Can You Wear Makeup to Pilates? 4 Acne-Safe Products That Survive a Tower Session
If you read my last article on Contrast Therapy, you will be more than aware that I am not a gym girl. And if I thought that the cold plunge was tough, well, I had another thing coming when I was invited to test out the new Tower Pilates machines at the Chiswick Riverside Virgin Active.
What is Tower Pilates?
Think of a Tower Pilates machine as the Reformer’s more disciplined cousin. While Reformer beds slide as you move, the tower stays stationary, focusing on precise control and targeted strength. Exercises on the Tower blend sitting, standing, and lying down, so you get a full-body workout.
My muscles (or lack thereof) were definitely sore in a good way the next day! We had the brilliant Lydia, who is the Pilates lead at Virgin Active, who helped me stay motivated, even when my muscles started to protest.
The class I took was for beginners, and let me tell you, I am probably ten steps behind a beginner when it comes to anything gym-related. I see so many “pilates princesses” on social media, making it look so effortless and easy. Now, we know that social media is not a reflection of real life, and it most definitely is not if they are making pilates look like a breeze. I should also note that, as well as other journalists, there were some influencers in the class who were filming, and I seriously hope I am not in the background of their videos (for everyone’s sake!)
Anyway, the benefits of pilates are rather endless; increasing strength, improving posture, and flexibility are just a few! I have to say, I really enjoyed the class and may even be a pilates convert.
The Best Gym-Safe Beauty Routine
As a beauty writer, all of this workout talk really got me thinking about what a perfect gym beauty routine looks like. Unfortunately for me, I’m not someone who can walk out of the house barefaced - I need something, even if it’s just some lip liner. But I am also a firm believer in “look good, feel good”, so if a little makeup will make me feel better about being in the gym, it may as well be the right kind of makeup.
The Skin-First Base
Since we are, in theory, getting sweaty when we work out, it’s important not to use products that will clog our pores, because clogged pores = breakouts. These are also known as non-comedogenic formulas. It’s best to keep it simple and light, so a tinted SPF is a great option. My favourite one is this one from Avène - it’s for acne-prone skin, so you know it won’t break you out. But if you already have a non-tinted SPF that you love, this Glossier skin-tint is another one of my favourites for a sheer, glowy base that covers just enough but still feels like your skin.
The Sweat-Proof Mascara
I may sound like a broken record when I tell you that mascara is my absolute non-negotiable. I’ve been testing a few recently, from all different price points, and the one I keep going back to is the Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara. It’s £7 on Amazon! I’m not one to try to rein in your shopping habits, but mascara is definitely not something you should be overspending on. This mascara does not budge or flake off. Perfect for the gym.
My Post-Workout Hero: Tower28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray
This Tower28 spray (amazing brand, if you haven’t tried them) is ideal for post-workout. With only three ingredients (water, sodium chloride and hypochlorous acid), it is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. The star of the show is the hypochlorous acid, which kills off bacteria, speeds up wound healing and repairs skin damage, meaning it’s also great for existing breakouts.
Acne-Safe Blush
I have acne-prone skin so I’m very aware of what I put on my skin and read labels like a crazy person. If you’re the same, as I said before, it’s important to look for non-comedogenic products because they won’t clog your pores and cause further acne. If you wanted a little extra blush for the gym, my favourite acne safe ones are the Rhode Pocket Blushes, Glossier Cloud Paint, Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks and e.l.f Luminous Putty Blush.
All in all, after my first ever taste of pilates, I do feel inspired to start going to the gym. I really enjoyed the class and the Virgin Active spaces are so luxurious (not your average horrible gym experience, which I am quite fearful of). So I guess, stay tuned to see what I’ll be tackling next! Hopefully something equally as inspiring and motivating.
xx P
Yasss to using rhode and e.l.f. to give your cheeks the color they deserve, even at the gym!