What Actually Is Athleisure Make-Up?

They’re basically beauty products that market themselves as suitable to wear when you’re exercising. Take the description of the tinted moisturiser from Tarte’s athleisure range to give you a taste: “With a water-based formula that melts right into skin, you’ll get sheer natural coverage in three universal shades to cover the look of uneven skin tone, dark spots & redness.

“You’ll also get a hypoallergenic blend of sodium hyaluronate, vitamins and fruit extracts to visibly hydrate, soften & brighten skin while protecting against environmental attack.”

The majority of these products are light, natural and durable, so they can be worn while you sweat without doing too much damage to your skin or sliding off.

There’s no need to shame anyone who decides to wear make-up when they work out. For some, it’s a confidence and self-esteem thing, and for others it’s more because they couldn’t be bothered to remove their concealer. So is your everyday make-up suitable?

Well, eye make-up doesn’t matter too much (although you’ll want to wear waterproof so sweat doesn’t make mascara run down your face), but it’s foundation, concealer and powders you should be more careful with.

Dr. Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, told Elle UK: “Sweat and increased temperature brought on by exercise can lead to open pores which can become blocked by particles of make-up. This can easily lead to breakouts and, in turn, uneven skin texture.”

Which is why beauty brands have started to create products for gym-specific use.

Maybelline’s new ‘high performance’ X Puma range includes products like Crome Powder Highlight Knockout (£8.99/AED 43.26), Superstay Matte Ink Lipstick (£9.99/AED 48.07) and Smudgeproof Mascara (£8.99/AED 43.26). The collection has been create in ‘streetwear-inspired hues to create fearless make-up looks’.

That being said, many products out there are already waterproof or sweat resistant, without all the pro-exercise branding.

If you’ve got make-up with a light coverage which won’t clog up your pores too much, then you should be able to wear them to workout. Phrases to look out for are ‘oil-free’, ‘sensitive skin’ or ‘mineral-based’ – basically anything with natural ingredients is better, because then it reduces the risk of chemicals irritating your skin as you sweat.

A good setting spray will ensure the make-up you’re already wearing won’t melt away the second you step onto the treadmill.

Exercise is fast becoming part of a wider lifestyle – it’s not uncommon for women to go to a Pilates class and straight to see their friends after. With clothes now blurring the lines between working out and hanging out, it’s no surprise cosmetics companies are too.

If you love the products then great but Beauty editor Bahar Takhtehchian thinks its worth considering how different the products really are. She told Fast Company: “This is a lot of smart marketing. Companies are always looking for new ways to sell a product, and one that speaks to and connects to the consumer.”