There’s no denying that it’s hard work being an Olympian. We’re all aware of the countless hours of training, plus the physical and mental strength it takes to be one of the chosen few competing for gold at this year’s Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Aside from the work that it takes to be considered one of the world’s best athletes in your respective sport, there are other hurdles (pun intended) that come with the competition.
Amy Williams, the 2010 U.K. Olympic champion in skeleton racing, tweeted out a unique question: how can she avoid her makeup freezing during the games?
So anyone know of good make up that is oil based?? Our latest update from other presenters in Pyeongchang, Korea for #winterOlympics is that water based make up literally is freezing on your face it’s that cold!! #help #facefreeze
— Amy Williams (@AmyWilliamsMBE) February 9, 2018
Williams isn’t alone in her struggle, with many of the on-air television journalists citing that any water-based makeup and skincare products would freeze onto their face during their time in Pyeongchang. I’m sure there’s enough to focus on during the Olympics itself, without having to worry about your makeup turning to ice.
Twitter and its hoards of beauty gurus were quick to come to Williams’ rescue, offering some alternative, freeze-proof products that she can use in the harsh climate:
Smashbox oil primer
— Sasha Wilkins (@LibertyLndnGirl) February 10, 2018
You need the @Bougieecosmetic fluid silk primer first that’ll do it!! Stay warm
— Sharyl Funaro (@SharylFunaro) February 10, 2018
What a pain for you (literally!). Generally it’s best to use an oil based foundation over an oil based primer. I think Giorgio Armani Designer Lift Smoothing Firming Foundation SPF 20 would work (spendy tho but Armani foundations are incredible )
— Sasha Wilkins (@LibertyLndnGirl) February 10, 2018
While the consensus seems to be that the iconic Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer ($36 at Smashbox) is a must-have, many decided to use this as an opportunity to tell Williams that she didn’t need to wear any makeup (which really wasn’t the point?).
I think most men would say most women don’t need to wear make up anyway so try going without!
— Gordon Lott (@gordonlott) February 9, 2018
How about no makeup?
— Rick Clark (@RickClark64) February 12, 2018
Go natural.
— Lt Col S., USAF (Ret) (@619SDBOLTS) February 11, 2018
Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to have a conversation about makeup online without someone chiming in to say that it’s not necessary, or that “natural is better”?
While we’re all entitled to our own opinions, when it comes to what women want to put, or not put, on their faces, it’s really no one’s GD business. Women wear makeup to please themselves, not others, and if Williams wants to wear makeup to the Olympics, then let her.
Lets hope that Williams and her makeup have a wonderful-and-not-frozen time finishing the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Header Image: Amy Williams / Instagram