Makeup

[ACG]

I have always wondered, do any of you wear makeup while riding? I do not, I wear a moisterizer with sunscreen and thats it. But I've noticed some women with foundation, lipstick and eye makeup. Isn't this bad for your skin?

[Pedal Wench]

If I'm riding right after work, I end up leaving it on. It's too much hassle to remove it before I ride. On weekends, however, it' au naturalle!

[yellow]

I read somewhere once about a study that looked at skin damage and it showed that women who wore full makeup (that is, foundation, etc) had LESS skin damage over time than even women who wore just sunscreen. So I suppose if it doesn't run off and bother you, it's probably not bad. I wouldn't want all that on my skin when I was riding though!

I just wear a moisturizer with sunscreen in it every day. I think I wear makeup about 2X a year. On "big sun" days I also put additional sunscreen over my moisturizer (even though I know that once you're beyond SPF 15 it doesn't make a hoot of difference if you don't REAPPLY, which I'm not very good at doing).

[DeniseGoldberg]

I stopped wearing makeup many years ago.

When I'm cycling, I use the same sunscreen on my face as I do on the rest of my body (my sunscreen of choice is PreSun Ultra Gel 30, which admittedly is impossible to find in my area, so I buy it online here (http://www.uniquesportsaccessories.com/s-presun-sunscreen.htm)). If I'm not planning on being outside for big chunks of time (as in, I'm at work...) I use a moisturizer that includes SPF 15 sunscreen.

--- Denise

[Nanci]

I do, sometimes. I have red hair and freckles, so pretty light skin. My big makeup regime takes less than 30 seconds: lipliner, Origins lip gloss, Origins Underwear for lids, pink, blue Maybeline mascara. Tons of spf 45- Neutrogena is working well for me. Never foundation- I just never got into that, and I don't use blush any more, prefer a more natural look. Like blue eyelashes ;-)

Nanci

[Brandi]

yea I have reddish hair as well. So I wear makep just to look more awake. But I wear mineral makeup. I have allergies so I have problems with stor bought makeup. My makeup as a sun block in it as well. It is a very natural looking makeup. But I don't wear it all the time. Bare essentials is what I wear. It is really nice for those of you who wear makeup

[Lise]

This is funny! What other athletic message boards have this thread, I wonder? Not many, I'm guessing! It's funny because this is a big concern of mine, yet one I'd be reluctant to admit to :o .

I am pale, pale, pale. Pale skin, hair, eyebrows....now, on Tilda Swinton, as the Ice Queen in Narnia, this is a good look. On me...not so much. People ask me if I'm ill. Sooo, how to be athletic and have some color around my eyes (other than red, which my face always is when I exert myself).

I always wear sunscreen, at least 30 SPF, usually 45. I color in my eyebrows so they're visible. I wear a Revlon mascara called Colorstay. It goes on and stays on for days, if necessary (remember, I'm a midwife. Sometimes I wear the same makeup for 36 hours!). My dilemma is that I'm a triathlete. ie: Swimming. What to do? Last summer I had my eyebrows dyed professionally. Silly, right? But there's the level of my vanity.

Upshot: I ran the Chicago marathon in October. I'd spent the summer perfecting my athletic makeup strategy. Now I've run/walked/run 26.2 miles, my family and friends take me out for a burger, I can barely sit up, but I'm so happy, and my mom (even paler than I am), comments on the really important thing: my makeup is still on. Actually, she said, "You look great! You even have color!" Ha! The strategy worked!

So. I love Nanci's "natural" blue eyelashes! I like blue mascara, but blue smudges under my eyes, uncool. I suppose I could try Colorstay, if it comes in blue...and the adventure continues. :p Lise

[Surlygirl]

Neutrogena spf 45 sunscreen for me and chapstick with Spf 30. I always have a red face when riding anyway. Probably lack of oxygen. :D

[nancielle]

I usually just use a sunblock (skin & lips). Anything else just seems to irritate my skin when I ride.

[Crankin]

I always wear moisturizers w/ spf 15, and I add sunblock w/ 30 or 45 when I ride. If I ride after work, I leave my make up on (blush, eye shadow and mascara). I am also fair, with freckles and I have reddish circles on my eyelids/ under the eyes. So, I always wear concealer here, even when going out on a weekend ride. I also wear lipstick; I can't stand the feel of my lips without it and I think it just gives my face color.

[kjay]

It's great to read about another person who insists on wearing under-eye concealer and lipstick even when bike riding. I LOVE it. Like you, I also wear sunscreen every day and when I'm biking will wear 45 SPF plus, plus (and don't laugh) a fairly good-sized straw visor that attaches below my helmet and at the back of my head via Velcro. Ever since I biked around the Big Island last Nov, I've gotten some brown spots on my face, so now I wear the visor even though it looks really goofy. I'm 62 and only recently have developed a few brown spots, so it's good to cover up as much as possible, not that brown spots are so darn bad, but why get them if you can prevent them . . .

