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.