Since standing on the podium at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a bronze medal in the all-around and uneven bars, Suni Lee’s life has taken a dramatic turn. The 22-year-old gymnast is stepping away from competitive gymnastics, trading her leotard for designer outfits, and moving from her hometown of Saint Paul, Minnesota, to the bustling streets of New York City. But one constant remains: her deep love for beauty products and the confidence they bring.
A New Chapter in New York
Lee’s relocation to New York City marks a significant shift. In Minnesota, her life revolved around training; she rarely needed to dress up. Now, she finds inspiration in the city’s eclectic street style. “In New York, you walk the streets and you see the coolest people ever. Everyone’s so chic and timeless,” she says. Her wardrobe has evolved from baggy sweatsuits to tailored trousers, cardigans, and heeled boots. “I love it so much because it gives me something to look forward to,” she adds.
The move also meant leaving behind her family and support network. Lee admits the transition has been challenging. But she stays connected through daily calls and has built a new routine that prioritizes mental health. Therapy, journaling, and coloring books help her stay grounded. “If I don’t, then I’m just going to sit here in my thoughts, which isn’t always the best,” she explains.
Beauty as a Confidence Booster
Lee’s journey into beauty began at age 16 when she started getting her nails done. Competing at elite levels, she discovered that makeup helped her perform better. “Makeup makes me feel confident and pretty, and I usually have the best competition of my life wearing it,” she says. That ritual has grown into a full-fledged career as a beauty influencer, partnering with brands like Tatcha, Laneige, and Ole Henriksen.
Despite access to luxury products, Lee remains a champion of drugstore staples. “Just because something is super expensive, people think that it’s automatically a good product,” she notes. “You can buy this at Target. Go to CVS—like, it’s right there.” Her go-to concealer is Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind, and she swears by a red lip as a “good luck charm” that she wore during her medal-winning routines.
Interestingly, Lee prefers at-home facials to professional ones. “Every time I come out of a facial, I look amazing. My skin’s glowing. And then, a couple days after, I have pimples everywhere.” Instead, she relies on a simple routine: moisturizer (Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream), sunscreen, and a depuffing gua sha.
Overcoming Pressure and Body Image
As a gymnast, Lee has faced relentless scrutiny of her body and appearance. Cameras zoom in on her face during competitions, magnifying every imperfection. Therapy has been crucial. “I’ve had to go through a lot of therapy and self-affirmations telling myself that I look beautiful today,” she shares. This growth allows her to view close-ups not as invasive, but as an opportunity to showcase her personality through makeup.
Lee also reflects on the changing culture in gymnastics. “I remember when I was a junior elite, I was on the Jumbotron and I was cheering, ‘Let’s go!’ And one of the girls next to me was like, ‘Suni, don’t do that.’ They only wanted us to be serious and focused all the time.” Now, she and teammates like Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles encourage young athletes to have fun, even on the biggest stage.
Looking Ahead: Travel, Acting, and More
With more free time, Lee is eager to travel. Her favorite destination so far is Medellín, Colombia, but she has her sights set on Thailand—a family trip planned for July. “My parents have been four times, and I haven’t been able to go because I was never allowed to skip practice. Now I have the time.” She also harbors a dream of guest-starring on Law & Order: SVU, her favorite show.
Her beauty routine continues to evolve. She recently ditched lash extensions for a photo shoot and realized she could embrace a natural look. “When I took them off, I was low-key freaking out, but I ended up loving how everything turned out.” This adaptability mirrors her wider transition: from an elite athlete defined by routine to a young woman exploring multiple passions.
Lee’s journey after Paris is a testament to resilience. She remains humble about her roots—her Hmong heritage and the support of her family—while stepping boldly into new arenas. Whether she’s in front of a Tommy Hilfiger runway or filming a GRWM video, Suni Lee is proving that the best is yet to come.
Source: AOL.com News