Suni Lee’s Olympic Makeup Secret: $11 Setting Spray
Discover the drugstore beauty product that keeps Olympic champion Suni Lee's makeup flawless during competition

The Olympic Beauty Champion: Suni Lee’s Makeup Mastery
When Olympic gymnast Sunisa ”Suni” Lee takes the floor for competition, she’s not just showcasing world-class athletic ability—she’s also demonstrating makeup artistry that withstands the most intense physical demands. The six-time Olympic medalist has captivated audiences not only with her incredible gymnastics skills but also with her flawless beauty looks that remain intact throughout hours of competition.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team USA women’s gymnastics, affectionately dubbed the ”F Around and Find Out” crew, dominated both in performance and style. Alongside teammates Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera, Lee proved that athletic excellence and beauty perfection can coexist seamlessly.
The $11 Secret Behind Suni Lee’s Flawless Competition Makeup
The mystery behind Lee’s smudge-proof, sweat-resistant makeup has been revealed, and it’s surprisingly affordable. The 21-year-old gymnastics champion relies on the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist, a drugstore product that costs just $11 and delivers professional-level results.
This ultra-fine mist spray has become Lee’s go-to product for locking her makeup in place during the most high-pressure moments of her career. The setting spray boasts impressive claims, including 36-hour wear and water- and transfer-proof properties that make it ideal for athletes who need their makeup to survive intense physical activity.
Why This Setting Spray Works for Athletes
The L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist is specifically formulated to address the unique challenges that athletes face when wearing makeup during competition. The product creates an invisible barrier over makeup, preventing it from smudging, fading, or transferring despite sweat, heat, and physical movement.
Lee’s makeup routine demonstrates the product’s effectiveness in real-world conditions. During competitions that can last for hours under hot lights and intense physical stress, her makeup remains as fresh as when she first applied it. This level of performance has made the setting spray a must-have for athletes across various sports.
Suni Lee’s Complete Beauty Routine for Competition
While the L’Oréal setting spray is the star of Lee’s makeup arsenal, her complete beauty routine involves several strategic steps that work together to create a competition-ready look.
The Foundation and Powder Technique
Lee’s approach to base makeup follows a professional-level technique that maximizes longevity. She starts with a solid skincare foundation, often using products like the Tatcha Dewy Moisturizer, which she describes as ”a good makeup base.” This $72 investment creates the perfect canvas for makeup application and helps products adhere better to the skin.
Her makeup application process follows a specific sequence: pressed powder application, followed by baking with loose powder, and finished with the L’Oréal setting spray. This layering technique ensures that each product works synergistically to create maximum staying power.
Hair Care Essentials
Beyond makeup, Lee’s beauty routine includes strategic hair care products that keep her looking polished throughout competition. She relies on Batiste Dry Shampoo ($10) to keep her hair fresh and grease-free, while Got2B Spiking Glue ($8) ensures her hair stays slicked back and secure during routines.
These affordable drugstore products demonstrate that effective athletic beauty doesn’t require expensive salon treatments. Lee’s approach proves that with the right products and techniques, anyone can achieve professional-looking results on a budget.
The Science Behind Long-Lasting Athletic Makeup
Understanding why certain products work better for athletes requires knowledge of how physical activity affects makeup. During intense exercise, the body produces sweat, increases blood flow to the skin, and generates heat—all factors that can break down traditional makeup formulations.
The L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist addresses these challenges through its unique formulation. The product creates a film-forming barrier that resists water, sweat, and oil while allowing the skin to breathe. This technology is crucial for athletes who need their makeup to perform under extreme conditions.
Transfer-Proof Technology
One of the most important features of Lee’s chosen setting spray is its transfer-proof properties. This means that when she touches her face, hugs teammates, or even makes contact with equipment, her makeup won’t rub off onto other surfaces. For gymnasts who frequently use chalk and handle various apparatus, this feature is essential.
Beyond the Gym: Suni Lee’s Approach to Everyday Beauty
While Lee’s competition makeup routine is carefully planned and executed, her everyday approach to beauty reflects a more relaxed philosophy. She embraces the mantra ”less is more,” particularly when preparing for major competitions like the Paris Olympics.
