Alysa Liu Loves Finding Little Ways to Express Herself
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The One Thing
Our series The One Thing is a Sparknotes version of the products, rituals, and moments your favorite celebrities and influencers swear by—their go-tos, must-haves, and can’t-live-withouts. So go ahead—take a brief, intimate peek into the lives of your favorites through the things (and people, and moments) they hold dear.
Alysa Liu’s 15 years of figure skating training culminated in one of the most unforgettable moments of the 2026 Winter Olympics. At just 20, she etched her name into history—becoming the first American woman to win an individual Olympic figure skating medal since Sasha Cohen in 2006 and the first to take home gold since Sarah Hughes in 2002.
Alongside her accomplishments on the ice, Alysa Liu has built a growing presence outside of sports, collaborating with brands like Gillette Venus that naturally align with her personal routine. Fresh off her monumental win, we caught up with Liu to talk about her time in Milan, how she’s caring for her body during this demanding time, and the ways she protects her mental health when all eyes are on her.
The One Thing She Felt After Winning Gold
“I was really happy with how I skated. Right after I finished my ending pose, I was celebrating the whole time. The vibes were really good in that arena that night.”
The One Thing She Loves About Her Hair
“I love finding little ways to express myself. Hair is one of those outlets for me. I’ve been retouching the lines [in my hair] a lot this year, so they’re looking better than ever. Every year, I just keep adding another line.”
@alysaxliu / instagram
The One Hair Product She Used Every Day in Milan
“A hair mask. Honestly, I use one all the time. I don’t think you’re technically supposed to use one every time you wash your hair, but I do, and my hair always feels so soft.”
The One Makeup Routine That Got Her Through the Olympics
“When I perform, I try to look my best. Gel liner is a must, and I always use tubing mascara—this year I found it, and honestly, it’s a game changer. I finish with Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil. I don’t wear foundation or concealer, so nothing can melt off.”
The One Bodycare Step She’s Prioritizing Right Now
“Definitely an ‘everything shower.’ Before competitions, I make sure my skin isn’t dry—especially in the cold, it can get tricky. I also use the Gillette Venus MoistureGlide Gold Women’s Razor.”
@alysaxliu / instagram
The One Self-Care Ritual That Helps Her Feel Most Confident
“Getting enough sleep. I also use Normatec pants to get my blood flowing in my legs, and I make sure to stretch before bed. It’s been my goal to stretch more consistently.”
The One Way She Protects Her Mental Health
“I never see hate, so I guess that’s part of it, but I really try to stay off social media. I press ‘not interested’ every time I see anything related to me, or like, figure skating in general. I try not to consume too much—even the love—you gotta keep it at a limit, for sure.”
The One Thing People Always Get Wrong About Figure Skating
“We train in the summer, too. I don’t know if people think otherwise, but our summer training is lighter, of course. We still hit the gym and go to the rink at least four or five times a week in the off-season.”
The One Moment From Milan She’ll Cherish Forever
“Spending time with my teammates has been so cool, and I don’t want it to end. I’ll cherish all the memories we made together, watching competitions in the common area. It’s just been really fun.”
The One Thing She’s Doing When She Gets Home
“I would love to unpack, but I will probably sleep.”