Wellness and health are considered a bigger part of beauty than ever. With mainstream brands like Covergirl acknowledging that women need beauty products that work synergistically with active healthy lifestyles, it’s time to take a better look at makeup that will stick with you while you sweat. Read on to get our thoughts on their new Athleisure range “Covergirl Outlast Active” as well as our recs for other beauty products that will help you kick your health and beauty goals.
A Waterproofing Primer: Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer
One of the hardest working primers in the biz. This oil-free waterproofing primer is seriously weightless, anti-humidity and contains zinc to sooth the skin (for those whose go to gym beauty look is beetroot red). It will lock in anything that goes on top and let’s skin breath while it’s at it. I could recommend others but when you know the best, why mess with the rest?
A Smudge-Proof Mascara: Tube It Up With Kevyn Aucoin or Covergirl Active
Since I discovered tubing mascaras I straight up don’t mess with their waterproof counterparts. Why? Waterproof mascaras are hard to get off – which can translate to lash loss, not something I’m ever into. Tubing mascaras don’t flake, don’t clump and when you want to be rid of them they politely glide off onto a soaked towel. No mess, no rubbing, as Johnson and Johnson would say – “no more tears”. The gold standard for tubing mascaras has been, and probably always will be, Kevyn Aucoin’s Volume and Curling Mascara range – but if you’re not the type to shill $40 on a mascara (although I reiterate – forty dollars well spent!) the drugstore now have you covered – aptly, with Covergirl’s newest offering. Hallelujah.
A Lightweight Base: Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream OR Covergirl Active Foundation SPF20
By all means wear your Mac Studio Fix or Estee Lauder Double Wear to the Gym if that is what works for you. However, a kinder to skin option will always be an oil free base. Better? One that gives you some SPF coverage while it’s at it. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue is a water-based gel product that contains mineral pigments, mineral sunscreen and electrolytes – that’s right, the stuff you’re meant to be putting in your body while you sweat you can now put on your face!
If you want a little more coverage, or a more wallet friendly price point I can recommend the Covergirl Active Foundation with SPF20- I wore it to my first cardio class in five years and it performed against some not-cute levels of facial sweat! I just wish Australia had launched the full shade range – in the US there are eighteen shades but for now Australia only has five – Australian women come in a wide range of shades too drugstore!
If you can find your shade it’s a gorgeous long-wear gel formula with medium coverage and satin-Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk-expensive finish that will only set you back a tenner.
A Refreshing Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Pollution Defence OR Covergirl’s Outlast Active All Day Setting Mist
The key to good gym makeup is light layers – if you can skip the powder you should. Setting sprays will serve you well – sealing your makeup in without leaving another layer of product your sweat can mess with. I am a huge fan of the Urban Decay setting spray range. They use temperature control technology to lower the temperature of you makeup which is the kind of NASA level scientific innovation that I feel comfortable taking with me to the gym. They’ve also now added pollution protection to their best-selling all nighter range – minerals and antioxidants protect your skin from environmental damage and also minimize the oxidization of your foundation! Incredible.
If spending $55 on what is essentially Very Fancy water is not your style though Covergirl’s Active setting spray also does a bang up job – and is as incredibly refreshing post-work out as it is pre-work out.
Take-It-Off: Nivea MicelAIR Expert Makeup Remover Wipes
No matter how good the makeup you wear to the gym is, I recommend you get it off ASAP once you’re finished working out. Keeping the sweat you have produced during a workout under a layer of makeup is not a good idea long term. I am a fan of a thorough double cleanse but when you’re running between the gym and the office you may not have the time, or the room in your bag, for a complete K-Beauty approved cleanse. As a notorious makeup wipe hater I wholeheartedly recommend the Nivea MicellAIR Expert wipes. They take EVERYTHING off – even waterproof mascara, easily with no rubbing and tugging. Even better they don’t leave a greasy film on the skin or sting your eyes while they’re at it, and are not overly fragranced – just refreshing. A must have for any skin loving gym junkie.