This minimalist approach doesn’t mean sacrificing effectiveness. Instead, Lee focuses on multi-purpose products that deliver maximum impact with minimal effort. Her routine demonstrates how busy individuals can maintain a polished appearance without spending hours on beauty preparation.
Skincare as the Foundation
Lee emphasizes the importance of proper skincare as the foundation of any good makeup look. By investing in quality moisturizers and maintaining healthy skin, she creates the ideal canvas for makeup application. This approach reduces the need for heavy coverage and helps makeup look more natural and last longer.
The Broader Impact of Athletic Beauty
Lee’s openness about her beauty routine has broader implications for how we view athletes and femininity in sports. Her approach demonstrates that caring about appearance doesn’t detract from athletic performance—instead, it can be part of an athlete’s confidence-building routine.
Many athletes report that having their makeup and hair done for competition helps them feel more confident and prepared. Lee’s routine shows that this preparation can be both practical and empowering, allowing athletes to express their personalities while ensuring they look and feel their best during crucial moments.
Accessibility and Affordability
One of the most significant aspects of Lee’s beauty routine is its accessibility. By choosing primarily drugstore products, she demonstrates that effective beauty doesn’t require expensive investments. This approach makes her routine achievable for young athletes and beauty enthusiasts who want to emulate her look without breaking the bank.
Professional Tips for Long-Lasting Makeup
Based on Lee’s routine and professional makeup artist recommendations, several key strategies can help anyone achieve longer-lasting makeup:
Preparation is crucial: Starting with clean, moisturized skin creates the best foundation for long-lasting makeup. Using a primer specifically designed for your skin type can further extend wear time.
Layer strategically: Lee’s approach of using pressed powder, then loose powder, then setting spray creates multiple barriers that work together to lock makeup in place.
Choose the right products: Not all setting sprays are created equal. Look for products specifically designed for long wear and athletic activities.
Apply setting spray correctly: Hold the bottle 6-8 inches from your face and spray in an even layer. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying additional products.
The Future of Athletic Beauty
Lee’s influence extends beyond her individual routine to broader trends in athletic beauty. As more athletes share their beauty secrets and routines, the beauty industry is responding with products specifically designed for active individuals.
This trend reflects a growing understanding that beauty and athleticism are not mutually exclusive. Athletes like Lee are pioneering approaches that allow them to express their personal style while meeting the practical demands of their sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist actually last?
A: The product claims 36-hour wear and has proven effective for athletes like Suni Lee during hours-long competitions. Individual results may vary based on skin type and environmental conditions.
Q: Can this setting spray be used with any type of makeup?
A: Yes, the L’Oréal setting spray is designed to work with various makeup formulations, including powder, liquid, and cream products. It’s particularly effective when used as the final step in your makeup routine.
Q: Is this product suitable for sensitive skin?
A: While the product is generally well-tolerated, individuals with sensitive skin should patch test before full application. The formula is designed to be lightweight and breathable.
Q: How should the setting spray be applied for best results?
A: Hold the bottle 6-8 inches from your face and spray in an even, light layer. Allow to dry completely before touching your face or applying additional products.
Q: Where can I purchase the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist?
A: The product is widely available at drugstores, beauty retailers, and online platforms like Amazon. The retail price is typically around $11-$14.
Suni Lee’s beauty routine proves that with the right products and techniques, anyone can achieve professional-quality, long-lasting makeup results. Her $11 setting spray secret demonstrates that effective beauty solutions don’t always require premium prices—sometimes the best products are hiding in plain sight on drugstore shelves.
References
- https://www.wellandgood.com/shopping/gymnast-suni-lee-loreal-setting-spray-olympics
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a61804028/suni-lee-makeup-olympics-loreal-infallible-setting-mist/
- https://www.ispot.tv/ad/fLng/loreal-paris-infallible-setting-mist-spray-its-giving-ten-out-of-ten-featuring-suni-lee
- https://www.happi.com/breaking-news/usa-olympians-use-loreal-paris-cosmetics-to-up-their-game-face/
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/entertainment/celebrity-news/g61679725/paris-olympics-suni-lee-favorite-products/
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