The appearance of women in sports routinely overshadows the subject of their play. Faced with combatting pressures to be both feminine, beautiful, and delicate, and athletic, muscular and strong, a majority of female athletes struggle with body image issues. In an ESPNW Survey of 201 DI Female Collegiate Athletes, 68% reported feeling a pressure to be pretty and 48% wear makeup when they compete. 

The application of makeup on game-day has long been a subject of debate. While some argue that female athletes use makeup to appease the male-gaze, others find it a source of strength and resilience. To understand each athlete's decision, let's look at the societal factors that shape this issue. 

Related: Dealing with Body Dysmorphia as an Athlete

A 2012 dissertation paper by NYU Steinhardt's Andrea Paloian examines why athletic women are held to contradictory societal femininity standards. Generally, femininity is defined by a woman's outward appearance, including their beauty, fashion, body-type, and make-up. The appearance of femininity often contrasts with optimal athletic qualities. Female athletes are frequently criticized for demonstrating perceived masculine traits like confidence, strength, and aggression (i.e. Serena Williams). Likewise, the athletic prowess of women in more “feminine” sports, like cheer, is often discredited, sexualized, or trivialized. 

Related: Dance and Cheer, and the Expectation to Look “Perfect”

In a quote from her 2001 paper, Vikki Krane explains “sportswomen tread a fine line of acceptable femininity…engaging in athletic activities is empowering, yet maintaining an acceptable feminine demeanor is disempowering.” Women in sports face a double-bind. Female athletes are expected to go out of their way to present their athleticism in a socially acceptable manner. Yet, many of the empowering aspects of sports are associated with masculinity. 

So, what do we do?

Makeup has become a way to bridge the gap between femininity and athletics. A study of 63 NCAA Division I female athletes found that female athletes are more careful about how they look and behave in the eyes of the public due to gender stereotypes. For example, several softball players stated that they wear makeup and bows in their hair to avoid being labeled a ‘lesbian.'

California Baptist University volleyball player Lauren Marr wears makeup for herself and others: “I wear makeup to games because I like to look good when I play. Especially home games, I know a lot of friends will be there and I like to look good on the court.” 

Kortni Richards, a teammate of Marr, said that she used to wear makeup to games only because she was wearing it during the day. However, she wished that women did not have to wear makeup to earn respect for their abilities: “A girl shouldn't have to wear makeup to perform better, because that comes from practice.”

Makeup has helped build a foundation for empowerment. Through curling eyelashes or applying red lipstick, women hope to show that athletes can be feminine AND athletic. While some seek out makeup to showcase their feminine side, others find it an essential part of their game-day routine. From Ali Krieger to Queen Harrison, female athletes have spoken out about the confidence gained from the ritualistic application of makeup. 

Brianna Doehrmann, the libero for the University of Utah Women's Volleyball Team, said “I think [makeup] has a huge impact on the whole confidence thing. When you go out in public with it on, you already feel more confident, and [confidence] adds to your performance in your sport as well.”

Due to the number of athletes who wear makeup, cosmetic companies such as Neutrogena and Thrive Causemetics have released a series of workout-friendly products. 

Related: Top 5 Waterproof Mascaras for Athletes

Regardless of your own personal choice to wear makeup, it is important to be supportive of the decisions of your teammates. 

As Utah Volleyball's Tilar Clark says, “energy is beautiful — positive energy…If you have good energy about you, then everyone is going to find you beautiful no matter what. Energy is infectious.”

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* Originally published on March 7, 2022, by Chloe Singer