Johnny Weir Answers My Makeup Questions

The Olympics Start today in Vancouver, just as Fashion Week in New York gets underway. Although one event features athletics, and the other, clothing, both feature fashion and cosmetics!

M.A.C. Cosmetics provides makeup not just for the runway, but they also provide makeup artistry for athletes, such as US skater Johnny Weir. He’s known as much for his unique style, as for his unique performance on the ice. He is not just a champion skater, he’s a fashionista! He has even walked in a Heatherette fashion show and, of course, he favors glittery outfits on the ice. Soon, Johnny will be competing at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. Johnny’s long term goals include being an Olympic and World Champion, and someday being a coach.

Skating is a very beautiful, and visual, sport. Skaters are not just excellent athletes, everything they do contributes to their overall impression and perhaps, to their overall score. Costumes, hair, music and makeup are all part of that. I had the opportunity, courtesy of M.A.C. Cosmetics, to ask Johnny Wier some questions about how he uses makeup when he competes. Some of his answers might apply to you, even if you’re not trying for a gold medal at the Olympics!

Alison – Q: How do athletes wear makeup and not have it run into their eyes (don’t they sweat when they skate)?

Johnny – A: Figure skaters work long hard hours to make their job look effortless, but in the off chance you do sweat and something starts to run, we have plethora’s of tissues.

Alison – Q: Do skaters/athletes ever use color theory to win the favor of the judges. For example, would blood red lipstick get the judge’s attention in a good/bad way? Do they think wearing a specific color work wonders to change a judge’s (or the audience’s) mood?

Johnny – A: In general skaters do their makeup to fit the mood of their program. If you’re doing an Egyptian piece you go for the Cleopatra eye, if you’re doing Doctor Zhivago you dust on a rosy cheek for that winter palace effect. Judges love when you get into character.

Alison-Q: Would lots of glitter or shimmer get a thumbs up or down (the gymnasts always seem to use a lot of glitter, but what about for figure skating)?

Johnny -A: The younger girls in figure skating love their glitter, but as they grow up they become more refined in their choices. I love my glitter personally.

The Advice Sisters love glitter, too! Here is Johnny Weir’s interpretation of Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face>” Check out his face! How great is this?! Please post your comments and wish Johnny luck at the Olympics–I know he’d appreciate the support!