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Workout Makeup 101: Can You Wear Makeup While You Exercise?

When it comes to workout makeup, everyone knows THAT person: the one on Insta or E! or The Bachelor who’s knocking out 15 burpees with a flawless face of makeup and full set of lashes. 

Real talk: Some look great! But is wearing makeup while you exercise healthy for your skin? And if you do want to wear workout makeup, what’s the best way to do it? 

Here’s everything you need to know — from the science to the sweat-proof makeup tips — to get a healthy glow while you glisten. 

Q: Is working out while wearing makeup healthy for your skin?

A: Not really — sorry!

Don’t shoot the messenger! 😳😳😳 We got the deets straight from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), mmmkay? And it doesn’t get more legit than that.

Here’s the deal: Working out can cause excessive sweating, as well as a buildup of oil, dirt and bacteria on your skin. If your skin’s already covered in product, your sweat and your makeup will mix, and your skin can’t breathe as well as it should. That clogs your pores, which leads to a whole mess of problems including acne , redness, dry skin and excessive oil . Clogged pores = Biggest #GYMFAIL of all. 

Q: Okay, so what’s the right way to handle workout makeup?

A: Thx for asking!

Before your workout

—   Clean your face with an oil-free makeup remover towelette.

—   Put on clean workout clothes. Doubling up, even for a day, can stir up dead skin cells, bacteria and oils on unwashed clothes — all of which will clog pores.

—   If you’re exercising outside, apply sunscreen that is:

—   SPF 30 or higher

—   Broad spectrum (protects you from UVA and UVB rays)

—   Water-resistant

—   Oil-free (so it won’t clog pores)

If you need extra incentive to hit up that SPF, try this on for size: Did you know that the sun can actually cause breakouts? True fact. The AAD says that happens because the sun dries out your skin, which causes your body to produce more oil, clogging pores and causing acne.

Pro tip: Use a Beautyblender to apply sunscreen! Haven’t you heard? It’s just one of 10 New Uses For A Beautyblender Sponge .

During your workout

—  Use a clean towel — again, one that’s been washed since it was used! — to gently pat sweat from your skin.

—  Don’t rub! Rubbing can cause acne to flare.

—  Don’t share equipment like helmets, pads or yoga mats, which can be full of breakout-causing bacteria.

—  Wipe off shared equipment before you use it for all the same acne-preventing reasons. 

After your workout

—  Shower or wash your face with a mild, oil-free cleanser.

—  If you’re not showering, change out of your workout clothes and wipe sensitive skin — not just on your face! — with pads that contain salicylic acid to prevent clogged pores.

—  Be gentle! Apply cleanser with a light touch and rinse it off with warm water. Rubbing or using hot water can aggravate sensitive skin . 

Again, this is a great time to reach for your trusty Beautyblender ! And if you want to keep things extra mild, try out our new Bio Pure blender , a *supes* soft and natural blender made with a breakthrough renewable plant base.  

View this post on Instagram A post shared by beautyblender (@beautyblender)

Q: Okay, but what if I just can’t face the gym with a bare face?

A: Don’t sweat it! (See what we did there?)

Some days you just can’t face Zoom pilates or the rest of your IronTribe without a little concealer! Getting motivated to workout is hard enough without bringing self consciousness into the equation.

A few key workout makeup tips

—  Use tinted moisturizer or a light anti-redness cream. That can help you cover problem areas without overwhelming your skin. 

—  Be strategic with concealer. If dark circles are your personal demon, dab on a little BOUNCE Airbrush Liquid Whip Concealer . Our light, whipped formula won’t be as heavy on your pores as a full foundation regimen, but it’s still smart to avoid acne-prone areas and save that Full Face for post-workout.  

—  Focus on your beautiful brows! When it comes to eyebrows, you don’t need a bunch of pore-clogging product to get a flawless result . 

—  Glide on some gloss. If bare lips aren’t your bag, swipe on a nourishing lip product and a few dabs of Glass Glow Crystal Clear Shinelighter to make it pop. 

—  Try out waterproof mascara! Long, luscious lashes may be all you need to give you the sweat-proof makeup boost you seek. Plus, it won’t clog your pores — as long as you don’t cake it on at the lash line. 

Once you’ve sufficiently felt the burn, follow our post-sweat makeup tips above. Apply a fierce face of your choice, and keep that gorgeous glow going with t he best makeup setting spray for glowing skin all day long .

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Skin Type 101: How to Tell What Kind of Skin You Have

How to find your face shape: round, oval, square, rectangle, heart or diamond, what is exfoliation how to exfoliate skin in 5 steps + tips for your skin type, plant-based makeup minute: what’s the buzz on bio pure eco-friendly makeup sponge, 10 makeup mistakes that make you look older (and how to avoid them), how to use setting powder: 3 mistakes to avoid when applying setting powder, shop by category.

How to Wear Makeup While Working Out (If You Must)

By Renee Trilivas

Track and field star Jessica Ennis, currently in training for the London 2012 Olympics, recently admitted that she always competes in a full face of makeup. While this sounds like a typical trip to Pilates class for a Kardashian, I have to admit that I found it a little surprising for a serious athlete—but then again, I've never had millions of people worldwide watch me exert myself on TV. And Ennis's explanation of her race ritual to The Daily Mail certainly makes sense: "I definitely think if I feel I look good, it makes me feel more confident," she told the London paper.

Her story also made me wonder exactly what effect makeup could have on your complexion if you are really sweating up a storm. "Wearing makeup while working out can hinder some of the natural ways your skin adjusts to exertion, like sweating and dilating pores," says New York City dermatologist Erin Gilbert. "This can be a disaster as it often leads to clogged pores and breakouts." Here, she shares her tips on how to protect your skin while you sweat, if you are like Ennis and feel the need to not go bare-faced.

Be prepared. For oily or acne-prone skin, Gilbert recommends washing your face with an oil-free cleanser before working out to get rid of any bacteria that might be tempted to invade your soon-to-be open pores. If you have sensitive skin that tends to experience a burning sensation from sweat, apply a protective layer of a gentle moisturizer like CeraVe , but always skip heavy moisturizers with thickening agents like dimenthicone that can clog pores.

Be smart. Thick, oily foundations or anything that comes in a solid compacts is the worst choice during exercise because they block sweat and sebum from leaving the skin, which in turn leads to blackheads and acne," Gilbert explains. Instead, try a water-based foundation or mineral makeup that is less likely to clog pores.

Clean it up. Washing off excess makeup, sweat, and dirt after a workout is essential," Gilbert says—and the sooner the better. She recommends washing with a mild cleanser like Cetaphil post-workout or throwing a cleansing wipe in your gym bag to get the job done if you're somewhere without a locker room. Follow with moisturizer but remember, your skin can be more sensitive after exercising, so stick to gentle products.

RELATED LINKS:

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The 10 Best Gym-Proof Make-Up Products

HIIT in lipstick? Bring it on.

But, sometimes, a layer of workout make-up feels essential. You might want to conceal a breakout before that spin class, or add a slick of mascara to see you straight from yoga to brunch. We get it.

'My first advice is always to avoid make-up during workouts to prevent breakouts, blackheads and skin irritation,' says Dr. Amiee Vyas , aesthetic doctor and educator in cosmetic dermatology. 'However, if someone absolutely needs to wear make-up while working out, I suggest sticking to just waterproof eyeliner and/or mascara, avoiding formulations containing oils and waxes which can run around the eye area as you sweat and potentially block pores,' she says.

But what about foundation ? While it’s clearly not ideal to be sweating beneath a layer of full-coverage foundation , there is a solution. 'It’s vital to choose something lightweight, mineral based and ideally containing antioxidants to fight damage from free radicals and bacteria,' says Vyas.

Thankfully, a host of brands are catching on to this need for our make-up to perform as well under pressure as we do. Dr. Vyas (as well as almost every other aesthetic doctor and dermatologist on the planet) recommends the Oxygenetix range: 'It’s breathable, antibacterial and helps the skin to absorb more oxygen.'

Moreover, brands such as Eyeko and Clinique have hatched clever new product lines complete with skin-friendly formulas and pigments that'll stay put through more or less everything, from Bikram yoga to HIIT.

And finally – the crucial rules to live by. 'The face must be washed before a workout, because if make-up has been worn all day it will have collected pollution and microbes,' warns Vyas. Furthermore, you’ll need to re-cleanse once you’ve finished –remember, gym equipment is covered in bacteria and other’s people’s sweat. Who ever said spinning was glamorous?

So if the very thought of forgoing the foundation is enough to break you out in a sweat, take your pick from the best gym make-up products that you can exercise in, no problem.

Gym Make-Up: The Best Cheek Tint

Arrow Revive Cooling Cheek Tint – £14

Birchbox's new gym-inspired beauty range is making a case for 'breathable' formulas – free of oil, gluten and parabens – so that you can work out without the worry of breaking out. Use your fingertips to blend this tint onto the apples of your cheeks for a post-spin flush that lasts.

Gym Make-Up: The Best Tinted SPF

CliniqueFIT Workout Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF40 – £20.50

There's one thing all dermatologists agree on: if you exercise outside, a high-factor sunscreen is a must, no matter the weather.

Clinique's new workout-friendly foundation boasts a brilliant SPF 40, but it's far from ashy or prone to slipping. Completely oil-free, the pigment particles really cling to the skin, lending impressive coverage and a satisfying matte finish. See ya, shiny T-zone.

Gym Make-Up: The Best Foundation

Oxygenetix Oxygenating Breathable Foundation – £45

Heavy-duty foundation has the tendency to form an occlusive barrier on the skin. Add sweat into the mix and it's not great news for the acne-prone - but that's where Oxygenetix comes in.

Formulated with oxygen-boosting Ceravitae, this medium-coverage foundation encourages skin cells to breathe, preventing clogged pores. The SPF 25 is a bonus, too.

Gym Make-Up: The Best Waterproof Mascara

Eyeko Yoga Waterproof Mascara – £19

Waterproof mascaras tend to leave lashes feeling parched and crunchy, but Eyeko's clever new formula is filled to bursting with conditioners like vitamin E, ceramides and collagen. It won't smudge or flake, and feels like you're wearing nothing at all.

Gym Make-Up: The Best Concealer

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer – £26

Like a pair of yoga pants, IT Cosmetics' clever concealer flexes with your skin, so it's less likely to collect in fine lines or end up halfway down your cheeks. It's dewy, but definitely not greasy, and the added hyaluronic acid gives lacklustre skin an extra hit of hydration. It's one of the hardiest concealers we've tried.

Gym Make-Up: The Best Brow Tint

Wunderbrow Eyebrow Gel - £16.61

Forget sweat or saunas, we're pretty sure Wunderbrow could survive a monsoon. Complete with savvy fibres to mimic hairs and specially treated pigments for longer wear, this semi-permanent gel glides through sparse patches without completely soaking your brows in product or clumping up in places. On us, it survived HIIT and a drizzly walk home – genius.

Gym Make-Up: The Best Tinted Moisturiser

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo [+] Unifiant – £17.50

La Roche-Posay's dermatologist approved Effaclar Duo [+] moisturiser now comes with a subtle tint to lend sheer coverage while treating any sweat-induced spot eruptions. The thing that swayed us? It leaves skin feeling fresh and matte for hours on end, even if you're susceptible to megawatt shine.

Gym Make-Up: The Best Lightweight Powder

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder – £31

If you find liquid foundation too heavy to work out in but would still like a little coverage, Laura Mercier's Mineral Powder is your best bet. It's oil-free and non-comedogenic (i.e. won't clog pores) so you can sweat it out without the impending fear of an acne cluster.

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Workout Makeup That Stands Up to Your Sweatiest Activities

These workout makeup products were made specifically for the gym and will keep you looking your best well after your sweat sesh is done. Post-workout glow, anyone?

ARROW REVIVE Cooling Cheek Tint

Birchbox's in-house brand ARROW is inspired by the athleisure movement and features lightweight, long-lasting, and refreshing workout makeup products "designed to enhance natural beauty during (and after) physical activity." This oil-free cheek tint (available in two natural colors) goes on with a cooling sensation and will take you from yoga to drinks without clogging your pores.

CLIO Kill Brow Auto Hard Eyebrow Pencil

For those who can't leave the house without a full, defined brow , this eyebrow pencil is a must-have. The formula has the perfect balance of oil and wax to create a water-resistant, sweat-resistant, and oil-resistant product, so you definitely don't need to worry about re-applying post-sweat sesh.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

This gel-based eyeliner from Bobbi Brown's long-wear collection comes in four richly pigmented shades and is sweat- and humidity-resistant for up to 8 hours, so you can make it from your 8 a.m. workout to happy hour drinks with no touch-up application needed.

SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50

This mousse-like mineral sunscreen boasts a universal tint and a high-tech formula that's able to absorb up to 15 times its weight in oil. So you get coverage, protection, and a totally mattifying finish that won't clog pores or look too done up for workout makeup. (P.S. One editor swears by this face sunscreen for outdoor workouts in the summer .)

Eyeko Sport Waterproof Mascara

While wearing eye makeup at the gym has its risks, if wearing mascara is a must, you should really consider one made specifically for the gym. Eyeko's formula is 100 percent waterproof, sweat-proof, and budge-proof for 24 hours, and the workout makeup does more than just make your lashes look great: The conditioning formula actually coats lashes with collagen, vitamin E, and 11 fruit extracts to promote lash growth.

Makeup Forever Full Cover Extreme Camouflage Cream

If you don't need a full face of foundation but would rather cover up your trouble spots before heading to spin or out on a hike, meet the ultimate workout makeup concealer to get you through the day. This bad boy is oil-free, waterproof, ultra-long lasting, and boasts a matte finish. (

Sweat Twist-Brush Mineral Foundation

Created by professional and Olympic athletes, this mineral powder foundation is specifically formulated for women who love to break a sweat. The dermatologist-approved, breathable formula is water-resistant and oil-free, so this workout makeup won't clog pores and the super handy twist brush has a special coating to keep bacteria at bay.

Katherine Cosmetics K-Sport Lip Protection Gloss

Designed to be worn while you exercise, this lip gloss contains aloe extract, vitamin E , and beeswax—plus SPF 20 and UVA/UVB protection to keep lips healthy and moisturized with a subtle tint of color.

