Is Wearing Makeup at The Gym a Bad Idea?

No doubt we are all guilty of wearing makeup to the gym. Sometimes it’s unavoidable when nipping out for a HIIT class during your lunch break or on your way back from work. Implementing your 5-step cleansing routine is just not always feasible.

And there are, of course, the days when you wake up with a giant spot and dark circles, and you can’t quite pull yourself away from your concealer. But what is it about wearing makeup during a workout that is so bad?

According to the gurus at Eminence Organic Skin Care, "sweating is your skin’s natural way of detoxing, clearing pores of debris and flushing your body of toxins." Makeup only hinders this process by blocking pores and your skin’s ability to breathe, causing unnecessary breakouts.

Although gyms have implemented new measures in the last nine months to intensify hygiene protocols, they are widely known as breeding grounds for bacteria. With all the shared mats, weights, equipment and inability to clean round the clock, traces of sweat and bacteria are inescapable. Makeup gives nasty bacteria something to cling to, which again ups the chances of a possible breakout.

In short, makeup is not recommended! But if you are rushing from work or are struck down with a bad skin day and can’t bear to go bare-faced to the gym, we have rounded up 5 of the best products that will 1) stay in place when you hit the treadmill, and 2) cause minimal breakouts and skin issues when you work up a sweat.

The Best Makeup to Wear While Working Out, If You Must

Eyeko Yoga Waterproof Mascara

Avoid the risk of mascara running down your face whilst in downward dog with this handy waterproof mascara. Eyeko Yoga Waterproof Mascara promises to lengthen, lift and curl with a conditioning formula packed with a potent blend of matcha green tea and strawberry, blueberry and blackberry extracts.

eyeko yoga mascara for working out — eyeko, Yoga Waterproof Mascara ($36)

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IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer

If you need to hide panda eyes or a spot or two, then a little concealer can go a long way.

This waterproof formula from IT Cosmetics is full coverage, anti-ageing and Expression Proof™ that conceals any imperfection without creasing or cracking.

it cosmetics consealer for working out — it cosmetics, Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer ($42)

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Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel

Want to look a little more polished with minimal effort? Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel will tame bushy brows and add a little structure and volume. It’s also clear, which means you don’t need to stress about your brows running in the middle of spin class.

Screen Shot 2021-03-12 at 11.00.11 am.png — anastasia beverly hills, Clear Brow Gel ($39)

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We Are Feel Good Inc Sticky Zinc Tint

If you are heading off to boot camp or outdoor yoga, then this light tint from We Are Feel Good Inc is just the ticket. The tint is SPF 50+, broad-spectrum and is up to 4 hours water-resistant. It also promises to get to work while you work out with Niacinamide to renew & restore your skin and anti-inflammatory properties of Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to help block free radicals and fight against ageing.

Screen Shot 2021-03-12 at 11.02.58 am.png — We Are Feel Good Inc, Sticky Zinc LIGHT TINT SPF50 ($30)

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Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm

This lip balm kills two birds (or bees) with one stone. Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm comes in 6 colours and provides a subtle hint of colour and 8 hours of moisture, nourishing lips with shea butter and botanical waxes.