Is it a crime to wear makeup to your workout? While skin experts say yes, there’s a way to do it without wrecking your skin
Wearing makeup to the gym is a cardinal sin in skincare. Commandments are clear: let your skin breathe and head to your workout class makeup-free. But times have changed, and it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Here, we detail how to get the best of both worlds: maintaining skin quality even while at the gym and feeling good while you’re at it.
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Skin Comes First
Your skincare routine is your first line of defense at the gym. Start with a cleanser, then follow up with a lightweight moisturizer. It may seem counterintuitive when you’re headed to the gym and will “sweat it out anyway,” but while the sweat can leave you dewy, it also leads to moisture loss over time. And, as always, add SPF into the mix even for indoor workouts, because UV rays can be relentless.
Skip the Powder
Powder and sweat are a toxic combination. It’s tempting to dust your face with a layer of powder to quell the impending oil galore, but it’s a no-go for the sake of your skin. Powder clogs pores, absorbs sweat, and leaves your skin looking cakey once it mixes with all that moisture. It’s best to skip this step altogether.
No to Layering Products
The gym isn’t the place for a full face. Here, makeup is just a subtle confidence booster, not a cover-up. For coverage, swap your foundation for a tinted moisturizer or a touch of concealer. To ditch the paleness, wear a lip tint for more color throughout your workout, and add a swipe of brow gel to keep things in place. Light, minimal, and breathable.
Use Oil-Free and Non-Comedogenic
Because not all formulas are gym-friendly, it pays to be picky. Non-comedogenic products are designed to sit atop your skin instead of clogging the pores, something you want to avoid when sweat works overtime to push out impurities.
Oil-free is another must. Gym sweat and extra oil don’t mix well; it’s a recipe for clogged pores and breakouts. Oil-free formulas keep your face looking and feeling fresh while staying matte where it matters and letting your skin breathe. The last thing you want is to feel and look like a mess mid-set.
Cleanse Immediately
Lastly, the golden rule: Never let your skin marinate in sweat. Not only is it uncomfortable, but the longer you leave sweat and makeup on your face, the greater the chance of clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation. Thus, it’s best to wash up immediately after a workout. Start with an oil or water-based cleanser to break down makeup and sweat, then follow with your regular facial cleanser to remove any residue.
It will always be ideal to skip makeup when at the gym. But for many, even a swipe of makeup is all it takes to get you in the zone. It’s less about vanity and more of a psychological thing for women—because if looking more presentable helps you lift heavier or run faster, who’s to argue? Just know when to keep things light and let your skin do its thing.
Featured Image and Photos: MEGA ARCHIVES, WATSONS, RUSTANS THE BEAUTY SOURCE, SEPHORA PHILIPPINES, TEVIANT
