Makeup
Best Makeup for the Gym

The Best Gym Makeup for Your Workout

By Carly Cochrane - 4 years ago | Updated 1 year ago

Going to the gym barefaced is a no brainer, but sometimes a spot of concealer and layer of lip gloss can’t be helped - especially if you’re squeezing in a session after work.

The makeup vs. no makeup debate is one that the majority of gym goers have faced. And, whilst there’s no right or wrong answer, we all know that the experts wouldn’t be best pleased if they saw us rocking a full face of glam to our morning spin class.

That's because as you exercise your body temperature increases, meaning you sweat more and pores open up, experts explain. Wearing makeup to the gym therefore increases your chances of a breakout as particles can block pores and trap the bacteria you're trying to purge. Eeek!

But with that being said, makeup has come a long way, as many brands now offer products that are totally workout-friendly – phew!

To point you in the right direction, we’ve compiled a list of the best gym makeup products that will help you look a little less sweaty, all whilst being kind to your skin.

Faace Sweaty Face Mask & Primer

£10.00

A primer is the key to keeping your makeup in place, but in this case, you'll want one that enables your skin to breathe.

Staying true to its name, this primer helps skin when your face is getting all sweaty. Enriched with vitamins and antioxidants, it moisturises, soothes, tones and keeps pores unclogged, making it the best choice for pre, during or post workout.

The Ordinary Coverage Foundation

£6.90 £7.04 (2% off)

Heavy foundation paired with an intense workout is nothing but a recipe for disaster. Keep your skin comfortable and zit-free with a lightweight, oil-free foundation.

This formula perfects and brightens your complexion with a light to medium coverage and ensures that moisture levels are maintained as you sweat it out in the gym.

Benefit Boi Ing Bright On Concealer

£24.32 £26.99 (10% off)

Your workout is most certainly going to wake you up, but this concealer ensures that you look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed before, during and after. Boasting a sweat-proof and transfer-resistant formula, it stays put whilst you power through. Browse the shades and discover your true match.

bareMinerals Loose Powder Matte Foundation SPF 15

£27.38 £36.50 (25% off)

If liquid foundation isn’t really your thing, then give this powder formula go. Mineral-based products are a great option for the gym as they’re oil-free and won’t clog pores.

To make things even better, bareMinerals bring you a matte formula that will literally fight acne as you work out, thanks to an infusion of skin-clearing salicylic acid.

Jane Iredale Glow Time Pro BB Cream SPF 25

£38.95 £55.00 (30% off)

Your skin but better. This is a fab option for those that don't want to workout with a heavy layer of makeup but still want to conceal some blemishes and redness. The natural mineral formula keeps skin healthy and happy, all whilst providing just the right amount of coverage. Not to mention, it's non-comedogenic so it doesn't clog pores allowing you to flaunt a flawless complexion throughout those treadmill sessions and beyond.

Milani Cheek Kiss Blush

£15.00

Disguise a tomato-tinted face with a sweeping of this blusher. Milani's Cheek Kiss Blush is an all-time fan-favourite as it laces skin with a flush of subtle pink. Simply dab on a sheer wash of colour to revive the look of tired and fatigued skin both pre and post-workout.

Maybelline Tattoo Brow Lift Stick

£6.20 £11.46 (46% off)

Never worry about your brows going MIA as Maybelline provide the ultimate long-lasting brow gel.

Simply brush this weightless formula through your arches to reveal a defined, natural-looking brow that's water-proof, smudge-proof and lasts for days.

Benefit BADgal Bang Waterproof Mascara

£28.32

This award-winning mascara belongs in the gym. Boasting a sweat-proof, smudge-proof and water-proof formula, you can plunge into the pool or go wild with the weights knowing that your eyelashes are intact.

Clinique Chubby Stick

£14.68 £23.50 (38% off)

Kick dry lips to the curb with the Clinique Chubby Stick – a super cool lip balm that’s ideal for the gym. Bursting with nourishing mango and shea butter, this lippy keeps your pout plump and full of moisture, all whilst lacing it with a "your lips but better" touch of sheer colour.

beautyblender Re-Dew Set & Refresh Spray

£13.65 £24.73 (45% off)

Lightweight, non-greasy and packed full of probiotics, this setting spray locks down your gym makeup look. Plus, it's packed with all the good skin stuff that your post-gym-complexion needs. Simply mist your face for a dewy finish that lasts or give tired skin a little pick-me-up.

Now that you're kitted out with a beauty bag that's fit for the gym, you can hit your workout hard and rest assured that your makeup (and skin) will stay A-OK.

Written by Carly Cochrane

As the Senior Content Editor for Cosmetify, Carly is the go-to for all the latest (and greatest) beauty tips, tricks and trends. With over six years of experience in the industry, she knows all the ins-and-outs when it comes to health, beauty and wellbeing.