The Gym Makeup Trend: More Than Meets the Eye
When Eleanor Noyce completed her weekly 40-length swim recently, she met her friend at the pool's edge only for both to burst into laughter. She'd forgotten to remove her mascara before diving in, leaving her with what she describes as "high glam panda eyes". For Eleanor, who has ADHD, forgetting to remove makeup before exercise is commonplace. She's even been known to run through rainstorms with a full face including liquid eyeliner, simply because remembering to remove it beforehand requires executive function that often eludes her.
The Statistics Behind Sweat-Proof Cosmetics
Eleanor isn't alone in her gym makeup habits. A 2019 YouGov survey revealed that 28% of British women wear makeup every single day, while 26% commit to it at least twice weekly. Perhaps more surprisingly, one in six women reported always wearing cosmetics while exercising. This phenomenon spans generations and fitness levels, from young gym-goers to women in their fifties participating in water aerobics with full makeup intact.
The practice has long been controversial. When opera singer Katherine Jenkins ran the London Marathon in what appeared to be full makeup, critics branded her 'fame-hungry' and full of 'self-interest'. The then 33-year-old was forced to publicly defend herself, stating she'd only worn Vaseline on her lips. More recently, former Hollyoaks star Sarah Jayne Dunn posted an Instagram photo of herself looking model-esque at the gym, directly addressing critics by writing: "Someone actually asked me... 'Are you seriously wearing makeup to the gym?' Yep. I am. I'm not doing it for you, I'm doing it for ME!"
The Psychology of Gym Cosmetics
New data commissioned by Gymshark found that 34% of women feel self-conscious about their appearance at the gym, providing context for why some might seek the confidence boost cosmetics can provide. Counsellor Georgina Sturmer explains to Metro that wearing makeup while working out can be protective, offering "comfort, security, or even armour". She adds that in gym environments surrounded by mirrors, cosmetics can provide a "sense of control".
Sturmer notes there are multiple motivations: "This social element of a gym means that it's natural for us to pay more attention to how we look, and how we might be perceived. For others, applying makeup might feel like a soothing ritual, making us want to work harder or challenge ourselves in new ways."
Social media platforms reflect this ongoing conversation. On TikTok, countless videos show women claiming they've been shamed for their gym makeup or expressing worry they will be. Meanwhile, a controversial Reddit thread branded those who wear makeup to the gym as 'vain, insecure and only doing it for male validation'.
Real Women, Real Choices
Jo Francis, 51, attends the gym daily and has done for ten years. Focusing on strength training to be "as fit and healthy as possible", she wears concealer, BB cream, mineral powder, bronzer, mascara, and lip balm - identical to her everyday makeup. This combination boosts her confidence and gets her "ready to face the world".
"If I had a Sunday at home, wasn't going to the gym and had no plans to leave the house, my routine would still be the same, with the makeup included," she explains. For Jo, wearing makeup is ritualistic and a personal choice, though she acknowledges the attention it sometimes brings: "Compliments are always appreciated. But it's a balance between appreciating the attention and not overly encouraging it."
Donna Richardson, 45, visits her local leisure centre three times weekly for classes including body balance and aquafit, always wearing waterproof mascara. For Donna, taking a selfie after her gym session helps maintain motivation, and she consistently wears what she describes as "the full works" - lipstick, mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, blusher, and concealer.
"I know I'm not as physically fit as other people at the gym, so makeup gives me that boost to walk through the door," she reflects. "It's not to be noticed, rather to feel good." Donna adds that going to the gym helps keep her endorphins high, and makeup helps her feel empowered and psych herself up for the challenge.
From forgotten mascara swims to carefully applied full-face routines, British women are making personal choices about gym makeup that reflect broader conversations about autonomy, confidence, and the right to define one's own appearance without judgment.
