Sweaty Beauty. It Can Be Done.
After seeing this awesomeness on Instagram the other day, it got me thinking about makeup, skincare, and working out. Lucky for me, as editor of Stylebook, I have access to experts and I get to tell them what to do. Well, not really, but I do offer suggestions as to how we can share their expertise with you, our readers. While you might not be leading a Hawt Pilates, yoga, or indoor cycling class, or training clients with kettlebells all day, you likely exercise...and sweat. And, yes, of course, who really cares what we look like when we work out, but sometimes the difference between getting to the studio or not on a busy day is knowing how quickly you can clean up.So, herewith, questions from the pros who experience every sweaty beauty challenge, and Angela, our resident skincare and beauty expert. Have a question we missed? Let me know. I have some pull around here. ;-) [divider height="30" style="default" line="default" themecolor="0"]
Sara VanderGoot, Mind the Mat
Is it important to cleanse and tone your face before working out?
Angela
Yes! Your body heats up when you work out causing the pores on your face to open up. Any bacteria, makeup, or dirt on your face will mix with the sweat you produce and could clog your pores and cause breakouts.
Sara
What about immediately after working out?
Angela
Yes again! Same reason as above. You likely wipe your face a dozen or more times during a workout and you need to wash all that off.
Sara
Would you use warm or cool water to cleanse after a workout?
Angela
Lukewarm water is best. During a workout, the energy causes the blood vessels in the skin to dilate. This allows the heat to escape through the skin to prevent overheating. As your skin is already warm, keeping the water temperature the same level will reduce the likelihood of irritation.
Sara
Is there a good product to use right after a sweaty workout to take redness out of the skin?
Angela
I love a soothing tissue mask. It’s cooling and can take the redness out of your skin almost immediately. [divider height="30" style="default" line="default" themecolor="0"]
Andre, Fitness on the Run
Are there any ponytail holders that don't leave a crease in your hair?
Angela
We love Blax Hair Bands and Kitsch Hair ties. There are other brands that don’t crease, but they don’t hold the hair up through a tough workout.
Andre
Are there wipes for a quick way to freshen up when you don't have time or access to a shower?
Angela
We love Goodwipes Fresh Body Wipes for in between workouts. Made with natural tea tree oil, cooling peppermint, aloe, and ginseng, they are 100-percent biodegradable and hypoallergenic. One towel is big enough to cleanse the body and leave you feeling fresh. [divider height="30" style="default" line="default" themecolor="0"]
Kat, Ascend Cycle
Speaking of wipes, do you have any recommendations for post-workout face cleansing wipes that are also on-the-go and environment friendly?
Angela
If you need to clean your face post work out without a sink or a lot of time, Rilastil's Daily Care Wipes are a wonderful option. Made with Bisabolol, they have soothing, anti-reddening, protective, and antibacterial properties. They are also biodegradable so you don't have to feel guilty using them. Klorane also makes its Floral Water Make-Up Remover with Soothing Cornflower in a travel size. Simply apply to a cotton pad and wipe across the face and neck. It easily lifts all dirt, grime, and makeup without leaving any residue on the skin. [divider height="30" style="default" line="default" themecolor="0"]
Heather, Fitness on the Run
What specific hairstyles can transition you from sweaty to polished?
Angela
This really depends on just how sweaty you get. If you are doing a light workout and sweating only a bit, then a loose braid or bun will work well. It will keep your hair off your skin and easily transform back to a normal style when released.If the workout is more intense and the sweat is too, then a ponytail on top of the head is best. All of the hair is pulled to the top of the head and any sweaty pieces around the neck and forehead should be able to be towel dried. Add a bit of dry shampoo and, voila, back to normal when you brush it out.If you are sweating buckets, you should probably wear a terry cloth headband and pull the rest of the hair into a top knot. This will protect the hair around your neck and forehead from getting drenched. You should also pack a hairdryer and some dry shampoo. The hair dryer will be needed because the hair is bound to get wet on the scalp. The dry shampoo will make sure the hair has a fresh scent and grabs any residual oils off the scalp. [divider height="30" style="default" line="default" themecolor="0"]
Megan Brown, Mind the Mat
If you are going to sweat a ton, or, if you are in a hot studio (95 degrees plus humidity) is it best to have no foundation/concealer/blush etc.?
Angela
No makeup is best. Makeup can mix with sweat and clog pores as well as prohibit the skin from breathing properly and expelling toxins.
Megan
And...if makeup removal is not an option, is there a magical favorite concealer or foundation that is better for your skin while excessively sweating?
Angela
If you insist on wearing makeup then a BB Cream or light powder is best. Anything heavy will clog your pores.And, Megan, if you need to wear mascara, then Blinc mascara, which is a tubing mascara, is best. The mascara binds to itself and shrink wraps the lash rather than painting the lash. When you wash your face, water soaks into the mascara expanding it like a sponge. It releases the lash and the tiny tubes slide off. It’s great when you sweat profusely as the worst that can happen is you wipe the tubes off. No makeup transfers to the skin. No more raccoon eyes!