“Lipstick and Line Breaks”: Ilona Maher Brings Her Boldest Self to the Paris 2024 Olympics
When rugby star Ilona Maher hits the pitch at the 2024 Paris Olympics, she’ll be doing it with the same energy she brings to TikTok—unapologetically bold, refreshingly real, and perfectly polished. Known for her dominant performances on the field and her millions of followers online, Maher is ready to disrupt more than just defensive lines.
With her signature red lipstick, a bright flash of mouthguard, and an infectiously confident voice, Maher uses beauty as a kind of rebellion: a statement that toughness and femininity don’t cancel each other out—they power each other forward.
“I wear makeup on the field because I can,” Maher says. “It’s not just for me—it’s to show young girls that they can be tough, fierce athletes and feel beautiful. You don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.”
💇 Hair: Scrums, Sweat & Strength in Style
If there’s one thing Maher doesn’t want to worry about mid-tackle, it’s her hair. “The dirtier, the better,” she jokes, noting that most players won’t wash their hair during multi-day tournaments to keep styles intact.
“I get it braided tight with lots of gel,” she says. “It’s going to get messed up anyway—scrums, tackles—it needs to last.” Her go-to for post-tournament cleanups? Garnier Fructis shampoo and conditioner.
“The best feeling is that first shower when it’s all over. You feel human again.”
🧴 Skin: Anti-Chafe, Rehydration, and Simplicity
Maher is taking her skincare game to the next level with Medalist, a locker-room-friendly skincare line she’s co-founding with former Division I swimmer Ann Ragan Kearns. Launching just ahead of the Olympics (July 1), the brand’s first drops will include:
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Anti-chafe stick – “We wear short shorts and have strong thighs—chafing is real.”
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Rehydrating facial spray – “After dirt, sweat, and sun, this is a reset.”
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Cleansing wipes – “Sometimes it’s the only way to feel clean between matches.”
Maher’s other skincare staples:
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La Roche-Posay facial cleanser
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Bag Balm, a Vermont favorite for face and body
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Cay Skin and Sun Bum sunscreens
“I’m minimalist when it comes to skin. I find what works and stick to it,” she says.
💄 Makeup: Femininity on the Front Line
Makeup is Maher’s protest and her power. “Rugby is seen as masculine. So wearing lipstick and mascara is my way of saying: I don’t have to give up being feminine to dominate this sport.”
Her game-day essentials include:
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Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink lipstick – “It doesn’t budge, even in a scrum.”
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Tarte Tubing Mascara – “Light but impactful.”
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Glossier Boy Brow – “For a touch of definition.”
Maher’s influence is spreading: “Now we’re seeing whole teams in full glam—bows, lashes, bold lips. It’s celebration, not distraction.”
🧴 Body: Smell, Sweat, and Self-Respect
In a sport where players don the same uniform multiple times a day, freshness matters. Maher swears by:
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Secret Outlast deodorant – “Confidence is smelling good—even if you're covered in mud.”
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Venus razors – “They glide so well I don’t even need cream.”
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Gucci Flora perfume – “It’s my new obsession—feminine and refreshing.”
She also swears by immediately swapping socks after practice. “Moist cleats are a breeding ground. It’s not just hygiene—it’s sanity.”
💅 Nails: Low Risk, High Standards
Maher is a self-admitted nail-biter—"It’s my anxious tick"—so long fake nails are out. “One bad tackle and a nail bends back? No, thank you.”
But toenails are a must: “My feet are in cleats all day. Having pretty toes makes me feel clean and grounded.”
💬 Rugby Is Rough. Ilona Maher Is Radiant.
Ilona Maher isn’t asking permission to take up space—in the game, online, or in the beauty aisle. As she prepares to take the Olympic stage once again, her message to young athletes is clear: “You can come as you are—and that includes lip gloss, bows, and bruises.”