ARROW BOOST Color Enhancing Lip Balm

How's this for a high-tech chapstick upgrade? This minty lip balm reacts with the pH of your lips to enhance your natural color and create a customized shade of pink. Plus, the mango seed butter, vitamin E, and luffa seed oil in the workout makeup keep lips super hydrated and protected during and post-workout.

Wonderskin Wonderblading Peel & Reveal Lip Color

For a colorful punch that lasts through absolutely everything, a stain will give you no-smudge brightness, says Naomi Lake, the go-to makeup artist for activewear brands like Nike, Adidas, and Reebok. The most innovative option: Wonderskin Wonderblading Peel & Reveal Lip Color.

"This moisturizing formula is the new school of lip stains," she says. Apply a few coats of the workout makeup product like a mask, let it dry, spray your lips with the included color activator, and peel off the hardened formula. "You're left with a pretty waterproof tint and beautifully hydrated lips," says Lake.

Tarte Surfer Curl Volumizing Mascara

When you face water, sweat, and humidity, you need a reliable mascara in your workout makeup bag. "It should make an impact visually but still feel light and flexible, and it absolutely cannot flake," says Lake. Tarte Surfer Curl Volumizing Mascara is all that.

Use it to create clump-free athleisure lashes: Apply the first few sweeps of mascara only on the tips of eyelashes. "You just want them lightly coated," says Lake. Without dipping back into the tube, wiggle the wand at the base of your lash line and then comb upward.

Go for Sweat Cosmetics Rose Goals Mineral Blush

As you start moving, your pores release sweat and oil, which can cause your makeup to slide off. "But mineral powders absorb moisture, helping them stay put," explains Lake. "And they're usually non-comedogenic, so they won't clog pores."

Go for Sweat Cosmetics Rose Goals Mineral Blush to create an enhanced but natural just-finished-my-warm-up flush. "Apply with a fluffy brush, concentrating it on the apples of your cheeks," says Lake.

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I Tested Long-Lasting Makeup at SoulCycle So You Won't Have To

Let me start things off by making one thing clear: I am not a fitness enthusiast. I'm a strong believer in running only when someone is chasing me, eating pretzels as opposed to twisting my body into one, and sitting on the sidelines rather than sweating it out on the field. That being said, I can occasionally — very, very occasionally — be convinced to participate in physically demanding activity if it's actually fun. Luckily for me, SoulCycle is one of those workouts.

My very first class was with a group of co-workers, and despite my initial "Oh god, why are you making me do this?" attitude, I loved it. After we finished our ride, I packed up my things and headed back to the office to finish up some projects, blissfully unaware of what had happened to my makeup while I "tapped it back." How I made it to the office without passerby crying and shielding their children's eyes as I passed, I'll never know. Because when I finally peeked at the mirror, I looked like a hybrid between the matchmaker from Mulan and those guys who opened the lost ark in Indiana Jones .

After washing off the sad remains of my formerly fierce-as-hell winged liner and giving up on a head of limp, stringy hair that would make Severus Snape jealous, I got to thinking: what sort of beauty products could actually last through intense physical activity? By no means do I recommend wearing a full face of makeup to your Sunday morning pilates class, but there must be other people who fit workouts into their lunch break. Are they stuck reapplying melted makeup and redoing their hair after every single class?! How exhausting! We all can't look like Taylor Swift leaving the gym .

The SoulCycle Experiment

Inspired by these questions, what became lovingly known as "the SoulCycle Experiment" was born. My goals: (1) uncover which long-wear makeup products would stay on during a demanding exercise class; and (2) which dry shampoos could revive damp, listless locks after the deed.

So, I created five individual looks featuring products advertised as "long-lasting," then booked five SoulCycle classes to test them at. Disclaimer: I am not a makeup artist, so these were truly DIY styles. I also rounded up five dry shampoos to use after each spinning session. To give each pairing of makeup products and dry shampoos an equal chance to compete, I stuck to the same routine:

• putting on my makeup at the same time each day
• scheduling each class for the same weekday time slot (4:30pm)
• washing and styling my hair the exact same way before every class
• drinking from the same water bottle and using the same type of towel during class
• giving myself the same 15 minutes of "cool down" time before taking after-class photos

The results I found were surprising — in a good way. See so for yourself . . .

Day One: Peachy Natural Look

• bareMinerals Correcting Concealer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 ($20)
• Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation ($35)
• Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar: Primer ($18)
• Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Memento ($15)
• Kat Von D Ink Liner in Gray ($19)
• The Balm What's Your Type: the Body Builder Mascara ($19)
• Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush in Bloom ($28)
• Kat Von D Lock 'N Load Makeup Setting Mist ($24)
• Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo ($22 for four-ounce bottle)

Day One: Before

I was really nervous to attend my first class, so I started the experiment with a natural look. Gray eyeliner with matching peach cheeks and lips made for one of my favorite "before" looks.

Day One: After

As expected, my face was noticeably pinker after class, even with a 15 minute cool-down period. But my makeup stayed remarkably well! So well, in fact, that my colleague/photographer (who also attended the class) said, "I hate you." Every product that I'd used on my face maintained its quality and lived up to its "long wear" claims — I definitely would have gone back to the office or out to dinner, feeling confident in my makeup and rarely earned post-workout glow.

Hair on Day One

IRL, I’m a diehard Living Proof fan — you'll have to pry my bottle of the brand's Instant Texture mist from my cold, dead hands. After I sprayed the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo on, there was a bit of chalkiness that I'd attribute to this being my first attempt at using the product — I'm no professional hairstylist. But once I worked with it a bit by flipping my head over and massaging it in, my hair definitely looked better. Plus, the product has a time-released scent that kept my locks smelling divine until my morning shower. You can count me a happy camper . . . or cycler, in this context.

Day Two: Beachy Coral and Bronze

• Benefit Stay Don't Stray Eyeshadow Primer ($26)
• The Balm Balm Desert Bronzer/Blush ($21)
• The Balm Instain Blush in Swiss Dot ($22)
• The Balm Mr. Write (Now) Eyeliner in Jac B. Bronze ($17)
• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Roach ($20)
• Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash Mascara ($23)
• The Balm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Liquid Lipstick in Honest ($17)
• Supergoop Defense Refresh Setting Mist With Rosemary ($28)
• Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk in Natural Tint ($20)

Day Two: Before

Of all the days I performed this experiment, this second makeup look felt the most secure. The matte liquid lipstick seemed like it had incredible staying power, and I would count on Supergoop's setting spray to last through anything! I could probably walk face-first through a car wash and emerge with my face in good shape (and new-car scented).

Day Two: After

Class on the second day was the most difficult, as is evidenced by my incredibly red, still-sweaty face — even after 15 minutes of cooling down. The instructor had a fondness for early-2000s boy bands — and who wouldn't be motivated to turn up the resistance during an *NSync jam? Still, JT and JC's best was no match for my makeup! Despite literally dripping sweat while on the bike, my "after" face remained perfectly intact.

While I'd definitely give myself more time to physically cool down before meeting up with friends or co-workers, this makeup wouldn't even need a touchup before I hit the town. After posing for my "after" photos, I quickly realized that this lipstick could stand up to any challenge I threw at it . . . notably, the gigantic burrito I scarfed down as a "reward" for working out two whole days in a row.

Hair on Day Two

After I used Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk in Natural Tint, I understood why my co-workers cried out in envy when I opened the package. It was easy to use and subtly scented — my hair was incredibly fresh after application, despite being sweaty. Plus, it is specially formulated for brunettes so it won't leave a white residue.

Day Three: Flirty Lilac and Chestnut

• MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation ($33)
• Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder ($5)
• Ciate London Bamboo Bronzer in Palm Island ($28)
• Too Faced Love Flush Long-Lasting Blush in Justify My Love ($26)
• Sonia Kashuk Eye Definer in Iced Coffee ($6)
• Too Faced Melted Liquefied Long Wear Lipstick ($21)
• R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste ($28)

Day Three: Before

This purple-lipped look is my personal pick, especially because it's closest to what I wear on a daily basis. However, I was apprehensive going in to the third SoulCycle class.

"If my makeup is going to mess up on any of the days, it'll be today," I told my coworker as we clipped in to our bikes, gingerly touching my lips — they still felt glossy and wet, which isn't a good sign when you've got impending plans to rub your face with a towel. I anticipated seeing a horrendous lilac mess on my face after our final stretches.

Day Three: After

Color me shocked! The makeup that I was most scared about actually ended up being my favorite "after" look. While there was plenty of purple mess on my towel, it didn't spread to my face . . . and the resulting lilac stain on my lips complemented my flushed skin extremely well.

The rest of my makeup held up impressively also. When an one of our editorial intern saw this "after" image, he remarked: "Do you even have pores?" Hearing this compliment ensured that the concealer and foundation powder will have a permanent home in my stash.

I definitely would have headed back to the office like this. Hell, I would have scheduled a meeting just so that I could show up and say, "Oh, me? I just got back from SoulCycle. It was suuuuch a rough ride."

Hair on Day Three

I was admittedly nervous to use a dry shampoo paste — when I read that sand was one of the ingredients, I felt pretty weird about rubbing it into my hair. But my initial fears were totally unfounded! The R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste wasn't sticky, smelled divine, and gave my hair the sort of texture that I'd previously only dreamt about. If you'd put a fan in front of me, I might have actually turned into Beyoncé.

Day Four: Classic Red Lip and Black Liner

• Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish Primer ($20)
• Eve Lom Brilliance Cover Concealer ($40)
• Eve Lom Sheer Radiance Translucent Powder ($48)
• The Balm Time Balm Concealer ($18)
• Stila Smudge Pot in Black Cat ($20)
• Sigma Sinuosity Lash Mascara ($19)
• Smashbox Baked Fusion Soft Lights Blush in Baked Starblush ($32)
• Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso ($24)
• Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray ($42)

Day Four: Before

This classic, red-lipped look got the most compliments from people at the office . . . and also earned me the weirdest looks when I clipped into my bike. I could almost hear the other riders' thoughts: "Poor, ignorant child — she's about to look like she made out with a newly painted fire hydrant." Or maybe those were my thoughts . . . I was not at all confident that this look would last.

Day Four: After

Hot damn, this Stila lipstick earned its "Stay All Day" name! It was velvety smooth and gorgeous when I walked out of the cycling studio (even though I felt on the verge of collapsing). Another big winner was the Smashbox blush and highlighter compact, which somehow made my sweaty sheen look like it was intentional.

My eyelashes clumped together a bit after using my face towel during the ride, but the Sigma mascara itself felt great and didn't flake. If I'd had after-SoulCycle plans, I'd have been able to restore them to their original state with a quick brush of an eyelash comb!

Hair on Day Four

When I was spritzing Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray into my hair after class, another attendee commented on how wonderful it smelled. Seriously — I would burn a candle that smelled like this mist . It definitely refreshed my locks, making me feel less like a stringy, sweaty monster, and more like a functioning member of society. I give it a 10/10 and would eagerly use the volumizing product again.

Day Five: Grungy Browns

• Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer ($32)
• Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation ($39)
• Kat Von D Lock-It Powder Foundation ($35)
• Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion in Honey ($36)
• Benefit Benetint Cheek and Lip Stain ($30)
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (Original) ($20)
• Urban Decay Naked Basics Eyeshadow Palette ($29)
• Tarte Lights Camera Splashes Waterproof Mascara ($21)
• MAC Vamplify Lip Gloss in Hyper-Fabulous ($20)
• Drybar Triple Sec ($26)

Day Five: Before

For my last day of the test, I opted for a grungy look that featured MAC's newest Vamplify lipgloss launch — a move that I was sure would result in a sticky face smeared with the sad remnants of my formerly glam lippie. Otherwise, I was fairly assured in my product choices for the final ride.

Day Five: After

Yet again, my skepticism proved unfounded — after class, my makeup looked (and felt) flawless. The only cosmetic imperfection following my ride was a single tear-streak of eyeshadow caused by my own sweat . . . and stupidity. The eyeshadow I chose to apply on top of my UD primer was not advertised as long-lasting, so I was basically asking for it! Let's count this as a user error, not a fault of the eyeshadow — I demanded too much of it.

Aside from the single brown tear streak, this "after" look was at the top of my list. I felt confident and pretty as I left my final class, and certainly would have returned to work . . . as long as nobody expected my sore, exhausted ass to bike there.

Hair on Day Five

Overall, I was very impressed with the Drybar Triple Sec hair mist. First off, it smells like a few of my all-time favorite scents: vanilla and coconut combine with warm amber notes to create the most comforting fragrances I've ever found in a hair product. Plus, because it was designed for three purposes — texturizing, volumizing, and refreshing — the spray felt light and clean while also lending some extra oomph to my exhausted hair. I wish I could have misted it all over myself and had the same effect!

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Gym makeup tips.

Feel flawless while working out with my tips and tricks for simple, long-lasting and breathable gym makeup.

• 6th June 2023
• By Charlotte Tilbury

6 minute read

Darlings, wearing makeup to the gym can help you look and feel like the most confident version of yourself while you lift, stretch, squat or cycle. The challenge with gym makeup is to create a comfortable, long-wearing look that feels weightless and doesn’t get disturbed when you’re working up a sweat.

By reaching for my gym makeup must-haves and following my gym makeup tips and tricks, you can create a natural-looking gym makeup look that unlocks the staying power you need to make your workout makeup last from the first to the final push in your gym routine.

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Gym Makeup Tips & Recommendations

Magic tip #1: wear a lightweight foundation.

If you want to wear foundation to the gym, it’s best to reach for lightweight formulas that let the skin breathe. My tinted moisturizer, Unisex Healthy Glow , is a gorgeous gym makeup option as it keeps skin feeling moisturized while you work out and adds light, skin-perfecting coverage with a flattering bronzed tint. The flexible formula features bronzing tan pigments that burst on application, giving the complexion an instant sun-kissed effect in a shade that morphs to complement your natural skin tone. It’s perfect for creating a light, glowing gym makeup look that helps to even the look of your complexion.

