Between chin-length bobs, baroque style accents and soft glam, mod hair and makeup trends were rife on Wednesday night at the 2025 Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards in Los Angeles, where athletes, A-listers and artists alike gathered to honor this year’s recipients. Before the ceremony, attendees arrived on the red carpet in front of the Dolby Theater, casting themselves outside their game-face personas with shimmery shadow and whimsical hair silhouettes. Some, such as Simone Biles and Andraya Carter, muted their makeup to let their hair do most of the talking. Others, instead, poured their personality into their visage, paring down the theatrics of their hair to highlight their heavy blush, statement-making lips, and no-makeup looks. Ahead, WWD breaks down the best beauty moments from Jordan Chiles to the University of Connecticut basketball star Azzi Fudd.
When sports’ biggest names gather to celebrate excellence, you can count on more than just trophies—you get jaw-dropping beauty looks, too. The 2025 ESPY Awards delivered a full glam slam as athletic icons stepped onto the red carpet looking like runway royalty. From sleek hairstyles to glowing skin and fierce fashion finishes, the night was a perfect mix of power and poise. Let’s break down the most unforgettable beauty moments that had everyone talking—Simone Biles, Azzi Fudd, Ilona Maher, and more weren’t just champions on the field—they were total beauty game-changers on the red carpet.
Why the ESPYs Are More Than Just Sports Awards
The ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) honor athletes for their achievements, but it’s also become a playground for style and beauty experimentation. Think Met Gala meets Monday Night Football.
Simone Biles: The Queen of Red Carpet Glow
Old Hollywood Glamour with a Modern Twist
Simone Biles showed up and showed out. Her glowing bronze makeup, soft waves, and deep side part gave serious Old Hollywood vibes, but with a fresh, modern twist.
That Lit-From-Within Glow
Her makeup artist focused on glass-like skin, warm blush tones, and a golden highlighter that shimmered under the lights. Her subtle smokey eye gave the look drama without overpowering it.
Hair That Moved Like Poetry
Simone’s soft waves looked effortless—but we know that kind of effortless takes serious prep. Sleek, shiny, and pinned just right, her hairstyle was the definition of red carpet finesse.
Azzi Fudd: Youthful, Fresh, and Fierce
Braided Brilliance
Basketball star Azzi Fudd stunned with an intricately braided crown that felt regal and playful all at once. Braids weren’t just a hairstyle—they were a statement.
Minimalism Meets Precision
Her makeup was all about clean lines and bold lashes. She rocked a flawless matte base with pops of peach and coral that highlighted her youthful energy.
Brows That Framed Her Face Like Art
Let’s talk about those brows: sculpted but natural, they were perfectly arched to anchor her look.
Ilona Maher: Bold, Bright & Beautiful
A Beauty Risk That Paid Off
Rugby phenom Ilona Maher went bold with a vibrant neon eyeliner that matched her fierce personality. Paired with sleek pulled-back hair, she exuded power and control.
Skin Confidence on Full Display
Ilona opted for barely-there foundation and let her natural freckles peek through. This wasn’t just beauty—it was a message of self-acceptance.
Coco Gauff: The Definition of Elegant Athleticism
Grace in Every Detail
Tennis champ Coco Gauff went for soft glam, letting her natural features shine. Her look was timeless—soft pinks, delicate lashes, and a hint of gloss.
Ponytail Power
Coco sported a sleek, high ponytail that gave her a sporty edge while still feeling red-carpet ready.
Other Noteworthy Beauty Icons of the Night
Megan Rapinoe’s Fierce Pixie Cut
Soccer legend Megan Rapinoe embraced her signature edgy pixie, dyed a new pastel hue. The color shift gave her a playful yet powerful vibe.
Naomi Osaka’s Soft, Romantic Look
Naomi Osaka stunned in peach tones and a soft updo. Her look was delicate and glowing, proving you can be both strong and feminine.
Makeup Trends We Spotted at the 2025 ESPYs
Gloss Is Back
From lips to eyelids, glossy finishes made a triumphant return. The dewy look screamed youth and vibrancy.
Graphic Liners Take Center Stage
Sharp wings, colored liners, and unexpected designs gave multiple stars a creative edge.
Skinimalism Reigns
“Less is more” ruled the night. Many athletes let their natural skin texture shine, embracing the “I woke up like this” beauty ideal.
Hair Highlights That Stole the Show
Waves, Braids & Buns
Versatility was the name of the game. We saw:
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Simone’s retro waves
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Azzi’s crown braids
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Naomi’s loose romantic bun
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Coco’s sleek ponytail
Each look felt intentional, bold, and true to the woman wearing it.
How Beauty Complemented Fashion at the ESPYs
You can’t talk beauty without fashion. These looks were cohesive from head to toe.
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Simone’s golden makeup played perfectly off her shimmering metallic gown.
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Azzi’s bright braids contrasted her minimalist black dress for visual intrigue.
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Ilona’s neon liner elevated a crisp white power suit, adding a pop of surprise.
What Made These Beauty Looks Go Viral?
Let’s be honest—beauty that goes viral feels relatable, bold, and fresh. It’s not about perfection. It’s about authentic self-expression. These athletes gave us that in spades.
They’re not just playing the game—they’re changing it.
Why This Matters: Beauty as Empowerment
These looks weren’t just about glam—they were about owning space, being unapologetic, and celebrating individuality. In a world that’s often quick to put athletes in a box, the ESPYs gave them a canvas to paint their truth.
Social Media Reacts: Fans Can’t Get Enough
Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) blew up with comments like:
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“Simone Biles is the definition of goddess energy tonight.”
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“Azzi Fudd’s braids are a whole mood.”
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“Ilona Maher just redefined red carpet beauty. Period.”
These athletes weren’t just trending—they were starting trends.
Final Thoughts: Sports and Style Can Coexist—and Thrive
The 2025 ESPYs proved that athleticism and glamour aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, they’re better together. The night was a celebration of strength, individuality, and fearless beauty.
And let’s be real—we’re still not over it.
