Eye make up and cycling

[kajero]

Do you wear mascara, eye liner, eye shadow, etc., during a bike ride>

I sweat so much that I am sure it would probably run into my eyes and irritate them. I also tend to wipe my forehead including my eyes when the sweat seems to drop in my eyes. I use a sweatband, but sometimes it just doesn't work.

I see some bicycle riders eye makeup look amazingly fresh after their rides.

[rebeccaC]

I was born with the features I was supposed to have and I’m fine with that…..besides that I don’t want the extra weight on my climbs :)

[kajero]

I was born with the features I was supposed to have and I’m fine with that…..besides that I don’t want the extra weight on my climbs :)

I love this reply. :) I think I shall use it always. I rarely wear makeup anyway. Now I have something to say!

Did you hear about the rider who uses carbonated water on the rides. It weighs less. LOL

[PamNY]

If it's a long ride for recreation, I wouldn't wear eye makeup. If it's a transportation ride, and therefore probably a shorter distance, I'd wear whatever makeup was appropriate for the destination.

Since I live in NYC and my transportation alternative is the subway, which can be very hot in summer, I'm used to dealing with sweat and makeup. Cycle or Xootr (my likelier choice) are probably less sweat-inducing than a long wait in a steamy subway station.

[Crankin]

I wear eye make up for work every day, and generally on the weekends, unless I am getting up and riding, or doing some other sport first. If I ride after work, etc. I ride with the eye makeup on. In other words, if I have it on already, it's there when I ride, but if I get up and go, then I just wear lip gloss. I never wear eyeliner, though, just shadow and mascara. I don't have a problem with it irritating me or running... the mascara is waterproof. I wear contacts, so goopy eye makeup is not for me.

[Koronin]

I never wear any make-up for any reason to start with.
RebeccaC, I love your comment. I'm going to have to remember that.

[thekarens]

I'm also a no make up ever person. My partner wears it, but not when biking.

[ny biker]

I wear eye make up for work every day, and generally on the weekends, unless I am getting up and riding, or doing some other sport first. If I ride after work, etc. I ride with the eye makeup on. In other words, if I have it on already, it's there when I ride, but if I get up and go, then I just wear lip gloss. I never wear eyeliner, though, just shadow and mascara. I don't have a problem with it irritating me or running... the mascara is waterproof. I wear contacts, so goopy eye makeup is not for me.

This comes close to my answer, too. But I don't wear waterproof mascara. Occasionally my eyes will water enough during a post-work ride that I will look a bit raccoonish by the time I finish, but by then it's dark out and I'm going straight home so I don't worry about it.

(Also I've never found a lip gloss I like. I'm a lip balm person. I especially like the stuff that LL Bean sells in their retail store. I think it's made with olive oil, and it comes in scents like orange or cranberry.)

[TrekDianna]

I don't own any make-up.

[Jolt]

I like RebeccaC's comment too...the only time I wear any is for formal occasions where it would really look out of place if I didn't. Otherwise, it's just not my cup of tea.

[kajero]

I LOVE all these replies!!! I don't wear make except for a special occasion and now I don't feel so much different than some of the people I like to hang out with . . . bicycle riders.

Edit: I would rather spend the $$$ I don't spend on make up on bicycle accessories. :D

[Helene2013]

I wear makeup....but not on weekends for riding/training or on vacation (unless I feel like it or on an outing that is not sport related). But never out without my lipstick. I even wear nail polish that matches my bike. :D I do have a Lululemon headband that I wear under my helmet so it picks up the sweat beads. My eyes don't really "sweat" so mascara does not leak if I happen to wear some. But I do like to have my skin breath when exercising.

But when I'm on treadmill or doing my gym in basement, I don't mind the makeup. Not going to remove it before training after work. Nah.

[smilingcat]

Love Rebecca's reply ++1 for HER!!

Me I'm terrible at painting :p :D no makeup not even for work, besides when I was working, I needed respect of my engineers and not look like some bimbette worried more about her looks than work.

