thriving as a vocalist, theater performer and avid arts scholar.
In high school, Karol learned about the internationally acclaimed French/Belgian musician named Stromae, who portrayed both a man and a woman in his music video called “Tous Les Mêmes.” Karol was floored seeing a person of color freely express their gender. This gender expression confirmed that Karol’s gender feelings were not exclusive.
select clients
MAKEUP CLIENTS:
✓ Maybelline
✓ Lancome
✓ Nike
✓ Calvin Klein
✓ Refinery 29
✓ VICE
✓ Anheuser Busch
✓ The Phluid Project and more
CELEBRITY CLIENTS:
✓ Megan Thee Stallion
✓ Jessie Reyez
✓ Stromae and more
BRAND PARTNERS:
✓ Ulta Beauty
✓ Sephora
✓ Revlon
✓ Maybelline
✓ Fenty Beauty
✓ Anastasia Beverly Hills
✓ e.l.f Cosmetics
✓ Benefit Cosmetics
✓ Caudalie
✓ IPSY
✓ META and more