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Talking Makeup with Adelle Tracey

Adelle Tracey is one of Britain’s top middle distance runners. She has been competing on the international stage for over 10 years and has represented Great Britain on a number of occasions. Alongside Adelle's achievements on the track she is also a professional hair and makeup artist. She took time out to tell me about her career and passion for makeup.

How did you get into athletics?

I grew up in Jamaica but came over to the UK when I was seven and started doing athletics at that age. I started going to running club after school and when I was 10 I began at a local athletics club in Guildford. When I was 16 I competed in my first GB vest.  Now I do athletics full time and makeup part time.

Apart from Kelly Holmes, Black British women were not dominate in middle distance running. What made you decide that was for you? 

I initially started cross country, I was naturally quick but could do the endurance. Growing up I loved Denise Lewis and Cathy Freeman. Also Kelly was my mentor; I met her through her initiative and she nominated me to light the cauldron during the London Olympics. 

How long have you been a makeup artist?

My Grandma had an incredible collection of lipsticks and I used to play with them. She was very creative and that was when my love for makeup started. She used to buy me stuff and every time she bought a new lipstick she would give me the old one. I went on to study makeup at Bournemouth University. I originally studied model-making but realised I enjoyed the makeup side.I started out working in film and TV but now focus on events and shoots. 

Who are your beauty icons?

My older sister - she would recommend beauty products to me and also my Aunties. Career wise, it is Pat McGrath who I think is an absolute icon and also Funmi Fetto - I love her book, Palette.

What kind of projects have you worked on?

I have worked on Top Gear and Dr Who - on the prosthetics side. My course gave me a varied amount of skills which means I can dip into different areas. I also work with a lot of athletes for their weddings. There is always a queue outside my room at the end of a big athletics competition when we go out to celebrate.

Which beauty products did you rely on? 

I find that brows are so much fun to groom. I love a good moisturiser, especially as a prep base. Also I love haircare. 

What is your favourite skincare products?

For me it’s Dermalogica Vitamin C Biolumin Serum - it is good for evening out your skin tone. 

What is your favourite haircare product?

I grew out my hair out of a relaxer three years ago. I now use Shea Moisture Leave In Conditioner and Camille Rose Curl Butter

What is your favourite makeup product?

Due to always training I very rarely wear makeup so the only products I use are Soap Brows and Brow Flick from Glossier. 

What is your go to look when you are going out?

I love a smokey eye and sometimes a statement lip. During major competition I go full glam and I use contour, highlighter, concealer, full brows and waterproof mascara. 

What does the future hold for you? 

I hope to continue to do the two things I love which is athletics and makeup. Ideally I would like to combine the two. I would love to work more in fashion. I am part of the Women’s Sports Trust and my goal is to work on more brand campaigns. 

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