Venus Williams's Must Haves: From Beam's Sleep Powder to a Pair of Lacoste Sneakers

Getty | Marco M. Mantovani
Photo Illustration: Keila Gonzalez
Getty | Marco M. Mantovani
Photo Illustration: Keila Gonzalez
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Both on and off the court, Venus Williams can't stop winning. With an athletic career spanning multiple decades, starting when she went pro at just 14 years old, Williams has solidified herself as one of the most magnetic competitors in tennis today β€” and her seven Grand Slam singles titles all but prove this. Beyond evolving into a bona-fide superstar, she's also managed to create a lasting legacy outside of the sport, with various business ventures and partnerships that speak to the passions of the woman behind that wicked backhand.

Williams has always been vocal on topics like gender equality and pay transparency, but she's also joined a host of other athletes who've spoken up about the importance of prioritizing mental health and the challenges that come with competing in the public eye. "Health is not just physical, and I've pursued a whole life of physical health β€” the Lord knows I know that β€” but also, beyond my top game, I needed to have the best mental health possible," Williams tells PS. "That was always a priority for me, and I want to give that opportunity to other people and also make it [more] accessible."

Williams's renewed focus on mental health even compelled her to join forces with the world's largest therapy platform, BetterHelp, for a partnership that aimed to provide up to $3 million worth of free mental health therapy to people in need. "I know that when you don't feel good, it's hard to get anything done. It's hard to go to work, it's hard to be with your friends. It's hard to just exist when you're mentally distressed," she says. "When you are feeling good, you have so much to give β€” not only to yourself but to the world." The initiative hopes to highlight the importance of mental health and break the stigma around getting professional help.

In an exclusive interview with PS, Williams discussed her partnership with BetterHelp, shared her perfect nighttime routine, and divulged all of the must-have products that keep her winning both on the court and in her everyday life.

Venus Williams's Morning-Routine Must Have
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Venus Williams's Morning-Routine Must Have

Williams agrees that sunscreen is vital to any morning routine and loves using this EleVen Ace the Day Face Lotion SPF 30 ($38), in particular. "If you incorporate SPF into your routine, then you're actually defeating the sun β€” it's not defeating you," she says. "We're getting sun at all times; we're getting sun when we're driving in our car to work. And that sun takes a toll."

Pro Tip: Williams says this formula is a staple in her antiaging routine, but even better, it's also designed for layering, so you can "make it your own." "I like it if you can layer your sunscreen and put makeup on top. Your sunscreen should work with everything that you're doing," she says.

Venus Williams's Affordable Must Have
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Venus Williams's Affordable Must Have

As a professional athlete, Williams (unsurprisingly) dedicates a lot of time to caring for and conditioning her body. One of her favorite essentials to use before, during, and after workouts is the Pro-Tec Athletics The Orb Massage Ball ($15-$25). Williams notes that the tool is a staple when doing self-massage work, saying her favorite place to use it is on her calves, but that it's "also a nice trigger point on the back."

Pro Tip: Unlike other massage balls, this model is compact and easy to take on the go. Williams says she's "for sure" always traveling with the product.

Venus Williams's Investment Must Have
betterhelp.com

Venus Williams's Investment Must Have

Part of prioritizing your mental health involves taking care of your mind 24/7, rather than just in moments of crisis. For Williams, it's one of the reasons she believes having more access to platforms like BetterHelp Professional Therapy ($65/session) is essential in navigating the highs and lows of life. "Of course, [in life,] we're going to have moments where things creep up on us, but it's better if you could be proactive about it and take care of your mental health before you get there," Williams says.

Pro Tip: BetterHelp is designed to match users with the best therapist for their needs. While the online tool is best known for providing one-on-one therapy sessions, it also offers services for couples and teens, specifically. Topics covered can range from depression and trauma to relationships and grief.

Venus Williams's Sneaker Must Have
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Venus Williams's Sneaker Must Have

Williams knows a thing or two about what makes a great sneaker, and this Lacoste 4851 Active Sneaker ($93) is one of her absolute favorites. "I love Lacoste for style and performance, and obviously RenΓ© Lacoste is this legendary tennis player, too, which I don't think a lot of people realize. They're like, 'Lacoste?' and I'm like, 'Yes, tennis.' So I'm proud of that, too," Williams says.

Pro Tip: As for her favorite way to style the shoe, Williams says you can "do it all" with this sneaker, whether that's dressing it up, dressing it down, or lacing it up for a duel on the tennis court.

Venus Williams's Sleep Must Have
shopbeam.com

Venus Williams's Sleep Must Have

Williams has her sleep routine on lock. She loves using this decadent Beam Dream Powder ($85) to help get a good night's rest. "I use it for when I'm on the road, before I play matches, at home. And especially on those nights where I feel like I can't fall asleep," she says. The hot-cocoa mix is made with five powerful sleep ingredients, all of which are clinically proven to help improve your sleep cycle.

Pro Tip: While the Beam Dream Powder is definitely a go-to evening essential for Williams, she also jokes that the rest of her "perfect nighttime routine" is pretty simple. "Me and the dog on the Lazy Boy . . . We put our seat up, maybe watch a little tennis, maybe browse the internet, maybe just return some emails. But this quiet moment to get ready for the [night], to me, it's perfect," she says.


Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.