There are a few different schools of thought when it comes to workout makeup. Some people believe that less is more, while others think you should go all out no matter the occasion. When it comes to working out, we fall firmly into the latter camp.
While you may not want to wear a full face of Workout makeup when you’re sweating it out at the gym, a little bit of makeup can go a long way in making you look and feel your best. Read on for our tips on putting your best face forward while working up a sweat.
Should I Wear Makeup When Working Out?
This is a question that we get asked a lot, and the answer is…it depends! If you feel like you need a little something-something to help you feel more confident while working out, then, by all means, go for it.
However, if you’re not comfortable wearing makeup while working out, that’s perfectly fine. The most important thing is that you feel good about yourself and comfortable in your skin.

For example, if your crush is at the gym and wants to look good while working out, putting on some makeup should help you feel more confident. However, if you’re working out for yourself and don’t care about what anyone else thinks, there’s no need to wear Workout makeup.
What Kind Of Makeup Should I Wear When Working Out?
If you decide to wear makeup while working out, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure that your makeup is sweat-proof and won’t melt or smear all over your face.
Second, opt for light-coverage makeup that won’t feel heavy or cakey when you start to sweat. And lastly, make sure to set your makeup with a setting powder or spray to stay in place no matter how much you sweat.
how to wear makeup while working out
Start With A Clean Face
Ensure to wash your face and remove all traces of makeup before working out. This will help prevent your pores from getting clogged and help your makeup go on more smoothly. Especially when you’re sweating in the gym, you don’t want to risk your Workout makeup melting or smudging all over your face.
Choose The Right Foundation
Foundation is a no-go when it comes to working out. It will melt and smear all over your face, but it will also clog your pores. Especially if you have oily skin, however, if you want to use foundation, choose a very light-coverage formula.
K-beauty brands are famous because they offer a variety of light-coverage foundations that are perfect for natural makeup. If you have a greasy face and are worried about shine, consider looking at this list of the best Korean cushion foundations for oily skin by TheVenusFace.
Concealer Is Your Friend
A little bit of concealer can go a long way in making you look more awake and refreshed. If you have any blemishes or dark circles, cover them up with a concealer that matches your skin tone.
Unlike foundation, applying concealer is an art. It would be best to be meticulous when applying it so that it fits enough to hide the weaknesses but not too much that it becomes cakey.
Tinted Moisturizer Is Great For Dry Skin
Tinted moisturizers are great because they combine both skincare and Workout makeup into one product. They’re perfect for working out because they’re light coverage but still can even out your skin tone. This is a holy grail for dry skin people because it keeps your skin hydrated while you’re working out.
BB Creams Should Be Considered
BB creams are another great option for working out because they’re light-coverage and have skincare benefits. They’re perfect for those who want some coverage but don’t want to wear foundation. However, it is not as ideal as CC creams.
CC Creams Are Better For Working Out
CC creams are a great alternative to the foundation if you want something with a little more coverage. These hybrid creams will help out your skin tone and give you skincare benefits. It’s better than BB creams because it contains more pigment to cover imperfections.
Makeup Setting Spray Is Optional
The purpose of setting spray is to make your Workout makeup last longer. If you’re working out for a long time or if it’s particularly hot outside, then setting your makeup with a setting spray will help it last throughout your workout.
In some cases, you don’t need Workout makeup setting spray. For example, with a light workout, you will not sweat that much, so your makeup will likely stay in place without the need for setting spray. Or, if your gym has air conditioners, that will also help your makeup stay put.
Natural Makeup Is The Most Ideal When Working Out
Natural makeup, known as no-makeup makeup, is ideal when working out. The goal is to look like you’re not wearing any makeup.
To achieve the natural makeup look, you can use a tinted moisturizer or BB cream, concealer only where needed, and a little bit of mascara. This type of makeup is perfect for working out because it’s light coverage and won’t melt or smear all over your face.
The rule of thumb is to use light cosmetics and some tricks to give the appearance of wearing no makeup.
However, the highest level of natural makeup is not to wear makeup. This is ideal because you don’t have to worry about your makeup melting or to smudge all over your face.
Plus, your skin should let it breathe during a workout. To achieve this, skincare is very important. You must follow a strict skincare routine which is time-consuming but worth it in the long run.
The Bottom Line
Overall, makeup for working out has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it can help you feel more confident and look your best. On the other hand, applying and removing can also be a hassle, and it may not always stay in place during your workout.
Ultimately, whether or not to wear makeup while working out is a personal one. If you decide to wear makeup, be sure to choose products specifically designed for exercise, and take care to clean your face thoroughly afterward.

Dr. Aditya Gupta is a highly accomplished Indian doctor with extensive experience in the field of neurology. Born and raised in New Delhi, India, Dr. Gupta completed his medical degree from the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), followed by his postgraduate studies in neurology from the same institution.