The conversation over whether you should wear makeup when working out in the gym or not is a never-ending debate...

Of course, we don't believe that anyone needs to be wearing makeup at all when you are exercising but what's more important is moving your body, keeping fit, and working out to look after your overall health and mental wellbeing.

However, gym selfies are on the rise and gyms have become more of a social space rather than just a place to attend a spin class so, if you don't feel comfortable going completely make up free just yet then you aren't alone. You should just be mindful of choosing non-comedogenic products that can withstand a little heat!

If you've cracked your gym regime but have yet to do the same with your gym makeup products or you don't have time to remove your makeup between running out of the office and straight to the gym then you're in the right place.

In this blog, we will tell you all things on how to exercise proof your makeup routine and skin.

Do You Exercise Regularly?

A recent PureGym survey from 2018 showed that just over a quarter (26.3%) of UK women wear makeup in the gym which shows us that women want to feel confident and look their best both in and out of the sports hall.

Track and field star Jessica Ennis recently admitted that she always competes in a full face of makeup telling The Daily Mail "I definitely think if I feel I look good, it makes me feel more confident".

The Best Gym Makeup Products

Pre Workout: Preparation Is Key

Something lighter than a liquid foundation is a fail-safe way to quickly and easily give yourself some coverage before you hit the gym floor. CLINICCARE Dermo Corrective CC Cream SPF 50++ is the perfect pick-me-up. The all-in-one miracle cream contains self-adjusting pigments to give little coverage and perfect your skin tone but also lifts, tightens, and brightens!

If you are prone to a lot of sweat during exercise or have a combination to oily skin type, a powder foundation would suit you best as it will help to keep you shine-free and absorb any excess oil that may be produced throughout the workout.

We recommend mineral powder Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Base Mineral Foundation SPF 50 as it offers a perfect matte finish with buildable coverage and lets the skin breathe as it is mineral based.

Do You Turn A Shade Of Red During Exercise?

If facial redness makes you feel self-conscious, less enthusiastic about, or more reluctant to take up exercise, it’s best to opt for a product targeted to reduce redness. Make sure you use a product that is non-comedogenic too (meaning that it won’t clog pores) and feels lightweight on the skin.

We love Rosalique 3 in 1 SPF 50 for this job as it blends straight into the skin making it undetectable to the naked eye. The green pigment balls help to reduce and calm rosacea or redness-prone skin as soon as it hits the skin.

Feels Like Something Is Missing?

When it comes to eye makeup, we recommend keeping it minimal. Choose a waterproof formula mascara like Revitalash Double-Ended Mascara/Primer and keep the application to the top lashes only. If you apply the product to your lower lashes then you are prone to smudging and it may end up running down your face.

Add a cheek tint like Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain for a subtle tint and flushed cheeks that will stay with you throughout the most intense workouts and a brow gel like delilah Brow Shape for extra definition if you still feel like you need a little bit more on than just the bare essentials.

Do You Prefer Exercising Outdoors?

If you prefer fresh air and the great outdoors to complete your cycling, running, or HIIT workout then there are some other things to consider first.

First of all: The sun.

You must protect your skin from the sun no matter what time of day or season it is to prevent the risk of cancers and sun damage. Heliocare Ultra SPF 90 is our must-have for its oil-free, non-greasy texture and very high SPF factor.

Don't forget the other parts of your body that may be visible too like your eyes, lips, and arms!

If you are prone to experiencing windburn or exercising in very cold temperatures then we would recommend protecting your skin by applying a protective layer of facial oil over the top of your SPF like Eminence Organic Facial Recovery Oil (perfect to incorporate into your nighttime skincare regime too!).

If you exercise in the morning, make sure to reapply your SPF again after washing your face at the end of your workout.

The Main Event: During The Workout

 

So, you've got your base figured out and everything is sweat-proof, smudge-proof, and water-proof. Now, how do you maintain it throughout the most invigorating of workouts?

We lose a lot of water whilst exercising so we always recommend keeping a hydrating face mist in your gym bag to maintain your moisture levels and prevent skin dehydration. Also, regular misting will keep you cooler which may help to minimise sweating.

We like ZENMED Nutrient Boost Spray as it's loaded full of Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, and Glycerin.

Drinking water throughout your workout is also, of course, very important. You might be wondering what drinking more water has to do with sweat-proofing your makeup longevity... Well, it’s important to keep your body temperature cool so you inevitably end up producing less sweat and there is then less excess oil to contend with.

It sounds simple but a basic rule to follow is not to touch your face! Especially when you're in the gym, the different equipment is unlikely to be completely sanitary and a lot of workout moves require you to put your hands directly on the floor. Doing this will help to prevent breakouts.

Post Workout: The After Math

Post-workout, your face is a haven for bacteria, breakouts, and clogged pores to thrive in due to the additional sweat cosmetics so it's important to cleanse your skin as soon as you possibly can.

A face wash like DermaTx Clarify Salicylic Cleanser can be used daily and effectively helps to deeply purify the skin and reduce bacteria with Salicylic Acid while exfoliating skin to unclog pores and control acne-prone skin types.

Your Workout Makeup Routine = Sorted

So, if you can't help but put on a little makeup before your workout, we've got you covered.

No one wants to worry about their makeup running down their face or sweating off during a workout, so these products will help keep you looking good, feeling confident, and able to concentrate fully on your workout rather than your foundation.

If you need some further help regarding makeup and this article, feel free to ask us! All products and brands featured above are available to purchase at Dermacare Direct with free tracked delivery via Royal Mail. We can help with our expert advice and top tips making your makeup shopping stress-free. You can contact us by live chat, email via [email protected], or pick up the phone now and call us on phone number 0116 251 4848 to speak directly with a friendly advisor.