If you are working out with makeup on and prefer a full-coverage foundation that helps to disguise the appearance of redness and stays all day, I recommend Airbrush Flawless Foundation . This airbrush-effect foundation feels weightless on the skin while maximising coverage for an instant, porcelain-like complexion. The natural-matte formula is resistant to humidity and sweat, setting down and staying in place while you take on the treadmill or complete your set of squats.

If you want to go foundation-free at the gym but are still wanting to wear a confidence-boosting makeup look, apply Hollywood Flawless Filter to give the face a sheer, dewy-looking glow, then add Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer in any areas that you want to build up some extra coverage. 

Tilbury Tip: Whatever complexion makeup you choose to wear to the gym, I recommend setting it in place with a soft veil of Airbrush Flawless Finish pressed powder. Powder is the key to long-lasting complexion makeup, and my award-winning, smoothing-effect formula is perfect for helping to prevent your gym makeup from creasing or budging.

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Magic Tip #2: Get a Sculpted Look with Contour and Bronzer

You can use makeup to look more chiselled at the gym – adding a little bit of contour or bronzer gives the face a genius sculpting effect that flatters your face shape for a confidence-boosting effect.

Bronzer and contour work slightly differently; applying bronzer gives your complexion natural-looking, sun-kissed warmth, whereas contour creates the appearance of shadows that help the face to look carved out and defined. I suggest applying a small amount of my Hollywood Contour Wand to the temples, hollows of the cheeks and jawline to look sensationally sculpted at the gym, or sweeping Airbrush Bronzer onto the forehead, nose, cheekbones and eye socket for a beautifully bronzed workout makeup look with a smooth-looking, matte finish.

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Learn more about bronzer vs contour

Magic Tip #3: Choose a Long-Wearing Mascara

Adding a coat or two of mascara transforms a makeup look, and for gym makeup, it’s important to choose a mascara formula that can stay put from the warm up to the cool down.

For a workout makeup look, I recommend Legendary Lashes Vol 2 mascara for instant, eye-enhancing volume! The quick and easy mascara wand combs effortlessly through the lashes, coating them in super-black pigment that accentuates the look of your eyes and provides eye-opening volume that helps you to look awake and ready to get to work. It’s the perfect gym makeup mascara, providing long-wearing lash volume that’s smudge-proof and humidity-resistant.

Shop Legendary Lashes Vol 2

Magic Tip #4: Fix Brow Hairs into Place with Brow Gel

Brows are the pillars of the face, darlings, and keeping them looking bushy and brushed up helps your gym makeup to look instantly more put together. Whether you have sparse brows or unruly brows, using a clear brow gel is a simple makeup step you can add to your workout makeup routine to sculpt and define the look of your brows.

Brow Fix is my clear brow sculpting gel for locking brow hairs into place. The formula is smudge-proof, sweat-resistant and humidity-proof to provide up to 24-hour hold*, making it the perfect tool for securing your eyebrows into a flattering shape that frames the look of your face. Apply Brow Fix through your brows from head to tail and get the ultimate eyebrow fix!

Tilbury Tip: If you want your natural eyebrows to appear fuller, use my Brow Cheat or Brow Lift eyebrow pencils to create a more defined brow shape.

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Magic Tip #5: Unlock glossy lips on the go with NEW! Glossy Lip Duos

When you’re working out with makeup on, you should keep your lips plush and hydrated. I created my Glossy Lip Duos to give everyone, everywhere a natural-looking lip look that’s easy-to-use and easy-to-choose. The lip kits include travel-sizes of Lip Cheat lip liner and Collagen Lip Bath lip gloss to define the look of your pout and provide a gorgeous, glossy finish.

First, use my waterproof lip liner to outline your lips with long-lasting colour that accentuates their natural shape. Then, swipe the moisture-rich, mirror-shine lip gloss onto the upper and lower lip to complete the look.

These travel-sized kits are perfect for keeping in your gym bag for glossy lip touch ups between sets! Choose Glossy Fresh Pink or Glossy Nude Pink Lip Duo to create a simple gym makeup lip look!

Tilbury Tip: Charlotte’s Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir is the perfect way to keep your lips feeling conditioned and hydrated! Roll on my crystal-infused formula to prep your lips before applying my Glossy Lip Duo, or wear it alone for a hydrating, barely there glossy lip look.

Shop Glossy Lip Duos:

Discover more about my Glossy Lip Duos

Magic Tip #6: Set your Gym Makeup with Setting Spray

If you want your makeup look to last, just reach for my iconic Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray – especially when you’re wearing makeup to the gym! Working out leads to sweating and movement of the face, so it’s a good idea to lock in your gym makeup look with a generous spritz of setting spray!

Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray smooths and blurs the look of skin while extending the staying power of your gym makeup for up to 16 hours!** I’ve bottled long-lasting makeup confidence with this weightless-feeling formula, so you can work out without worrying about your gym makeup melting, fading or creasing.

Tilbury Tip: Use your setting spray before your gym session to help set gym makeup in place, then keep it in your gym bag as a refreshing post-gym ritual.

Shop Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

Darlings, gym makeup should be quick and easy! With my fool-proof makeup tips and tricks, you can feel confident wearing makeup to the gym whether you prefer a lick of lip gloss and a hint of mascara or full-glam workout makeup!

• Shop Pillow Talk Makeup Bag
• Discover Charlotte's Simple Steps For A Dewy-Looking Makeup Look

*Tested on 30 people

**Tested on 100 people

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Author details, charlotte tilbury, founder, president, chairman and chief creative officer of charlotte tilbury beauty.

With over 30 years experience, Charlotte Tilbury MBE is the world's number 1 makeup artist and British beauty entrepreneur. Charlotte established Charlotte Tilbury Beauty in 2013, which is now a record-breaking beauty brand that has won over 400 awards.

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The 11 Best Gym-Proof Makeup Products On The Market

Is it okay to wear makeup while working out? Some people think it’s a big no-no, but we’re here to give you a guide on our favorite gym -safe products. If wearing a little makeup makes you feel more confident at the gym, or if you want a little something to throw on after a workout, make sure you reach for oil-free, waterproof, and lightweight products that use natural ingredients and SPF. 

From foundations through mascaras to powders, this list has something for everyone. When you’re ready to hit the gym, here are some game-changing products you may want to consider:

1. CliniqueFIT™ Workout Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF40

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Clinique (@clinique)

This lightweight humidity -proof foundation is made specifically for a combination or oily skin types as it offers extra coverage and oil control during working out. It’s also perfect for anyone with an active lifestyle who wants the benefits of wearing foundation without any heavy products weighing them down. 

2. Fitcover Active Mineral Powder Foundation

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fitcover (@fitcoveraustralia)

If liquid foundations aren’t your thing, this powder-finish foundation alternative offers long-lasting, provides a buildable coverage that doesn’t clog pores. It’s sweat-proof and water-proof and nourishes the skin without drying it. It comes in nine shades from light to deep and is made from 100% natural minerals coupled with an SPF15+ to protect your skin whether you’re exercising inside or outside. 

3. Tarte Cosmetics Shape Tape™ Waterproof Body Makeup 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tarte Cosmetics (@tartecosmetics)

We’ve all heard of the cult-classic Shape Tape™, but now, Tarte has reinvented the beloved formula into waterproof body makeup. It provides full coverage with no shimmer for beautifully natural-looking results. The transfer-proof whipped formula is a quick and foolproof way to cover up blemishes, stretch marks, age spots, and scars instantly yet subtly. It comes in seven shades from fair to rich and is full of skin-nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and passion fruit extracts. 

4. CliniqueFIT™ Post-Workout Neutralizing Face Powder

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Clinique Philippines (@cliniqueph)

After a workout, you’re probably pretty flushed. Neutralize all that unwanted redness with this magical color-correcting face powder that blends like a dream on bare skin, as a primer, or even over makeup. 

5. Tarte Cosmetics Blot Party On-The-Go Mattifiers

This limited-edition product is part of Tarte’s exclusive Athleisure Beauty Collection, and it’s a double threat to oily post-workout skin. In just one small, purse-friendly compact, you get a translucent talc-free pressed finishing powder alongside 50 shine-absorbing hemp blotting sheets. Both are 100% vegan, all-natural, and mess-free and focus on minimizing pores and refreshing your skin with or without makeup. 

6. High Endurance Sweat Pretty Setting Spray

View this post on Instagram A post shared by High Endurance Cosmetics ™ (@highendurancecosmetics)

High Endurance creates long-lasting makeup for active women — whether it’s for breaking a sweat, working a 10-hour day, or being a busy mom always on the go. As seen in Shape and Glamour magazines, this popular setting spray locks in your makeup and smooths skin, getting rid of the shine.

7. Make Up For Ever Aqua Seal 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by MAKE UP FOR EVER (@makeupforever)

Sometimes when you discover an eye shadow or eyeliner that you absolutely love, it can be hard to part ways with it for a different waterproof option you need for the gym. Thankfully, this liquid converter makes it easy! Mix with any of your favorite makeup to turn it into a waterproof formula instantly. Now you don’t have to switch between products you already use and love and having a gym-proof look.

8. Eyeko Yoga Waterproof Mascara

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eyeko (@eyeko)

This fruit-infused, vegan, waterproof mascara lifts, curls, and conditions lashes to the extreme. Bonus: It only costs eight bucks! Eyeko’s hot yoga-approved mascara has a wand that mimics a lotus flower and is made with wholesome ingredients like coconut oil, green tea leaf extract, and vitamin E. 

9. Tarte Cosmetics Surfer Curl™ Mascara

Sephora’s first-ever sweatproof mascara is a must-have as it packs a serious punch. Pump up the volume with the lash lifter™ wand and enjoy 12 hours free of smudges and pesky mascara flakes. Did we mention the incredible ingredients like coconut oil and Tahitian gardenia flower extract? Yes, please! 

10. Pacifica Beauty Vegan Eyeliner 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pacifica Beauty (@pacificabeauty)

Pacifica Beauty is a leader in long-wear makeup, and their plant-powered, waterproof eyeliner is a game-changer. We love the jojoba and sunflower seed oil, shea butter, and vitamin E that give it a super smooth application and beautiful finish. 

11. Sweat Cosmetics Gleam On Illuminator Highlighting Powder

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sweat Cosmetics (@sweatcosmetics)

This breathable, radiant highlight powder is full of skin-happy ingredients. It comes in a cartridge with a built-in, refillable twist brush, so it’s good for your skin and the planet. 

What are your go-to makeup products to wear to the gym? Drop us a comment and let us know your secret weapon!

Featured Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

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Makeup You Can Actually Wear While Working Out

By Shannon Farrell

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Any dermatologist will tell you that wearing makeup while working out is a bad for your skin. "When exercising, sweat mixes with your makeup and forms a sludgy mix that can block pores, which in turn backs even more oil and salts into them," says New Jersey-based dermatologist Dr. Richie Lin . "The bacteria that live in pores feeds off this mix, multiplying and eventually leading to acne." Worse still, according to Idaho-based dermatologist Dr. Carl Thornfeldt, founder of Epionce Skincare, these clogged pores "can lead to itching and a red, bumpy heat rash called miliaria ." Not good.

And as for other makeup, like lipstick and mascara? You can forget them lasting during a sweat session—in fact, we're guilty of both wiping lipstick off mid-run as well as sporting serious raccoon eyes while racking our weights.

However, now there's a new crop of makeup designed to alleviate all of your gym-going and makeup-wearing concerns. (Emoji hands to the sky!) Both Katherine Cosmetics K-Sport and Rae Cosmetics offer oil-free products formulated to be worn while you work out. "You're not going to wear a full face of makeup like you're going out on the town," says Rochelle Rae, a makeup artist and founder of Rae Cosmetics. "But you may want to get a glass of wine after or go straight to the gym from work and not worry about your makeup smearing everywhere."

Oil-free formulas are a good start, but what really sets these lines apart from the rest of the oil-free crop is the size of the particles in their facial products. Many of the minerals, antioxidants and pigments found in most oil-free products can still actually block pores due to their larger sizes; instead, they need to be super-fine, like the ones in Rae Cosmetics Climate Control Mineral SPF 20 ($42), which are "micro-crushed." "Then your skin can breathe through," explains Rae.

K-Sport "Wow" Stick ($28) hydrates and calms with aloe; beeswax protects from any irritants, says Dr. Lin. Despite being semi-sheer, this concealer deposits just enough color to correct without feeling heavy.

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Rae Cosmetics Lush Silk Mascara ($18) is a game-changer too. The silk-powder, water-resistant formula contains gentle water-binding properties that prevent smudging. The formula also contains juniper, a natural antiseptic. "You're putting mascara on your eyes and then back in the tube," says Rae. "It's one of those products most prone to bacteria," making Rae's version perfect for pre- and post-workout application.

"The lips are one of the safer areas to wear makeup while exercising," says Dr. Lin. K-Sport Lip Protection Gloss SPF 20 ($24) and Rae Cosmetics Lucky Lips Lip Gloss ($18) moisturize and protect with antioxidants like vVitamin E; both have with sheer, natural-looking finishes. Despite some inevitable smudging off (you are working out, after all), these pint-sized products make a quick touch-up seamless afterward.

So whether you apply makeup pre-gym or are just the type of person who doesn't wash it off during an after-work sweat session, it's time to put these babies on your beauty radar.

Photo Credit: Getty, Courtesy

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

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CliniqueFIT's Gym Makeup Will Actually Last You Through an Entire Hot Yoga Class

By Amber Rambharose

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Wearing makeup to the gym is…polarizing. Ask any woman how she feels about it, and she'll likely give you a firm answer for or against. (Case in point: In our August 2017 issue, Glamour 's accessories director Elissa Velluto wrote a love letter to her gym makeup. As a classically trained dancer, she felt makeup was part of her art, on stage and at the barre. On the flip side, bare-face devotees argue that wearing makeup even at the gym puts pressure on women to adhere to beauty standards 24/7.)

But wherever you fall on the debate, there's no arguing that athleisure makeup is a real thing now. As Lululemon did for workout clothes, beauty brands are effectively giving our sweat sessions a makeover—they're taking long-lasting products to the extreme while also blurring the line between makeup and skin care. Among them is Clinique 's new CliniqueFIT line , which launches exclusively at Ulta Beauty next week and is aimed at women who work out at all levels. And let us tell you, it doesn't matter if you're wearing it to workout or work, the coverage is so great, you'll want it regardless of your feelings on gym makeup. (Remember: August humidity is coming.)

