Whatever country you’re backing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, it’s the tooth gems, nail art, hair bows and impenetrable bases that are catching everyone’s attention
From the viral muffin man (see: Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen) to rapper Snoop Dogg’s swimming, dressage and bus driving for the basketball team, the 2024 Paris Olympics have been all over our feeds and TVs.
But, for us, it’s the beauty that’s been making a statement. As athletes weight lift, run, high-jump, skateboard and swim, many are elevating their usual routines to stick out from the crowd.
Speaking to Grazia, Team GB’s Lina Nielsen said: ‘When you are wearing your country’s kit, you can end up looking the same as everyone else, so experimenting with your hair, makeup and nails is a way to set ourselves apart.’
As hard as it was, the British Beauty Council team has pulled three of their favourite beauty statements made by 2024 Paris Olympians at this year’s games.
Keely Hodgkinson’s nails
The 22-year-old won the 800m Olympics final with a time of just 56.72 seconds, making her the first British female gold medalist in track and field for 12 years. But, did you spot her nails?
Lilac and embellished with goddess motifs, the nails represent the Goddess of Victory. Painted by British Beauty Council Advisory Board Member, Sylvie Macmillan, the set were made in collaboration with Nike.
‘Design wise, I took inspiration from Cameo jewellery and Wedgwood ceramics. The colour was based on a lavender Cameo reference that Keely and the Nike team loved. Purple is a regal colour, it’s also very calming so it seemed fitting,’ Macmillan mentions, speaking to Elle UK.
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Viral-worthy re-application
We all know the importance of a good touch up to boost our confidence, particularly when your next move could define your career. It seems like Olympians are au-fait with the power of reapplying too.
American Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, was papped reapplying Fenty Beauty’s Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder and ensuring her lip line was routine-ready with NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Pencil.
Her team mate Sunisa Lee, three-time medal winner at these games, was also seen touching up her red lip. But, it was her Rhode lip-balm base that caught beauty lovers’ attention. The gymnast has adorned her phone with that phone case, holding the Peptide Lip Tint in Toast.
Togolese rower Akoko Komlanvi’s braids
Komlanvi is flying the flag in her own way with matching braids and nails in Togo’s national colours. The red, yellow, green and white box braids emphasise her patriotism.
Speaking to the International Olympic Committee, Komlanvi said: ‘I’m so proud to be the first Togolese athlete to have qualified for Paris 2024. Everyone is so proud of me, and I am also proud of myself because I gave it everything I could. My preparation was perfect.’
