Here’s how to look and feel your best while exercising, without having to put on a single splash of makeup.
When working out in the gym, my complexion can only be likened to that of a peeled tomato. Despite my best efforts to keep my skin at its normal hue, no amount of air conditioning nor rest breaks will stop my face from turning crimson almost immediately upon entry, and with time I’ve grown to accept that.
As someone with sensitive skin, I’ve always steered clear of wearing makeup in the gym just in case it becomes a catalyst for a breakout. I’ve also spent the last few years bringing along a ‘gym kit’ with me, so that I can give my face a quick cleanse after I finish my stretches — direct orders from a dermatologist.
But after spending years working out while looking the opposite of ‘put together’, it recently dawned on me that I don’t actually need to be wearing makeup to feel more confident during exercise. Instead, making use of a few simple products has helped me to feel more ‘put together’ — and more motivated to get in the gym — without having to risk a breakout.
So, whether you’re a seasoned gym-goer or have recently joined a local sports team, there are a huge range of products that will help you to feel your best without the irritating feeling of sweating through makeup or clogging your pores. Here are L360’s top picks.
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Best beauty products for the gym and exercise
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber & Green Tea
Facial sprays are a great option for a pre- or post-workout reinvigoration. This one from Mario Badescu contains aloe vera, peppermint and cucumber to refresh the skin and provide a look and feel that’s more dewy and less sweaty.
Dr Somji Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF30
For those who train outdoors or are part of a sports team, wearing SPF is even more essential. I’ve been using Dr Somji for over a year now, and this Vitamin C cream has been so great at brightening my skin and serving as a solid makeup primer — the fact that it also protects from UV rays and pollution is a wonderful bonus.
Buy from drsomjiskincare.com for £75 for 50ml
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Batiste 24 Hour Active Dry Shampoo
Anyone who regularly exercises will be well acquainted with the frustrating saga of figuring out when to wash your hair. Me especially — I’m constantly fretting over whether to work out and ruin my fresh locks or not work out and keep them intact. Batiste’s dry shampoo has been helping with that recently — as it absorbs sweat without drying out my strands.
P Louise Keeping Your Cool Primer Stick
If I bought makeup for its packaging alone, P Louise would have all my money. But the best part about this low-key beauty brand — apart from its pink packaging — is that the products are also pretty good. This primer stick is a solid option for those who aren’t interested in putting anything heavy on their face pre-workout, but want a little something to make their skin feel slightly more filtered and glowy.
Purchase from plouise.co.uk for £18
Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm
Having a multi-tasking balm handy at all times has become a necessity in my life. I’m all for a product that can add some sheen to my lips as well as helping to keep my eyebrows in place, and I’ve been frequently reaching for this option from Neal’s Yard Remedies before my workouts.
It’s formulated with a bled of pumpkin seed oil, shea nut butter and jojoba seed oil in addition to other organic plant oils — making it an extra lightweight option. It’s on the pricier side, but the pot feels never-ending — you only need a tiny amount to make a difference.
Purchase for £43 from Neal’s Yard Remedies
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eyeam Love Language Lip Bloss
This hybrid lip treatment from eyeam contains a soothing formula of peptides and hyaluronic acid that leaves lips feeling hydrated, plumped and radiant. I tend to keep mine in the car so I can top up pre- and post-workout.
Purchase for £27 at eyeamworld.com
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Odylique Calming Rose Super Tonic
If you’re anything like me and your skin turns a violent shade of scarlet at even the mere mention of exercise, this calming tonic from Oblique could be a good option. The concentrated rose petal formula is packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients to stimulate cell regeneration and calm redness. The product acts as both a toner and a hydrator, and can also be used as a moisturiser pre-workout.
Feature image: Pexels
