Game, Set, Match: Behind the Scenes of Our Winter Issue with Cover Star Venus Williams - OWNSKIN

How do you complete a successful cover shoot in the middle of a pandemic, in the middle of a hurricane, during a break in a down-to-the-minute, precisely timed training schedule for one of the world’s premiere athletes? In two words: safely and quickly. Luckily for us, we were working with the pro of all pros, Venus Williams, a self-described “beauty junkie,” who recently launched her own line, EleVen by Venus Williams. Williams traveled with her glam squad and beloved dog Harry to the empty (at least to guests) Riggs Hotel in Washington, D.C., where photographer Laura Metzler ran a COVID-safe—and stunning—shoot in record time.

Hair Goals
To give her mane goddess-like bounce and movement, celebrity hairstylist Nikki Nelms used the touchable Sebastian Shaper Plus Hairspray and deeply hydrating Maui Moisture Vanilla Bean Hair Butter.

Prep and Serve
To prep Venus’ skin before makeup, celebrity makeup artist Natasha Gross reached for the Tatcha Dewy Skin Mask and Eye Cream, as well as the EleVen by Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum from Williams’s line with Credo.

“It’s always a great time working with Venus. She always brings such a great energy to set. We laugh and gossip and then laugh some more! The makeup look we decided on for this cover is enhanced beauty. We wanted something timeless. She prefers a more natural approach to makeup, but still eye catching.”

To give her flawless complexion a smooth finish, Gross combined the Hourglass Vanish Foundation Stick in Chestnut and the beautyblender Bounce Foundation in 440.” Gross then set it with Make Up For Ever Powder and completed the look with brows by Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pen.

Style for Miles
Celebrity Stylist Madison Guest pulled out all the stops, with a form-fitting radiant, white Zhivago jumpsuit that added to Williams’ interstellar glow. Adorned with a Jennifer Fisher necklace and KatKim earrings, the legendary athlete radiated confidence and poise when taking center stage in front of the camera.

We couldn’t have asked for a better experience getting to know this iconic athlete in a whole new light. As Williams shared with NewBeauty, her love of skin care and aesthetics runs deep, and we could see her passion shining through with every shot.