On the court, WNBA’s Rae Burrell is known for her tenacity and footwork. Off the court, the Los Angeles Sparks guard and first-round draft pick has a serious passion for fashion and beauty. In between both worlds, as Burrell shared with us, beauty, hiking, yoga, strength training, stretching and simply spending time at home with family keeps her at her best.
You’re in Los Angeles now. How are you finding the LA wellness scene?
I actually stay in Vegas for the off-season, but yes, LA has the self-care stuff! I usually like to go get my nails done and maybe get my hair done. I have a go-to place that I work out with and I do quite a bit of red-light therapy. That helps my skin a lot. And I do the ice baths—they help me reset and keep me feeling good.
Are there any places in Vegas that you like for the same type of things?
I don’t have anywhere specific. I do work out at a place called Phase 1 and they have all the red light and ice baths and everything I need. Then, it’s just my local nail salon for manicures.
Are there any nail trends that you really love? Nails are so big right now.
Yes, I’m actually trying to grow out my natural nails right now! I have to get away from getting the fake nails. I usually just go on Pinterest and look up nail designs, and I like to get mine a little bit different than usual. I don’t really like the basic French tips or anything. I like the abstract-looking nails. I try to match it with the theme of the weather, fall and summer and Halloween and all that.
Very cool. I know you’ve done some recent beauty-related interviews and you are very into your routine. Are there any products you really love skin-care-wise?
I’m really into Gua Sha right now. I usually use that after I get out of the shower. I put some serum on my face and I use the face-sculpin tool, and I have seen really good results with it. I think that’s probably my favorite thing right now.
When you are playing, I’m going to assume you don’t wear a ton of makeup. What does a game-day routine look like for you?
Yes, I definitely have more of a natural look on the court when it comes to my makeup. I don’t like to do too much. I don’t like the full glam; I like a natural look. I just do my eyebrows and I put lip gloss on. If I do do a foundation, it’ll be a light BB cream. Anything light is good.
This week was a big one for the WNBA. How do you feel now that the league is finally getting the attention it deserves?
It’s super exciting. I feel like we are finally getting the eyes that we deserve. Everybody in this league has worked so hard to be in the positions that we’re in. It’s one of the hardest leagues to make in the world, and everyone who is part of it has made a lot of sacrifices and put a lot of work into playing. It’s exciting for people to see our passion for the game. And it’s also exciting to have people see our personalities and who we are as people outside of just basketball as well.
Amazing. My last question: What are you excited about as you go into the off-season?
I’m honestly super excited to be home. Usually, a lot of us go overseas during the off-season—because you have to keep a job during the off-season. Luckily, I’m fortunate enough to be able to stay home this off-season and be around family. I’m going to enjoy being around my nieces and aunts and just a whole bunch of family and enjoy the holidays! I’m going to go to pumpkin patches and see Santa and just get to see those moments. Being around the family is what I’m most excited for; I’ve been looking forward to this time.
