The athletic arena has long been a battleground for strength, speed, and endurance. But in recent times, it’s also become a captivating stage for self-expression and style. Black female athletes are rewriting the rulebook, proving that athletic prowess and undeniable glamour can coexist harmoniously. From gymnastics to track, these women are not only breaking records but also setting beauty trends. Discover the secrets behind their flawless game-day faces as we delve into the world of high-performance makeup and sweat-proof beauty from your favourite athletes.
Your favourite athletes swear by these beauty secrets
Sunscreen
For Olympic sprinter and Harvard graduate, Gabby Thomas, sunscreen is essential to her daily beauty regimen. Speaking with Elite Daily, she says, “Sunscreen’s really important just because, as an Olympic athlete, we’re outside for hours a day, which also makes you dehydrated really quickly. Making sure that I’m protecting my skin and then hydrating after is very important”. Thomas’ dedication to skincare ensures her complexion remains radiant and protected, no matter how intense her training gets. Like many other athletes, her focus on skin health underscores the importance of starting any beauty routine with proper skincare, laying a strong foundation for everything else.
Prep and prime
For Simone Biles, the secret to long-lasting makeup starts with proper skin preparation. Revealing her beauty secrets on Vogue, she says she cleanses, tones, and moisturises her skin thoroughly before applying makeup. She emphasises the importance of hydration, as well-hydrated skin provides a better canvas for makeup. Biles, the most decorated gymnast in World Championship history with 25 medals, also loves using a good primer that offers oil control and hydration, which helps create a smooth base and ensures the makeup adheres better and lasts longer. “A solid primer is my go-to. It keeps my skin looking fresh, even after hours of intense workouts,” she shares.
Sweat-proof foundation
Finding the right foundation is key. Dina Asher-Smith, the fastest British woman in history and a World Champion sprinter, tells Harper’s Bazaar UK that she uses a lightweight, sweat-proof foundation that provides coverage without feeling heavy. She swears by long-wearing, oil-free formulas that won’t clog pores or slide off with sweat. “I prefer foundations that feel light on my skin but still provide great coverage. A setting powder is a must to lock everything in place and reduce shine,” the athlete explained. The right foundation helps her stay photo-ready and confident on the track or in front of the camera.
Waterproof eye makeup
When it comes to eye makeup, waterproof is the way to go. Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles relies on waterproof eyeliner and mascara to keep her eye makeup intact through long matches. In her interview with InStyle, she shares, “I always go for waterproof products because they don’t smudge or run, even during the most intense routines. An eyelid primer is also a must to keep my eyeshadow from creasing”. Her dedication to her look ensures that her makeup remains flawless, adding confidence as she performs. Chiles, who won a silver medal with the U.S. gymnastics team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, knows the importance of looking and feeling her best.
Light and breathable makeup
Track star Allyson Felix knows the importance of keeping her makeup light and breathable, especially during competitions. Sharing her approach during her interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she reveals, “I love a bold look, but I’m definitely not a makeup artist, so I usually leave that to the professionals. But I would say day-to-day, it’s very simple. I’ll do a tinted moisturiser, a brow gel, and a gloss. It’s super simple, but I also feel put-together enough. So that’s kind of the world that I live in.” This minimalistic routine helps her maintain a fresh-faced look while training or competing without clogging pores, making it ideal for daily wear and high-intensity activities. Allyson’s approach shows that even top athletes can look polished with just a few key products.
Lashes that last
For those who love dramatic lashes, Sha’Carri Richardson shows how to keep them in place. She uses a high-quality, waterproof lash adhesive and opts for lashes that can withstand sweat and movement. In her interview with Nylon, she explains that bold lashes are her signature look. Pairing them with minimal makeup helps maintain a striking yet effortless look. Sha’Carri, known for her vibrant style and bold personality, made headlines with her performances in the 100-metre dash, becoming one of the fastest women in the world.
Set it and forget it
Setting sprays are a game-changer for athletes who wear makeup. Volleyball star Chika Ogbogu, who plays for the U.S. national team and professionally overseas, uses Milani Cosmetics Make It Last Setting Spray. Speaking with InStyle, she says, “I used to think it got in the way or just got messy, but that was before I knew how to set my face with setting spray.” Using a long-lasting setting spray helps lock everything in place and prevents makeup from melting off. “This extra step ensures that your makeup stays put through even the most intense activities,” she adds. For Chika, a good setting spray is the final touch to her makeup routine, keeping her look flawless from start to finish.
In the end, sporty glam is all about blending performance with style. These athletes prove that beauty and staying active go together. So, next time you’re gearing up for a workout or a game, use these tips to keep your makeup fresh and flawless. After all, looking great while getting sweaty is always in style!
