Connect
To Top

The Pros and Cons of Active Beauty

Many of us have a love-hate relationship with exercise. We lead busy, hectic lives and it’s not always easy to make the time to fit in your daily workout. There have probably been instances when you’ve had to squeeze it in after work, with a full face of makeup on. Have you ever wondered if this is the reason behind your breakouts? Or is it totally fine to look glam even when sweating it out?

Most skin specialists will tell you that ideally, you should remove all traces of makeup before exercising. But certain exceptions should be made for women who feel more comfortable with makeup on — like fitness instructors, athletes, bloggers, or those plagued by skin issues. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of active beauty.

The Pros

Feel Confident

When you’re not in great shape, going to the gym can be intimidating. If your skin isn’t looking its best, not being able to conceal your flaws can make things worse. Wearing makeup can help give you a little boost when your confidence is taking a beating. If you feel good about going to the gym, you’re more likely to keep at it and return day after day for your workouts.

Make Fitness A Priority

Some busy women need to sneak in a workout after work or during their lunch break. In such cases, it may not be practical to wash their makeup off before hitting the gym. To these ladies, fitness is a priority, and they shouldn’t be faulted for it.

Moisturize and Nourish Skin

Today, makeup products like foundations actually come with skin-loving ingredients, SPF, and oil control. These can treat your skin while you’re working out. If you have oily skin and are prone to breakouts, exercising can make your skin even more oily. You can combat this issue using oil control makeup products.

The Cons

Clogged Pores

Makeup forms a barrier on your skin, blocking your pores. As you sweat these products, mixed with oil and perspiration can congest your skin. Makeup also prevents your pores from releasing sweat, hindering your skin’s ability to breathe. This, in turn, can result in skin irritation, blackheads, and breakouts.

Sweating It Off

One reason why wearing makeup to the gym may not be worth the time and effort is because you could sweat it right off! Unless you’re already wearing makeup beforehand, applying it just before hitting the treadmill is counterproductive. So, unless you’re going for smudged raccoon eyes, it’s a good idea to keep it minimal.

The Rise of Active Beauty Lines

If you’d prefer to wear makeup while exercising, stick to light, non-comedogenic creams and powders. As a response to the increased focus on active beauty, many brands have launched products that cater to this need.

active beauty
  • Save

Sweat Cosmetics Mineral Foundation with SPF 30

Sweat Cosmetics, Pretty Athletic, and Yuni Beauty, offer a wide range of products including sweat-proof foundations, post-workout blotting papers, and even perfumes meant to motivate. Even non-active beauty focused brands like Tarte, Birchbox, and Supergoop have come out with skincare, and makeup ranges that target exercise-specific concerns. These are your best bet at looking and feeling your best always, regardless of your level of activity or surroundings.

  • Save

More in Beauty

Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap