If you’re an athlete, you need your beauty products to be next level. Sweat and oils have to be tamed and controlled with good moisturizers, heavy foundation (for those who perform or prefer to wear makeup at the gym #nojudgement), and waterproof everything.
Whether you’re in need of some tips for everyday use, or you’re looking for new products to try, these are the heavy-duty items athletes recommend.
RELATED STORIES
Mascara (Luxury): La Roche-Posay Respectissime Extension Mascara
If you need a mascara that is deeply pigmented, flake-free, and will stay on anywhere, this is the one for you.
Whether you’re sweating from shopping, crying during a movie, or diving into a pool, this baby isn’t going anywhere.
Mascara (Drugstore): CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara
There’s no mascara like the classic, and that’s CoverGirl LashBlast. Whether you carried this in your bag in high school, or have it in your kit now, this mascara is the one.
The waterproof formula is great for those days when you need your mascara to stay where you put it.
Lip Balm (Luxury): Dior Addict Lip Glow
On a Reddit thread about makeup while cycling, user splendorfungus specifically recommended Dior Addict Lip Glow, which has SPF in it.
I’ve actually tried this, and I feel comfortable recommending it—if you want to pay the luxury price tag.
Lip Balm (Drugstore): Jack Black
I can’t tell you how good this lip balm is. It’s magical. You can get it at Sephora for under $10, it has SPF in it, and it will solve any lip problem you have.
Just like. Trust me on this.
Sunscreen (Luxury): Ursa Major Force Field Daily Defense Lotion
Everyone who’s reviewed this sunscreen seems absolutely nuts about it, and for good reason! Even though the SPF is a mere 18, it’s lightweight and oil-free.
This sunscreen is ideal for your face, especially under makeup.
Sunscreen (Drugstore): BARE Republic Mineral Sport Sunscreen
With a high SPF (of 50!) and rave reviews, BARE Republic’s Sunscreen is a favorite of sunscreen addicts everywhere — not just athletes!
Sweatproof and safe to wear while swimming (always check the chemicals in your sunscreen to make sure they’re safe for marine life), BARE’s sunscreen is under $15.
Setting Powder (Luxury): Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
On Reddit, another tip came in from that would never occur to those of us who aren’t always on the move: setting powder is crucial to stop dirt from sticking to your foundation.
The cult beauty guru favorite is the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, which you can grab at Sephora.
Setting Powder (Drugstore): Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder
From professional makeup artists to drag queens alike, Coty Airspun is the most recommended setting powder for a reason: it’s the best of the best, and it’s under $10.
Get it into your life, y’all.
Brows (Luxury): Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Pencil
Listen, I know Anastasia isn’t the most shocking choice for brows, but sometimes the most obvious answer is just the right one.
The Brow Wiz Pencil is fast, easy, and stays on through any crazy sweating. Go for the gold.
Brows (Drugstore): L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer
Brow pencils are always the way to go when you need a quick and good brow look.
L’Oréal’s Brow Definer is a favorite of makeup artists everywhere, not only for its longevity, but for its pigmentation, too.
(It’s also a near-perfect dupe for the Anatasia pencil, just FYI.)
Blush (Luxury): Urban Decay Afterglow
Urban Decay claims that their Afterglow Blush will last up to 8 hours.
Combined with its powder formula, this blush will hold up to any oil or sweat that comes its way.
Blush (Drugstore): Milani Baked Blush
This under $10 blush is the perfect blush for skin that needs a little bit of a pick-me-up.
The formula is buildable, and the powder will stay put way longer than any cream or liquid blushes will.
Liquid Eyeliner (Luxury): Makeup Forever Aqua XL Ink Eyeliner
For those days when you hit the gym or pool and you want your winged liner to stay with you the whole time, Makeup Forever’s Aqua XL Ink Eyeliner is the one for you. It actually peels off.
If it stays on in the water, it’ll survive the worst humidity you can imagine.
Liquid Eyeliner (Drugstore): NYX Epic Ink Liner
Look no further than NYX’s Epic Ink Liner if you want waterproof on a budget.
The performance is on par with MUFE’s, but for under $15. Honestly, it’s kind of a no-brainer here. Plus, it looks like it’s great for body art!
Dry Shampoo (Luxury): Bumble and Bumble
The power of Bumble and Bumble’s dry shampoo superiority lies in its color range.
While some dry shampoos only come in one color and leave a white cast in your hair, Bumble and Bumble’s are lightly tinted for different hair colors.
Dry Shampoo (Drugstore): Batiste
I mean, duh. The go-to dry shampoo for oily hair is Batiste, which comes in at under $10.
Dry shampoo is all Batiste does, so they’re the experts on it. There’s tinted shampoos, fragrant ones, volumizing…you get the idea.
Moisturizer (Luxury): Josie Maran Argan Oil
This oil is perfect for skin that is exposed to the elements. It repairs damage, moisturizes dry skin, and helps encourage elasticity.
If you have sensitive or dry skin, this oil is ideal for you.
Moisturizer (Drugstore): Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer
It may not be the most glamorous choice, but damn if it doesn’t work like the luxury moisturizers do.
Oil-free and hydrating, this lotion will soothe dry skin and bring much-needed moisture back to your face.
Bronzer (Luxury): NARS Bronzer
For those days when you want a bit of a bronzed glow, NARS’ iconic bronzer has you covered.
The upside: the quality is top f the line. The downside: they only have two shades.
Bronzer (Drugstore): NYX Matte Bronzer
NYX has bronzer figured out. Their under $15 bronzer comes in 5 different shades, and has a matte finish.
The finish means this bronzer can double as a contour, if you so desire. And why not?
Tinted Moisturizer (Luxury): Laura Mercier
This is a big favorite for a reason: it does it all. Not only is it pigmented to the perfect amount (just enough to notice, but not too much), it moisturizes and helps keep your skin healthy.
Tinted Moisturizer (Drugstore): Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream
Man, what can’t Maybelline do? They’ve nailed their BB Cream, which moisturizes, covers, and has SPF in it.
This will protect your skin, and smooth out any imperfections you’re not super into.
Setting Spray (Luxury): Urban Decay De-Slick
This one is from me: this is the best setting spray I’ve ever used.
Not only does it help tamp down on any powdery looking (or feeling) makeup, it helps keep oil at bay for a long time.
Pretty ideal for anyone who’s going to do some sweating, huh?
Setting Spray (Drugstore): Pixi Makeup Fixing Mist
If you want the results of Urban Decay, but your wallet isn’t into it, Pixi has you covered.
There’s something incredibly refreshing about Pixi’s Makeup Fixing Mist. Your makeup melts into your skin and lasts all day with this bottle of magic.
