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Not only is paralympian Anastasia Pagonis a force of nature in the pool, she’s also a powerhouse out of the water, with flawless hair, makeup, and style. And if you follow her on Instagram and TikTok, you know that she’s always refreshingly honest about her blindness and her upcoming journey to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.
So, she took a moment out of her busy schedule to sit down for an exclusive E! interview, where she shared her must-have beauty and travel essentials, as well as the go-to items that keep her focused and ready to compete for Team USA. Plus, the accessories that she packs for her service dog, Radar, that keep him comfortable and entertained when they’re on the road.
As a swimmer with a gold and bronze medal under her belt, staying refreshed and streamlined in the water is a must for Pagonis. So, her collaboration with Gillette Venus is high on her excitement list. Anastasia lovingly refers to the brand as, “The OGs,” adding, “They’re amazing. I’m so excited for this. They’re so for female empowerment and all of that. I’m so here for it, especially as an athlete.”
From her favorite beauty products and self-care essentials, to the travel-size razor that she can’t live without, keep on reading to shop Anastasia’s top picks that all deserve a gold medal.
What You'll Always Find in Anastasia's Bag
Gillette Venus Mini Extra Smooth On The Go Razor For Women
If you look in Anastasia Pagonis' bag, you'll find the Venus Mini. "It’s so small and compact it can come with me anywhere," she raves. "It’s literally a mini razor but it has the same size head. So you get the same quality shave but it’s mini." She adds, "I’m hairy. So I get a 5 o'clock shadow," and, "I keep this with me in my gym bag, everywhere."
e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil
Something that Anastasia always has with her is "some sort of lip oil." Get an ultra glossy look with this e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil. It's nonsticky formula is packed with nourishing oils like apricot oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, and pomegranate oil, and you can wear it solo or over lipstick for a sheer pop of color.
Anastasia's Must-Have Makeup Products
e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter
When it comes to makeup, Pagonis admits, "I’m not a foundation girl, I don’t use foundation. I’ll use the Halo glow and concealer." Not only does it hydrate and moisturize your skin, it can also blur your pores and give you a dewy finish.
e.l.f. Brow Laminating Gel
According to Anastasia, "I have very thick brows. So I don’t do much for them. Gel brow to keep them from not being everywhere. I use e.l.f. brow gel. It’s like a double-sided one. It’s really good."
Anastasia's Go-To Sunscreen
Olay Glow & Protect SPF 50 Face Sunscreen Stick
When it comes to sunscreen, Pagonis recommends, "Olay Glow SPF, it gives you a beautiful glow. It’s so perfect. I feel like any glowy SPF, I am so here for," adding, "I love the ones that give you the glow, with the little shimmer in it. Oh my god, love that."
Anastasia's Go-To Hair Product
OUAI Detangling and Frizz Fighting Leave In Conditioner
Pagonis reports, "I use Ouai Leave-In treatment, that’s always a staple before I get in the pool. I’ll put some in the ends of my hair."
Anastasia's Go-To Comfy Shoe
Air Jordan 1 Mid Women's Shoes
When I asked Anastasia this question she broke out her bedazzled Air Jordans, lovingly bedazzled by her mom (it took her about 5 hours). So, Pagonis is "Very much a Jordan girl. I love Jordans." Use code SPORT25 to snag 25% off and bedazzle your own pair.
The Accessory That Keeps Anastasia in the Moment
JBL TUNE 720BT - Wireless over-ear headphones
When Anastasia is competing, a good pair of headphones keeps her focused and in the moment. This pair of wireless, over-the-hear headphones are lightweight, super comfy, fold up when you're on the go, and have a battery life up to 76 hours.
Anastasia's Must-Have Travel Accessories for Her Service Dog Radar
Territory Avocado 2-in-1 Dog Toy
Radar's favorite dog toy is in an avocado, according to Anastasia, "You rip open the avocado and then there’s another toy under the avocado. And then he rips that off and then it’s a football under it. He loves it. Especially for a big lab, because they rip open anything anyways. This time when he rips it open instead of yelling at him for ripping it, we’re like, 'yeah, good boy, ripping it!'"
Pet Parents Pawtect Blanket
Traveling with Radar, Anastasia always keeps a small blanket with her, "Instead of a towel, I usually bring a blanket so it’s more comfortable because he’s a service animal. He’s always on the floor of the airport or on the floor of the plane." Not only is this pet blanket waterproof, it's also super soft and cozy.
When and Where Are the Next Olympics?
The summer 2024 Olympics will be held in Paris, France and take place between Friday, July 26 and Sunday, August 11. The summer 2024 Paralympics, also in Paris, take place Wednesday, August 28 through Sunday, September 8.
How can I watch the Olympics?
You can stream all medal events live on the streaming service Peacock. They also have a discovery multiview option that allows you to stream four sports at the same time. Creating viewing schedules, setting reminders, and more, can make sure you don't miss your favorite athletes or events. Can't watch live? You can always upgrade to Peacock Premium Plus ($11.99), which allows you to download and save some live content for later.
Pick a Plan
Starting at $5.99/month, Peacock features live sports and events, current NBC and Bravo shows, and more. You can stream on 3 devices at once and can create up to 6 profiles for easy viewing. Pick your monthly or annual plan and you can cancel anytime.
Shop the SKIMS x TEAM USA collab for perfect 10 styles featuring Suni Lee, Gabby Thomas, and more.
—Originally published July 29, 2024, at 1:50 p.m. PT