Wearing Makeup to the Gym: Does it Make You a Diva?
Tennis star Maria Sharapova recently said she doesn't wear makeup on the court -- even before big games televised in high-def.
"I'm sure divas do that, right?" she asked.
Now, while I love Ms. Sharapova and her pretty hair, skin, and backswing, I'm going to have to disagree with her on this one. If pre-game primping boosts your confidence, shouldn't you be entitled to some lip gloss without fear of being called the dreaded "D" word?
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I ran track in high school and college and I'm not ashamed to admit I always put on some tinted moisturizer, a swipe of mascara, and a dab of lip gloss before each meet. Does that make me a diva? Hell no.
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I also ran against girls who paid tribute to Olympic champion Florence Griffth-Joyner (aka Flo Jo) with brightly painted, extra-long nails, perfectly polished updos, and, yeah, lipstick. Did I take them any less seriously? I'm going to go with another "Hell no" here.
I'm not saying women should wear makeup while they work out, but there are tons of us out there who do. And if you're like me and are all for some minimal pre-gym primping, check out these products that will last through a workout. They'll make you look great (and only as much like a diva as you want to be).
WATERPROOF MASCARA
Raccoon eyes can be a real concern when you mix mascara with spinning or hot yoga. "That's why the key is to apply a silicone-based formula," says Victoria's Secret makeup artist Lauren Cosenza, who swears by Victoria's Secret VS Makeup Voluptous Waterproof Mascara, $12. "Every lash will still be perfect -- even after a post- workout shower," she says.
TINTED LIP BUTTER
Adding some color is possible without creating a full statement lip. Cosenza says you should opt for tinted lip balm like Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter, $6.49. The sheer hint of tint will keep your lips from looking chalky and the creamy formula will keep them just as hydrated as regular lip balm.
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LIP LINER
If you opt to wear a lip butter it's important to prep with a lip liner, which will act as a primer for your mouth, preventing smears and preserving the shade. "The subtle base color will stay put when your gloss transfers over to your water bottle," says Consenza. She recommends Victoria's Secret VS Makeup Lip Liner in Soft Rose, $12, which is a universally flattering, natural brownish pink.
BB CREAM
A ruddy, blotchy complexion is to be expected after exercising. But wearing heavy foundations and concealers when you work out is a bad idea because, when mixed with sweat, they can clog your pores, leading to breakouts later on. "All you really need is a tinted moisturizer to help camouflage the excessive face flush," says Cosenza. She likes Garnier Skin Renew SPF 15 Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream, $12.99, because it provides sun protection, a smudge-proof base, and even complexion coverage, all in one light, non-comedogenic layer.
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MINERAL WATER SPRAY
Skip primer, which can feel heavy and opt instead to keep your BB Cream base in place with a toner. Cosenza also suggests misting Evian Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray, $11. "This will help set your makeup and keep it looking fresher and lasting longer," she says. "Plus, it's refreshing!"
EYEBROW GEL
Don't detract from your look with unruly, bushy brows. The simple solution? One swipe of Anastasia Clear Brow Gel, $21, will keep your arches in place for hours -- no flaking or sticky residue either. It's no muss, no fuss and, best of all, barely detectable!
MAKEUP REMOVER STICKS
After a grueling workout you may need a touch-up session before leaving the gym. If you don't have time to wash your face and re-apply your makeup, there are products that can remove shiny grease, oil, and dirt. Cosenza recommends throwing a few Almay Oil-Free Makeup Remover Sticks, $5.50, in your bag, which are as small as Q-tips and can fix mascara smudges and other makeup mistakes in a flash.
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