When you hit the gym for a workout or a group fitness class, you spend most of your workout watching yourself in the mirror. Gotta make sure you’re performing each exercise properly! It makes sense that since you’ll be staring at yourself in the exercise mirrors for at least an hour, you’ll want to look halfway decent.
I’m not a fan of working out with a full face of makeup. Gross, greasy, might even contribute to more zits. But between working at a gym and exercising regularly, I like to look pretty without looking overdone. I want to look in the mirror while lifting and watch my form without grimacing at my reflection. 
I think I’ve finally perfected my Gym Time Makeup Routine!
First I apply lotion to my face and neck. I always use a lotion with SPF because I never know how much time I’ll be spending outside and I like my skin to be protected.
Then I apply concealer under my eyes. Especially on the days when I need to be at the gym by 8 am, I notice dark circles. If I could get 10 hours of sleep every night, I’d be SO happy.
I also apply a product around my eyes at bedtime. I’ve found that this makes a big difference in the morning. Much less makeup needed because there’s less that needs to be covered.
I never ever leave the house without curling my eyelashes!
I use the tiny blush brush or my own angled brush to add some color to my cheeks. Not too much because as soon as I start exercising, my face will turn bright red. 
I finish my Gym Time Makeup by applying eye liner and mascara.
I use “Ice Black” eye liner because the dark gray color makes my eyes stand out without looking too intense. If I wear black eye liner to the gym, I feel overdone, like I look like I’ve done my makeup to go out for a night on the town.
A few coats of black mascara adds the finishing touch!
My makeup routine may not work for everyone, but it’s the best thing that I’ve found when I need to spend a day at the gym, both behind the front desk and on the treadmill.
(When I’m just hitting the gym to workout, I usually skip a few steps but I wanted to show you guys my overall process.)
Doing my makeup before leaving the house helps me feel more put together and puts my mind at ease: I’m ready to take on the day and also get some exercise. And since I always use waterproof products that won’t clog my pores, it’s ok if I work up a sweat. 
*Do you ever wear makeup at the gym?*
COMMENTS
8 Comments
1. Meghan@travelwinedine
August 19th, 2010 06:25 PM
Nice step by step post. I can’t have anything on my face when I work out though. I just hate that sweat mixing with other stuff feeling! I do use sunscreen, but I even hate that!
2. amy
August 19th, 2010 06:25 PM
I never wear makeup when I work out. I have rosacea so if I actually spend a good 15 minutes after a good cardio workout soaking my face. I probably look like a bum not wearing makeup but I try to wear as little makeup as possible lately bc of the rosacea
3. Kelly
August 19th, 2010 06:55 PM
Just started reading your blog, I love finding someone local – yay!
I never wear make-up to work out, so I stand pretty far back from the mirror when lifting
4. Sana
August 19th, 2010 06:55 PM
Def! I teach group fitness so I try to look good, as if I were going to any other job
5. Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward
August 19th, 2010 07:17 PM
I rarely wear makeup to work out because I do it first thing in the morning. Your routine is very similar to what I would do, though. Minimal makeup but just enough to feel pretty and presentable. Thanks for posting!
6. Shannon
August 20th, 2010 06:31 AM
I don’t wear makeup when I workout, as it would sweat right off. But if I worked at the gym too, I would definitely put on some minimal makeup to feel put together for work.
7. Caitlin
August 20th, 2010 09:06 AM
I am with you on this one. When I was hitting the gym, it was at the end of my day so I always had makeup on anyhow. Regardless, I don’t leave the house without a little coverup (depending on how my skin is) and mascara. I’ve found nearly all mascaras melt off when I sweat except for L’Oreal Double Extend. That stuff stays on great, doesn’t irritate my eyes and isn’t mega expensive!
8. Versatile Blogger Award & Aladdin’s Lovin « Earth Muffin ♥
August 20th, 2010 12:41 PM
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