How to Master Barely-There Makeup for Active Days

Even if we don’t want to admit it, most of us find ourselves in an active situation where we want to wear a little makeup. Maybe you’re going on a date that involves bike riding, or just feeling blah before yoga class and want to do a little pick-me-up before you walk in—whatever it is, sometimes a bit of product is all you need for a little boost. But what types of products work best in potentially sweaty situations? And what can you wear without looking too done up? For some pro advice, we asked Annie Finch of Katherine Cosmetics, who recently launched two products under the moniker “K-Sport,” designed specifically for these situations.

“Working out is kind of a social thing,” says Finch, and points out that whether you’re at the gym or out on a hike, you’re in public. Which means it’s totally fair game to do a little enhancement if you feel like it! “But you don’t have to spend a ton of time getting ready. You should get out and live and do the things you love,” she explains. Here are her five tips for getting workout makeup right.

During the week, gym makeup should be basic. “Makeup isn’t supposed to make you look like a different person. It should make you feel good about yourself,” says Finch. A lightweight face product that evens out the complexion, fills in fine lines, and adds a little glow is perfect—especially one with sun protection, like Katherine Cosmetics K-Sport Wow Stick with SPF 20. Pair it with a basic mascara like Kevyn Aucoin Essential Mascara, but don’t do a full-on application. Apply just a little on the end of lashes to give eyes some definition without too much bulkiness. Conspicuous, high-drama makeup is not the goal here. “People may not notice the fact that you’re wearing makeup, but they will notice how great you look,” says Finch.

And if you want just a little more... In addition to a light face product and mascara, Finch suggests two other add-ons: waterproof eye liner just on the outer corners of the upper lid and lower lash line, plus concealer as needed. Our go-to spot concealer is rms beauty “Un” Cover-Up. In terms of liner, Finch suggests “matching it to your shoes.” As in, if you’re going out in stilettos, that’s when you fully line, top and bottom, all the way around. But if you’re in sneakers—in other words, exercising—Finch suggests taking it down a notch. “Do just a bit of liner at the very outer corners, for a bit of emphasis.” Too Faced Perfect Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner will do the trick.

Skip the lipstick and blush. Finch points out that when you get moving, you get naturally flushed, so you don’t really need any extra color. Lipstick will typically just feel like too much, and you don’t want to have to deal with smudges! If you want some hydration, go with an SPF-infused balm instead, or try K-Sport Lip Protection Gloss, which adds shine and a hint of color, plus broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 20.