Intro: More Than Medals
At just 22, Athing Mu is already a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a global record-holder in middle-distance running. But while the track is her stage, beauty is her quiet act of self-expression.
“I’ve always wanted to be more than the sport,” Mu shares. “I want people to know what I like to eat, how I care for my hair, my skincare routine… and yes, how much I love my dog.”
As she gears up for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Mu is embracing more than just her peak physical form. She’s celebrating the everyday beauty rituals that help her feel grounded, confident, and fully herself.
💇♀️ Hair: LCO Loyalty & Natural Crown Confidence
Mu’s natural 4B/4C hair is something she’s learned to nurture with time—and with products that don’t strip moisture. Her go-to brand for years? Carol’s Daughter. “I use their castor oil, shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in. I’ve been using them since 2019, and they just work,” she says.
After washing (sometimes leaving conditioner in overnight—“probably not the best, but it feels great!”), she follows the LCO method: Leave-in conditioner, Cream (usually from TGIN), and Oil. For edge control and styling, she reaches for Eco Style gel and Murray’s Edgewax, even if she knows the former gets side-eyes from the natural hair community. “It slicks so well. I can get my hair workout-ready in five minutes.”
Despite only visiting a salon once in her life—ORR Hair Studio in L.A., where she got her first silk press—Mu’s styling instincts are sharp. “Before a race, I just go with what I feel: braids, buns, slick backs. Sometimes I need two hours to do it, sometimes it’s 10 minutes. I just roll with it.”
🧴 Skincare: Olay Simplicity & SPF for the Win
Once indifferent about her skincare, Mu now takes pride in her facial routine—especially with her sensitive, often oil-prone skin. “I used to wash my face and maybe slap on body lotion,” she laughs. “Now I actually love caring for my skin.”
Her current favorite is Olay’s new cleansing melts, which double as cleanser and toner. After that comes Vitamin C or a super serum, followed by moisturizer and SPF. “Especially now, with some peeling and whiteheads, I have to be careful. But I avoid over-treating breakouts—scarring takes way longer to heal.”
She’s not big on facials, but she’ll indulge in a couple a year, often at Willow Spa in Santa Monica. And when she travels, she packs light but keeps her routine consistent: “No last-minute switches. I stick to what I know.”
💄 Makeup: Minimalist With a Bold Brow
When it comes to race-day glam, Mu opts for performance over full beat. “Foundation in heat? It melts. I keep it simple.”
Her must-haves:
-
NARS Creamy Radiant Concealer under eyes and around the mouth
-
Anastasia Brow Pencil for shape
-
Got2b Glued for lamination-like brows
-
Aquaphor on the lips for a subtle shine
“I’ll occasionally do a graphic eyeliner in sapphire blue—but that’s if the vibe hits right.”
🧼 Body: Shea Scents & Razor Precision
Loyal to the basics, Mu uses Jergens Shea Butter lotion religiously. “It smells amazing and keeps my skin soft.” For shaving, she keeps it simple: regular soap, no cream, and a BIC Soleil Glide razor—especially gentle for her sensitive skin.
Her SPF strategy is also efficient: La Roche-Posay sunscreen lotion and any sport-grade sunblock she can lather on before heading to the track.
💅 Nails: Dip Powder & Durable Designs
Mu swears by Beaut Nails Spa in L.A., where she rotates between gel and dip powder on her natural nails. “I was doing [Après] Gel X at first, but dip just holds better.”
Her go-to polish brand is OPI, but she likes to switch up the shape—almond for style, square for practicality. “I don’t do my own nails anymore. I just keep toenail clippers around for running and use Aquaphor for my cuticles. That’s it.”
💬 A Feminine Force on the Track
For Mu, beauty isn’t just about products. It’s a portal to identity. “We’re in this moment where women in sport are being seen, and I love that we’re embracing beauty right alongside it,” she says. “We can be creative, feminine—and still be the best athlete you’ve ever seen.”
In a time when Olympic athletes are being celebrated not just for performance, but personality, Mu is sprinting toward the future—and she’s glowing while doing it.
