Bit of a prior warning here-you might not agree with this post; it’s about make up. Make up designed to stay put when you work out. I’ve seen women crossing the finish line wearing just a light coverage of make up and whilst I completely understand that this is not for everyone, it piqued my interest.
If you’d have asked me a few years ago I’d have insisted I’d never go there. But although I know it’s an amazing privilege to grow older, I’m heartily sick of ending every run looking loose faced and dribbly, like a moose chewing ice. It would be a tall order for any beauty product to eradicate that but the Clinique Fit foundation caught my eye and that’s where this little project began.
The range also includes a moisturiser, hydrating spray, cleansing wipes, post workout face powder, lip and cheek flush, dry shampoo and mascara.
To start off, I bought just the foundation and decided on trialling some different brands of eyeliner, lipstick and blush (though goodness knows why I need that as I’ll be bright red and gasping after the first kilometre). I also fancied a sweep of brow gel to keep those wiry little buggers flat and groomed.
But not all at once. I knew I’d be really tight on time getting to my race and I’d need to practice speedily applying all of this make up. Also, I did a LOT of research before choosing which products to go for and although I’d made my mind up about the foundation and lipstick, I hadn’t fully decided on which eyeliner, blush or brow gel to use. So then for my first test, I ran a 10K wearing two products; the Clinique Fit foundation and some Maybelline Superstay lipstick.
I don’t need to wear mascara anymore as I have lash extensions done by the amazing Karen Hall at The Lash Lounge in Paphos.
Here’s the foundation lowdown: Lightweight, sweat- and humidity-proof foundation that keeps up with your highly active life. Medium coverage, natural-matte finish wears for 12 long-lasting hours. Protects with SPF 40. Won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. Oil-free.
As a runner and particularly as I’m often in the sun, I LOVED the addition of an SPF. The foundation comes in four shades; light, light medium, medium and deep. I bought light medium.
I found that it’s really important to give the bottle a really good shake. Shake, shake and shake some more! It’s very watery-I’d rename it milk, not foundation.
As it’s such a thin consistency it’s easy to apply but you do need to blend it quickly as it dries fast. I used a beauty blender sponge. It felt really light on my skin, definitely didn’t look as if I was wearing foundation BUT my skin fely very soft and dewy and when I glanced in the car mirror as I left, my skin tone was nice and even. When I arrived at the race one of my friends commented that I was looking well rested 😉
Now the lipstick. I chose Maybelline Super Stay 24 Color in the shade ‘In The Nude’ You apply the colour to your lips, allow to dry and then smooth on the accompanying balm to set the product. Often I find that long lasting lip sticks feel really dry on my lips but with this one the balm leaves your lips lovely and soft.
Race day was hot. Obviously as I dragged myself around the course I forgot all about the make up so accepted the drinks at all the stations giving the lipstick a good test. I’m sure that at some stage I wiped a paper towel that someone handed to me all over my sweating face too.
My face is still very sweaty in these medal photos so I didn’t base my opinion of the products on these.
So-the verdict? I took these pics below as soon as I could after finishing the 10K (that’s why I’m in a restroom!) Apologies for the odd, staring eyes-don’t know why I do that…
I was no longer sweating but my hair was completely soaked under that cap. The hot day was a good one for testing the foundation. I’m pretty pleased with the result; my skin looks a lot dewier and smoother than it would normally.
As for the lipstick-I’m probably not being fair here as I choose a nude colour as I didn’t want it to be hugely noticeable but that means it’s not easy for me to demo to you how well it stayed put. It was a very pale pink, not disimilar to my natural lip colour. So you’ll have to take it from me that it stayed in place well.
Next time I’m up for a 10K, I’ll try out an eyeliner, blush and brow gel too 🙂
