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Olympic figure skaters Johnny Weir, Rachael Flatt talk makeup

Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir stars in the eight-part Sundance documentary "Be Good Johnny Weir." Photos: Sundance Channel

By Lesley Kennedy

Later this week, some of the world’s greatest athletes will be competing for gold at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

There’ll be skiers and snowboarders, hockey players and speed skaters, curlers and lugers. But, above all, we’ll be focusing in on the figure skaters. For the women, of course we’re plain triple toe loop loopy for Coloradan Rachael Flatt. The 17-year-old  Colorado Springs teen finished first in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships — oh, and she manages to get straight As in school, too.

And, then, for the men, we’re all about Johnny Weir. Securing his Olympic team spot by taking home the bronze at nationals, we love Weir, 23, for his outrageous costumes and for performing to Lady Gaga. When a figure skater can create scandal with his costume, we’re totally enthralled. (Seems animal rights activists flipped over the fox trim he sported recently. He’s changing to faux fur for the Olympics.)

For more on Weir, catch up with episodes of “Be Good Johnny Weir,” an eight-part documentary airing on the Sundance Channel.

“To sum up my idea of on-ice costume fashion sense, it’s probably that too much is never enough,” Weir tells the Los Angeles Times.

But it’s not just about fashion on the ice — beauty also plays a pivotal role. Weir and Flatt are both supported by MAC cosmetics and we asked the makeup mavens (Johnny, in particular, knows the power of a colorful eye pencil) about their beauty routines.

Denveralamode: What role does makeup play in your overall performance?

Johnny Weir: Makeup makes me look healthy and strong. If I went out there (without it) I’d look pale, nervous and hungry. Makeup can hide all of that and it leaves a better impression on the judges and audience.

Rachael Flatt. Credit: Rachaelflatt.net

Rachael Flatt: Makeup can certainly add drama to a performance. There is a current pair skating couple that paints their faces like clowns to match their clown-themed program. It can add to or subtract from a performance because we all want to look packaged when we compete.

DALM: How do you decide what colors/styles to use during competition? Do you collaborate with a costume designer or makeup artist, or is it totally up to you?

Johnny Weir: In my career I keep everything regulated to my opinion and makeup, costume, music and so on all fall under my curtain of power.  I always do what makes me look great and feel beautiful.

DALM: What sort of makeup looks do you prefer off the ice?

Johnny Weir: Off the ice, on a personal level, I like men to look like men. I don’t like mascara and eye liner and other crazy stuff on men out of the performance realm. As far as star makeup style, I think Nicole Kidman and Lady Gaga always look flawless. Cate Blanchett, as well, has an amazing complexion and needs so little makeup.

Rachael Flatt: I like a very natural look. I am originally from San Diego, Calif., and people hardly wear makeup since we all live at the beach! So, my makeup off the ice typically consists of a brush of eye shadow, a swipe of mascara and a dab of lip gloss.

Click here for the official figure skating schedule.

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