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It’s been the best kept beauty secret but finally we’ve come clean to the fact that over two thirds of us are putting on make-up before we hit the gym. With almost half of us reaching for the mascara along with the Lycra, and most of us relying on a sneaky bit of foundation or self-tan to ensure a healthy glow before we even step on the running machine.
But while we may be wearing make-up, we don’t want to actually be seen to be doing so; no one wants to be that woman we’ve all spotted slogging it out on the treadmill in a shiny face of full make-up. So for the low down on how to look naturally good, while ensuring skin is kept healthy and protected, here is my guide to the best work-out make-up.
All products featured can be found here.
The Skin Protector: Exercise is great for the body but can be bad for the skin, releasing damaging free radicals, so protect it with a pre-workout application of neutralising anti-oxidant serum – like Caudalie’s clever Vinoperfect Radiance Serum which goes on like a cream but turns into a lightweight serum.
The Sun Protection: An outdoor essential. Developed specifically to wear when exercising (non-greasy, and it’s not sweated off) Ultrasun Sports Medium SPF 20 Clear Gel, is ideal – apply before dressing to stop any ‘burn seams’ along the edge of clothing.
The Make-up Base: Mixing sheer colour, coverage and great skincare, a tinted moisturiser or new generation BB cream (Beauty Balm) is perfect for working out. With a great fresh-skin texture, Garnier’s Miracle Skin Perfector Oil-free BB Cream leaves a natural colour and velvety matte finish.
The Natural Skin Finish: Alternatively a mineral powder base gives a natural SPF plus skin-friendly coverage and a bit of colour. bareMinerals’ brilliant SPF15 Touch Up Veil in Tinted is a sheer finishing powder with staying power that works just as well blended over bare skin pre-workout.
The Long Lasting Mascara: Lash tinting makes real sense, or for those wanting more choose a water- or at least smudge-proof mascara. For an intense black Maybelline’s Great Lash Mascara stays firmly in place no matter how hard your exercise.
The Bronzer: Forget blusher (the last thing we need now is extra colour in our cheeks) and stick to bronzer – powder not a cream (too greasy). For my favourite suit-all colour try Benefit’s Hoola, blended over cheek bones, temples and the top of the forehead.
The Lip Balm: Lip gloss can be too sticky, so try a tinted lip balm like Burt’s Bees gorgeous Lip Balm (six shades) or Lip Shimmer (nine shades).
The Tan: My ultimate beauty essential, either go for a full-on self-tan or the more fool-proof gradual tanner (self-tan with a body lotion). For a dry textured, oil-free self-tan I like St Tropez Dark Bronzing Mousse (it looks amazingly natural), or post work-out moisturise clean skin with Sienna X Gradual Glowing Self Tan.
The Scent: Not a gym essential perhaps but Lancome’s Aroma Tonic Energizing Body Treatment Fragrance treats the mind with the energy boosting scent of limes and herbs, while keeping skin cool and hydrated.
