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.
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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!"
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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!
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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.
I have my fair share of dirty little secrets. Take, for instance, the fact that I'm a closet Battlestar Galactica fan or that I chow down on olives by the can. Oh, and here's another, I always wear makeup to the gym.
Funny thing is that most people would find that last one the most egregious. But before you (like my mother and trainer before you) jump down my throat or post incredulous comments below, let me explain.
It's not like I put on a smoky eye and statement lip before hitting the treadmill.
I simply like to touch up my face with a few makeup must-haves. You know, a swipe of tinted moisturizer, a layer (or, OK, two) of mascara, and a rosy lip balm. Too girlie? Perhaps, but I feel a lot more confident during an intense sweat session when I know that my dark spots aren't on display and that my lips have some color to them.
And, while many women may not cop to it, odds are that I'm not alone in my pre-workout primp, So, to help us all put our best gym faces forward, I sat down with Victoria's Secret makeup artist Lauren Cosenza (thank her for the Angels' flawless beach shoots), and soon discovered that there is a definite art to wearing makeup while you work out.
If, like me, you harbor wanting to look good as you sweat as a closely guarded secret, keep reading to learn top picks for makeup must-haves for the gym.
