Even if you're not a rugby fan, you probably are. At least saw Ilona Maher If you're on her Tiktok FYP (I definitely have one), and scroll through her feed even briefly, you'll know that (in addition to her awesome personality and insane athletic prowess) she's a beauty freak. She even wears her signature red lipstick during games.
Maher has a lot on her plate as she prepares to head to Paris to represent the United States in the 2024 Olympics. But in addition to packing her bags and handling the logistics of another Olympian, Maher is also having a huge month launching her own skincare line. Medalist Skin. As the brand's founder, the Olympian's first beauty product is a three-piece face and body collection designed to keep you feeling energized and comfortable during your activities.
So whether you’re working out or constantly roaming the big city in 90-degree heat (which I often do), Medalist has the essentials you need to keep you protected. Clean Sweep Cooling & Cleansing Wipes ($24) has a soothing and cooling effect on the skin after a hard workout, and can be used on the face, neck, around the neck, and even under the arms to refresh the skin. Gameface Clear Skin + Cooling Hydrating Spray ($20) Formulated with hypochlorous acid and niacinamide, this product hydrates and reduces redness before or after exercise. And perhaps my favorite product in this lineup is the aptly named Anti-Friction Stick. No Fric Stick Anti-Sharp Balsam ($20), literally saved my thighs in the NYC heat
“The inspiration for the No Fric Stick came directly from my training and competitive experiences as a rugby player and Olympian,” says Maher. Because rugby is a high-intensity sport, friction constantly affects performance and comfort. “I wanted to create a product that not only effectively prevents friction, but also friction, “But we use ingredients that are safe for skin and athletes,” she says.
But the beauty of the No Fric Stick is that it’s designed to help anyone who experiences friction, whether you’re a gym hopper, a dancer, or like me, experiencing skin irritation during exercise or everyday life. And whether you’re a triathlete, a runner, or a cyclist, the No Fric Stick is a regular fixture in your gym bag. “It’s tailored to prevent friction and discomfort, so you can stay focused on your training and competition,” she says. No friction = no distractions, whether you’re preparing for a big race or trying to catch a train.
The best part is that No Fric Stick does more than just your average anti-friction stick. It hydrates your skin barrier from the inside out. It’s loaded with shea butter and aloe vera to soothe and protect skin, and hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture. It’s also suitable for all skin types and can be reapplied for lasting protection. “Designed to be long-wearing, sweat-resistant, and dermatologically tested, this water-resistant balm forms a protective barrier to prevent chafing during activity,” says Maher.
Whether you're preparing for a big game or just trying to catch a train, friction-free operation means fewer distractions.
I have a terrible relationship with chapped skin (especially in the summer), so I tried the No Fric Stick on a day when I was out and about in the city, in 90-degree weather, and had to make a few appointments. It smells so nice and refreshing. I put it on first thing in the morning before leaving my apartment for a meeting downtown, and then kept it in my bag in case I needed to reapply. This balm actually held up pretty well to the humidity of the streets (and the subway). In fact, I didn’t need to reapply at all until late at night before my final event. “The stick form is great for on-the-go use because it allows for precise application without getting your hands dirty,” Maher says. And she’s right. It was easy to keep in my purse and I could quickly apply it in a public restroom.
As far as irritation goes, there was none at all, and my skin felt calm and comfortable all day long. It didn’t feel hot or burning, and it didn’t feel greasy or sticky. I’ve used it almost every day since that test, and it’s held up well ever since. Maher says the No Fric Stick is just a small part of what Medalist Skin stands for: performance, reliability, and caring for the skin of the female athlete (or, in my case, the horny urbanite). “We’re bringing together the worlds of athletics and skincare to provide solutions that not only prevent discomfort to enhance performance, but also promote overall skin health and confidence,” Maher says.
And if you’re wondering whether Mayher will be taking her No Fric Stick to the Paris 2024 Olympics this year, the answer is a resounding yes. Of course, she’ll be bringing her lipstick, which is typical of makeup-free sports. “It’s feminine and fun in a space that people often associate with the toughness of rugby,” she says. When she’s not recovering from the game (and not eyeing new beauty ventures), she’ll be focusing on eating well and sleeping well.
“Food and fueling my body properly is a huge part of my journey,” she says. And it’s no surprise that this aligns perfectly with the ethos of her new brand: redefining beauty in the context of strength, resilience, and most importantly, self-care. “We support female athletes at every level to perform at their best, and feel good about the products they put on their skin,” she says. Personally, my thighs (and face and underarms) will be forever grateful.