From Gym to Work Face

I am not a very girly girl, but there is a girly ritual that I must do several times per week:

putting on my post-gym face

I never used to wear makeup before I started working, unless it was a special occasion.  I don't believe women HAVE to wear makeup to work, but as a young person trying to fit in so I will be regarded and not mistaken for a 15-year-old, I had to learn really quickly.

As such, putting on makeup is so intricately related to my gym-going that I thought I'd do a post on it, and how I do it, etc.  Should be fun, right?!  I should disclaim that I don't like having any makeup on my face when running, so if I work out after work, I wash it off beforehand if I can.  Not one who puts on makeup for a race!

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Over the years, I've tried to get away with cheap makeup, which didn't ever work too well on me for some reason.  So I was conned (i.e., suckered) into getting a higher end eyeshadow palette, but seriously, in all the money I will save by not trying anymore random ones, it is worth it.

Plus, this one in particular stays pretty well and come in neutral shades.  Having a variety in a portable way is critical to packing my gym bag efficiently (this one is from Urban Decay [Naked], purchased from Macy's during a huge promo they were having).

And now for the creepy pictures** and emphasis on my damp hair.  I must emphasize that I use a pretty high-end eyeliner, too (same brand), and that's because my eyelids get very oily, and cheap ones do not stand a chance -- believe me, I've tried.  Plus, if I work out or otherwise sweat later, it would drip into my eyes.  Ack.

Taking these self-portraits was fun...  I don't use mascara everyday, but it does help make me seem like I am more awake than asleep at my desk, and the one I have is supposed to make them grow longer (without the nasty side-effects that others can cause... same brand).  If I'm using mascara, I always curl them first... I was told to do this, so like a lemming, I follow.

I heard somewhere that women always keep their mouths open when applying mascara... not true??

To freak you out again, here's the done eye.  I go very neutral and minimal on most days!  (P.S.  Oh look, it's my contact lens!)

Finally, to degrease my face (mostly due to the sunscreen I use -- USE SUNSCREEN, PEOPLE!), I use a drug-store brand powder.  Sometimes, I also use drug store blush if I'm looking pale, but after a workout, I'm usually red, anyway.

One thing I didn't show you is anything brow-related, and that's because my "New" brow kit is pretty darn low.  Plus, I have pretty adequate brows anyway, right?  Hmmm.  I will be reviewing a new one at some point soon, the Beauty Express Brow Kit from Anastasia of Beverly Hills (who emphasizes natural beauty in her makeup).  Anything that's quick, natural, and comes in a compact kit sounds good to me!

Does anyone besides me have to slap on a face before going to work from the gym?


**I was only 4 minutes late to work due to taking these photos.