STYLECASTER and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change.
The 26 Makeup Products Olympic Gymnast Suni Lee Uses
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Today's Top Deals
Bath & Body Works’ Secret Halloween Sale Includes Soaps, Candles, & More Starting at $5
This Tiffany’s Lock Necklace Dupe Is Down to Only $169 Right Now
Jennifer Aniston Wore a Millennial Reformation Dress That’s on Rare Sale for 30% Off
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.
1. Drunk Elephant A-Gloei Retinol Oil
Drunk Elephant A-Gloei Retinol Oil
“I’ve been recently loving Drunk Elephant’s A-Gloei at night because it’s a gentle combination of retinol and marula oil.” This is one serious dynamic duo of ingredients, since retinol evens out skin tone and texture, while marula oil moisturizes.
2. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Suni calls on the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops to get that luminous look. It’s a multi-functional highlighting serum that delivers hydration and also adds a glowy sheen to the face.
3. SK-II Facial Treatment Mask
SK-II Facial Treatment Mask
Suni always has an SK-II Facial Treatment Mask on hand and treats her skin to one a couple of times each week. The sheet mask is packed with pitera, an ingredient that’s abundant in vitamins, organic acids, minerals, and amino acids.
4. Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
Suni says she “swears by” this Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream to keep her skin moisturized throughout the winter.
5. Innisfree Daily UV Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Sunscreen
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Sunscreen
Suni’s go-to sunscreen is this Innisfree SPF 36 Sunscreen. She says it’s lightweight and doesn’t leave a white cast.
6. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
On TikTok, Suni mentioned she uses the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer to prep her skin for makeup.
7. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
$49 Buy Now On Charlotte Tilbury
To get that gorgeous glow, Suni uses the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter.
8. Tower 28 Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer
Tower 28 Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer
For concealer, Suni uses the Tower 28 Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer.
9. Patrick Ta Major Headlines Crème & Powder Blush Duo
Patrick Ta Major Headlines Crème & Powder Blush Duo
Suni’s blush is always stunning, and she revealed she often uses the Patrick Ta Major Headlines Crème & Powder Blush Duo.
10. Rhode Pocket Blush in Piggy
Rhode Pocket Blush in Piggy
Suni also uses the brand new Rhode Pocket Blush in the shade Piggy.
11. Rare Beauty Liquid Blush in Encourage
Rare Beauty Liquid Blush in Encourage
Suni also uses the Rare Beauty Liquid Blush in Encourage, and that alone confirmed she has immaculate taste in products.
12. Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Setting Powder
Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Setting Powder
$60 Buy Now On Nordstrom
To set her face, Suni uses the Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Setting Powder. Apparently it’s a popular choice, because it’s currently sold out on Sephora.
13. Kosas Brow Pop
Kosas Brow Pop
To fill in her brows, Suni uses the Kosas Brow Pop.
14. NYX The Brow Glue
NYX The Brow Glue
Next, Suni uses the cult-favorite NYX The Brow Glue to set her brows in place.
15. Make Up For Ever Color Pencil Longwear Lip Liner
Make Up For Ever Color Pencil Longwear Lip Liner
To our surprise, Suni’s iconic lip combo doesn’t include any lipstick. She uses the Make Up For Ever Lip Liner in Anywhere Caffeine to line and then uses the same pencil in Wherever Walnut on the inside of her lips.
16. Ole Henrikson Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment
Ole Henrikson Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment
As the final step of her lip combo, Suni tops it off with the Ole Henrikson Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment.
17. Rhode Peptide Lip Tint in Salty Tan
Rhode Peptide Lip Tint in Salty Tan
If Suni doesn’t have her Ole Henrikson Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment on hand, she uses the (sadly sold out) Rhode Peptide Lip Tint in Salty Tan to top off her lips.
18. Estée Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in Thrill Me
Estée Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in Thrill Me
As seen on her IG Stories, Suni wore the Estée Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in Thrill Me for her gorgeous red lips at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
19. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
“During the Olympics, I wore a full face of Fenty Beauty, and recommend their products to everyone,” Suni says. “My makeup lasted the entire day, even through the tears of winning a Gold medal!” While it’s hard to pick just one Fenty product to single out, Suni keeps at least one Gloss Bomb in her bag at all times.
20. U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound
U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound
Suni frequently uses the U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound, she says she loves supporting AAPI-owned brands.
21. L’Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray
L’Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray
On Sale 21% off
I think we can all agree that Suni’s makeup is always on point from beginning to end during a competition. She says the L’Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray helps keep her makeup in place.
22. Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
When it comes to nighttime skincare, Suni says, “Farmacy’s Green Clean balm is seriously the best at getting all of my makeup off after a long day.” It melts away stubborn makeup, sunscreen, oil and impurities thanks to its sunflower and ginger root oils, turmeric and moringa extracts and papaya enzymes.
23. JVN Undamage Strengthening Shampoo
JVN Undamage Strengthening Shampoo
On Sale 8% off
Suni believes her hair holds its shape best when she’s using a solid shampoo and conditioner. Lately, she’s been reaching for JVN’s Undamage Strengthening Shampoo.
24. Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 Repairing Treatment
Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 Repairing Treatment
The Olympian gymnast has completely hopped on the Olaplex bandwagon and joined its cult following. Suni uses the fan-favorite No. 3 Repairing Treatment.
25. Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued Styling Spiking Glue
Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued Styling Spiking Glue
Suni says the Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued Styling Spiking Glue is her go-to for a slick-back hairstyle that lasts the whole time she’s competing.
26. Batiste Sweat Activated Dry Shampoo
Batiste Sweat Activated Dry Shampoo
On Sale 20% off
In between wash days, Suni relies on the Batiste Sweat Activated Dry Shampoo to keep her hair feeling fresh.