But don't just take our word. We challenged three women—all with varying workout routines and makeup needs—to get a sense of how sweatproof and skin-friendly the line is. Here's how it stood up.

Jen before biking.

Who tried it : Jennifer Mulrow, assistant beauty editor Her gym makeup M.O.: "A little concealer or tinted moisturizer, that's it." Her workout: A CitiBike ride to work

"Admittedly, my 15-minute bike ride along the Hudson River Parkway is not what you would call a rigorous workout, but it is something I do every day, and the last thing I want is to arrive to work with makeup running down my face. Well, good news to report: These products passed my commute test, even when I was hit with a few light drops of rain. If anything, the foundation and cheek tint only looked better over the course of the day, and I even got multiple compliments on my skin (which is rare!). The broad-spectrum foundation has a matte finish, but there’s this pretty, underlying glow that it brings out. I found that it had a bit of a blurring effect on my skin too."

Jen after biking.

"The mascara didn't run or sting my eyes when I was biking, and it passed my one mascara requirement too, which is that I don’t look like a raccoon by the time I leave the office. (I wear contact lenses and tend to rub my eyes.) I’ve actually been wearing the cheek tint over the broad-spectrum makeup every day since this initial test drive—it’s my new easy summer makeup combo. I’m obsessed!"

Amber before hot yoga.

Who tried it: Amber Rambharose, beauty editor Her gym makeup M.O.: "I don't go to the gym because I'm terrible and mostly sedentary, but I do spend a lot of time hiking, and every once in a while I'll do a yoga class. Most of the time when I'm out on the trails, I don't wear makeup because smeary makeup in a mountain vista selfie is way worse than no makeup in a mountain vista selfie." Her workout: 45 minutes of hot yoga at Spark Yoga. ("It was an hour-long class. I did not make it the full hour.")

By Elizabeth Logan

By The Glamour editors

By Emily Tannenbaum

"The products definitely held up. I'm impressed! I was a dripping, salty mess during my hot yoga class, but I didn't sweat off the makeup. All the sweat that did drip down my face ran clear, like it was pushing through the makeup. I didn't towel off during the workout, but I patted my face and neck down with a damp cloth afterwards and didn't get any smearing or blurring."

Amber after her hot yoga class.

"Out of all of the products, I was most surprised by how well the cheek tint held up because I expected it to be the most diminished after the workout. Not only did it not sweat off, but it stayed in the same location on my face, which is rare for a tint—they tend to slide around. I also loved the mascara. Sweat dripped into my eyes, but the mascara itself didn't budge and there was zero burning."

Manasa before her SoulCycle class.

Who tried it: Manasa Vedula, beauty contributor Her gym makeup M.O.: "I don't wear makeup to the gym on purpose, but sometimes mascara from drinks the night before shows up to the gym with me." Her workout: A 45-minute SoulCycle class with Akin Akman (one of NYC's toughest trainers )

"Out of the whole line, the moisturizer was my favorite. I applied it before class (pre-foundation) and post-class, after I rinsed off.  My skin was hydrated but didn’t feel oily. It was also a particularly steamy day, and it didn’t feel like it was melting off my face in the sun after class. The foundation didn’t feel like I was clogging my pores, which was refreshing, but it didn’t stand the towel test. Soul is a sweaty workout, so I had to wipe down a few times and it definitely ended up on the towel."

Manasa after her SoulCycle class.

"That said, even though some of the foundation did transfer, I still had an amazing glow after class. And the blush held up! I really loved the pigment of it. The mascara didn't burn while I sweat through it—I actually barely noticed that I had it on. Was it 100-percent smudge-proof? Not quite. But honestly, that's probably way too much to ask out of 45 minutes with Akin. It's almost not fair. I'm pleased to report it looked incredible the other 23 hours I wore it, though. It's a new daily favorite for me, for sure."

The entire CliniqueFIT line is now available at ulta.com and in Ulta Beauty stores starting July 30.

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• Best Makeup for the Gym

The Best Gym Makeup for Your Workout

Going to the gym barefaced is a no-brainer, but sometimes a spot of concealer and layer of lip gloss can’t be helped - especially if you’re squeezing in a session after work.

The makeup vs. no makeup debate is one that the majority of gym goers have faced. And, whilst there’s no right or wrong answer, we all know that the experts wouldn’t be best pleased if they saw us rocking a full face of glam to our morning spin class.

That's because as you exercise your body temperature increases, meaning you sweat more and pores open up, experts explain. Wearing makeup to the gym therefore increases your chances of a breakout as particles can block pores and trap the bacteria you're trying to purge. Eek!

But with that being said, makeup has come a long way, as many brands now offer products that are totally workout-friendly – phew!

To point you in the right direction, we’ve compiled a list of the best gym makeup products that will help you look a little less sweaty, all while being kind to your skin.

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

A primer is the key to keeping your makeup in place, but in this case, you'll want one that enables your skin to breathe.

This water-based primer mist is the perfect addition to your gym bag as it instantly moisturizes and hydrates skin.

Benefit Hello Happy Soft Blur Foundation

Heavy foundation paired with an intense workout is nothing but a recipe for disaster. Keep your skin comfortable and zit-free with a lightweight, oil-free foundation .

This formula perfects and brightens your complexion with a light to medium coverage and ensures that moisture levels are maintained as you sweat it out in the gym.

Benefit Hello Happy Velvet Powder Foundation

If liquid foundation isn’t really your thing, then give this powder formula go. Lightweight and breathable, it keeps skin matte whilst you work up a sweat. Not to mention, the mirrored compact, brush and sponge make it ideal for post-gym touch-ups.

Rimmel Multi Tasker Concealer

Your workout is most certainly going to wake you up, but this concealer ensures that you look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed before, during and after. Boasting a sweat-proof, crease-proof and transfer-resistant formula, it stays put whilst you power through. Browse the shades and discover your true match.

Juice Beauty STEM CELLULAR CC Cream Glow

Your skin but better. This is a fab option for those that don't want to workout with a heavy layer of makeup but still want to conceal some blemishes and redness. Color-correcting, oil-free and anti-aging, this cc cream gives skin just the right amount of coverage. Your complexion is kept matte, not flat, throughout those treadmill sessions and beyond.

theBalm Mama Collection Hot Mama Shadow & Blush

Disguise a tomato-tinted face with a sweeping of this blusher. It'll take you from cheek to chic as it laces skin with a flush of subtle pink. As it reflects light for a natural glow, your complexion will never look more lit-from-within.

Maybelline Tattoo Brow Semi Permanent 36HR Eyebrow Pencil

Never worry about your brows going MIA as Maybelline provide the ultimate long-lasting brow pencil.

Simply brush this weightless formula through your arches to reveal a defined, natural-looking brow that's water-proof, smudge-proof and lasts for days.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara

This fan-favourite mascara belongs in the gym. Boasting a sweat-proof, smudge-proof and waterproof formula, you can plunge into the pool or go wild with the weights knowing that your eyelashes are intact.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Lip Balm

Kick dry lips to the curb with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Lip Balm – a super cool lip balm that’s ideal for the gym. Bursting with nourishing oils, this gloss keeps your pout plump and full of moisture, all whilst lacing it with a subtle color of your choice.

Huda Beauty Resting Boss Face Setting Spray

This setting spray locks down your gym look and minimizes shine all day long. Plus, it's packed with all the good skin stuff that your post-gym-complexion needs. Simply mist your face for an ultra-matte finish that lasts or give tired skin a little pick-me-up.

Now that you're kitted out with a beauty bag that's fit for the gym, you can hit your workout hard and rest assured that your makeup (and skin) will stay A-OK.

Written by Carly Cochrane

As the Senior Content Editor for Cosmetify, Carly is the go-to for all the latest (and greatest) beauty tips, tricks and trends. With over six years of experience in the industry, she knows all the ins-and-outs when it comes to health, beauty and wellbeing. 

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What Really Happens to Your Body When You Exercise With Makeup On

What Really Happens to Your Body When examines the head-to-toe effects of common behaviors, actions and habits in your everyday life.

Your skin is quite the undercover loan shark. Remember when you forgot to bring a makeup wipe to spin class last night? Or the time you were too lazy to wash off your foundation before the gym? Well, your skin sure didn't forget, which is why you may have found a brand new zit on your forehead.

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Despite your favorite concealer's acne-free promises, your skin probably won't respond well to a combo of sweat and makeup. Read on to learn what really happens to your body when you exercise with makeup.

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Your Pores Get Clogged

If you're going for an easy walk or stretch session , you may be able to get away with wearing makeup during your workout. But any sweat-inducing workout probably warrants a makeup wipe.

When you exercise, your internal temperature rises, which causes your body to sweat in an effort to stay cool, explains Lucy Chen, MD, FAAD , a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery. Heat opens up the tiny openings, aka your pores, all over your skin, which are responsible for releasing oil and sweat.

Once the pores are opened up, they can become clogged with bacteria or pollutants that may already be on your skin, according to Dr. Chen. Clogged pores can cause redness and irritation.

"Adding makeup to this equation heightens the odds of having those adverse effects because makeup can suffocate the skin and lock the sweat glands, trapping dirt and other irritants inside the pores," Dr. Chen says. But pores across your neck, arms, chest and upper back can become clogged and irritated, too, which is why some people may see acne on other parts of their body after working out.

Due to the nature of exercise, this isn't too shocking. After all, how often do you find yourself sitting on machines or lying on mats at the gym? Shared equipment can be full of acne-causing oils and bacteria, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA). It's crucial that you disinfect and wipe equipment before and after use.

Washing your face before your workout (if you're wearing makeup) as well as after your workout is the best way to cleanse the skin.

"Make sure to wash your face right after working out to minimize your chances of breaking out," says Joshua Zeichner, MD , director of cosmetic & clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. "A double cleanse is often useful here, too, starting with an oil-based cleanser to remove the makeup followed by a water-based cleanser to finish the job."

To prevent body acne, look for workout clothing that's lightweight and breathable, recommends the AADA . Other types of clothing that are not suited for working out can cause acne to thrive, as they tend to trap heat and sweat on your skin. So, look for lighter layers that can help wick sweat off the body.

Also, be sure to change out of wet or sweaty clothes ASAP after working out.

Your Skin Becomes More Acne-Prone

Unfortunately, makeup-clogged pores and acne tend to go hand-in-hand. When your pores are clogged with makeup, trapped bacteria grows pretty quickly in the glands, according to the Center for Young Women's Health .

Eventually, the trapped bacteria will cause the clogged pore to burst. The bacteria can spread to other areas of the face, potentially leading to different types of acne, such as whiteheads, blackheads and cyst-like pimples, per the Center for Young Women's Health.

Different parts of your face are also more and less prone to blemishes . "The forehead and cheeks may be more prone to acne as there is a greater density of oil glands here," Dr. Chen says. "So, acne and skin inflammations are the biggest worries here."

Generally, moisturizers and sunscreen won't cause you to break out if you're wearing the type that's best for your skin. For instance, if your skin is generally sensitive and prone to irritation or breakouts, make sure that your moisturizer is hypoallergenic or fragrance-free, the Mayo Clinic recommends.

If your skin is oily, the last thing you want is an oily or greasy moisturizer and sunscreen. Instead, look for a water-based option, as these are less likely to irritate acne-prone skin or breakouts. Keep an eye out for an oil-free sunscreen, too.

Always wear sunscreen , whether you're exercising outside or not. The AADA recommends you choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. But if you have generally oily skin, you can use an oil-free sunscreen solution, the Center for Young Women's Health recommends.

Your Eyes Will Get Irritated

Your eyes and eyelids are a pretty sensitive part of your face and can become easily red or irritated when you work out with makeup. Like the rest of your face, your eyelids have pores, which are responsible for releasing healthy lubricating oils, according to Harvard Health Publishing .

If you exercise with makeup on your eyelids, these glands can become clogged, causing your skin to become red and dry. This can also lead to blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelids. Without enough lubrication from natural oils, your tears can also evaporate too quickly, which leads to eye irritation, per Harvard Health Publishing.

Wearing eye makeup while working out may also make you prone to styes, which is an infection that develops in the eyelash follicle or tear gland, according to the Cleveland Clinic . Styes can form on the eyelid or under the eyelid by the lash line.

If makeup or bacteria blocks a follicle or gland in the eye area, it can turn into a stye. While it might be tempting to pop a stye like a pimple, you should avoid touching it at all costs and allow it heal on its own.

That said, Dr. Chen recommends you refrain from wearing eye makeup, including eyeliner, mascara and eye shadows, during exercise completely, and make sure to thoroughly remove eye makeup with a cleansing wipe before your workout.

"Sweat and heat can cause eyeliner and mascaras to filter into the eye, causing a great deal of irritation," Dr. Chen says. "Acne can also occur. The eyelids are thin but sensitive, and any irritation in the area can be unnecessarily uncomfortable."

The Verdict on Makeup and Exercise

To keep your skin looking and feeling its best, you'll want to wash your face before and after you exercise , Dr. Chen recommends. Even just wiping your face with an oil-free makeup wipe will do the trick — you don't need to launch into your 10-step skincare routine in the locker room, per the Center for Young Women's Health.

If you prefer wearing a little something to cover up a scar or blemish, choose your products wisely. Dr. Chen suggests you stick to lightweight, mineral-based foundations, concealers or tinted moisturizers. Look for makeup that's non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn't clog the pores, and try to limit it to small areas.

It's best not to cover an active acne spot with makeup. Instead, you can try a pimple patch and even apply makeup over that if you like, but the makeup might not stay stuck when you're sweating.

Set on using a liquid foundation? Consider one that contains a low level of salicylic acid, Dr. Zeichner recommends. Salicylic acid can help remove dead cells and excess oil from the surface of the skin, helping keep the pores clear.

For your eyes, Dr. Chen suggests you stick to water-proof formulas. Although these products are a little pricier and harder to remove, a water-proof mascara or eyeliner will minimize sweat-induced irritation. When removing the mascara, use a cleanser made with oil or micellar water to make sure it is removed effectively.

