If you haven't stumbled upon Monet McMichael's infectious smile and glowing skin on your YouTube Suggested or TikTok For You Page, get ready to meet the internet's latest it-girl. Monet, a 23-year-old Rutgers University grad, is currently dominating the beauty scene on the web alongside fellow Get Ready With Me girlie and creator, Alix Earle. As she gets glam for nights out, Monet makes her audience feel like they're catching up with their bestie on FaceTime.
"I think my personality and heart are two things that dominate who I am. I like to keep it real, but also never too serious, and really love to share positivity and light wherever I can!" Monet tells Seventeen about her real-life and online persona. "I like to live life as it comes and put my energy towards all things good. I've learned over time that I'd rather spend my time happily and not dwell on the bad."
Thanks to her bubbly beauty vids, Monet quickly gained a dedicated fan base of more than 280,000 subscribers on YouTube and 3.2 followers (and counting!) on TikTok. The creator is also one of the judges in Seventeen's Upcycled Prom Challenge, where three teens reimagined thrifted prom looks and created their own designs for the big night.
In the spirit of prom, Monet gave us a rundown on her favorite high school memories, "iconic" traditions, and her go-to products for the ultimate glam. Read ahead for all of Monet's essentials in her Seventeen Starter Pack: Prom Edition.
Best Prom Memories and Traditions
In a convo with Seventeen, Monet revealed that getting ready with her mom and BFFs was one of her favorite parts of going to prom, as well as driving down to the Jersey Shore and having "iconic" after-parties. "Usually, those parts, for me, are better than the actual event," she says.
"My favorite memory was getting ready for the senior prom. It was the first time I got my makeup done professionally, and my friends came over, my mom was there, and we were just kikiing," Monet explained. "I felt like I was on top, I didn't have to worry about anyone else, it was just me and my friends — only good vibes."
Dates and Promposal Deets
When she was in high school, Monet was on the receiving end of a promposal that she said she "trauma-locked."
"One year, I got asked to prom with a picture that included a piece of paper that read 'PROM?' with a brown paper bag that apparently had a mystery item in it," Monet tells Seventeen. Err, if you're looking to woo your potential date, maybe go with one of these options instead. 🥴
"For senior prom, I actually didn’t have a date!" Monet dished. "And I was so cool with it, I could really just worry about slaying and doing what I wanted."
Skincare Essential
Caudalie Caudalie Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask 2.5 oz/ 75 mL
"For skincare, I think I've always used a clay face mask as a ritual on the night before a big event to prep my skin and have it super fresh," says Monet. One of her faves is Caudalie's Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask, which has more than 1,000 5-star reviews on Sephora's site.
Go-To Glam
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder
Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Blush Stick
MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil
"I did a clean Hollywood side part curly look for my hair and a smokey eye with glowy skin and a nude lip," Monet dishes on her senior prom makeup look. "It was one of my first times getting my makeup done by an artist and I felt so pretty!"
When it comes to the products she wished she had, though, she says a lip liner, blush, and blotting powder would have come in clutch since she "was shining by the end of the night." Monet's go-tos that frequent her YouTube vlogs are MAC's Lip Pencil, Makeup by Mario's Soft Pop Blush Stick, and Fenty Beauty's Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder.
Meaningful Accessories
For her senior prom, Monet wore a dainty sentimental piece of jewelry gifted to her by a family member. "I had this birthstone necklace I wore that was from my grandma, it ended up snapping. I'm still hoping to get it fixed soon," she tells Seventeen. Monet's birthday falls on January 26, making her an Aquarius icon with a garnet birthstone.
Golden Goddess Bedazzled Prom Dress
ASOS Design Curve Kimono Sleeve Maxi Dress
Raise your hand if your school has a private social media page where everyone posts their prom ~looks~ so no one wears the same thing (so did Monet's!). 🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️ Monet explains that she prefers to shop and feel the clothes to try everything on IRL. "Whatever I feel most confident in is what I end up getting," she says.
While she thrifted and upcycled a lacy long-sleeved two-piece dress for a previous prom, Monet opted for a golden bejeweled gown for her senior prom for peak glamour. "I wore a stunning long bedazzled gold dress that honestly was one of my favorite picks ever! It was super heavy, so I felt expensive and snatched," she says of the look. "Honestly, I spent hours in a local boutique trying on dresses with my mom and when I tried it on I just knew it was the one."
Parts of this interview have been edited and condensed for clarity.
Sam is an assistant news editor at Cosmo, covering all things pop culture, entertainment, and celebrity news. She previously covered those same topics along with health, lifestyle, and beauty at Seventeen. When she isn't draping her cheeks in blush, you can probably find her live-tweeting awards shows or making SwiftToks.
