Suni Lee Shares Her Entire Makeup and Skincare Routine

Even as she primes herself for a hopeful return to the 2024 Olympic stage, Suni Lee is soft-spoken, level-headed, and sweet as can be. The 21-year-old gymnast burst onto the scene at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, winning a bronze medal on the uneven bars, a silver for the team event, and gold in the individual all-around category—becoming the first Asian-American woman to do so. And all this came mere months after graduating from high school.

Since her first Olympic Games, she competed on Dancing With the Stars, attended the Met Gala, and inked countless social media deals—all while balancing her course load at Auburn University. She left school her sophomore year to return to elite gymnastics, with her sights set on the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

While Lee has a groundbreaking athletic career and an incredibly tenacious mindset, chatting with her simply feels like catching up with an old friend. She’s bubbly, effervescent, and downright giggly. And, to our utter delight, she’s a serious beauty gal.

Ahead, Lee chats about her on-the-go essentials, the beauty advice she’d give her younger self, the routines that keep her grounded, and more.

Her Earliest Beauty Memory

“My earliest beauty memory would have to be playing with my mom’s makeup and using literally everything. I would secretly take a couple of things and put them in my bag—she would always wonder where her makeup went. I’ve always had so much love for makeup and hair products.”

The One Product That’s Always in Her Bag

“The Batiste Sweat Activated Dry Shampoo. I love carrying it with me everywhere I go. Whenever I travel, I sweat so much. I spray a little here and there, and it works amazing. It lasts for so long, and it smells so good. When I’m walking around, I will get little hints of the smell.”

The Routines That Keep Her Grounded

“I go to therapy, and I will visualize journal a lot to let out all of my feelings. It can be harder to talk to people, because not a lot of people understand all of the things that we go through as athletes. I also think it’s super important to stay in tune with your body, whether it’s through physical therapy or doing other activities outside of the gym.”

The One Step of Her Skincare Routine She Never Skips

“I’ve been super into my skincare routine right now, and I’ve been loving Korean skincare. I love doing face masks—they are good for your skin and keep it healthy. I always have to make sure to do a mask.”

The One Piece of Beauty Advice She’d Give Her Younger Self

“I would tell myself not to be embarrassed. When I was younger, I used to be embarrassed to wear makeup because I didn’t know how people would look at me or if they would judge me. Looking back, I’m like, Why was I just so scared to be myself?”

The One Makeup Look She Can Always Count On

“I love soft glam, elegant looks. I think it just suits me. That was probably a gymnast-y answer since we focus so much on elegance and precision in gymnastics. But I love a very simple look and soft glam.”

The One Beauty Tip She’s Picked Up From the Professionals

“I’ve learned to do a good lip mask before I start my makeup routine. Then, it has time to absorb, and by the time you get to your lips, they’re ready to go.”

The One Thing That Helps Her Balance It All

“I have very good people around me who always ensure I’m doing okay. I also focus on things I love doing because otherwise, I will just sit at home and be sad. It’s good to get out of the house, eat good food, and do things I love with the people I love.”

The One Makeup Product She Uses Every Day

“I wear very limited makeup on a normal day, but I love enhancing my features. With my eyebrows, I love making them a little darker and using the NYX Brow Glue Laminating Setting Gel.”