You also want to avoid touching your face as much as possible while working out. Wash your hands as soon as you're done with your workout and wash your face once you get home with a cleanser that matches your skin type (oily, dry or combination).

If you're breaking out, avoid using cleansers that are too harsh or acidic because they can irritate the skin even more, per the Center for Young Women's Health. Keeping your hair clean and out of your face may also help reduce the likelihood of clogged pores.

• American Academy of Dermatology Association: "Is Your Workout Causing Your Acne?"
• Center for Young Women's Health: "Acne"
• Harvard Health Publishing: "On Call: Eyelid Inflammation"
• Mayo Clinic: "Moisturizers: Options for Softer Skin"
• American Academy of Dermatology Association: "Is Sports Equipment Causing Your Acne?"
• Cleveland Clinic: "Styes: How You Can Avoid Them and Best Treatment Options"

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Empowerment. Beauty. Wellness. Fitness.

Made for active lifestyles, Fitcover specialises in high-quality, sweat-free beauty products for women that fuel their beauty in and out of the gym without compromise. Discover the first makeup, skincare and Australian beauty products range that is sweat-proof and water-resistant so you can fully embrace an active lifestyle.

Active makeup: Spot the best look at the gym

Have you always wanted to look your best while getting fit? Has your makeup been letting you down when it comes to your fitness routine? Fitcover has the solution. Our unique formula and carefully selected ingredients mean that our makeup and Australian skincare products are powerful enough to withstand the toughest workouts and athletic routines. Lightweight, sweat-proof and nourishing, Fitcover makeup and skincare products are designed for training and sweating. For the first time, you can find makeup and skincare products that work with your fitness routine — not against it. And that’s all without blocking pores, causing dryness or aggravating skin issues such as dermatitis or acne. What are you waiting for? Smash those excuses, and embrace an active, healthier lifestyle with Fitcover! Our mission is to provide quality products that empower you to lead a healthy lifestyle and transform your gym and fitness routines into the best possible experience. Specially formulated to give you effortless, lightweight wear, our foundations and bases will be a constant feature in your gym bag. Does it all sound too good to be true? You can order samples of our innovative beauty products online to put our Active Mineral Powder Foundation and Liquid Foundation range to the test. You won’t be disappointed — that’s a promise.

Get naturally flawless skin

We have combined the best natural ingredients with botanical extracts and minerals to give your skin a luxuriously soft finish. Through careful selection of ingredients and our unique formula, we have created makeup that is not only sweat-resistant but beneficial to your skin. Plus, our products are easy to apply — so you won’t have to shave off time in the gym or stand in front of the mirror for an hour every morning. Made from naturally derived minerals, our Active Mineral Powder Foundation helps enhance your skin’s radiance with a natural glow, providing a shimmery air-brushed lustre. The slight tint and mattifying finish will brighten your skin to make you look your most radiant. It also absorbs sweat and water fast to reduce unwanted shine and provides a strong seal to help your skin retain its hydration. Unlike most other women’s beauty products, it won’t clog pores or leave an oily residue during your workout. Looking for a Liquid Foundation? Our long-lasting mineral formula is designed to soothe skin with a protective barrier and preserve a natural look throughout the day. You are unique, your cosmetics should be too. That’s why we provide a matchmaker service to help you find the perfect shade of foundation to suit your skin for a flawless finish. Did you know that our products are vegan-friendly, cruelty-free and suitable for sensitive eyes and skin? Boost your confidence with makeup that is not only sweat-proof and free from harmful ingredients but natural and good for the planet. Experience the world of Fitcover and live a radiant life.

The best of all worlds

Our high-quality sweat-free beauty products are designed to last to the end of a tough day and help you look your best whilst embracing your fitness and lifestyle goals. Bridging the gap between beauty and wellness, Fitcover products are specifically made to help you look fabulous all day, every day. Say goodbye to the burden of removing your makeup before workouts or sporting events and then reapplying it afterwards! Fitcover is designed to take you straight from the gym to the office with effortless wear and a strong confidence boost. Whatever you want to achieve, Fitcover will help you live your best life. Try one of our best-selling sweat-free beauty products today, and join the Fitcover movement.

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We have the best active fitness skincare and makeup products that go beyond sweat-free foundation. All our cosmetics result from years of research and analysis by our founder, Nova Jane, to combine her two passions: beauty and fitness. Now, our team is on a mission to provide a full selection of women’s beauty products to help you achieve your goals and embrace a happy, healthy lifestyle.

Have you tried our popular Superfood HIIT Serum ? Nourishing, lightweight and quickly absorbed, the serum can be used day or night as a makeup primer and a nourishing nightly treatment for a hydration boost. It’s packed with essential oils, including avocado, chia seed and jojoba oil, to help enhance your skin’s natural radiance and protect it from the harsh side effects of our fast-paced, modern lives. Refreshing and easy to apply, it’s suitable for even the most sensitive eyes and skin.

We even have a range of accessories , from specially designed ergonomic makeup brushes for flawless foundation application to super soft reusable makeup remover sponges that leave you fresh-faced whilst protecting the environment from the waste created by single-use cotton pads.

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Reach for These No-Rinse Face Cleansers to Refresh Your Skin After a Sweaty Morning Workout

H ave you ever wanted to  wash  your face after a sweaty morning workout but didn’t want to fuss with water and suds? Then, try a no-rinse face cleanser. “A no-rinse cleanser, also known as micellar water, is a skincare product that removes dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin without rinsing,” board-certified dermatologist  Anna Chacon  told 21Ninety. Nako Cosmetics founder  Sophia Tang  told 21Ninety that “the secret lies in the micelles’ ability to trap and lift impurities while leaving a thin hydrating layer on the skin.” 

So, refresh your skin after a workout by swiping a no-rinse cleanser onto your skin with a cotton pad – or cotton ball – before reapplying your makeup for the day. Your skin won’t feel tight or dry underneath your  foundation . Why? These cleansers are made to stay on your  skin  — and several are packed with additional hydrating ingredients.

Avène Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion

Avène’s Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion doesn’t include several common irritants. It’s even safe to use around the eyes. That way, you can gently clean your skin after a sweat session in the gym. One of the all-star ingredients is D-Sensinose postbiotic. It’s the brand’s secret to ensuring your skin stays comfortable post-cleanse.

Vichy Pureté Thermale Mineral Micellar Water

Vichy’s Pureté Thermale Mineral Micellar Water cleanses and balances the skin in one step. It’s designed with oily and combination skin in mind. The micellar water helps to remove excess oil to leave your skin comfortably matte. So, once you’re done cleansing, you won’t feel a sticky residue. And you won’t feel tight or dry after using it. More importantly, you don’t just need to use it on bare skin. This no-rinse cleanser removes makeup, too – including your stubborn eye makeup.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O Micellar Water is one of the most recognizable no-rinse cleansers. The signature bottle contains a sensitive skin-loving solution that removes makeup, dirt, and debris. Plus, it’s fragrance-, paraben-, alcohol-, and oil-free. You can safely use it for eye makeup removal, too. So, if you went from the club to the gym, you can take  all  that makeup and grime off before heading out for the rest of the day – or hit the hay.

Garnier SkinActive Replumping Hyaluronic Acid Micellar Water

Garnier’s SkinActive Replumping Hyaluronic Acid Micellar Water is a cleanser and treatment in one. It’s even made with sensitive skin in mind. As a cruelty-free cleanser, it removes makeup, dirt, and debris. Then, this no-rinse face cleanser uses a blend of hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to soothe and visually plump your skin. Like the other micellar waters on this list, you just swipe it all over and let the product do the work. Once you’re done, it dries down to your natural skin texture with no residue.

Fresh Kombucha 2-in-1 No-Rinse Cleanser

If you have skin that’s on the dryer side, you’ll want to check out Fresh’s Kombucha 2-in-1 No-Rinse Cleanser. As the name states, this is an authentic two-in-one product. In one sweeping motion, you can remove makeup and impurities while refining the look of your pores.

Some powerhouse ingredients in the mix are prebiotic inulin, kombucha, and soapberry peel extract. The prebiotic inulin helps your skin stay protected against outside stressors that can deprive your skin of its natural moisture. The kombucha is not for drinking. Instead, it helps increase the radiance of your skin while protecting it from pollution. Then, soapberry peel extract serves as a natural cleansing element that gently removes dirt. Together, these ingredients prep your skin for the rest of your day.

Clarins Cleansing Micellar Water

The Cleansing Micellar Water by Clarins can dissolve light makeup. But its specialty is removing the pollutants from your skin. Made with sensitive skin in mind, it’s made without colorants, silicones, or mineral oils. The formula uses a brand-exclusive microbiota complex to balance your skin. The microbiota replenishes your skin’s microbiota levels to help your skin stay resilient in the face of drastic temperature shifts, humidity, and UV rays. But remember to still apply sunscreen after you cleanse.

Our editors love finding you the best products and offers! If you purchase something by clicking on one of the affiliate links on our website, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. 

The post Reach for These No-Rinse Face Cleansers to Refresh Your Skin After a Sweaty Morning Workout appeared first on 21Ninety .

9 Best Primers for Mature Skin, Tested By Dermatologists And Makeup Artists

It's arguably the most important step in your routine.

As we age, our skin undergoes many changes, including a decrease in collagen and elasticity, which can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Hyperpigmentation , like sun spots, is another common complaint in those with more mature skin. The good news? The right primer can help to create a more youthful and radiant complexion—if that’s the look you’re going for.

Best Primers For Mature Skin

Best Overall

Milk makeup hydro grip hydrating makeup primer.

Best Budget-Friendly Primer

L’oréal paris age perfect face blurring primer.

Best For Dry Skin

Hourglass n° 28 primer serum.

Best Color-Correcting Primer

Stila one step correct.

Best Clean Beauty

Ilia true skin radiant priming serum.

Most Versatile

Innbeauty project slushy serum moisturizer crush.

Best For A Dewy Finish

Smashbox mini photo finish primerizer+ hydrating face primer.

Best For Long-Wear

Giorgio armani luminous silk hydrating primer.

Best Oil-Free Primer

Catrice the hydrator plump & fresh primer, what to look for, key ingredients.

No matter what your age is, the ingredient list should be top of mind, says Aimee Carr, a professional makeup artist and founder of Voodoo Makeup . "Mature skin usually needs more hydration, so looking for a primer that has hydration properties is important." Some superstars include hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and squalane. Niacinamide and witch hazel are also great ingredients to look for in a primer for mature skin, since they work to even skin tone and shrink pores, says Jenepher Reynolds, a professional makeup artist and founder of Jenn of Arch .

Mature skin tends to be dry and can be duller in appearance, so many makeup artists recommend a hydrating or illuminating primer as opposed to something with more of a matte finish. "An illuminating primer is excellent for you if you have dull skin or simply prefer a dewy look because it will make your skin look vibrant," says Carr. In turn, your skin will look plumper and more radiant—both hallmarks of more youthful skin.

How we selected

Women’s Health editors and contributors are constantly testing the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated cosmetics and skincare products, including primers for mature skin. During our latest round of evaluations, our team consulted six experts—a dermatologist and five makeup artists—plus tapped our team of anonymous testers and in-house editors for feedback to narrow down the best primers for mature skin. This final list includes products we can confidently say effectively prep skin, blurring pores, evening out redness, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. So, what are you waiting for?

Shop the nine best primers for mature skin to create the perfect blank canvas for your favorite makeup products.

More than half of the pros we spoke to recommended this primer as the best for mature skin, proving it's a worthy option to consider. Why? "It's great for hydration and days when you need your makeup to last all day and all night long," says Reynolds, noting it's made from mostly all-natural ingredients. It's also oil and fragrance-free, making it a suitable pick for all skin types, including the acne-prone and more sensitive. Importantly, it has the glowy finish makeup artists recommend for those with more mature skin.

Lifestyle and commerce editor Jasmine Gomez says she's obsessed with this primer because it gives her a perfectly smooth palette for her makeup application. "It's on the thicker side, but somehow still lightweight. The primer feels like it plugs up my pores (in a good way) so that my makeup looks silky smooth instead of cakey. Plus, I love that it gives the skin a dewy, hydrated glow."

You don't need to splurge on primer to get something really good, and this drugstore pick is proof. Makeup artists recommend L’Oréal Paris's Age Perfect line (they have a great complementary foundation!) because it has a rosy color that helps neutralize any discoloration, providing a more even canvas for makeup. You can even wear it alone for a blurred bare-faced look. The soft-focus effect expertly blurs both pores, fine lines, wrinkles, and other imperfections.

Does it seem like your skin is constantly parched, no matter what you do? "This primer is good for the driest of skin," makeup artist Lucas Bowman tells WH . That's because it counts a number of plant-based oils, as well as vitamins A, B5, C, and E as ingredients. Hannah Biddle , a Los Angeles-based makeup artist, echoes this sentiment, specifically calling attention to the serum-like texture, telling our editors it "hydrates and leaves the skin feeling cushiony."

Celebrity makeup artist Nydia Figueroa says Stila's primer creates a radiant complexion and helps target discoloration on the skin. See all of those colors in the tube? The peach works to target any blue undertones, like bags under the eyes, while the green works to diffuse any redness, and the lavender counteracts sallow undertones for an overall brightening effect—all in a single pump. Not to mention, this primer is "jam-packed with antioxidants," says Figueroa.

Carr says the best primers for mature skin are the ones that have clean ingredient lists. Our editors love this green beauty pick from Ilia, raving about how well the lightweight serum applies. It absorbs almost instantly—no waiting around to apply your makeup—and is super breathable but offers both moisture and radiance, one tester told us. It's also fragrance-free and oil-free, so it's ideal for those with more sensitive skin.

"This product is a cross between a hydrating primer and a serum that delivers hyaluronic acid to plump the skin," says Joshua Zeichner , MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "It also contains bakuchiol, a botanical extract that helps strengthen the skin's foundation." Think of it as a gentler retinol—and we all know how much mature skin needs retinol. Testers say the hydrating serum feels "so good" on parched skin, but "not at all tacky or oily."

