There’s no reason to look less than impressive just because you’re hot and sweaty! The right makeup in the right places can give your looks a boost, or carry you from Pilates straight to work, class, or a night on the town with just a little touch-up.

Then again, the wrong cosmetics can take your workout routine from a fun opportunity to flirt with the guy on the next stair climber to a disastrous scramble for cold cream. There’s a right and a wrong way to go about wearing makeup at the gym, and we’re going to break it down for you.

General

First things first: less is more. Remember that you’re going to the gym to get fit, and maybe flirt a little. It’s not a date, and you’re probably not going to be posing for any pictures.

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Be sure to clean your face well and moisturize before applying makeup. Always moisturize first, but it’s extra important when you go to the gym. If you start with healthy skin, you’ll finish with healthy skin. The same goes for exfoliating. Wearing makeup to the gym means extra diligence when it’s time to clean up, and a good exfoliant will help remove dirt (including old makeup).