[Becky]

Me I'm terrible at painting :p :D no makeup not even for work, besides when I was working, I needed respect of my engineers and not look like some bimbette worried more about her looks than work.

I work with plenty of engineers, scientists, and contractors. I've never been disrespected or accused of being a bimbo because I've worn a modest amount of make-up to a meeting, lab, or work site. The fact that I look 10 years younger than I am has been the bigger problem. If anything, cosmetics make me look more professional, not less.

[OakLeaf]

when I was working, I needed respect of my engineers and not look like some bimbette worried more about her looks than work.

Yeah, makeup was one of the many personal grooming/hygiene skills I wasn't taught as a kid, and remains one of the few that I didn't find important enough to teach myself as an adult. I've tried a few times on special occasions, with mixed results. :rolleyes: I used to tell myself that it was for feminist and nonconformist reasons that I don't wear makeup, but the honest truth is that I just don't know how.

But, I used to look down my nose at women who took time with their appearance for what I considered "inappropriate" occasions (like, the ones who'd be putting on makeup and styling their hair in the gym bathroom the morning of the second day of TOSRV). But, then came Florence Griffiths Joyner's Olympic appearance. No one could say she wasn't a "real" athlete or that she thought she was worried "more about her looks than about her" training or performance.

To each her own. The ones who want to look nice *and* ride bikes *and* be engineers, hooray for them.

[denda]

Yes.

[indysteel]

Honestly, I hate the way threads about makeup, clothing, shoes, hair color, etc. often seem to get unnecessarily judgmental. I think it's awesome that there are women who don't wear makeup, but could we tone down the insinuation that those that do have somehow bought into something perverse or that makes us look look cheap. I am an educated, liberal women with a professional job. I run, hike, bike, and kayak. I lift weights and jump around for fun. I get sweaty and dirty and sore. I also wear skirts, heels, and a modest amount of makeup and perfume. I color my hair. And I don't feel like I should have to apologize about any of it, and yet I can think of a number of threads over the years where I've been made to feel like I should. I think that's unfortunate.

[roo4]

I wear makeup to work, but not while exercising. In fact, I usually wash it off prior to working out so that it doesn't smear on a towel or something.

I think Indysteel is right.

[ACG]

Honestly, I hate the way threads about makeup, clothing, shoes, hair color, etc. often seem to get unnecessarily judgmental. I think it's awesome that there are women who don't wear makeup, but could we tone down the insinuation that those that do have somehow bought into something perverse or that makes us look look cheap. I am an educated, liberal women with a professional job. I run, hike, bike, and kayak. I lift weights and jump around for fun. I get sweaty and dirty and sore. I also wear skirts, heels, and a modest amount of makeup and perfume. I color my hair. And I don't feel like I should have to apologize about any of it, and yet I can think of a number of threads over the years where I've been made to feel like I should. I think that's unfortunate.

Here here. I do not wear make up while exercising, but do during other times.

[OakLeaf]

Honestly, I hate the way threads about makeup, clothing, shoes, hair color, etc. often seem to get unnecessarily judgmental. I think it's awesome that there are women who don't wear makeup, but could we tone down the insinuation that those that do have somehow bought into something perverse or that makes us look look cheap. I am an educated, liberal women with a professional job. I run, hike, bike, and kayak. I lift weights and jump around for fun. I get sweaty and dirty and sore. I also wear skirts, heels, and a modest amount of makeup and perfume. I color my hair. And I don't feel like I should have to apologize about any of it, and yet I can think of a number of threads over the years where I've been made to feel like I should. I think that's unfortunate.

Hear, hear.





plus, it helps cover the black eyes ... <g,d&r>

[kajero]

The only reason I was curious is one of my friends said I should wear eye make up because it made me look better during/after a ride. I wondered if there was something wrong with me

I didn't mean the thread to become judgmental. I only wanted to know if other cyclists wore eye make up and how they kept it from hurting their eyes.

I apologize if I offended anyone.

[rebeccaC]

I apologize if I offended anyone.

