I love the gym. I love to sweat and work hard. I love scoring it and throwing heavy weights. Most of the time, I work out with the brothers…a lot of times, I share their bar…the guys often tell me they want to look like me or lift weights like me (yes, that happens, they don’t). must be uncomfortable)… and it’s a lot of fun. However, and this may surprise you, dear reader… I’m not really a brother. Deep down I’m just a girl who doesn’t really want much more than to look and feel pretty and eat delicious food. Lifting heavy things is an advantage. (Just kidding, that’s a lie, I really want all things…follow your dreams dear reader!)

So even when I’m at the gym for my typical buddy session, I go to some effort to look like a girl. It’s one of the reasons I love Lululemon clothing. Her line is without exception very feminine, very flattering, and I never have to compromise on quality/functionality. But that’s another article…

For today, let’s talk about makeup.

Now, ladies, you may be the type that just doesn’t care who watches what and how much. Dark circles, blemishes, uneven skin tone… you couldn’t care less. Or, maybe you’re injured with glowing, flawless skin, and just don’t understand what all the fuss is about. If that’s you, go ahead, you don’t need to read any further.

I was blessed with good, but not perfect skin, and I feel better when I put on a little makeup. I also do double duty in the gym, most of the time, coach and athlete, and I feel the need to present a professional face.

Over the years, I have found products that work great in some pretty intense (read sweaty) situations. Just to give you an idea, from time to time he bursts (gasp), especially at that moment. I have fair skin that tends to be sensitive to fragrances and fillers. I also like to keep my makeup routine simple. I spend 10 minutes or less on my makeup. My standards are pretty high, here’s what it takes to make my list:

• I need something that can last me through the day (sometimes that means 10 hours or more), through hard exercise, at the office, giving lessons, and often back to the gym.
• I need products that won’t break the bank. While I wear makeup and am willing to invest in good skin care, I really don’t think you need to spend a fortune to get great quality products.
• What I put on my face should be good for my skin and certainly not exacerbate any blemishes or blemishes.
• And finally, I need ease of use and accessibility. I am not going to wait three weeks for my products to be shipped from Hungary. If I can’t pick it up in town, or get it online quickly and easily, it’s just not going to work.

With those qualifications, this is what fits the bill…

L’Oreal Paris Visible Lift Serum Absolute Advanced Age-Reversing Makeup ~$13. This is such an exceptional product. This makeup takes me from the gym at 5:00 am to my last class at 7:00 pm with hardly any touch-ups. It gives great medium (and buildable) coverage without feeling thick or crunchy. The liquid formula goes on beautifully smooth (I apply it with clean fingertips) and ends in powder. It lasts through sweating and works like a champ. I love that it comes in so many light shades, with some that are even too light for my skin (that almost never happens!). And it’s a complete package with effective UVB/UVF SPF 17. In terms of anti-aging, I can’t speak to the benefits, but as a great irritant-free foundation, this is an all-around winner. This formula is appropriate for all skin types.

While I love the extra coverage that Visible Lift Serum provides, I don’t always need as much coverage and, especially in very hot or humid conditions, a lighter formula is what I prefer. In that case, I turn to Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ~ $12 or Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers, SPF 30 ~ $13. Both are really lovely, sheer formulas, which I’ve used interchangeably. The Tinted Moisturizer goes on a bit more sheer and matte than the Glow Sheers.

Both blend very well and offer just a hint of coverage. Add in the SPF and this is a fantastic option if you are looking for something light. Appropriate for dry to normal skin. This isn’t the workhorse that L’Oreal’s formula is, but it’s another really great option for leveling off a bit.

I like to follow my foundation with a pressed powder. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Pressed Powder, SPF 20 ~ $13 has been my go-to for years. Not only does it offer a little more SPF protection (just to be sure) over my foundation, but it helps the foundation last longer. (Did I mention that I often go for really long days) This one blends really well, wears well, and comes in a variety of shades, without having anything to irritate your skin.

Let’s talk about the eyes next. I like to keep it simple. I’ve been getting lash extensions for a couple of years now and I LOVE THEM so I don’t really have a mascara recommendation to offer here. In the mornings, when I only have time for the foundation, the lashes do their job and I don’t think twice. But often, if time allows, I like to add a bit of eyeliner to the upper lid. Whatever your eye makeup preferences, the last thing you want is the raccoon look when you’re done with that last set. This is what I have used that holds up.

First of all, I use a primer. This step may not be needed by everyone, but since it’s aimed at the athletic crowd, I find it necessary when I’m putting on my makeup, working out, and then heading straight to work to keep my eyeliner from creasing. The fewer touch-ups needed, the better. I use elf Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer, Sheer $2, then follow with a layer of pressed powder before moving on to eyeliner or shadow. This goes on completely pure and does a great job. My only complaint with this is that the tube doesn’t really have a lot of capacity, but it’s so cheap that I usually stock up to keep it on hand. I like to pick this up at Target.

Maybelline New York Unstoppable Eyeliner ~$5-8. Whether thick or thin, if you like to wear eyeliner, this liner stays put and can do it all. Like I said, once I’m gone for the day, I don’t like to take too much time on touch-ups. It glides on smoothly, doesn’t tug on delicate skin, and once set, it’s unbeatable in its staying power.

Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner with SoftFlex ~$6 is another great option, which is very similar to the Maybelline formula. Both apply very well and stay put.

Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm ~$7. Last but not least, I keep one of these on hand wherever I go. I’m not too much of a lipstick girl. I always worry about it getting on my teeth or all over my face, plus it has always been a real challenge for me to find a texture that I like to use in a lipstick. My lips dry out easily. This is the perfect solution. It’s so hydrating, keeps my lips healthy and soft (a must), AND has the most beautiful subtle color. My favorite shade is petal shimmer. I don’t have to look in the mirror when I put it on, or worry if it needs touching up…it’s almost perfect!

Dear reader, I hope this has been helpful! When it comes to makeup, there are so many options, I think a good recommendation is invaluable! Also, remember, you are beautiful with or without it! For now, that’s it #gingersays