Olympic Beauty Secrets: Products Simone Biles & Suni Lee Use

Discover the gold-medal worthy beauty products Olympic champions swear by

By Medha deb
Created on

The Beauty Arsenal Behind Olympic Champions

When Olympic athletes step onto the world stage, they don’t just compete with incredible skill and determination—they do it while looking absolutely flawless. Behind every gravity-defying routine and record-breaking performance lies a carefully curated beauty routine that can withstand the most demanding conditions. From sweat-proof foundations to long-lasting lip products, Olympic champions like Simone Biles and Suni Lee have mastered the art of competition-ready beauty.

The 2024 Paris Olympics showcased not only athletic excellence but also the sophisticated beauty routines of our favorite champions. These athletes have discovered products that perform under pressure, maintaining their radiant looks throughout intense competitions. What’s remarkable is that many of their go-to products are accessible to everyday beauty enthusiasts, mixing luxury splurges with affordable drugstore finds.

Simone Biles’ Complexion Perfection Strategy

Foundation That Defies Gravity

Ever wondered how Simone Biles maintains such flawless makeup while performing her signature moves? Her makeup artist reveals that the secret starts with proper skin preparation using Kiehl’s Ultra Moisturizing Moisturizer, followed by the game-changing Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation. This foundation has become a staple in her routine because of its ability to provide full coverage while remaining lightweight and flexible enough for athletic movement.

The foundation’s innovative formula ensures that Simone’s complexion looks camera-ready under the bright competition lights, while its longwear properties mean it won’t budge during her most challenging routines. This product represents the perfect marriage of high-performance beauty and luxury skincare technology.

The Triple Setting Spray System

Simone’s makeup longevity secret lies in her comprehensive setting strategy. Her beauty team employs not one, not two, but three different setting sprays to ensure her makeup stays put. This includes the Kryolan Fixing Spray, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, and Skindinavia The Makeup Finishing Spray. Each spray serves a specific purpose in creating an impenetrable barrier against sweat, humidity, and the physical demands of gymnastics.

The layering technique involves applying each spray at different stages of the makeup application process, creating multiple protective layers that work synergistically. This method ensures that even during the most intense routines, Simone’s makeup remains intact and photo-ready.

Lip Care Solutions for Sensitive Skin

Simone’s Allergy-Friendly Formula

One of the most relatable aspects of Simone Biles’ beauty routine is her struggle with lip sensitivity. In a candid GRWM (Get Ready With Me) video, she revealed that her lips are “allergic to almost every single product” and will break out if she doesn’t stick to specific brands. Her trusted lineup includes Laneige, Charlotte Tilbury, NYX, and occasionally Rhode.

Her makeup artist, Alayza Casey, confirmed that Simone’s favorite lip product is the Laneige Lip Glowy Balm. This K-beauty favorite has gained a cult following for its lightweight formula that provides intense hydration without feeling heavy or sticky. The balm’s unique texture allows for comfortable wear during extended periods, making it perfect for athletes who need long-lasting lip care.

“If I use anything else, my lips like burn and literally crack and peel off,” Simone explained, highlighting the importance of finding products that work with your skin’s specific needs rather than against them. This transparency about skin sensitivities resonates with many people who struggle to find suitable lip products.

Suni Lee’s Effortless Beauty Philosophy

The Power of Press-On Perfection

Suni Lee, America’s gymnastics sweetheart, has embraced the convenience and style of press-on nails, specifically the KISS Salon X-tend LED Soft Gel Nail System. Her partnership with KISS as their Salon X-tend Ambassador showcases how practical beauty solutions can meet high-performance demands. At the Paris Olympics, she sported the “Pure” shade in elegant almond-shaped extensions that resembled a classic French manicure.

“Being a gymnast requires me to move in a way that is flexible, weightless, and strong. I need the same traits when it comes to my manicure,” Lee explained in a press release. This philosophy extends beyond just nails—it represents her entire approach to beauty, prioritizing products that enhance rather than hinder athletic performance.

Hair Care That Works Overtime

Managing hair during intense training and competition requires specialized products, and Suni has found her solution in Batiste Sweat Activated Dry Shampoo. This innovative formula actually works better when you sweat, making it perfect for athletes who need their hair to look fresh throughout long competition days. The dry shampoo helps absorb excess oils and refreshes hair without the need for traditional washing, which can be time-consuming and impractical during competition schedules.

Multi-Purpose Makeup Must-Haves

Lip Products That Double as Confidence Boosters

Suni Lee’s lip product preferences reveal a strategic approach to competition beauty. She swears by the Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil Longwear Lip Liner in “Wherever Walnut,” calling it “the best lip neutral ever”. This nude-toned liner provides the perfect base for creating fuller-looking lips while maintaining a natural appearance that photographs beautifully under competition lighting.

