The 26 Makeup Products She Uses at the Olympics

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When you become an Olympian, everyone suddenly wants to know everything about your life and everything about you. How does it feel? Who helped you get there? What’s next? These are all valid and common questions for the average Joe. However, I couldn’t help but think about how there are so many other things I’d love to know about such athletes.

Because I cover a ton of buzzy beauty products, I naturally want to hear about which ones Olympians can’t live without and how they perceive beauty. This is especially relevant since professional athletes aren’t always tapped on by big beauty brands or included in the broader discussion on the subject. They should, however, be more included, because athletes have a unique lifestyle and one-of-a-kind perspectives that so many people look up to.

This prompted me to reach out to an Olympian gymnast who I admire deeply. Some might say she’s up-and-coming, but I say she’s on top of the world right now. Suni Lee has accomplished far more than most normal 21-year-olds. Not only did she compete in both the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2024 Paris Olympics, but she also helped bring home six medals (including golds!) between the two for Team USA. In addition to winning the highest honor in her sport, she swiftly stole the hearts of literally everyone.

Public figures and celebrities are one thing in front of the cameras, but I can wholeheartedly say that Suni Lee is everything she puts herself out to be and then some. She has a lot—I mean, a lot—of wisdom to share with the rest of the world, and I’m beyond thrilled to have gotten the chance to interview her.

I talked with Suni about her outlook on beauty, being an athlete, and the connection between the two, as well as her ride-or-die products. Like a true beauty lover, she swears by everything from a L’Oréal setting spray to ensure her competition makeup looks don’t budge, to a Got2b gel for making her hair stay in place through flips, tricks, and flying through the air.

How would you define beauty and how have your perceptions of beauty evolved over the years?

“I think kindness is beauty,” says Suni. “I think putting good, positive energy out is beauty.” This might not have been the response you expected (same), but it sure is refreshing to hear. The Olympian gymnast explained to StyleCaster that someone’s physical appearance is actually the least interesting part about them. Instead, “It is all about things that make you feel confident and happy in your skin.”

As for shifts in the beauty industry, Suni says she has noticed increased representation over the past few years, but still notes even more opportunities to do better and make everyone feel seen.

What do you wish more people knew about the ideas of beauty and being an athlete?

“I think people feel more open to criticize or comment on my appearance as an athlete, especially on social media,” she says. “I wish more people understood that athletes are human, too, and have insecurities just like everyone else.”

It’s true, putting yourself out into the world opens up a channel for people to criticize—and do so very publicly—via the media and social media. It’s a shame, though, because hateful remarks can cut deep. And when being the best version of yourself both physically and mentally is literally your full-time job, that negative energy can leave an impact.

How have you dealt with beauty standards and what message would you convey to other young people who might feel the same way?

“I still deal with the pressure of beauty standards, and I don’t think that will go away, but I hope to be the positive role model young Asian girls can see on television or social media and think, ‘Wow, she looks like me!’” Suni says she didn’t have role models who looked like her when she was growing up, which is why she now wants to be that spark of inspiration for others. As a young Asian-American female myself, all of these words really hit home for me. 

To all the young people out there, she advises them to stay true to themselves and do whatever makes them feel happy and beautiful, and to not let other people’s opinions stand in their way of achieving that. Suni also wants to remind people that “there is so much that goes into getting someone ready for a big magazine shoot or red carpet event, and for people not to hold themselves to those unattainable standards.” 

I don’t know about you, but my whole outlook on being an athlete and the beauty standards that come with it have been forever changed by chatting with a real Olympian. Suni might be just 21 years old, but she is truly a champion in all respects and we have so much to learn from her.

Because we’re so in awe of Suni, we never fail to notice how incredible her makeup looks. And if makeup was an Olympic sport, Suni would definitely bring home the gold. Thankfully for us, you don’t need to be an Olympic athlete to get her look. Whether you’re going for the gold or just going to the grocery store, we compiled a list of Suni’s most-used products so you can shine as bright as her.