A four-time Olympic gold medalist, seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and 14-time Grand Slam doubles champion, Venus Williams has shaped the sport of tennis as we know it. But being on the court isn’t her only passion. A self-proclaimed beauty obsessive and fashion mogul, the pro athlete has spent decades redefining what confidence looks like on and off the court, and it turns out her secret weapon isn’t just discipline and power serves—it’s a killer winged liner.
Ahead, the tennis legend gets candid about her match-day rituals, why recovery is as much mental as physical and the makeup staples that never leave her side.
Do you have any non-negotiable rituals on match day?
“I’m actually pretty consistent. I like to keep as many things the same as possible on match day because routines create a sense of calm when there’s a lot going on around you. For me, it’s about making sure I’m prepared, staying hydrated, getting my body moving and taking a minute to get mentally focused. That’s what helps me get into that winner’s mindset.”
Are there any wellness practices that have become essential for you?
“Mobility work is a big one for me. Stretching, recovery sessions and making space to slow down mentally are all important. People often focus on the physical side of being an athlete, but your mental well-being is just as important. The better I take care of both, the better I feel and the better I’m able to perform.”
What does recovery look like for you between matches during a demanding tournament?
“Recovery starts the minute the match ends, with hydration, nutrition, stretching and rest all being the priority. I’ve learned not to think of recovery as one thing, but as a series of small decisions that help you feel your best the next day. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is slow down and let your body recover.
A great massage is hard to beat, too. Recovery is such a big part of my life, so anything that helps me feel restored is always worth it. I also love a spa day, especially treatments that help me relax and recharge.”
OK, let’s talk about beauty. Walk us through your go-to routine—what are you loving these days?
“‘I am a product whore’ is the best way to put it. My cabinet is buried with products for skin care, etc. I believe perfecting a beauty routine is something that should keep evolving, so I am always trying something new to add to my tried-and-true favorites.
Lately, I’ve been loving the new Airbrush Flawless Blur Loose Powder ($50) from Charlotte Tilbury because it keeps everything looking fresh without feeling heavy, and a little pop of the Airbrush Flawless Blush Blur ($43) instantly brings life back to your face. After long training days, sometimes that’s all you need to look a little more awake and feel like the most confident version of yourself.
I’ve always loved a winged liner—it’s a consistent signature of my beauty look. For match days, I use a smudge-type formula like Charlotte’s Rock ‘n’ Kohl Eyeliner Pencil ($38) because it gives that lived-in effect, which looks so natural and flattering on the court. But for nights out, I love the Feline Flick ($32). It’s like a little marker—no complicated application technique, no fuss. And like the rest of the world, I am OBSESSED with Charlotte’s Pillow Talk Lip Cheat ($28) and Pillow Talk Deep Lipstick ($37).
I always finish with the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray ($39) because once my makeup is done, I don’t want to worry about touch-ups. Whether I’m heading to the court, doing interviews or going from one event to the next, I need to know that my makeup will stay flawless all day and night.
For body care, I’m constantly moisturizing, and I’ve always loved rose-based products. Hair really depends on what I have going on, but healthy hair is always the goal. Eco Style Gel ($5) has been a longtime favorite because it’s reliable and easy to work with, and helps me maintain moisture and definition. Overall, my approach is pretty consistent: healthy skin, great liner and products that keep up with my lifestyle. That’s when I feel most like myself.“
How does that routine change on match days?
“On match days, I need products that are going to work as hard as I do on the court. I want to feel comfortable, confident and ready to focus on tennis. I’ll stick with products that I know are going to last because the day can be long: warm-ups, training, press, match play. That’s where products like Charlotte’s setting spray really come in handy. Once everything is on, I don’t want to think about it again.
For me, confidence comes from preparation. If I know my makeup is going to hold up, that’s one less thing competing for my attention. I’d rather put all of that energy into the match.”
Do you have a signature nail color?
“Red. Always classic, goes with everything.”
What about a signature fragrance?
“Ambre Nuit by Dior” ($350).
You and your sister have influenced a generation of players and fans both on and off the court. How do you think about beauty and confidence as part of that legacy?
“What I’m most proud of is helping expand the conversation around what confidence looks like. For me, confidence never came from fitting into someone else’s idea of beauty. It came from believing in myself and focusing on what I was capable of accomplishing.
Beauty can absolutely be part of self-expression, and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying it. If young women take anything away from my journey, I hope it’s that they don’t need permission to be bold, ambitious, powerful and completely themselves.”
