Rugby Star Ilona Maher on Her Go-To Lipstick, Tiny Bikinis and Content Creator Essentials

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Here’s my take:

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Ilona Maher aspires to achieve more than just being an Olympic athlete. She’s not only a star in rugby but also a prominent figure on TikTok, boasting over 3.6 million followers, who admire her body-positivity stance. Furthermore, she has been endorsed by well-known brands such as Secret deodorant and L’Oréal Paris. Most recently, she was recognized as the Best Breakthrough Athlete at the 2025 ESPY Awards.

As a passionate fan, I’m thrilled to share that the 28-year-old rugby sensation, much like myself, is now backed by TJ Maxx – a significant milestone in retail endorsements! Alongside hairstylist Jen Atkin, designer Carly Cushnie, piano prodigy Chloe Flower, and Broadway’s Renée Elise Goldsberry, this partnership aims to empower 10 women, including our star. TJ Maxx Sponsorship offers a multitude of advantages such as funding, resources, expertise, connections, and exposure – all essential elements for someone who strives to excel in multiple fields, just like Maher does.

Maher expresses his gratitude for being selected as someone who contributes to the authenticity of their brand, stating this to The Hollywood Reporter. He’s looking forward to connecting with others who were chosen and sharing some knowledge, while also learning from them.

Maher openly acknowledges that she doesn’t possess complete knowledge about establishing a business. However, what she does know is that her unique self has been instrumental in creating one. She played a pivotal role in making a lesser-known sport like rugby popular. This was achieved when her 2020 Tokyo Olympics videos became viral on TikTok and when she helped Team USA secure the bronze medal – the United States’ first in this sport – at the 2024 Paris games.

She expresses her excitement about being a global representative and adds that she hopes to see more individuals like herself making their mark. Specifically, she wants to see more athletes and Olympians rising as influencers, as being an influencer is something she finds appealing. However, she emphasizes that above all, she identifies as an athlete and an Olympian.

Maher didn’t initially aspire to be an influencer. Her goal was simply to enjoy a comfortable life playing rugby, which required sponsorships. It was thrilling for her when TJ Maxx recognized her potential and decided to sponsor her. As a female athlete in a rapidly growing sport, she viewed this as a unique opportunity. She finds it intriguing when people label her as an influencer or content creator, but reminds them that she is also an Olympic medalist. This role has significantly impacted her life in various ways.

One significant and inspiring change in Maher’s life has been utilizing her platform to impact millions of women maneuvering through a social media world filled with #SkinnyTok and content celebrating weight loss. She’s gained popularity for opposing harmful beauty norms and criticizing outdated measures like BMI. Despite online critics arguing about her weight, Maher continues to make headlines, securing the cover of Sports Illustrated: Swimsuit Edition and gracefully walking the runway in a bikini at the magazine’s Swimsuit Show.

This summer, she plans to flaunt her strength proudly in tiny bikinis. She’s particularly fond of brands like Monday Swimwear and Budgy Smuggler, along with some she’s received for free via post.

Apart from lounging in swimwear, she often spends time exploring new places. In her hand luggage, Maher always carries a bullet journal for jotting down thoughts and a Kindle loaded with romance novels, as she confides, “to keep secret the unusual books I read at airports.”

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Outside of donning bikinis, she frequently embarks on travels. In her cabin luggage, Maher always has a bullet journal to scribble down thoughts and a Kindle filled with romance novels, as she admits, “to conceal the peculiar books I read at airports.

The up-and-coming artist often travels with a portable Amazon light (viral clip-on) and a handy device called Octobuddy, which makes creating content effortless. She emphasizes that she simply has to share her creations, as she manages to produce numerous videos despite her busy schedule.

Despite being recognized for her striking lip look, Maher typically refrains from using makeup in her videos and instead emphasizes skincare. She is fond of Paula’s Choice moisturizer, stating, “I prefer to keep things straightforward to maintain the skin’s natural freshness.” When she chooses to glam up, she pays attention to grooming her eyebrows, adds a touch of mascara, and concludes with Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink lipstick, which has become synonymous with her style. “For games, I opt for Self Starter, a slightly coral shade,” she mentions. For a more vibrant appearance, she opts for the “classic red” titled Pioneer.

As a gamer, I’m not your typical “wellness girl” you might find on TikTok. Sure, I enjoy a smoothie every now and then, but I don’t subscribe to the idea that wellness has to be rigid or one-size-fits-all. My supplements often get overlooked, and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a dirty martini to unwind after a long day of gaming!

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2025-07-23 02:54