Reynolds calls Smashbox "the OG" when it comes to primers. But don't write it off as the formula of yesterday. Smashbox primers have only gotten better over the years, she says. "I love this one because of its hydrating ingredients," says Reynolds. "It instantly adds moisture, creating a plumper, smoother finish to the skin"—ideal for what she calls more experienced skin. The key ingredients? Triple hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for both hydration and improved tone and texture.

As the name might suggest, this product "feels like silk when applied to the skin," says Reynolds. And, although it's more expensive than most other primers we recommend, there's good reason to make the splurge. "It combines skincare and makeup properties, creating a hydrated radiance—a perfect base to apply foundation to," Reynolds explains. Here's how: shea butter moisturizers, rice bran conditions and softens, and glycerin lends additional smoothing properties.

Catrice The Hydrator Plump & Fresh Primer

Figueroa says that this is her top pick for a hydrating primer. "It's literally a drink of water for your skin." That's because aloe vera is the star of the show here, she says, noting it's one of her favorite ingredients to soothe and hydrate the skin. "It plumps the skin and helps the makeup last all day." We love that this formula is also oil-free, as well as vegan and cruelty-free, so it's suitable for most skin types.

Meet the Experts

• Aimee Carr is a professional makeup artist and founder of Voodoo Makeup .
• Jenepher Reynolds is a professional makeup artist and founder of Jenn of Arch .
• Lucas Bowman is a professional makeup artist in New York.
• Hannah Biddle is a professional makeup artist in Los Angeles.
• Nydia Figueroa is a celebrity makeup artist in New York.
• Joshua Zeichner , MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

What's the best primer to wear alone?

If you want to wear a primer alone, Carr says you should select one that will give you the finish you want for the day: matte or dewy. But remember—primers are generally used to smooth and prep the skin before you apply foundation, she says, noting it's not a necessary step if you're using high-quality skincare products like moisturizer. If you want to go bare-faced, Reynolds recommends a tinted primer or moisturizer. "It's less product on the face and has a slight tint to even out the complexion, but with all the properties of a primer."

What is the best primer to minimize pores and wrinkles?

"While all primers contribute to the creation of a smooth base, silicone-based primers excel at smoothing out the texture of the skin, because the silicone element also helps to minimize pores and fine lines," says Carr. If you have mature skin, she recommends using a blurring, hydrating, and illuminating primer to help with dryness and the overall finished look.

Shop more of our favorite products for mature skin

Best Moisturizers for Mature Skin | Foundations for Mature Skin | Concealers for Mature Skin | Drugstore Foundations for Mature Skin

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

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5 Effective Cable Exercises For Bigger Triceps

If you’re looking for new exercises to take your tricep training to the next level, you’re in the right place!

Your triceps make up two thirds of each arm. Your biceps make up the other third for the most part.

If you want bigger arms, don’t just focus on doing curls every time you’re in the gym. I'm not saying you shouldn't train your biceps, but your triceps are actually the bigger muscle group.

There are a lot of different ways to train your triceps too ... and you can train them with virtually any type of equipment. While it’s good to use free weights, it's always a good idea to diversify too.

For triceps, I personally love using cable machines!

They’re smooth, versatile, and offer benefits that free weights can't. Why do I choose cable machines for triceps though?

If you don’t know what sets cables apart from other types of equipment, you’re about to learn. After that, I’ll cover my top 5 favorite cable exercises for training your triceps.

Let’s get into it!

Benefits of Training With Cables

I have been, and always will be, a big supporter of changing up the type of training you do over time. That includes using different types of equipment over time.

Cables can give you some benefits that you just don’t get with free weights and other machines. If you want to know what those benefits are, keep reading!

Cables Provide Constant Tension

When you lift free weights, the resistance is always against gravity. Gravity never changes direction, so the weight is always being pulled downward.

The problem? Not every exercise moves along a perfect vertical path.

Take a bicep curl for instance. When you first start the exercise, the dumbbell moves up and away from your body. Then after the midway point it moves up and toward you.

When the dumbbell moves away from you, or toward you, the weight is also moving horizontally. There is no resistance in that direction. That's also why bicep curls are the most difficult at the midpoint of your body. That's when you're lifting the weight directly against gravity!

So, for many exercises, the level of resistance changes throughout the range of motion. With cables, that isn’t really the case though.

On a cable machine, the resistance only moves vertically. The resistance you feel when you use it, however, goes in any direction.

You see, the handle you’re pulling on is attached at one end of the cable. This end can be pulled or pushed in any direction you choose.

Through a series of pulleys, the other end of the cable is attached to the weight. When you pull the handle, the pulleys are designed so the weight only moves vertically.

This allows the resistance to stay constant no matter which direction you pull the cable.

So, if you’re doing curls on the cable machine, your muscles will have a constant level of tension. That's something you don’t get with free weights!

Cables Are Versatile

This is a huge benefit! What other type of equipment allows you to adjust the height and angle of pull by such a wide range?

Let’s take a tricep press down exercise for example.

Most people will set the height of the cable to the top position for this one. Then, they grab the rope or handle and pull it down toward the floor with their triceps.

You can also set the cable low to do tricep extensions behind your back, pressing toward the ceiling. This actually trains your triceps differently too!

When your elbows are down at your sides, your triceps are not being stretched. When your elbows are overhead, they are being stretched.

Don’t believe me? Bend one elbow and pull it up by your ear. With your other hand, push that elbow lightly behind your head until you feel the stretch I’m talking about.

Putting your triceps in a stretched position actually makes the exercise more difficult.

You can do this with many other exercises too.

This is a big part of what makes cables such an amazing piece of equipment!

Cables Are Very Functional

I’m not saying free weights aren’t functional and cables are. Cables do allow you to train functionally in many ways you can't with free weights though.

Let’s say you want to train to be able to punch harder.

If you do this with cables, you can stand in the actual stance you punch with. This punching motion will also have direct resistance, so you can get stronger and more powerful.

If you did this same thing with a dumbbell, it wouldn’t work as well. Remember when I talked about gravity only working in the vertical direction? Well, punching is a horizontal motion.

So, if you grab a dumbbell and go through the same punching motion ... you’ll be training the muscles holding up the weight instead of the muscles used to punch.

In order to train the muscles used in a punch, you’d have to lay on your back. While you can do this on a bench ... When will you ever be punching someone while you’re laying on your back?

Likely not very often, and that's what I'm getting at. There’s a benefit to doing both of course, but the level of functionality differs between the two.

Alright, that's enough talk about the benefits of cables. Let’s get into these tricep exercises!

Top 5 Cable Exercise For Triceps

If you're looking for some cable tricep exercises for bigger triceps ... these are my favorites.

I'll give you a detailed approach on how to do each one so you can add them to your next workout!

1. Overhead Tricep Extensions

This was the example I used earlier, and it’s awesome! Proper form is important, so pay close attention to my directions.

Start by using a rope attachment, and set the height of the cable around the height of your waist. Grab the rope with both hands and spin to face away from the cable machine.

Your hands should be behind your head with your elbows close to your ears. Be sure to keep your core tight so that the cable doesn’t pull your back into an arch. This is the starting position.

Engage your triceps and pull the rope upward until your elbows are straight. Squeeze your triceps for a second at the top, then slowly lower the rope back to the starting position.

Repeat this for reps.

2. Cable Skull Crushers

This is a great cable exercise for the triceps, but you will need a bench.

Start by setting the cable height to the lowest setting with an EZ bar attachment hooked up. Next, place the head of the bench near the cable attachment.

Lie back on the bench with your head close to the cable, and grab the EZ bar attachment behind your head. Keep your elbows close to your head with your upper arms fixed in the same spot throughout the movement.

This is the starting position.

Engage your triceps to press the bar overhead until your elbows are completely straight. Squeeze your triceps for a second at the top, then slowly return the bar to the starting position.

3. Cross-Cable Tricep Extensions

This one will require 2 cables, but it’s a great isolation exercise. If you want to feel a good mind-to-muscle connection, try these!

Stand between two cables with one on each side of you. Set the height to around eye level. Grab the left cable attachment with your right hand, and the right attachment with your left hand.

Begin with your elbows bent at your sides and your hands next to each other in front of you. The cables should cross over one another so they form a big “X”. This is the starting position.

Engage your triceps to pull each cable out to your sides. When your elbows are fully straight, squeeze your triceps for a second.

Then, slowly return back to the starting position, and repeat for reps.

4. Bent-Over Single Arm Tricep Kickbacks

This is another exercise that you can feel a strong mind-to-muscle connection with.

The best attachment for this exercise, in my opinion, is the single-sided rope. It allows your wrist to stay in a more comfortable position, and feels more natural.

Start with the cable set to the lowest height. Grab the rope with one hand, and take a small step to lift the weight off the rack.

Bend at your hips to get your torso parallel with the ground, or as close as you can. Pinch your elbow to your side so your upper arm is in line with your torso as well. This is the starting position.

From here, engage your tricep and pull the rope until your arm is fully extended behind you. Squeeze your tricep for a second, then slowly return back to the starting position.

Repeat this for reps, and do the same number of reps with your opposite arm.

5. Reverse-Grip Tricep Pressdown

The overhand grip tricep pressdown is a great exercise, but I’ve always been a fan of the reverse grip. It’s a variation many people forget about, but should still do.

The best attachment for this exercise is the EZ bar due to the angle on the handle. It puts your wrist in a more natural position.

Attach the EZ bar to the cable and set it to the highest setting. Grab the bar with an underhand grip and take a small step back to lift the weight from the rack.

Pull your elbows down to your sides and keep them there. This is the starting position.

From here, engage your triceps and pull the bar down until your elbows are fully straight. Squeeze your triceps for a second, then slowly return back to the starting position.

Getting Results From Your Training

Using a cable machine is a great way to switch up your training.

Our bodies adapt to everything we do, and you must give your body something new to adapt to over time. If you only train with free weights, using cables can be a perfect way to do this.

Coming up with new training programs can be difficult for many people though. Also, when it comes to building muscle, your diet matters a ton. That's not to mention other factors like proper recovery, sleep, and much more.

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Other Popular Articles

8 Best Rowing Machines of 2024, Tested by Fitness Experts

These top-tested machines provide the ultimate low-impact, full-body, best rowing workout.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Rowing Machine

Concept2 rowerg.

Best Budget Rowing Machine

Merach q1s rowing machine.

Best Magnetic Rowing Machine

Hydrow rower.

Best Rowing Machine For Small Spaces

Hydrow wave rower.

Best Smart Rowing Machine

Peloton row.

Best Water Rowing Machine

Waterrower ash rowing.

Best Hybrid Rowing Machine

Lit method lit pro pack.

Best Home Gym Rowing Machine

Speediance home gym.

"Using a rowing machine offers multiple benefits, such as engaging 86% of the muscles in your body and providing a cardiovascular workout comparable to running without the impact on your joints," says New York City-based fitness instructor and Certified Rowing Coach Alex Prostano , who is also a head coach at Orangetheory Fitness . Rowing works multiple muscle groups, including the arms, shoulders, core, back, glutes and legs. What's more, rowing machines are typically quieter than treadmills and even more effective than other types of cardio equipment since they provide a full-body workout.

But the amount of rowers on the market has skyrocketed, and it can be difficult to determine which type and model is best suited for your workout needs. In our most recent test, we researched over 60 different types of rowers and tested out over 20 different models with our in-house fitness and exercise experts. We looked at everything from portability and durability to programming and tech features. We even sent the rowers out to testers across the nation of all fitness levels for real-life feedback on functionality and performance.

You can learn more about how we test rowing machines — including information on the different types of rowers — at the end of this guide. Looking for more equipment picks to outfit your home gym? Check out our top-tested workout mirrors and the best exercise bikes and under-desk treadmills .

Built by rowers for rowers, the RowErg by Concept2 is a popular rowing machine that you'll find in many CrossFit boxes and fitness centers across America. But it's not just for elite athletes — the model is beginner-friendly as well and since it is an air rower, the harder you row the more significant the resistance so you can control the intensity of your workout.

Made to last and moderately priced, you get the best of both worlds with this effective rowing machine. When testing this rower, our experts found it incredibly durable and well-made. As a general rule of thumb, rowers with a higher weight capacity like this one tend to feel more sturdy. The handle has a nice grip but is still comfortable during longer sessions, and the footrest is adjustable.

This model has a small LCD screen that allows you to simply "Just Row" or set up a variety of workouts. The monitor then shares data including pace, watts, stroke rate and calories. You can purchase a device holder that attaches to the model and can hold a smartphone or tablet, and the machine connects via Bluetooth to over 30 different apps.

A tester we spoke with has been using their Concept2 rower for over three years. "It's just built to last. I go hard on this machine and it can keep up with my intense workouts. And it doesn't take much upkeep either." Another tester we spoke with said that they love that the Concept2 is "no nonsense, just get on and row." We had both beginners and seasoned rowers give their feedback on this model, and all levels said that it provided a great workout.

One thing to note is that air rowers like this do produce a decent amount of noise as you pull, and the faster and harder you row the louder it gets. That being said, you'll be able to generate a lot of power on this machine and it actually separates into two pieces for easy storage when not in use. Given its quality build, versatility and moderate pricepoint, it earned top scores in our tests.

Most quality rowers can cost upwards of $1,000, but this model from Merach pairs premium features with affordability. This rower features a magnetic system, which is one of the quieter types of rowing machines available so if you need to be mindful of other family members or roommates this type of rower is ideal. "My favorite thing about this rower is that it's quiet! I have downstairs neighbors in my apartment, and I have zero worries about doing my rowing workouts at 6:00 a.m.," a tester said.

We were impressed that the rower comes mostly pre-installed and took us about 30 minutes to fully assemble. Although this rower is not foldable, it can be stored upright when not in use. Plus, this model has a sleek and high-end design at a great price. You'll also get some impressive features like Bluetooth functionality with this model. Although the LCD screen is relatively basic, there is a spot to place your tablet or smartphone so you can follow along on your favorite virtual rowing classes.

This model offers a smooth stroke and has 16 levels of resistance that you adjust manually, so beginners and intermediate rowers can get an efficient workout but it may not be best suited for serious and competitive athletes. "I like that you can adjust the resistance easily with a turn of the single dial. The low end was very low, but I've been enjoying the upper levels," a tester commented.

