THE BEST MAKEUP FOR SPORTS & ATHLETES

Whether you’re hitting the field, the court, or the track, you want to look and feel your best. When you’re an athlete, you need sports makeup that can keep up with your active lifestyle. Today, we’re shining a light on makeup designed to withstand sweat, water, and wear and tear, so you can stay focused on your game without having to worry about your look.

DO ATHLETES WEAR MAKEUP?

Yes, many athletes wear makeup. In fact, some sports, such as gymnastics and figure skating, are known for athletes wearing dramatic makeup as part of their uniform or costume. But even if your sport doesn’t usually feature elaborate makeup looks, like softball or lacrosse, you may still want to wear a more natural look to enhance your appearance and boost your confidence.

HOW DO YOU WEAR MAKEUP FOR SPORTS?

Here are a few tips for wearing makeup for sports:

1. START WITH A CLEAN FACE

Before you apply any makeup, it’s important to start with a clean face. This will help your makeup go on smoothly and last longer. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or sweat from your skin. Use a face moisturizer and give it time to soak into your skin before applying your makeup.

2. IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE,
DON'T FORGET SPF

If you play a sport outside, be sure to apply sunscreen before you put on your makeup. This will help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Cover all exposed skin, then wait 15 minutes to allow your sunscreen to absorb before applying your makeup.

3. DON'T SKIP YOUR MAKEUP PRIMER

Makeup primer is a great way to help your makeup last longer and stay in place. This is especially important for sports makeup. It creates a smooth, even base for your makeup to adhere to, and it can also help to control shine. Choose a primer that is designed for your skin type.
  • New
    GRIPPY SERUM™ Up To 24HR Hydrating Grip Primer
    Clear
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  • New
    PORELESS JELLY™ UP TO 24HR HYDRATING BLUR PRIMER
    Clear
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  • Fit Me® Matte + Poreless Primer Mattifying Face Primer
    Clear
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  • Facestudio® Master Blur Stick Primer Makeup
    Universal Transparent
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4. CHOOSE LONG-LASTING MAKEUP FORMULAS

When it comes to makeup, you want to choose formulas that are long-lasting and waterproof. This will help your makeup stay in place even when you’re sweating or playing hard. Look for products that are labeled “long-lasting,” “waterproof,” “smudge-proof” and “sweat-resistant.”

For foundation, reach for a formula such as Super Stay ® Lumi-Matte Foundation, which resists sweat, water and transfer, with a lightweight feel and buildable coverage. If you prefer powder foundation, try Super Stay® Up To 24HR Hybrid Powder-Foundation, with all the sweat, water, and transfer resistance of our liquid formulas.

Other long-lasting products include Super Stay® Longwear Liquid Concealer Up To 30HR Wear for blemishes and imperfections, Super Stay® Vinyl Ink® or Super Stay Matte Ink® Liquid Lipstick for lip color that won’t transfer or fade, and Lash Sensational Firework™ Waterproof Mascara and Super Lock Brow Glue for eye makeup that stays in place.
  • New
    Super Stay® Lumi-Matte Foundation makeup
    128
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  • Super Stay Matte Ink® Liquid Lipstick
    Pioneer
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  • LASH SENSATIONAL FIREWORK™ Waterproof Mascara Makeup
    Very Black
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  • Super Lock Brow Glue Clear Eyebrow Gel
    Clear
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5. APPLY YOUR MAKEUP SPARINGLY

When you’re wearing makeup for sports, it’s best to apply it sparingly. You don’t want to overdo it, or your makeup will look heavy and cakey and won’t give your skin enough room to breathe. Just focus on applying enough makeup to enhance your natural features.

6. DON'T FORGET TO SET YOUR MAKEUP

Once you’ve applied your makeup, be sure to set it with a setting spray or setting powder. This will help to keep your makeup in place all day long. For extra setting power, consider using a setting powder first, then finishing off your look with a setting spray in your desired finish.
  • Facestudio® Glass Spray Glass-Skin Makeup Finishing Spray
    Glass Skin Spray
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  • Facestudio® Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray, Matte Finish
    Lasting Fix
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  • Lasting Fix® Banana Powder Loose Setting Powder Makeup
    Banana
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7. DON'T SKIP YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE AFTER THE GAME

It’s important to take care of your skin after you’ve been playing sports. This means removing your makeup and cleansing your skin. You should also moisturize your skin after washing to help keep it hydrated.

MAYBELLINE X ATHLETES

Maybelline is proud to support athletes of all levels. We offer a wide range of makeup products that are long-lasting, waterproof, smudge-proof, and sweat-resistant so you can stay focused on your game without having to worry about your makeup.

Maybelline is the title sponsor for the new women’s professional lacrosse league, the Maybelline Women's Lacrosse League, created by the Premier Lacrosse League in November 2024. Our partnership includes providing financial support to the teams and athletes, providing all the players Maybelline products to use on and off the field, and—through Brave Together, Maybelline's mental health initiative—connecting with high school lacrosse players with the professional athletes. In our commitment to supporting future athletes, Maybelline will be showing up in inner cities and hosting a street lacrosse series to introduce young girls to the sport and the lacrosse athletes. Learn more about our lacrosse partnership here.

This partnership is a continuation of our commitment to women's professional sports and to empowering female athletes. In August 2024, we announced our partnership with the New York Road Runners to become the New York City Marathon’s first-ever cosmetics sponsor. In October 2024, Naomi Osaka became Maybelline’s first global Brave Together ambassador.

Keep checking in to see how else Maybelline is partnering with and supporting athletes!

SHOP MAKEUP FOR SPORTS & ATHLETES

Check out our collection of makeup that is well-suited for sports and athletes. You’ll find everything you need to create a look that will help you look and feel your best while you focus on your game.