UConn Huskies Guard Azzi Fudd Shares Her Beauty Routine

The rules of basketball are pretty straightforward. The definition of beauty, however, is a bit more subjective. For 2025 NCAA women’s basketball champion and UConn Huskies guard, Azzi Fudd, it’s all about streamlined, results-driven skincare, which is evident from her clear, glowing, game-day complexion. As such, she was the perfect candidate to become the newest Paula’s Choice brand ambassador.

“It’s inspiring to witness the growing recognition that female athletes are getting across all sports, and at Paula’s Choice, we’re proud to be championing with our partnerships,” Paula’s Choice chief marketing officer Tina Pozzi said in a release. “We have followed Azzi’s journey closely and deeply admire her resilience and unwavering dedication to her sport. Her positivity and strength when faced with challenges are qualities that we value in a partner and reflect the spirit of Paula’s Choice. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have her on board.”

Fudd’s new partnership marks the second major athlete collaboration for Paula’s Choice, the first being Olympian rugby player Ilona Maher, and it’s an honor she doesn’t take lightly. “This partnership with Paula’s Choice means a lot to me,” Fudd tells Byrdie. “I’m super excited to be a part of the Paula’s Choice family, and I’m really looking forward to learning more about skincare from all their experts, so I can learn what’s best for my skin, really lean into my self-care, and feel my best, as well.”

While she (and all NCAA players) must adhere to strict rules regarding jewelry, nail length, and single-color headbands (among other things), Fudd finds ways to incorporate skincare and makeup products to look and feel her best both before and after games. Ahead, she shares more about her skincare routine and her perspective on beauty, as a basketball player who must play by the rules on the court, but creates her own off the court. 

The Skincare Steps She Never Skips

“My skincare routine is definitely pretty simple. I never skip my face wash, exfoliant, and moisturizer. Recently, I’ve been a really big fan of Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. I like to keep it consistent—sometimes I’ll throw a face mask in there, but usually those are my only three products.”

Her On-the-Go Skincare Staple

“I’ve been obsessed with the new Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Toner Pads because they’re super easy to travel with. I’m always doing a workout or on the go, so with a super busy schedule, it’s so convenient to be able to have those stored in my bag and stocked at all times.”

Her Gratitude For This New Partnership

“From the start of my partnership with Paula’s Choice, they’ve understood what was important to me—they’ve understood who I am as a person, and so I love that it’s a very natural relationship. Something else I’m super excited about with them is that they’re helping me host my annual Azzi Fudd Basketball Camp in DC at the end of July. To have them not only want to do this partnership but also want to support my passion and this basketball camp that I’ve been doing since eighth grade goes to show [the kind of brand they are] and what this partnership means to me.”

Her Desert-Island Makeup Products

“I’m actually trying to learn how to do my makeup. I like to be very natural, probably because I don’t know how to do my makeup, so I would say my top three items are eyebrow gel, either a lip oil or a lip gloss, and mascara. But lately, I have been trying to do lip liner with my lip gloss, so that’s been my newest addition in my makeup journey.”

Her Haircare Routine and Partnership With Madison Reed

“I’m actually in between products and trying new things, but this past year, I’ve had so much fun trying different hair colors with Madison Reed. Being able to change my hair color and then let it wash out over time, and then try a different one has been so much fun, and I’m excited to get my hair done again soon.”

Her Beloved Off-Season Beauty Treatment

“I love having my nails painted, but we can only do that in the offseason. During the summer, you’ll often see me with bright nail polish. If you don’t, then there’s something wrong with me, and tell me about myself, because then I need to get them done.”

The Best Beauty Advice She’s Ever Been Given

“It’s not about what you wear, it’s about how you wear it. It’s your confidence and how you carry yourself. And I always thought it was so silly when my parents and grandparents told me this advice about beauty from within, but as I get older, I’ve started to understand what that means.”

Her Post-Game Self-Care Routine

“After a big game, my favorite thing to do is to have a post-game recap with my teammates—getting to sit with them and go over the game, dissect it, and laugh. You know, in the moment, everyone’s super intense and everyone’s taking things super seriously, and then afterwards, we’ll talk about it and laugh about it. Those make some of the best memories. Obviously, the games are fun, but those moments with your teammates are the core memories that you remember. So that’s definitely my favorite. But I also swear by the Epsom salt bath, some stretching, and going to bed early.”