Should You Be Wearing Makeup To The Gym??

There are two types of people in this world: those who wear makeup to the gym and those who don't. Team Makeup always has a full face beat, brows on fleek and contour to kill. Team No Makeup comes with a bare canvas always and never needs to worry about a breakout. But is makeup really bad for your skin while working out? I've always been curious about this topic and decided to do some research on it. Either way, I hope you find this post helpful!❤

Sweating is a natural body function. No matter how much antiperspirant you use, sweating is unavoidable. Naturally, the more intense your workout, the more sweat your body produces. Sweating boosts endorphins, detoxifies the body, prevents colds and other illnesses and has a host of other important benefits. 

Unfortunately, as our body temperatures increases, we begin to perspire. Our pores begin to open and whatever products you have on will seep into your skin. This will block your pores and eventually lead to breakouts. 

The problem doesn't end there ✋. Makeup equips bacteria with a home to set up shop in. You would naturally sweat out this bacteria if you opt not to wear makeup. Constantly touching your face with your hands or rubbing your face on a towel should be avoided as they house tons of bacteria. Your hands from touching/handling the gym equipment and your gym towel from being tossed unto machines or even the floor without a second thought. Dirt is transferred easily to your face and makeup. which again slowly seeps into the pores and leads to breakouts. 

Ideally, you should remove makeup before working out. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes are gentle enough to remove heavy face and eye makeup and effective enough to remove even waterproof mascara. After using a towelette, you should also use a gentle gel or foam cleanser to remove any additional bacteria that the towelette would not have removed. 

If you usually don't have the time or energy to take your makeup off before hitting the gym then follow these quick tips:

• BROWS! We know we can't live without them 💓 Brow gels are the best formula to use if you want to wear makeup that will stay put. They won't cause you to break out and a strong formula like Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade, $29, would provide sweatproof protection. Maybelline's Makeup TattooStudio Waterproof-Eyebrow Gel, $13 is cheaper and sweatproof as well.
• If you rock a full face, choose a water-based foundation or tinted moisturizer as these aren't heavy on your skin. A mineral powder is a good option that can also provide natural-looking coverage.
• If you're going to wear mascara, opt for a waterproof formula. This will prevent anyone you interact with from wondering if you're a panda or not. One of my personal favs is the Voluminous Waterproof-Mascara by L'Oréal Paris, $6.

Finally, if you do wear makeup to the gym, make sure and remove it immediately after your workout!!! If you have to go out afterwards,  wash your makeup off and reapply. Your skin will thank you! These small steps are essential to maintaining healthy skin. Pursuing your fitness journey doesn't have to mean neglecting the health of your skin. Lesson: always be conscious of how you treat your body. Please comment and recommend any additional methods you consider helpful and thank you for reading!!!