Ariel Brownridge
Age: 21
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Ethnicity: Black and Puerto Rican
Measurements: 40-34-46
I was discovered: I was discovered by the amazing Madeline Figueroa of Plus Model Magazine. I submitted to the magazine’s annual model search a couple of years ago and made it as a finalist. While I didn’t win the contest that year, with persistence and the fact that Maddy saw so much potential in me, she was able to guide me and help me sign with Dorothy Combs Models.
I’m currently working on: Building my portfolio and growing more as a working plus size model.
My best feature is: It would have to be my curls! I love my naturally curly locks.
I’m beautiful because: I have been able to stay grounded even in this industry. No matter how far I go or the successes modeling will bring, I will always know where I came from and who helped me get there.
My favorite thing to wear to feel special is: A bright red lip. There is nothing more classic and sexy than the perfect red pout.
My beauty routine: Starts off with a freshly cleansed and moisturized face using Philosophy’s Purity and Hope in a Jar. As far as make up goes, my daily products are L’Oreal True Match’s classic liquid foundation in W7 and W8 mixed for my perfect shade, MAC’s Studio Finish concealer in NC45, NYX’s automatic brow pencil in Dark Brown, Benefit’s They’re Real Push-Up gel liner, Buxom’s Vanity Lash mascara in Show-Off Black, CoverGirl Queen Collection’s bronzer in Ebony, and lastly any lip that I’m feeling that day.
My health routine: Comes from my background in athletics. I get the best work outs doing what I love and that’s playing volleyball, tennis, and weight training as much as possible. I was also vegetarian for a good while, so I load up on fruits and veggies on a daily basis.
Trick I use to flatter my curves is: Wearing black! I think it’s pretty safe to say that black is super flattering on any body type.
My pet peeve when it comes to curvy girl fashion is: Pants that fit my hips and curvy thighs, but not my waist. So frustrating! I’ve learned the only way to fix this is to have all of my jeans, pants, and skirts tailored by a professional. It can be costly, but it’s so worth it.
My advice to budding plus size models is: Do your research first and foremost. After find out that you meet the basic requirements as a plus size model and have as much knowledge as possible, just go for it…and keep trying even when you get rejected. Persistence can really seal the deal in this industry.
I get into the zone while shooting by: Listening to music, having great conversations with everyone on set, and overall just having fun. - My curvy style icon is: My curvy style icon is hands down Nadia Aboulhosn. That woman can do no wrong.
My favorite places to shop: H&M! It’s so affordable and it’s always current.
Favorite style blogs? Black Girls Killing It!, Nadia Aboulhosn, and Inside Allie’s World.
What’s next? My most recent campaign for Ashley Stewart’s Fall Collection is out right now!