I can't see where anything you've written needs an apology. I think you got a good cross section of women writing about their makeup habits. One questionable post, out of 21, that could seem to be judgmental doesn't bother me a bit. I also think Becky and especially Oakleaf made excellent and reasoned posts in regards to it without needing to get into the politics of it.

I'm confident enough not to worry about what others think or say about my makeup or lack thereof habits. I would hope other women who don't or do wear makeup (especially during exercise as this thread is about) would feel just as confident in their decision as the other.

[indysteel]

Beyond the most obvious post, I think there is a current running through this thread, as it has in others and whether intentional or not, that there is something implicitly superior in not using makeup (or wearing heels, dressing up or coloring one's hair, to name a few other topics). It's not enough to simply say "I don't wear makeup." We end up getting into the politics of wearing makeup and what it apparently says about us if we do or don't. I've read enough of these threads over the years to know how they typically devolve. If I'm overreacting to this one, then I apologize, but it and others like it have really rubbed me the wrong way. I think as a group, we could stand to be more mindful of how we express the choices we make for ourselves so that they don't end up sounding judgmental of the choices others make.

That is all. I'm on vacation and am now checking out. For the record, I went hiking today sans makeup, but I wore some to dinner last night, along with a skirt and Keen sandals.

[Crankin]

Indy, you echo my thoughts exactly. I wear make up (though not on purpose for exercising), color my hair, dress up, have manicured nails, and I love fashion. Yet, I have no problem sweating, getting dirty, and "suffering." Most people think I am tough. At this point in my life, if people think I'm vain, I don't care. I have noticed the same current running through threads on these topics, too. I don't care if others don't wear make up, but really, I think it all comes down to how you were brought up and the personal choices you make. My mom and both of my grandmothers were gorgeous, classic beauties. I am fine with a little make up, but I look like hell when I wake up, without a little work. I"ve never been able to roll out of bed and look great, even at age 20.
There's a certain breed of woman in my town who suscribe to the no make-up, all natural way of living. They are as snobby about their point of view/lifestyle, as the the spoiled rich girls I grew up with in Newton.

[PamNY]

The only reason I was curious is one of my friends said I should wear eye make up because it made me look better during/after a ride. I wondered if there was something wrong with me

I didn't mean the thread to become judgmental. I only wanted to know if other cyclists wore eye make up and how they kept it from hurting their eyes.

I apologize if I offended anyone.

Nothing you need to apologize for. You asked a perfectly reasonable question.

[roo4]

So. Now that we are all friends again...

As I said above, I don't wear makeup to exercise, but if I were going to, I would wear the same stuff I wear to work...Lancome Definicil mascara, waterproof version. It gives a bit of color, but it's not really making my eyelashes look really bold. When I swim at noon, it stays on fairly well in both the pool and the post swim shower. By about 4 pm there is a small amount of flaking. I would skip eyeshadow. It makes my eyes itchy (feel free to recommend a non itchy brand).

[emily_in_nc]

I hardly ever wear makeup besides lipgloss now that I'm retired (usually only for a special dinner out or party), but when I was working and I worked out at lunchtime or after work, I did work out or ride in makeup, and it was never a problem. If I was going out for a morning ride on the weekends, though, I would not apply any makeup, just sunscreen and lip balm.

[kajero]

So. Now that we are all friends again...

As I said above, I don't wear makeup to exercise, but if I were going to, I would wear the same stuff I wear to work...Lancome Definicil mascara, waterproof version. It gives a bit of color, but it's not really making my eyelashes look really bold. When I swim at noon, it stays on fairly well in both the pool and the post swim shower. By about 4 pm there is a small amount of flaking. I would skip eyeshadow. It makes my eyes itchy (feel free to recommend a non itchy brand).

I think I shall ask my friend to buy me some Lancôme Definicil mascara seeing as she was the one who inspired this thread. Of course, then I suspect she would expect me to wear it. :D

[shootingstar]

I'm concerned about....getting enough sleep.

No mascara nor makeup will help me. These last few years have been tougher for me personally. I used to wear foundation occasionally but now find, it accentuates my fine line wrinkles and tiredness. If I wore makeup, it was lip gloss occasionally. A convenient thing when it's very cold outside.

