Megan Rapinoe is no stranger to the world of skincare and has now partnered with Shiseido for their “Power Is You” campaign and the Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate 3.0 launch. As an American pro soccer player, Olympic athlete (we all remember her corner kick goal in the bronze medal game against Australia in Tokyo), two-time World Cup Champion, co-captain of the US Women’s National Team and as an advocate for gender equality on and off the field, Rapinoe spends a whole lot of time in the sun, hence the importance for her to include replenishing beauty elixirs in her daily routine.

To celebrate the launch, Rapinoe discusses what becoming a Shiseido ambassador means to her and gender equality in the world of professional sports. Ahead, we also get the lowdown on all her skincare essentials.

What does it mean to you to be the new ambassador of Shiseido?

I only partner with brands that I align with and already use. Shiseido makes amazing products that were already part of my daily routine, so when a partnership presented itself it was truly a no-brainer to join forces. It means so much to me to partner with such an incredible company.

You are super vocal about the gender pay gap for women in professional sports (and in every working field) – you even joined President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden to mark Equal Pay day last March. Do you feel things are changing since you first became an advocate for this? What are the next steps to reach equity?

This is obviously a deeply personal fight for me and everyone on the national team and it’s also something that we see as a fight for everyone marginalized by gender. We can feel the conversation and momentum shifting since we first started this conversation and truly believe the next steps are to pay women more. We need to pay women, hire women, promote women.

Last year’s Olympics were cancelled because of the pandemic. How was it to be reunited with your teammates and training for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics?

The road to the Olympics has been long and filled with sorrow for our world. It has been a wonderful reprieve to return to the pitch with my teammates and pursue another medal. We don’t take any moment for granted.

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate 3.0 is all about power and energy. Your energy level always has to be fully charged when you are training and when you are on the field. How do you take care of this precious energy, how do you keep it flowing in your day-to-day life?

I have learned that you truly can’t do it all. Part of self-care for me is saying no and focusing my energy on what matters the most to me and where I can make the most impact – on and off the field. I also have to engage in things that fill me up and re-energize me to keep going, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

And how do you relax?

Sue and I like to watch shows and as things begin to open back up, go out for a nice dinner together with friends. We travel so much, even just an evening at home together is so relaxing.

What is your everyday skincare routine like?

With my sport, I spend a lot of time in the sun so I have to incorporate replenishing products in my skincare routine. I use the Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate every day and always put my Shiseido sunscreen on before heading out the door.

You always have the best colourful hair. I read your hairstylist Riawna Capri calls your signature purplish-pink «Rapinko». How do you keep it that vibrant? What’s your hair care routine at home?

No one can keep my hair looking vibrant like Riawna! I try my best between colourings to treat it with shampoos and keep it trimmed but nothing beats getting into the salon.

You are a role model for a lot of people. Who are your role models, the women who inspire you?

I have always been the most inspired by my mom, she has been a pillar in our lives since we were born and I carry her lessons with me every day. Of course, Sue is so inspirational continuing to get better and better every year. Her commitment to health and wellness is a true inspiration.

The last year and a half were quite rough and intense for most of us. What makes you happy these days?

Spending time with Sue and finally being able to see our friends and family in person again now that we’re vaccinated!

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