Her connection to Rhode Beauty products, including the Peptide Lip Tint and cream blushes, demonstrates her appreciation for brands that prioritize both performance and aesthetics. The Rhode Peptide Lip Tint in “Salty Tan” provides the perfect glossy finish while delivering moisturizing benefits, and her favorite cream blush shade “Piggy” adds a natural flush that looks effortless yet polished.

Beyond Gymnastics: Beauty Secrets from Other Olympic Champions

Jordan Chiles’ Brightening Technique

Jordan Chiles employs a strategic concealer application method that has become signature to her look. After applying foundation, she uses Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer specifically under the inner corners of her eyes for a dramatic brightening effect. This technique is particularly effective under competition lights, helping to create an alert, fresh appearance even during exhausting routines.

Her finishing touch involves Milani’s Make It Last setting spray, which boasts an impressive 24-hour wear time. This drugstore find proves that effective beauty solutions don’t always require luxury price points, making professional-level results accessible to athletes at every level.

International Athletes’ Beauty Innovations

Sha’Carri Richardson, the dynamic track star, prioritizes travel-friendly skincare with Olay Cleansing Melts + Hyaluronic Face Cleanser. These innovative cleansing formats are perfect for athletes who travel frequently and need products that won’t complicate airport security while still providing effective cleansing without over-drying the skin.

Ami Yuasa, Japan’s breakdancing sensation, understands that her sport requires makeup that can withstand the most extreme conditions. Her choice of M·A·C Locked Kiss Ink 24HR Lipcolour reflects the need for products that remain intact even when spinning on her head. “Makeup is my switch. It gives me confidence,” she explains, highlighting how beauty products serve as psychological tools for peak performance.

The Science Behind Athletic Beauty

Formulation Features That Matter

Olympic-level beauty products share several key characteristics that make them suitable for high-performance situations. Sweat resistance is paramount, requiring formulations that create strong bonds with the skin without compromising comfort or appearance. Flexibility is equally important, as products must move with the athlete’s body without cracking, flaking, or shifting.

Longevity cannot be understated when competitions can last for hours and touch-ups are impossible. Products like the Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder used in Simone’s routine create a protective barrier that extends wear time significantly.

The Psychology of Competition Beauty

For Olympic athletes, beauty routines serve purposes beyond aesthetics. They provide psychological preparation, boost confidence, and create a sense of normalcy in high-pressure environments. The ritual of applying makeup becomes a meditative practice that helps athletes center themselves before competition.

Natalia Grossman, a climbing champion, exemplifies this with her simplified morning routine featuring Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide Face Moisturizer. Her approach prioritizes skin health and quick application, allowing her to focus mental energy on her athletic performance while still feeling put-together.

Building Your Own Olympic-Inspired Beauty Routine

Essential Categories to Consider

Creating an athletic beauty routine requires strategic thinking about product categories. Base makeup should prioritize longevity and flexibility, with products like Charlotte Tilbury’s foundation leading the way. Setting products become non-negotiable investments, with multiple spray layers creating professional-level staying power.

Lip care deserves special attention, particularly for those with sensitivities like Simone Biles. Testing products thoroughly and building a curated collection of safe options prevents mid-routine disasters. Multi-purpose products like Rhode’s cream blushes maximize efficiency while minimizing the number of products needed.

Investment vs. Budget-Friendly Options

Olympic athletes demonstrate that effective beauty doesn’t require spending exclusively on luxury products. Drugstore heroes like Batiste dry shampoo and Milani setting spray perform alongside high-end formulations. The key lies in understanding which products are worth the splurge and which categories offer excellent budget alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes Olympic athletes’ makeup stay put during competitions?

A: Olympic athletes use multiple setting sprays, long-wearing formulations, and strategic layering techniques. Products like Charlotte Tilbury foundation and multiple setting sprays create barriers that withstand sweat and movement.

Q: Are the beauty products used by Olympians available to regular consumers?

A: Yes, most products used by Olympic athletes are commercially available. Brands like Laneige, Charlotte Tilbury, Fenty Beauty, and drugstore options like Batiste are accessible to everyone.

Q: Why do Olympic athletes prefer certain lip products?

A: Athletes often deal with skin sensitivities from environmental stressors and equipment. Products like Laneige Lip Glowy Balm are chosen for their gentle formulations and long-lasting hydration without irritation.

Q: How do athletes maintain their beauty routines while traveling for competitions?

A: Athletes choose travel-friendly products like Olay Cleansing Melts and press-on nails that don’t require professional application. Multi-purpose products and compact formulations are preferred for easy packing.

Q: What role does beauty play in athletic performance?

A: Beauty routines provide psychological preparation and confidence boosts. Many athletes consider makeup application a centering ritual that helps them prepare mentally for competition while feeling their best.

The beauty secrets of Olympic champions prove that looking flawless under pressure is achievable with the right products and techniques. From Simone Biles’ sensitive-skin solutions to Suni Lee’s practical press-on nails, these athletes have curated routines that balance performance with beauty, inspiring us all to elevate our own beauty game to gold-medal standards.

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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