So cycling genuinely is a form of spa exercise for me to lift my whole face. That's why cycling needs to be at my pace, not racing or keeping up with others. A total mindless destressor for me.

As for anything cosmetic, I enjoy getting a great haircut, etc. It does wonders for me --visually and psychologically.

[ny biker]

So. Now that we are all friends again...

As I said above, I don't wear makeup to exercise, but if I were going to, I would wear the same stuff I wear to work...Lancome Definicil mascara, waterproof version. It gives a bit of color, but it's not really making my eyelashes look really bold. When I swim at noon, it stays on fairly well in both the pool and the post swim shower. By about 4 pm there is a small amount of flaking. I would skip eyeshadow. It makes my eyes itchy (feel free to recommend a non itchy brand).

In my experience, the color of the eyeshadow is more important than the brand when it comes to allergies. I'm allergic to reds and purples. I'm generally okay with browns.

[smilingcat]

I'm the one who owes apologies to those I offended. Guess its my insecurity in never learned to use make-up. Please accept my apology for my offensive comment. Sometimes, I lack social grace and say the wrong thing.

Sincerely,

[rebeccaC]

I'm the one who owes apologies to those I offended. Guess its my insecurity in never learned to use make-up. Please accept my apology for my offensive comment. Sometimes, I lack social grace and say the wrong thing.

Sincerely,

I've been listening to Laura Nyro all night as I work on some photos....

"from the mothers of the moon

goodnight, children

we are dancers

sweepers

bookkeepers



for walks and talks

through rain, wind, sun, star

women of the one world


dancers sweepers bookkeepers

women of the one world

one world"

:)

[lph]

Rebecca, that was beautiful :-)

I will admit that I used to be one of those who looked down on women for being (what I considered) overly vain. I sincerely hope I'm past that now. I would add that even though I don't use make-up daily and never for exercise, I love dressing to the nines for a special occasion, floor-length gown, high heels, as much make-up as I can get away with, jewelry, the lot.

But, ya know, when I pick up a magazine and read an article that in not so many words basically tells me that "a woman should always look her best", or "what you look like is a lot more important than what you can do", or "old is ugly, and old is more than 30"... I can't help getting a bit prickly. There is a huge industry out there very happy to prey on our insecurities, and blow them out of proportions, and I hate that.

I hope I'm not offending anyone personally when I rail against prevailing norms, because I don't mean to. I just feel that they are unfair and constraining. And especially when I'm out there doing my favourite sporting activities I want the freedom to look "ugly" if I want to. But I don't mean to convey any feeling of superiority, we're all vain in some way or another.

[TrekDianna]

whether someone wears make up or not does not matter to me. Same with hair color etc. It's not for me, but if it works for someone else, great. I do have an issue with perfume. It makes me have to leave the room and grab my inhaler. I have had to leave the building after someone with perfume has come into my office, leaving the office manager to set up a fan and let me know when it's ok to come back.

[GLC1968]

Like others, I don't apply makeup to workout but if I'm already wearing it, I don't take it off, either. If I was really made up, I'd probably remove it before swimming just to be kind to the pool, but I hardly wear much anyway.

Bobbi Brown smudge-proof mascara doesn't run, FYI. I wore it for my wedding, bawled like a baby and never had raccoon eyes.

I was thinking about this thread as I was getting ready this morning and it occurred to me that I never worry about what I look like after biking. I guess that's because with glasses and a baseball hat, you can hardly see my face anyway. Honestly, in comparison to how I look after swimming (ie, AWFUL - goggles are not kind to me!), I'm flat out gorgeous after biking or running! :P

[buffybike]

I usually wear makeup each day (at least on workdays), but I remove it if I'm going riding. During rides, it's just sunscreen/lip balm.