Designed to provide a connected and immersive rowing experience, Hydrow is a smart rowing machine that features all of the bells and whistles. With its integrated 22-inch touchscreen, this GH Fitness Award winner allows you to view live or on-demand exercise classes led by some of the best athletes in the world.

Although this rower comes at a high price point and requires a monthly subscription ($44/month), it has a library of over 5,000 workouts that are filmed in some of the most stunning destinations from Miami to London to Scotland. "The workouts are fantastic. The diversity in class type is impressive, and I love that I can do a HIIT class in 10 minutes for a great workout and sweat, but I can also do a longer, more methodical distance row if I have the time for that too," a tester told us. The machine is large and durable, with special features including full HD resolution for sharp and clear picture quality, both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports and built-in speakers.

Hydrow uses electromagnetic resistance, which makes it impressively quiet and great for all different types of home gyms (just check the dimensions to ensure it fits in your space since the machine is quite large). But most importantly, the world-class instructors are really what makes Hydrow worth the price point — you'll get expert guidance for an effective workout, all while having fun and staying motivated during the process. And if you prefer more music or want to tune into the instructor's cues more intently, you can adjust the balance of sound between the two.

"In general, I leaned into master trainer Nick Karwoski's classes . An affable storyteller, his rapport would often pleasantly distract me from the rigors of his workouts. For me, he offered an ideal level of positive reinforcement without being overly bubbly or excessively tough," says Rachel Rothman , who thoroughly tested the Hydrow for Good Housekeeping. If you're looking for a full-body workout in the comfort of your home and are able to accommodate a higher price tag, our experts and testers say that the Hydrow is worth it.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: I Tried The Hydrow Rower For A Year

If you want all of the benefits of having a Hydrow rower without the high price point and large build, the Hydrow Wave offers the best of both worlds. Made for apartments and compact home gyms, the Hydrow Wave is 30% smaller and lighter than its predecessor and stores upright in seconds. We found setup to be very straightforward and the instructions clear to follow. "It was a great process overall, and quite painless," one tester said of the assembly process. Another fun feature is that this rower is available in a variety of vibrant colors.

You'll still get access to Hydrow's 5,000+ workouts with world-class instructors including champion athletes and Olympians with this model since a Hydrow membership is required. But we love just how seasoned and motivating the instructors are, and the display is still a substantial 16 inches to provide an immersive experience . "I love that there is an attached touch screen that displays the class videos. This really elevates the Hydrow Wave to the next level and makes the whole workout experience feel very interactive. I love the journey sessions because I get to explore riverlands and bodies of water around the world," one tester said. This rower also offers both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options, as well as a smooth and quiet experience.

One GH+ tester had a very transformative experience with the Hydrow Wave. "I am a runner but having to do so takes a pounding on my knees. I was also wounded in combat. My vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device or IED while serving in one of the toughest and most dangerous parts of Afghanistan. Due to this explosion, I almost lost my right leg and had multiple surgeries. I was told by the doctor that I would never be able to run again. It didn’t stop me; it did take me a while to run again and work out, but I never gave up. Now that the Hydrow Wave rower is a part of the family, I can take less time running and more time on the rower and still have the same results as if I was running and now saving my knees."

The latest product offering in Peloton's lineup, the Peloton Row is designed to offer advanced features and metrics to help rowers improve their form. If you can splurge on this type of equipment (keep in mind that it also requires a monthly membership), you'll be able to take advantage of skilled and motivating instructors, important form assist technology, and real time readouts of stroke rate, pace, output, distance and more.

White glove delivery and setup is included and was clean, fast and efficient. The machine is large, well-made and offers a very sleek design that is a true statement piece in any home gym. The 24-inch HD touchscreen rotates as well, so you can take advantage of row to floor-based content like Peloton's row bootcamp and strength classes. We also noted that the seat and handles are much more comfortable and ergonomic than other rowers we tested. "Regarding the seat, it glides effortlessly across the beam. The handle is comfortable to hold because it is not too bulky, it is smooth, and possesses a slight curvature and downward angle," a tester said.

The experience is quiet as well and the rower can be stored vertically when not in use. "I really like how the machine is practically silent except for the sound of the seat moving back and forth. I have roommates so the silent machine is perfect if I want to get a late-night workout in or if I do not want to disturb others," one tester noted. Most importantly, our fitness pros appreciate that rowers receive a personalized breakdown of their form after every class so they can continually improve. Ultimately, the Peloton Row offers a premium experience with connected features and effective class content, making it a standout in our tests.

If you're looking for a truly authentic experience, a water rower like this one simulates rowing on a boat with a tank filled with water near the footrest . You'll feel the most similar resistance to being out on open water with this type of rowing machine. Plus, you control the intensity — similar to an air rower, t he harder you row the more significant the resistance. Water rowers are generally pretty quiet, and the light sloshing of the water can actually make for a very therapeutic experience.

This machine is made in the USA and felt solid, which is evidenced by its 700 pounds weight capacity — higher than any other rower we tested. You'll find a relatively smooth stroke too. While we didn't assemble our model, most reviewers say that assembly is fairly straightforward. The wood finish is also a beautiful addition to any home gym.

Prostano is a fan of the WaterRower and says that it is one of the best options on the market. You'll get a realistic feel of being out on open water but in the comfort of your own home. The monitor also measures the speed of the paddle and provides other metrics, but is basic and doesn't include a built-in sound system or any other special features. But you can set up workouts and intervals on the device. This rower can even stand upright for storage when not in use. You'll notice that this rower is low to the ground, but WaterRower also makes a hi-rise model.

This water rower is durable and even doubles as a Pilates reformer and strength trainer with its different attachments , so you can keep your workouts varied and interesting. LIT stands for Low Impact Training and allows you to perform 500+ exercises on the device. Plus, it pairs with an app for over 3,000 guided classes in rowing and more for a $24.99/month fee. But if you'd rather exercise without a guided class, you can take a scenic row or go freestyle on the model too.

You'll get the benefits of feeling like you're on the water in the comfort of your own home with this unique design. A GH Fitness Award winner, testers and experts alike loved the versatility and multi-functionality of the machine. One certified rowing instructor raved "It's durable, efficient and effective, and it feels and looks great!"

Even though the machine weighs only 75 pounds without water, it has a maximum user weight of 450 pounds which is higher than most rowers on the market. Plus, it can accommodate users up to 6'9". For the price, you're essentially getting three pieces of equipment in one that a variety of members in your household can utilize, which can greatly justify the cost. Keep in mind that while there is no touchscreen, there is a tablet attachment for you to put a smart device to access the app. Plus, it can store vertically when not in use. Maintenance is simple — just drop one treatment tablet (provided with your machine) in the water every 12 months.

Large exercise equipment can be a major investment, but complete home gyms like this one from Speediance provide ultimate versatility for a variety of full-body workouts. This all-in-one smart home gym combines strength training and cardio workouts into a single, highly versatile piece of equipment.

You'll first notice the pulley system, which includes multiple connection points and enables a full range of strength training by functioning as a bench press, cable station, barbell, dumbbells and more. Then, the Family model of the machine can transform into two popular and effective pieces of cardio equipment (a rower or ski erg) with the provided accessories. Compared to other home gyms, few offer a cardio option like this one and Speediance also can stand on its own and doesn't need to be mounted to a wall. The device has a large HD touchscreen and currently includes a free lifetime membership, but in the future the brand plans to charge a $29.90/month membership fee.

Testers were impressed that the machine provides up to 220 pounds of resistance and also converts into a rower for a full strength and cardio workout. "The Speediance Home Gym is a top-notch piece of exercise equipment with great quality that takes up only a little bit of space in any room. Incredible workout classes. Great for beginners or experts," one tester said.

How we test the best rowing machines

The fitness and tech experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test sports equipment ranging from e-bikes to exercise bikes and treadmills . When evaluating rowing machines, we look for durable models and vet the equipment for ease of use, performance and safety.

In our most recent test, we researched over 60 different types of rowers and tested out over 20 different models with our in-house fitness and exercise experts. We looked at just how easy the models were to move around and if they offered some sort of folding mechanism for storage. When rowing on the machine, we assessed how smooth each stroke was, as well as how durable the models felt overall. More sturdy models tend to have a higher weight capacity, which is important to note. We also assessed programming, especially if the models were connected and offered guided rowing classes, and overall special tech features.

We even sent the units to testers across the nation for real-life feedback on functionality and performance. Certain key factors testers are asked about include seat and hand grip comfort, easy to read display, adjustable resistance, and workout selection and pre-programmed workouts. The overall class experience is also an important aspect of consumer testing. For connected rowers that provide class content, we ask testers to take classes with different instructors and rate whether the classes are engaging and motivating.

Our choices take into account all different types of personal preferences, from budget-friendly options that still provide a great experience to higher-end models for serious lifters. We looked for adjustable models that can be more easily stowed, as well as options that come in a variety of colors to suit any home gym aesthetic.

What to look for when shopping for the best rowing machines

"When looking for a quality rowing machine, consider your budget and look for features such as the ability to track time, split time and stroke rate," Prostano says. "Some machines, like the Concept 2 and WaterRower, also allow for setting up workouts and intervals." Here are a few key factors to consider when making your selection:

✔️ Cost: Finding a rowing machine that fits into your budget is key. The more expensive options typically offer additional connected features, but some more cost-efficient options can potentially be paired with your smart phone or tablet so you don't have to splurge on a pricier model.

✔️ Size: You won't have to worry too much about ceiling clearance with a rower (unless you plan to store it upright), but you'll still want to pay close attentions to dimensions to guarantee that the equipment fits in your space, especially in terms of length. If you plan to cross-train and do exercises alongside the rower, make sure you have adequate space on either side as well. In addition to size, double-check the treadmill’s maximum weight capacity to ensure you can use it safely.

✔️ Set-up and delivery: Rowing machines can be heavy and difficult to set up alone. Most offer options for expert assembly, but that typically comes with an additional fee. If you do plan to assemble the rower on your own, consider recruiting a handy friend or two to help. If you plan to move the rower to a basement or small room in your home, double-check that the dimensions will fit through narrow hallways and around tight corners.

✔️ Display: Do you prefer something simple that just tracks basic metrics, or are you looking for a larger interactive screen where you can follow a trainer in a rowing class? More cost-efficient models typically offer a tablet holder for you to place your smart device in, so you can stream workouts or content from your favorite apps as you row.

✔️ Special features: Features such as a touchscreen, built-in Bluetooth speakers and any other advanced settings will likely cost you extra. Decide whether you'll be satisfied with an LED display with standard buttons and controls or if you’d be happier with preset programs or a built-in screen offering on-demand workouts or training.

✔️ Warranty: Check the rower’s warranty and prioritize products with a longer offering, especially for key parts.

How much do rowing machines cost?

Rowing machines range anywhere from $100 to over $3,000, with most ranging between $500 to $1,500. The Hydrow Rowing Machine that won a 2022 Good Housekeeping Fitness Award costs $2,495, for example. Simpler machines without various settings or interactive components are on the lower end, whereas more advanced machines with a monitor and other features can be pricier. Some rowing machines offer virtual fitness classes that require a separate subscription plan as well.

What are the different types of rowing machines?

There are four different types of rowers that we detail below. However, all types provide an effective low-impact workout — the choice just comes down to personal preference.

✔️ Air rower: This model is the one that you'll typically find at most gyms and fitness centers. An air rower has a flywheel that spins when the air gets sucked in and uses this as force to create resistance. Although these machines can be noisy, they offer a smooth and natural stroke. The harder you row, the more resistance you'll feel.

✔️ Water rower: Designed to mimic the feeling of rowing on open water, a water rower simulates rowing on a boat and features a tank filled with water near the footrest. The resistance you feel when using this type of machine is created when the paddles and water turn as you row. Similar to an air rower, the harder you row the more significant the resistance. Water rowers tend to be very pricey, but can be relatively quiet, smooth and provide a more realistic rowing experience.

✔️ Magnetic rower: Two strong magnets that move past one another create the resistance in a magnetic rower. This makes for the quietest rower out of the four different types. Unlike an air or water rower, the resistance won't change if you row hard. But, the tension can be changed to vary the resistance. While a magnetic rower doesn't simulate the exact feeling of rowing on the water, they are absolutely effective.

✔️ Hydraulic rower: This type of rower works by pulling a level that is attached to a hydraulic piston. You can typically adjust the amount of resistance offered by the pistons by turning a knob. These models tend to be smaller and affordable, but they are ideal for arm workouts rather than full-body ones since the seat tends to be fixed.

If you're looking for a great full-body workout, you can't go wrong with an air, water or magnetic rowing machine. Prostano is a fan of air and water rowers specifically for an effective workout.

How do you properly use a rowing machine?

As with any type of exercise, proper form will ensure that you get the most out of your workout and do so in a safe and effective manner. Prostano shares some important tips on how to properly use a rowing machine below, which follows the Start, Drive, Finish and Return phases recommended by Orangetheory.

✔️ Keep your back flat, shoulders in front of your hips, and arms extended in the Start phase ; push with your legs, swing through your hips and pull the handle into your chest in the Drive phase; extend your legs and bend your arms in the Finish phase ; and extend your arms, lean forward and slide your seat back in the Return phase.

✔️ For the Start Phase, if we were to look at someone sitting on a rower from the side, we would notice their eyes are forward and they have a flat back with a slight lean forward with the trunk. Their shoulders would be in front of their hips at 11 o’clock, with arms extended long out in front of the torso using an overhand grip about shoulder-width apart.

✔️ The Drive Phase is the application of work to the rower. This is the phase of the stroke where we create power! The order of the Drive in simplest terms would be push the seat back by pressing the legs into the footplate; once the legs are almost fully extended, swing through the hips, bringing the torso from 11 o’clock to 1 o’clock, and then pull the handle into the base of your chest, somewhere between your belly button and sternum.

✔️ The Finish Phase is what we call a pass-through phase. We’d say it’s the opposite of The Start. “Legs Long, Arms Bent.” With continuous movement, the Finish travels right into the Return Phase.

✔️ The Return Phase is the recovery phase. This is where we inhale and travel back toward the front of the rower. The order of the Return would look like arms extending, leaning the torso from 1 o’clock back to 11 o’clock, and once the handle passes the knees, the knees bend and the sliding of the seat forward begins.

