Makeup That Lasts Through a Workout: Lessons from an Athlete’s Mascara Stunt

Makeup That Lasts Through a Workout: Lessons from an Athlete’s Mascara Stunt

Sweat, movement and heart-pumping intensity shouldn’t erase your look. If you’ve ever watched your mascara run mid-spin class or seen your foundation streak after a hot outdoor run, you’re not alone—and that frustration is exactly why beauty brands and pro athletes are teaming up to prove what truly lasts. In late 2025, Rimmel London and Red Bull put gymnast Lily Smith on a 52-story rooftop balance beam to show off a new mascara’s staying power. Her 90-second, gravity-defying routine is more than a stunt; it’s a practical lesson in how to build a sweat-resistant makeup routine that performs under pressure.

"Performing this routine in such a unique and unusual setting, ahead of my college season, was a total thrill for me… Rimmel always helps"

Why this matters now (2026 trends)

In 2025–2026 the beauty industry doubled down on real-world durability testing. Brands are prioritizing breathable film-formers, sweat-tested formulations and athlete collaborations to prove products work in motion—not just under lab lights. Consumers want products that stand up to heat, humidity and movement while still being removable without harsh scrubbing. That means smart layering (primers + targeted formulas), newer polymer tech in setting sprays, and a renaissance in tubing and film-forming mascaras that resist flakes and smears yet come off cleanly.

Quick summary: The workout-proof makeup routine (in one minute)

1. Prep skin: lightweight oil-free moisturizer + sweat-control primer.
2. Use a hydrating, long-wear base (tinted SPF or sweat-resistant foundation).
3. Set key zones with a long-wear concealer, translucent powder in the T-zone and under-eyes.
4. Mascara strategy: prime lashes, choose a tubing or film-forming waterproof mascara (Lily Smith’s stunt used Rimmel’s Thrill Seeker line), and seal with clear gel or waterproof topcoat.
5. Finish with a long-lasting setting spray with polymer film tech.
6. Control sweat: blot, headband, and avoid heavy oils around the hairline.
7. Remove gently with an oil-based cleanser or micellar/balm for tubing formulas.

Step-by-step: The athlete-tested sweat-resistant routine

1. Skin prep: the base for staying power

Start with a clean, slightly damp face. Hydration is key—dehydrated skin makes makeup cling then flake as sweat lifts it. Choose a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer and let it sink in 2–3 minutes. For 2026, many primers advertise sebum-regulating and breathable-film technology—look for one labeled "oil control" or "matte but breathable."

• Tip: Apply a small dab of mattifying primer where you sweat the most: forehead, nose, upper lip and temples.
• DIY athlete hack: Use a soft, absorbent sweat band during intense sets to keep forehead makeup intact.

2. Choose a sweat-resistant base

For workouts I recommend either a lightweight tinted SPF or a sheer, long-wear foundation that’s labeled "sweat- or humidity-resistant." These formulas are made to sit on top of skin rather than sink into pores, which helps with longevity during heat and motion.

• Apply sparingly with a damp beauty sponge to press product into the skin, not rub it on.
• For heavy sweating, skip heavy powders on the entire face—use powder selectively only where you need control (T-zone, under-eyes).

3. Conceal and set strategically

Use a long-wear concealer under the eyes and anywhere you need coverage. Instead of a full face of powder, set only the concealer and T-zone with a finely milled translucent powder—less is more for breathability.

• Under-eye trick: Lightly bake only where creasing is most likely, then dust away excess to avoid cakiness during sweat.

4. The athlete’s lash playbook — mascara technique inspired by Lily Smith

Lily Smith’s rooftop beam test highlights a simple truth: the mascara matters, but so does application. Here’s an athlete-grade lash protocol:

1. Prime: Use a lightweight lash primer. It builds base length and improves adhesion of mascara.
2. Pick the right formula: In 2026 you’ll see three practical options—classic waterproof, tubing mascaras, and film-forming water-resistant mascaras. For workouts, tubing mascaras and newer film-forming formulas often win: they resist smudging and flaking and remove cleanly with warm water or oil-based removers.
3. Wiggle, then comb: Wiggle the wand at the base for lift, then comb upward to separate. Avoid thick clumps that invite running.
4. Set the root: Lightly brush a waterproof black brown or clear lash sealant at the base to lock curl and reduce transfer.
5. Avoid the waterline: Tightlining or heavy waterline liner increases the chance of smudging when you sweat.

Why Rimmel’s Thrill Seeker matters: The Thrill Seeker Mega Lift launch (Rimmel x Red Bull with Lily Smith) is part of a wider trend of demonstrating real-world wear—if a mascara survives a rooftop beam routine, it likely survives a HIIT class. That doesn’t mean every waterproof mascara is ideal; modern tubing mascaras often feel lighter and remove easier than heavy waterproof formulas.

5. Eyebrows and eye makeup choices

For brows, use a waterproof brow gel or microfilling pen. Powder can shift with sweat—go for waxy gels that set. If you want eyeliner, gel liners set tighter than pencils; use a thin line and smudge-proof formulas. Consider skipping glitter or cream shadows for workouts; instead, stick to matte, pressed shadows that adhere better.

