BEST FOOT FORWARD

Gerry Cupido

We all want to look our best, even when we’re hot and sweaty. Here’s how to look fresh at the gym

IT’S THE “new year, new me” time of year and everyone is on a mission to get their body in shape. Whether it’s to lose weight, build muscle or simply get fit, it usually means spending some time in the gym or doing some kind of physical activity that will have you working up a sweat.

There’s always great eagerness when joining the gym. You’ve signed the contract, have a workout plan in place, secured the best-looking personal trainer and even got yourself a few cute gym outfits.

However, not all of us look very cute while doing our workouts.

Don’t let the fitness influencers fool you. All you see of them are a few shots and not the real, sweaty, red face you see when you get a glimpse of yourself while you’re going hell for leather on the treadmill.

We all want to look our best even when we’re hot and sweaty. Leaving home without make-up is a no-no for many women. So why would they change that when hitting the gym?

However, one has to be realistic about how much and what make-up you can wear when working out.

Don’t even think about doing a full face beat. You’re going to sweat it off and look even more of a mess than if you didn’t wear make-up at all!

Here’s how to wear make-up to the gym if you really cannot go without it. You never know who you could bump into at the step class.

If you feel way too exposed without foundation, opt for a tinted moisturiser instead of a heavy, full-coverage foundation.

Skip blusher. You’re not going to need it! We use blusher to add a natural rosy glow but your workout will have you getting flushed in all the right places anyway.

Who doesn’t love mascara? I, for one, cannot be without it. Avoid raccoon eyes by opting for waterproof mascara. Avoid applying layer upon layer of mascara. Keep it simple.

YOU don’t need a full face of make-up when you go to the gym. | BRUCE MARS Unsplash

No red lipstick! Yes, I know this is a tricky one for the lovers of classic red lips, but the gym isn’t the place for it. If you want a pop of colour then reach for a tinted lip balm or lip tint instead.

When it’s time to hit the showers, a well-packed gym bag is your best friend.

These are essential beauty items that need to be permanent features in your bag.

Cleansing wipes are at the top of the list simply because they are multifunctional and a quick fix for when you’re pressed for time.

Most wipes can be used as a facial cleanser as well as a make-up remover.

Moisturiser. Make sure you have one that stays in your bag. Decant a bit of the moisturiser you use at home into a smaller container. You will continue to use your favourite moisturiser without the possibility of forgetting to pack it.

A clean towel. Now, this might sound like a no-brainer but you’d be surprised how many people leave home without one. You need one towel for when you hit the gym floor and another for showering.

Hair accessories. Hairbands, headscarves and hair clips are messy-hair savers. Unless you’re doing a meditative yoga class, you are bound to walk out of the gym with sweaty, crazy hair. Not everyone has the time for a full-on wash and dry so get creative with hair accessories.