[Koronin]

I never wear makeup because I just personally have no use for it. However, I couldn't care one way or another rather others wear it. I'm just not one to ask about it. Heck I'm also hate wearing skirts or dresses and will wear slacks if I can get away with it. I wore shorts under my own wedding gown because I hate dress/skirts that much. The last time I basically had to wear a skirt I wore a skort instead. But that's just me, I'm completely and totally uncomfortable in dresses and skirts and can't wear heels. Now perfume is a major issue as I very allergic to it and cannot be around it. (TrekDianna it's not just you, there are others of us out here with issues with perfume.)

[Owlie]

I don't actually own makeup beyond lip gloss, so no.

[soprano]

I commute and if I'm wearing makeup that day, I put it on before leaving the house. If I'm headed out for a purely recreational ride or run, I skip it. My commute is 3.5 miles each way and I almost always wear makeup if it is below 70 degrees. If I need to look really nice I'll pack along some powder for a touch-up.

For keeping eye makeup fresh through light exercise, Urban Decay makes an eye makeup primer that is amazing. They sell it at Sephora. I use it both on my eyelids and under my eye where I put concealer, then add shadow and concealer. Sweat won't touch it. Eye makeup remover is necessary to take it off. Also check out tubing mascaras. Sephora has one by Blinc ($$$!) or for a drugstore brand try L'Oreal Double Extend.

Re: why women do or don't wear makeup: I have fair skin and a dark smudge under one of my eyes that is totally natural. I wear concealer to cover, otherwise I sometimes have concerned friends inquiring about my marriage ;) I also am cursed with stubborn adult acne. I was able to skip makeup for most of this summer but right now my acne is flaring up. It's not a matter of looking pretty or professional or like a bimbo. It's about fitting in and not wanting peoples' pity.

[kajero]

I went to a family thing this afternoon. I put on blush and lipstick. I also put on eyeliner and mascara. The blush and lipstick were gone by the end of the party. Then I went on a 32 mile bike ride. LOL . . . I am sitting here with raccoon eyes and no eye make up remaining on my eyes. Normally, I would not even bother with make up at all but it was a family thing.

I think I will have to try some of the suggestions in this thread. Or maybe I should have gone bike riding first, taken a shower, put on eye makeup, and then attended the family thing. :D (Except I have such a habit of getting lost -- I can't follow a map or Garmin -- that I probably never would have gotten home in time to get ready for the party.

[Raindrop]

Honestly, I hate the way threads about makeup, clothing, shoes, hair color, etc. often seem to get unnecessarily judgmental. I think it's awesome that there are women who don't wear makeup, but could we tone down the insinuation that those that do have somehow bought into something perverse or that makes us look look cheap. I am an educated, liberal women with a professional job. I run, hike, bike, and kayak. I lift weights and jump around for fun. I get sweaty and dirty and sore. I also wear skirts, heels, and a modest amount of makeup and perfume. I color my hair. And I don't feel like I should have to apologize about any of it, and yet I can think of a number of threads over the years where I've been made to feel like I should. I think that's unfortunate.
I am, unfortunately, a woman who feels the need to wear some kind of make-up always. I realize that by making this statement many of you will think l am "less" than what I am which is an athlete, Personal Trainer (14 years), and strong in all areas except the one where I feel confident without at least mascara. So, that's the way it is..and the way I am. I've accepted it and won't change.

[kajero]

I realize that by making this statement many of you will think l am "less" than what I am which is an athlete, Personal Trainer (14 years), and strong in all areas except the one where I feel confident without at least mascara..

Why in the world would anyone think you are "less" than an athlete?

I just wanted to know if people wore the stuff and if they did how the heck they kept it on during and after a ride. The thread kind of got off topic. I apologize because I realize I didn't phrase the topic right at all.

[marni]

I haven't worn makeup for over 30 years, even when I was working and also gave up caring about what age I look a few years later. I figure clean, odorless and basically decently dressed is good enough for me. If other people disapprove that's their problem. My none riding and non gym outfits are basically nice ( no acid wear, glitz, decorations , ratty edges , hems) and nicely fitted with a basic white one pocket t shirt for formal or jeans and a ride t shirt around the house. I do have a lady dress. and a couple of nice blouses and silk shirts and a skirt that serve for more formal occasions.