Laurie Hernandez's Must Have Products
Olympic Gymnast Laurie Hernandez's Must Haves: Lip Balm, Headphones, and More
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Laurie Hernandez has a lot on her plate. The decorated gymnast served as an official commentator and TV analyst during the Paris 2024 Olympics and is currently studying at NYU. She is also a brand ambassador for Olay, and regularly shares her life with her millions of followers on social media.
With so much going on, it makes sense that the 24-year-old's routines are simple, effective, and easy enough to squeeze into her jam-packed days. "I'm quite a minimalist, so I like having things that don't take up too much space," Hernandez tells PS. Whether she's running to class, jetting off to a competition, or making the most of her rare quiet nights at home, she needs products that fit seamlessly into her life and her bag — and she's got a few go-tos that do just that.
Below, Hernandez shares her must haves, from "melting" cleanser pads to a cozy blanket and noise-canceling headphones.
Laurie Hernandez’s Morning Routine Must Have
Hernandez's general approach to skin care is fairly simple. "I'm a total minimalist," she says, so a good cleanser is a non-negotiable. The recently-launched Olay Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Melts ($20) — which come in the form of dry, compact sheets and activate when combined with water — have become her new favorite because of how seamlessly they fit into her routine.
"I've found my skin tends to like them very much," she says. "They're so little and so easy to travel with and bring with you everywhere, and I like that I don't have to worry about them spilling all over my stuff when they're in my backpack or suitcase. Plus, they really get in there and remove all of the sweat, oil, sunscreen, and chalk that's on my face any given day."
Pro Tip: This water-activated cleansing pad melts into a foamy lather when it comes into contact with water. It cleanses, tones, and refreshes skin, making it a multi-use skin-care hero. It's suitable for all skin types and it's safe to use around the eyes to remove stubborn eye makeup. The cleaning melts come in three different types: hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinol.
Laurie Hernandez’s Sleep Must Have
As you may imagine, finding downtime when you're working double-duty as a college student and an Olympian isn't always easy — but the ultra-plush Sunday Citizen Waffle Blanket helps Hernandez make the most of her cozy nights in. The hypoallergenic and oversized blanket has a soft-as-a-cloud feel that's lightweight and made from the brand's signature fabric blend.
"It's the softest thing in the world," she says. "It feels so comforting to have around when I'm watching TV, and if I've had a really long day at school, I come home and shower and immediately get my blankie. I feel like Charlie Brown's friend Linus, just walking around my apartment and carrying it with me everywhere."
Pro Tip: You can also consider getting the bestselling Bedsure Waffle Weave Cotton Blankett ($35, originally $50) if you want something more affordable.
Laurie Hernandez’s Affordable Must Have
We all have that one beauty product we never leave home without, and for Hernandez, it's her trusty Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm ($9, originally $10). "I've noticed that when I don't have a good lip balm, it leaves my lips feeling like crap," she says. Some people prefer to shell out a lot of money on a lip balm, but Hernandez's favorite only costs $10 at the drugstore.
Pro Tip: The Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm comes in eight shades, ranging from sheer pink to deep berry red. It gives lips a gorgeous swathe of color while also delivering all-day hydration.
Laurie Hernandez’s Travel Must Have
Hernandez spends a lot of time on planes commuting between competitions and always has the Bose QuietComfort Headphones ($349) in her carry-on.
"I am a playlist fiend, and love listening to different genres, different instrumental scores, and obviously the new Taylor Swift album," she says. "The Bose ones that I'm currently using go over my ears and are waterproof and soundproof, and I feel like as long as I've got them on, everything's going to be fine."
Pro Tip: The Bose QuietComfort Headphones offer high-quality sound and effective noise cancellation. They have different modes — quote, aware, and custom — allowing you to personalize your listening experience.
Laurie Hernandez’s Investment Must Have
Living in New York City, Hernandez has found it impossible to resist picking up a fancy cup of coffee whenever she's out and about. "I'll be walking from class to class and decide I need an oat milk latte because that's what's going to save me at that moment," she says. "Do I need it? No. But I'm still going to buy that overpriced coffee."
In an attempt to kick the habit (while keeping herself caffeinated at home), she's invested in a Nespresso Machine and Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine, Variety Pack ($81) that makes oat milk lattes that are almost as good as the $8 ones right off campus.
Zoë Weiner is a freelance beauty and wellness writer. Her work has appeared in Bustle, Byrdie, Cosmopolitan, PS, GQ, Glamour, Marie Claire, Allure, Self, Brides, and Teen Vogue, among others, and she was the senior beauty editor at Well+Good.
