Olympic marathon swim silver medalist Keri-Anne Payne was the face of Max Factor False Lash Effect Gold Mascara campaign prior to the 2012 London Olympics.

Popular and personable, attractive and talented, Payne was a natural for marketing cosmetics and fashion in an Olympic year.

Payne’s modeling and work as a brand ambassador brings to mind a simple question: how much are cosmetics used in aquatics competitions? It ranges from a lot in artistic swimming to none at all in marathon swimming.

Artistic Swimming

Athleticism, choreography, music, and makeup are integral parts of the beauty and art of presentation in artistic swimming. Mascara, eyeshadow, eyelashes, eyeliner, lipstick, blush, glitter, and Knox gelatin (for hair) are commonly used. Cosmetics are an integral part of the sport.

Pool Swimming

When every moment at a competition – from walking out to the starting blocks in front of cameras to in the water after a victorious swim or while standing on the awards podium – is a potential Instagram post, mascara, eyeliner, and lashes are occasionally used. With cameras on pool swimmers – especially in high-level international competitions – pool swimmers care how they look after racing the shorter distances (relative to marathon swimming).

Marathon & Channel Swimming

Other than plenty of sunscreen and perhaps polish on their finger and toenails, a vast majority of marathon and channel swimmers skip the cosmetics, especially when they know they will be in the water for hours – or days on the part of a growing number of swimmers.

International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame Honor Coach Catherine Kase says, “Marathon and open water swimmers use sunblock, but they have more important things to think about.” Professional marathon swimmers Lexie Kelley adds, “The last thing that you want is mascara getting in your eyes during a swim.”

Ice Swimming / Winter Swimming

Similar to marathon and channel swimmers, the vast majority of ice swimmers and winter swimmers do not use makeup. But the renowned marathon swimmer Jaimie Monahan explains, “I don’t wear makeup on marathon swims, but I cover my whole face and body in 40% zinc cream for protection from the sun.  It is a ritual to apply and helps me mentally prepare for very long swims.  Even after 24+ hours, most of the zinc still remains which is important for me as my skin is very fair and needs protection from the sun.

For ice and winter swims, I wear sunscreen, but just the normal kind.

But my key ritual is to apply my signature red lipstick.  It helps me mentally prepare and gives a pop of bright color.  A red lip makes me feel happy and highlights the big smile I always have before, during, and after swimming in the ice.  Most ice and winter swimmers do not wear visible makeup to compete, but I personally feel happier when I wear it and the mental lift helps me perform at my best and enjoy my swims more and also connect with fellow swimmers across cultures.”

Water Polo

A vast majority of female water polo players – in high school, college, and at the international level – do not use cosmetics during games where there is much physical contact. Even sunscreen is prohibited during outdoor competitions, although many players wear fingernail and toenail polish even though their nails must be cut very short.

Divers

A vast majority of springboard and platform divers are also natural minimalists when it comes to using cosmetics in competition.

© 2024 Daily News of Open Water Swimming

“to educate, enthuse, and entertain all those who venture beyond the shoreline“