DIB: Looking Good At the Gym

While some people would never think about makeup when they think about going to the gym for a good workout, makeup is always on my mind. When I first started working out, I panicked frequently and wondered, "Too much? Too little? None at all?" After several months of trial and error and some research, however, I've compiled a list of my best gym-going makeup tips. No matter what you decide to do to pretty yourself up before leaving the house, just remember that here, less is always more!


Face
Skin should be freshly cleansed, as always. Next, I suggest applying a very light daytime moisturizer with SPF. If you absolutely must have makeup coverage, skip your regular moisturizer altogether and use a tinted moisturizer with SPF instead, applying either with your fingers or a makeup sponge. Keep it light so that as little product as possible goes on your face. Try to avoid liquid primers and foundations when going to the gym - the dirt and sweat from exercising can mess up your work and is not a good combination for your skin. If you aren't using tinted moisturizer, dab on a small bit of concealer under the eyes and elsewhere as needed. In both cases, use a light dusting of pressed or matte powder all over the face to set and banish shine.


Eyes
Going to the gym means keeping it simple, but that doesn't mean your makeup has to be boring. To call attention to your eyes, curl your eyelashes using your favorite curler. Then, apply mascara - black-brown or brown for a natural look - that subtly lengthens and volumizes your lashes (like Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara). Next, you can either leave your lids bare or add a wash of neutral color that contains a hint of shimmer. If you choose, add a second, slightly darker shade to your crease or a lighter shade to your brow bone as a highlighter, but remember to keep the look simple and natural-looking. Your goal is to look as if you aren't wearing makeup and that your beauty took zero effort today. (Try Revlon Colorstay Mineral Eyeshadow.)

Lips
Finally, apply a tinted lip balm or lipgloss for some shine and moisture, without too much color to make you stand out. Don't go too dark or light, which will be unflattering to the rest of your look and make it appear you're trying way too hard - not a good impression for the gym. (My favorites are CoverGirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers in Guava or Raspberry.)

Pick out your cutest gym shorts, throw your hair in a sleek pony or add a cute headband, and you're ready to go - perfectly fabulous for your workout, on a budget!

Stay tuned, more tips to come. :)

Do you wear makeup to the gym? If so, how much and what?