Adelle Tracey is one of Britain’s top middle distance runners. She has been competing on the international stage for over 10 years and has represented Great Britain on a number of occasions. Alongside Adelle's achievements on the track she is also a professional hair and makeup artist. She took time out to tell me about her career and passion for makeup.
How did you get into athletics?
I grew up in Jamaica but came over to the UK when I was seven and started doing athletics at that age. I started going to running club after school and when I was 10 I began at a local athletics club in Guildford. When I was 16 I competed in my first GB vest. Now I do athletics full time and makeup part time.
Apart from Kelly Holmes, Black British women were not dominate in middle distance running. What made you decide that was for you?
I initially started cross country, I was naturally quick but could do the endurance. Growing up I loved Denise Lewis and Cathy Freeman. Also Kelly was my mentor; I met her through her initiative and she nominated me to light the cauldron during the London Olympics.
How long have you been a makeup artist?
My Grandma had an incredible collection of lipsticks and I used to play with them. She was very creative and that was when my love for makeup started. She used to buy me stuff and every time she bought a new lipstick she would give me the old one. I went on to study makeup at Bournemouth University. I originally studied model-making but realised I enjoyed the makeup side.I started out working in film and TV but now focus on events and shoots.
Who are your beauty icons?
My older sister - she would recommend beauty products to me and also my Aunties. Career wise, it is Pat McGrath who I think is an absolute icon and also Funmi Fetto - I love her book, Palette.
What kind of projects have you worked on?
I have worked on Top Gear and Dr Who - on the prosthetics side. My course gave me a varied amount of skills which means I can dip into different areas. I also work with a lot of athletes for their weddings. There is always a queue outside my room at the end of a big athletics competition when we go out to celebrate.
Which beauty products did you rely on?
I find that brows are so much fun to groom. I love a good moisturiser, especially as a prep base. Also I love haircare.
What is your favourite skincare products?
For me it’s Dermalogica Vitamin C Biolumin Serum - it is good for evening out your skin tone.
What is your favourite haircare product?
I grew out my hair out of a relaxer three years ago. I now use Shea Moisture Leave In Conditioner and Camille Rose Curl Butter.
What is your favourite makeup product?
Due to always training I very rarely wear makeup so the only products I use are Soap Brows and Brow Flick from Glossier.
What is your go to look when you are going out?
I love a smokey eye and sometimes a statement lip. During major competition I go full glam and I use contour, highlighter, concealer, full brows and waterproof mascara.
What does the future hold for you?
I hope to continue to do the two things I love which is athletics and makeup. Ideally I would like to combine the two. I would love to work more in fashion. I am part of the Women’s Sports Trust and my goal is to work on more brand campaigns.