6. Seal with setting spray (your most powerful tool)

Setting sprays improved a lot in 2025–2026. Look for sprays with film-forming polymers that create a lightweight, breathable membrane over makeup. These sprays lock pigments in place without feeling crunchy. A good spray can take a sweat-resistant routine from "mostly okay" to "stays put through a sprints session."

• Hold the spray 8–10 inches from your face and mist in an X and T motion.
• For intense workouts, do two light mists: one right after makeup, another after hair and headband placement.

Product picks (drugstore to prestige) — tested for sweat resistance

Below are curated suggestions across budgets. These picks reflect 2026 trends—film-forming setting sprays, tubing mascaras, and oil-friendly removers.

Primers & base

• Drugstore: Smashbox Photo Finish Oil & Shine Control Primer — light, mattifying, good for oily skin during workouts.
• Mid-range: Benefit POREfessional Coach Me! Matte Rescue — blurs and controls sweat-prone zones.
• Prestige: Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer (suitable for humidity-control and blurring).

Mascara options

• Rimmel Thrill Seeker Mega Lift — the stunt-backed pick for lift and volume (2025 launch featured Lily Smith).
• Tubing option: Blinc Tubing Mascara — forms tubes that resist smudging and slide off with warm water.
• Waterproof mainstream: Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof — classic drugstore waterproof option.

Setting sprays

• Urban Decay All Nighter — long-standing favorite for extended wear.
• NYX Can't Stop Won't Stop Setting Spray — budget-friendly strong hold.
• Emerging 2025–26 launches: look for sprays advertising "flexible polymer film" or "breathable matte finish" for movement-friendly hold.

Removal essentials

• Oil-based balm: Banila Clean It Zero or similar cleansing balm — melts heavy, sweat-resistant makeup without rubbing.
• Gentle eye remover: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm (safe for lashes) or micellar water for tubing formulas.
• Double cleanse routine: oil/balm first, then gentle foaming or gel cleanser to remove residue.

Practical tips: what to do before, during and after the workout

Before

• Patch-test any new product before an intense sweat session—ingredients that tolerate daily wear don’t always behave under heavy perspiration.
• Avoid heavy oils on the hairline and temples; they make foundation slide.
• Use sweat-absorbing accessories: headband, athletic hair tie, or moisture-wicking cap.

During

• Blot—don’t rub—with blotting paper. Patting preserves the makeup layers better than wiping.
• If mascara transfer occurs at the inner corner, press a cotton bud (with no product) to lift moisture rather than smearing it.
• Keep a small bottle of setting spray in your gym bag for a mid-session mist if you need a refresh.

After

• Remove makeup as soon as you can. Long-wear formulas are designed to stay on—leaving them overnight after sweating can irritate skin.
• Start with an oil or balm cleanser to dissolve waterproof and film-forming polymers, then follow with your regular cleanser.
• Condition lashes occasionally with a peptide lash serum (used 2–3 times weekly) to support lash health after heavy mascara use.

Troubleshooting: common workout makeup problems and fixes

My mascara flakes after a spin class

Solution: Switch to a tubing mascara or a film-forming one. Avoid layering too many coats—thin, multiple light coats set better than one thick coat.

Foundation melts off my jawline

Solution: Use a sweat-resistant tinted SPF or set the jawline with a finely milled powder. Consider a small dab of near-skin-toned concealer pressed and sealed with powder only where needed.

Under-eye raccoon eyes after cardio

Solution: Use a waterproof or tubing mascara, set concealer well, and apply a light dusting of translucent powder. Also check for excess eye oil—use oil-free eye creams pre-makeup.

Non-invasive, at-home additions to support long-lasting makeup

To make makeup adhere better and age-proof the canvas, consider at-home, non-invasive treatments that have become popular in 2025–26:

• LED devices for boosting collagen and skin resilience—stronger skin holds makeup more evenly.
• Microcurrent tools for subtle lifting of brows and cheekbones, reducing product migration during movement.
• Topical peptides and stabilized vitamin C serums used consistently to improve skin texture and reduce excess oil production over time.

These approaches complement a workout-proof makeup routine by improving the skin’s natural barrier and minimizing the need for heavy products.

Final notes from an expert perspective

What Lily Smith’s stunt makes clear is this: performance-tested beauty is here to stay. In 2026, brands are proving claims with stunts and athlete partnerships, and product technology is catching up—giving you more options than ever to look polished while you move. The secret isn’t a single miracle product; it’s a layered strategy: prep, select the right formulas (especially for lashes), set properly, and remove with kindness.

Actionable takeaways (printable checklist)

• Prep with an oil-free moisturizer + mattifying primer.
• Use tinted SPF or sweat-resistant foundation; set concealer and T-zone only.
• Choose tubing or film-forming mascara and use a lash primer.
• Mist two light layers of a polymer-based setting spray.
• Blot—not rub—during workouts; remove promptly with oil/balm cleanser.
• Support skin with weekly at-home non-invasive treatments for long-term resilience.

Ready to test it?

Start with one change—swap your regular mascara for a tubing or film-forming option and add a setting spray. Try it through one full workout and note the difference. If you want help building a custom sweat-proof kit for your routine and budget, I can recommend specific combos based on skin type and workout intensity.

Take action: Try the routine this week and share your results—what lasted, what didn’t, and which product surprised you the most. Want a tailored product list? Reply with your skin type, workout style (yoga vs HIIT vs outdoor runs) and budget, and I’ll assemble a personalized sweat-resistant kit.

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