How long and often should you row for?

Prostano says that the duration and frequency of rowing sessions depend on your personal goals. "As a beginner, start with 5 to 10 minutes and gradually increase the time as you improve your technique and endurance." You may also be wondering if it is safe to row every day. "Rowing every day is safe, but it's important to listen to your body and take rest days when needed," Prostano recommends. As always, consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new fitness routine.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Stefani Sassos has been working in the fitness industry for over a decade. As a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer and Women's Fitness Specialist, Stefani uses her exercise science knowledge and expertise to create informed fitness content for the Good Housekeeping Institute . She began her fitness career in college, where she was a Penn State Fitness Instructor, and she went on to teach at major gyms and studios including Equinox Fitness Clubs. An avid CrossFitter, Stefani exercises on a rowing machine almost daily and loves that it provides an effective but low-impact workout. Rowing was also instrumental for her during the prenatal and postnatal periods of her pregnancies.

Alex Prostano is a New York City-based fitness instructor, run coach and rowing coach with 10+ years of experience. As a Head Coach at Orangetheory Fitness for the past five years, Prostano has taught over 4,000 classes and is well-versed in rowing mechanics. When Alex isn’t coaching, he is training for triathlons and marathons. Additionally, his favorite quote to live and coach by is “performance over aesthetics.”

Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.

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• “I have the opportunity to enjoy beauty and fashion on my own terms,” Anderson said.

With the help of makeup legend Pat McGrath, Anderson was able to toe the line between her recent love of fresh-faced skin and her illustrious glamour.

“Pam wanted to wear makeup again for the Met Gala, so we created a look that acknowledged her natural beauty but then took it to the next level,” McGrath said, per People . “We wanted to explore the next incarnation of natural—an elevation of natural—and to show how you can wear a full face of makeup but in a very fresh and beautiful way.”

To achieve her “spa-fresh skin” and “luminous complexion,” McGrath used the Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Highlighter + Balm Duo in nude along with the brand’s Divine Cream Blush: Legendary Glow Color Balm and Lust Lip Gloss in an unreleased pink shade.

PAT McGRATH LABS Skin Fetish Highlighter & Balm Duo

PAT McGRATH LABS Divine Blush: Legendary Glow Colour Balm

PAT McGRATH LABS LUST: Lip Gloss

“I’m in a very freeing space right now where I have the opportunity to enjoy beauty and fashion on my own terms,” Anderson said of her Met Gala look via a press release shared with People .

Over the last few months, Anderson has bounced between aesthetics: From a sultry glam and seductive Playboy -esque vibe to a prime example of bare-faced, natural beauty. “I’ve had this kind of rock’ N’ roll wild existence,” Anderson said of her transformative journey, per The New York Times . “But I always knew that this person was inside me. This lady. I’m like, ‘Oh, there you are.’”

“I’ve had another kind of image for so long, but that was almost a caricature,” she continued. “I’ve been playing characters my whole life. Now I am playing me.”

We love that Anderson is comfortable in her skin—with or without makeup. While the star embraced her glam side for the Met Gala, just the evening prior Anderson showed off her makeup-free complexion (save for a bit of bright pink lip gloss) at a pre-Met Gala event, People reported.

Anderson has long been open about her thoughts on aging, beauty, and makeup. “At a certain age we just look younger and fresher without makeup,” she once wrote under a makeup-free Instagram photo . “This is me—I’m happy with who I am right now.”

The star continues to inspire fans, encouraging them to embrace natural beauty in whatever way they choose. We can’t wait to see what’s next for Anderson!

Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.

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What Happens if You Work While Receiving Social Security?

Understand how money earned from a retirement job could impact how much you get from Social Security.

Working While Receiving Social Security

Getty Images

If you opt to work while receiving Social Security before your full retirement age, you will only be able to receive a certain level of income before your Social Security benefit is temporarily reduced.

Picking up a part-time job in retirement is an easy way to improve your retirement lifestyle. But the amount you earn could affect your benefits, based on your age and income. Before starting a retirement job, you’ll want to run the numbers to see how your Social Security benefits might change.

If you start a new job after you begin receiving Social Security benefits, the payments you’re eligible for could change. If you receive Social Security income while working:

• Your Social Security benefits might be temporarily reduced.
• The Social Security earnings limit depends on your age.
• The amount you earn can impact the benefits you receive.
• You might be eligible for a higher Social Security benefit later.

Read on to understand the consequences of working while receiving Social Security benefits.

Consider Your Social Security Full Retirement Age

Once you have turned your full retirement age , there is no limit on how much you can earn while collecting Social Security payments. Your full retirement age is based on the year you were born. The full retirement age for anyone born between 1943 and 1954 is 66 years old. The number increases by months for those with birth years between 1955 and 1959. Individuals born in 1960 or later have a full retirement age of 67.

“Your full retirement age is one of those critical dates in retirement that you need to know, especially when it comes to Social Security,” says Andrew Wood, a retirement planning advisor with Daniel A. White & Associates in Middletown, Delaware. If you work while receiving benefits prior to full retirement age, "you could be impacted by the earnings test, which could reduce or even eliminate the checks you're planning to receive," Wood says.

How Much Can You Earn While Receiving Social Security?

If you opt to work while receiving Social Security before your full retirement age, you will only be able to receive a certain level of income before your Social Security benefit is temporarily reduced. The Social Security earnings limit is $1,770 per month or $21,240 per year in 2023 for someone who has not reached full retirement age. If you earn more than this amount, you can expect to have $1 withheld from your Social Security benefit for every $2 earned above the limit.

For example, suppose you are 65 years old, receive $2,500 in Social Security benefits every month and have a job that pays $2,000 a month. You are over the income limit of $1,770 by $230 each month. During a year, you will receive $24,000 from the job, which is $2,760 more than the annual earnings threshold of $21,240. As a result, $1 out of every $2 above the threshold will be withheld. In this case, $115 will be withheld every month from your Social Security checks. You can expect to receive $2,385 each month from Social Security. When you turn your full retirement age, your payments will be recalculated to give you credit for the withheld portion of your benefit.

The Social Security Earnings Limit Changes the Year You Reach Full Retirement Age

There's a different Social Security earnings limit for those who will turn their full retirement age in 2023, and the penalty for earning too much is smaller. If you reach your full retirement age in 2023, the limit on your earnings for the months before your full retirement age is $56,520. If you earn more than $4,710 per month before you turn your full retirement age, $1 will be withheld from your benefit for every $3 in excess earnings.

For example, if you will reach your full retirement age in 2023 and you currently receive $2,500 a month from Social Security along with $5,000 every month from a job, part of your benefit will be temporarily withheld. Your income surpasses the Social Security earnings threshold by $290. You can expect to have your benefits reduced by around $97 each month, since $1 out of every $3 earned above the limit will be withheld until you turn your full retirement age.

How Long Will Your Retirement Savings Last?

This free calculator estimates how far your retirement savings and income might last.

Social Security Payments Are Only Withheld Temporarily

If you work while receiving Social Security benefits prior to reaching full retirement age and see a change in benefits, the adjustment is only temporary. "This is not a permanent reduction," says Kris Jerke, president of Ascend Financial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. "You will receive credit for reduced benefits once you reach full retirement age."

You could end up receiving bigger Social Security payments later that reflect your continued earnings. “This is a great payout to consider if you are still healthy and able to work during the early retirement years,” says Jared Weitz, CEO of United Capital Source in Garden City, New York.

Working Can Make Your Social Security Benefit Taxable

If you are receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll want to keep in mind that any income from working, withdrawals from traditional IRAs or 401(k)s and dividends and interest on your investments can contribute to making part of your Social Security payments taxable.

If the sum of your adjusted gross income , nontaxable interest and half of your Social Security benefit is higher than $25,000 as an individual and $32,000 as a married couple, you might have to pay income tax on up to 50% of your Social Security payments. If these income sources are greater than $34,000 ($44,000 for couples), up to 85% of your Social Security benefit can be taxable .

Can You Work and Collect Social Security Benefits?

Yes, you can work and collect Social Security benefits at the same time. However, if you are younger than your full retirement age, part of your Social Security payments may be temporarily withheld if you earn too much. Once you turn your full retirement age, there is no penalty for working while collecting Social Security benefits, and your payment will be increased to give you credit for benefits that were withheld in the past.

Strategies to Maximize Social Security

Emily Brandon May 9, 2023

Tags: retirement , money , employment , Social Security

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Set your work hours and location in Outlook

Microsoft 365 helps you manage and share your work schedule. New features allow you to specify more details about your work schedule: from where you’re working (remotely or in the office) and whether you work different hours on different days. In addition, you can schedule meetings with others based on their work location, view the work location on people’s profile card, and see your out of office time reflected in your location.

Note:  Work location isn't used to track employees. Individuals’ work location data is aggregated and anonymized to understand office occupation trends.

In this article:

Set work hours and location

View and update your work location

View the location of others, view suggestions to optimize your day, legacy work hours.

You can view work hours and location for yourself and others in classic Outlook, but you need to set them up with a work or school account using new Outlook or Outlook on the web following the steps below. Not sure of what version you're using? See  What version of Outlook do I have?  

Note:  Setting work hours is only available to individuals using a work or school account in Outlook with a qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription.

Set your work hours and location

Set up your recurring work location from Settings or change a single day using the Outlook Calendar.

Set work hours and location from Settings

When you set this up, others will see what days you're working remote and what days you'll be in the office. You also have the option to share your exact work location to others, for example, if your organization has multiple buildings, you can specify exactly which building you'll be in.

Set your recurring work plan in Settings . You also have the option to share your building location with others.

Select Settings   > Calendar > Work hours and location .

Select checkboxes for the days you want to set.

Use the dropdowns to select your work hours and your location each day.

Share which building you're working from and where you'll be sitting.

Select the Share office location details checkbox.

Uncheck the  Share office location details checkbox if you don't want to share your location details.

Anyone who views your card will only see you as  in-office or remote .

If you don't want share any details about where you'll be working, do the following.

Set the location dropdown to No location , and uncheck  Share office location details . 

 When you're finished, click Save .

Note:  This new setup experience is currently available only in new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web, but setting up work hours and location will be available in Teams, Outlook for Mac, and Outlook for iOS and Android at a later date.

Update work hours from the Calendar

When you need to change your recurring work plan on a particular day or a few days that week, for example, you planned to work remote, but decide to go in the office for an in-person meetings, use the Outlook Calendar to make the updates.

Note:  The Work plan icon might look different depending on if you previously set up that day as remote or in-office.

Make your changes. If you're planning to go in to the office and your organization has multiple buildings, from the dropdown, select the building you plan to work from.

Note:  Building selection is only available if your organization set up a directory of buildings to pick from.

If you plan to work remotely instead, select the days you're remote, and then click the I work remotely  checkbox.

Click  Set . Once your plan is set, a location icon appears on your calendar days to indicate where you're working from.

Note:  The setup experience from the Outlook Calendar is currently only available in new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web. Setting up work hours and location in Teams, Outlook Mobile, and Outlook for Mac is upcoming.

When your schedule changes, update your work location from Outlook or Teams.

Note:  The option to change location per day is currently only available in Outlook on the web and Teams Desktop, but will eventually be available in classic Outlook for Windows, iOS, Android, and Mac. 

Update your work location or set your out of office from Outlook

When viewing your calendar, select the icon representing your scheduled work location and change the location as needed. The work location can be cleared by deselecting the location.

You can also choose to update your work location to a specific building. Buildings you set as part of your recurring work hours and location appear first as suggested places.

To choose a building, open the location picker.

Select Search for a place . You can also set your location to only say, Office by searching for it.

Note:  Selecting a specific building is only available if your organization set up buildings as a location option. 

Set your Out of Office location

You can set your out of office location by selecting that option from the Work plan window.

Select Out of office from the dropdown.

Type a title and set the date and time you plan to be out of office.

Click Save . An out of office appointment is added to your calendar and your Teams presence status is also updated.

Tip:  You can also create a calendar appointment from any device and set the Free/Busy option to Out of office. Your location is set to Out of office during that period of time.  

Update your work location from Teams

Select the circle icon with your profile picture and change the work location. The new location will be applied to your work hours for the remainder of the day and reflected in both Outlook and Teams. You can also express specifically which building location you are working from on a given day.

Knowing where others are working from is important for scheduling and collaboration. You can view others’ locations from your own work location card, when scheduling from Outlook, or when viewing another person's profile card.    

View from your daily work location card

From your daily location card, you’ll be able to see who else you work with is going into the office that day. If you have a specific building set, the list will be filtered to others who have also set their location to the same place for that day. 

View when scheduling a meeting in Outlook

If others have set up their work hours and location, their work location will appear in the Scheduling Assistant, as shown below.

View another person's profile card

If you want to quickly look up where someone is working from, you can view their location in their profile card next to their availability.

Optimizing your work location schedule is important to maximize collaboration and connection on your in-person days.

You can identify which days have suggestions by the addition of a red dot on the Work plan location icon.

On the daily location card, view the suggested action. The suggestion might be to:

Update your work plan for an in-person event

Book rooms for meetings on in-office days

Select the action based on the suggestion, or close the card.

Note:  The suggestions experience is currently opt-in. Go to  Microsoft Places for more details.

This new experience replaces the legacy work hours experience, but legacy work hours will continue to be supported. Because the legacy experience supports only a single start time and end time for the entire work week, the legacy work hours will approximate the modern work hours and location.  

For example, a user sets up the following schedule using the new work hours and location: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm & Wednesdays, Fridays: 10:00am - 7:00 pm. The times for their legacy work hours will be configured to the best approximation (8:00 am to 7:00 pm) – the minimum start time and maximum end time of the modern work hours.   

Until a user sets up modern working hours, changes to legacy working hours will also update the times in their modern working hours. However, once a user sets up (or updates) their modern working hours, future changes to legacy working hours will not propagate and overwrite the modern working hours.  

The exception to this rule is working hours time zone. Whenever the legacy working hours time zone changes, it will update the time zone for the modern working hours. This ensures that others can view accurate availability if someone on a legacy client travels across time zones.

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