5 of the best sweat-proof beauty buys

Don't let a good workout ruin a good face

Get your glow on (and keep it there) with heat- and workout-approved products designed to last from run club right through to post-work Pilates.

When former make-up artist-turned-athlete Tina Rahimi debuted as the first female Muslim boxer to represent Australia at the Paris 2024 Olympics, she sent the world plenty of punchy messages. One of them? Competing in make-up doesn’t make you any less of a serious contender. “Feeling good about how I look really builds my confidence,” she said at the time. “Make-up is self-care for me.”

It’s a sentiment gaining traction as the worlds of sport and beauty become more interlaced. Last year, tennis legend Serena Williams, who knows how to look fierce while sweating hard, launched ‘make-up you can move in’ brand Wyn Beauty after retiring from the pro circuit. Meanwhile, Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty was an official partner for the Paris Games, and L’Oréal Paris signed Matilda Mary Fowler as a new Aussie ambassador. 

This all sounds medal-worthy for those of us who share a love of beauty and staying active, but there are also practical issues. Panda eyes, caked concealer and shiny patches are hard to ignore when you mix everyday make-up with sport and sweat. 

The surprisingly simple solution to this situation? Clever, sweat-proof make-up that’s one step beyond waterproof mascara. “If you use the right combination of products, you’ll protect your skin while keeping them from running off your face,” explains make-up artist of more than 30 years, Melanie Burnicle. 

Her number-one tip for active make-up is to moisturise well beforehand. Why? “Hydration is the key to longevity. If you have dry skin that’s flaking, your make-up’s going to shed with it.” Her go-to product for this purpose is Hada Labo Lotion No.1 Super Hydrator ($36), followed by sunscreen (of course) if you’re going to be heading outdoors.

Another hack before long, sweaty events is to spritz a product like MAC Fix+ Spray (right) to lock make-up onto your face. Also, swap powder blush for a cream variety, opt for long-wear foundation and lip products, and use waterproof tubular mascara.

A parting caveat: while many of us might love workout glam, your skin won’t love you if you don’t double cleanse afterwards. 

5 workout-ready buys to throw in your gym bag

Whether you’re ready to train or just up against a jam-packed diary, these sweat-resistant heroes, road-tested by our intrepid Beauty Ed, are the real deal.

FOR SKIN: Lust Minerals Pro Finish Liquid Foundation, $62 from lustminerals.com.au

Lust Minerals Pro Finish Liquid Foundation

Try it and you’ll understand why one of these breathable, sweat-resistant foundations sells every two minutes. Infused with skin-boosting nutrients, it's buildable for bespoke coverage and doesn’t block pores.

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FOR EYES: Sephora 12-hour Sweatproof Eyeliner, $22 from sephora.com.au

Sephora 12-hour Sweatproof Eyeliner

“I love these brilliant, long-wear pencils,” Burnicle says of the 15-colour range. “Just remember, once it sets, it won’t move. So if you’re after a smudged liner look, be quick.”

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FOR LASHES: Gymnos Gym Lash Mascara, $40 from gymnos.com.au

Gymnos Gym Lash Mascara

A hero product in Aussie brand Gymnos’s brilliant range of gym-ready makeup, this tubular mascara is next-level panda-proof, but slides off easily with micellar water.

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FOR FINISHING: MAC Fix+ Stay Over, $59 from adorebeauty.com.au

MAC Fix+ Stay Over

This alcohol-free antioxidant setting spray is a new version of Fit+, a staple in makeup professionals’ kits for decades. It hydrates skin and locks makeup in place for a whopping 24 hours.

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FOR BODY: Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs, $25 from priceline.com.au

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

This is a quick way to make legs look tanned, minus the sun. “It’s waterproof and has the best staying power of all the body make-ups,” Burnicle adds. Buff it in with a hand mitt and you’re good to go.

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Originally published as 5 of the best sweat-proof beauty buys