As the world gears up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team USA’s beach volleyball player Sara Hughes is preparing for more than just fierce rallies and blazing serves. For an athlete who competes barefoot under the blistering sun, battling sand, sweat, wind, and heat is just part of the daily grind—and that includes a carefully crafted beauty routine that keeps her looking and feeling her best, on and off the court.
“You get sand everywhere,” Hughes says, laughing. “That’s just the lifestyle. But honestly, I love it.”
Despite public perceptions that the beach volleyball uniform is more about aesthetics than practicality, Hughes sets the record straight: “We get a lot of comments like, ‘Why are they making you wear bikinis?’ But for us, it’s about comfort and performance. Tight spandex full of sand? Not it. A bathing suit is freeing. I feel strong in it.”
And behind that strength is a well-honed regimen that tackles sun protection, hair maintenance, anti-chafing, and post-match recovery—essential for someone who trains in harsh outdoor elements and plays on global stages.
🧴 Skin First: SPF and Simplicity
The most crucial step in Hughes’s pre-game routine? Sunscreen—especially since she opts out of wearing visors. “I’ve been using the Bliss Block Star Daily Mineral SPF 30 on my face. It’s tinted, lightweight, and works great for my sensitive, red-prone skin.” She’s also a fan of the Bliss Block Star Sheer Liquid SPF 50 for full-body protection, which she applies before warmups.
To prevent post-match breakouts and irritation, Hughes swears by Neutrogena’s makeup-removing balm followed by gentle cleansing, azelaic acid for acne and pigmentation, and a basic moisturizer. “Simplicity is key,” she says.
💇 Hair Game: Secure and Sleek
Long hair and beach wind don’t mix—unless you’ve got a routine like Hughes. “I love a high ponytail, but I’ll use three hair ties just to keep it tight. If it’s too hot, I’ll go with a bun.”
She keeps her style in place with Tresemmé Extra Hold Hairspray (the travel size is a must) and Dae gel on slick days. When she’s off the court, she pampers her naturally blonde hair with Nexxus and John Frieda Sheer Blonde shampoos, plus a weekly K18 hair mask.
“I’ve learned not to brush wet hair aggressively. I use a Wet Brush, always starting from the bottom. And I never go to bed with wet hair—it’s just not good for it.”
💄 On-Court Glam: Effortless & Functional
While Hughes typically keeps her makeup minimal, she’s not against a touch of glam. “On days when I’m breaking out or feeling off, I’ll use NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. And I love Fenty Gloss Bomb in a light pink for just a hint of shine.”
Her secret weapon? Lash lifts and tints. “You feel like you’re wearing mascara without having to do anything. But if I don’t have that done, I’ll use Covergirl mascara—it’s quick, reliable, and makes me feel polished.”
🧼 Body Care: Anti-Chafe & Post-Game Reset
All that sand can take a toll on the skin—especially under a bathing suit. “I use the KT Tape Chafe Stick between my thighs when it’s hot. It helps so much during long matches.”
After the game, Hughes reaches for a fragrance-free body wash (often whatever the hotel provides internationally), and Bliss Lemon & Sage Body Butter for post-shower hydration. “My skin gets really dry from the sand and sun. I always moisturize after.”
She also exfoliates her bikini line twice a week with the European Wax Center exfoliant to prevent ingrowns and maintains a Brazilian wax routine when possible. “Staying clean-shaven just makes me feel better in my suit.”
💅 Nail Maintenance: Practical Meets Pretty
With hot sand and constant movement, foot care is non-negotiable. “Sometimes my toenails chip or break from the conditions. I always carry nail clippers and keep things short and neat.”
She loves gel manicures for durability and sticks to clean white polish, like OPI’s Alpine Snow. “White looks great with my skin tone—and it really pops on court.”
💬 Olympic Confidence, Inside and Out
With every serve and spike, Sara Hughes embodies power and poise—made possible by a beauty routine rooted in performance, protection, and a bit of fun. Whether she’s applying SPF or slicking back her ponytail, it’s all about feeling prepared to win.
“Beach volleyball is intense, but when I feel good in my skin and my body is taken care of, I can focus completely on my game.”
Team USA fans, take note: Paris heat or not, Sara Hughes is more than ready.
