The Power of Beauty

Let’s face it, ladies. We have all had phases of makeup that we look back on and think, who let me leave the house like that?

What we probably had less of, though, is the praise we deserve for exploring our feminine expression, even through unconventional means.

We have known double standards since a tragically young age. The same companies who advertise perfectly shaped brows and plump lips were also the ones selling us the infamous blue mascara. Those commercials and magazine photos lauded femininity as both soft and glowing, empowering but only with airbrushed skin and long, full lashes.

When it comes to standards, we should only ever go for the gold: an expression of femininity that is uniquely and unapologetically you.

The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris had many athletes eagerly anticipating glory and sportsmanship as they pushed their bodies and mental boundaries to become the best of the best. The unfortunate reality of such a world-renowned competition is that close-minded people can become the vocal minority, even as they watch from the comfort of their own homes, having no experience in the fields where these athletes excel.

While it’s not often worth acknowledging, in this case, it’s important to consider when we think about how the world sees women and treats them as a result. You may have seen Simone Biles’ Instagram story confidently captured with, “Don’t come for me about my hair.”

“I used to worry about [my hair being considered] not professional,” she said. “But I’m not embarrassed about it anymore.”

The Olympian added, “Most of the backlash we get is from our own community, which is unfortunate. I don’t really care if my edges aren’t smooth.”

For Biles, taking control over her haircare routine has played a big role in her boosted confidence. Part of that comes from having access to beauty tutorials from Black content creators who discuss products and styles to try.

“We’ve been able to take care of our hair better and take care of our beauty routines better, because it’s self-taught,” she said. “It’s really special that we have access to those platforms.”

(Source: People)

Simone beautifully portrayed how she navigates the double standards of not only being a woman, but an Olympic athlete with a global audience following her career. Her haircare journey has nothing to do with her ability to reach 12ft in height during a floor routine tumbling pass, though both are an enriching part of her human experience.

Sha’Carri Richardson has also been criticized for her long acrylic manicures and vibrant style, as if looking fabulous and feeling good in her own skin would have taken away from her record-breaking 10.65 seconds on the 100-meter race in the World Championships in Budapest in 2023 before earning a gold medal in this year’s Paris games.

Beyond her record-breaking wins, Richardson is also known for her vibrant game-day beauty looks — whether that means her previous bright-orange hair or intricate, stiletto-shaped nails. “If you look good, you feel good, you do good — I feel that way on and off the track,” she says.

(Source: Nylon)

While Simone and Sha’Carri continue to pave the way for future athletes being unapologetic in their appearance and unmatched in skill, Ilona Maher shares the same goal of subverting stereotypes by sporting a striking shade of red lipstick during every game, courtesy of her go-to Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink.

“I play a sport that is traditionally very masculine. You have to be, supposedly, very manly to play. I think it’s putting female athletes in a box. So I wear makeup [on the pitch] to give a big ‘eff you’ to having to sacrifice my femininity. Even while I wear lipstick or have mascara on, I can still tackle hard, run hard, and be a great rugby player.

“Lipstick is my way of saying how I feel, how I want to be presented.”

(Source: Allure)

Women around the world have taken inspiration from these athletes and their preferred beauty routines because we recognize how vital it is to maintain our own personal sense of femininity while breaking glass ceilings.

It is imperative that we recognize what these Olympians are facing, even as they rise to the top with their incredible athletic achievements: as women, we are often expected to do it all.

Sha’carri’s nails and unapologetic style are a profound testament that we in fact can do it all, and we will in fact do what we want as it serves us… especially when it comes to our beauty routines.

Simone’s vulnerability about her haircare journey inspired courage for those experiencing similar criticisms while simultaneously praising communities across platforms that keep hair routines accessible and enjoyable.

And Ilona’s striking lip color on the field is a powerful reminder that women will continue to value our expressions of femininity even as we muscle through male-dominated fields.

Whether you are set in your beauty routines or exploring options that suit you best, remember that the only right way of expressing your femininity is finding what works for you. Your excellence and virtuosity is not defined by your favorite mascara, styled hair, or manicured nails… those are just a bonus.