[Crankin]

well, kjay, I'm 52 and I really don't look that great without my reddish eyes being concealed! It takes about 5 seconds to do and I don't really care if people think it's vain. To me, feeling good means feeling good about the way I look. One of my younger colleagues told me that lip balm has replaced lipstick for the 20 something generation. I don't know if that is true, since I have 2 sons, but I think both products help get rid of that dry yucky feeling on your lips.

[sydney_b]

I almost always do a light base, mascara and lipstick. The base has sunscreen and evens out my skintone, liptstick looks better than plain chapstick and does the same job, and mascara, well, 'cause it just looks better. Doesn't seem to cause irritation and w/o makeup, everyone is always saying, "you look tired, do you feel ok?" Makes me crazy.

/s

[cindysue]

I'm lucky if I remember to wear make-up to a job interview.

But lately I feel like I'm starting to show my age (35), so I'll probably think about it more often. Maybe after I graduate and start wearing suits to work...

I'd probably never wear makeup on the bike.....

[alpinerabbit]

NO makeup for this rabbit, ever, just tossed the two hopeful products I once bought in boredom at the airport. Makeup, lipstick, etc actually goes rancid on me as I do not use any I buy. I hate sticky stuff on my face.

http://img482.imageshack.us/img482/8258/bugsbunny78ks.gif

I could not imagine sweating under makeup. Wiping it around, getting anything under the contacts I wear only for riding, tears streaming on downhill rides - yikes.

I do need to start wearing sunblock this year when I go riding regularly. I need yet to find one that is not sticky and smelly. Neutrogena SPF 15(?) moisturizer is what I have right now.

yah I'mma dig the tanlines this year. I tan easily. I am most looking forward to the golf glove tan. hehehe. Only I don't play golf!

[DeniseGoldberg]

I do need to start wearing sunblock this year when I go riding regularly. I need yet to find one that is not sticky and smelly. Neutrogena SPF 15(?) moisturizer is what I have right now.


I have no idea what kind of overlap there is between products in North America and in Europe. I've found that I'm happiest with gel (as opposed to cream) sunscreens. Don't know if you can find these in your neck of the woods, but I prefer these two products - and neither of them is sticky or has a "smell": My favorite is PreSun Ultra Gel (SPF30), and my backup is Coppertone Sport Sunblock Gel.

--- Denise

[susiej]

well, kjay, I'm 52 and I really don't look that great without my reddish eyes being concealed! It takes about 5 seconds to do and I don't really care if people think it's vain. To me, feeling good means feeling good about the way I look. ...

Robyn, I'm with you there about feeling good about how I look! That's why I just bought a yellow skort (and am hoping for the matching top for my birthday). All my bike clothes are shades of grey and pale yellow. Some days I feel vain and girly, but the nifty gear makes biking more fun.

And don't tell me accessorizing is a "girl" thing! The husband doesn't have a bike computer, he has a handheld device (Windows CE), connected to the GPS and his cell phone, all running custom software (that's very very flakey) to get his position and phone it back to a custom web page that plots his course. One year he hooked up a web cam to take pictures every 15 minutes. And all his clothes are yellow and black, and match his bike.

To answer the question: I never wear makeup -- too lazy! Neutrogena moisturizer and sunblock early in the season, suntan lotion late in the season after I've turned brown.

--SJ

[Bike Goddess]

I wear some moisturizer and light makeup as well as some color on my cheeks. Have to be careful about eyeliner as it tends to get in my contacts which aint fun! In the summer when I have more of a tan on my face, I just wear some kind of suncream to protect my skin.

[Grog]

No makeup. Just moisturizer. And moisturizer with sunscreen when it's not raining.

Currently riding through the winter, I just can't imagine what it would be with makeup. My nose is running, I have to spit every other minute (the cold makes my immune system hyperactive), I cry from the cold wind... wouldn't be very pretty.

You're all beautiful as you are.

[alpinerabbit]

My nose is running, I have to spit every other minute.....

You're all beautiful as you are.

hehe especially spitting on the road, how ladylike. I do it too.

[bikerchick68]

LOL at this thread... I was riding a century and two women came walking to the bathroom line, perfectly made up and looking like they had yet to break a sweat... this was 53 miles in... :eek: I looked like I'd been hit by a truck... that backed up to be sure the job was complete!!! LOL

these women even had pretty earrings on... :rolleyes: ah well, guess it didn't inspire me that much cause I still go out sans makeup! I do well to remember sunscreen... gotta work on that this year.

I need to find a sunscreen that stays put tho... not one that rolls into my eyes when I sweat! That stuff STINGS!!! :eek:

the one thing I wear consistently is lip balm...

[bcipam]

I don't wear all that much makeup as it is but on the weekends I still put on brow and eye liner, a little shadow and lip gloss but no face makeup, only moisturizer and sun screen. I have a good friend that always shows up with full makeup, lipstick, eye makeup and after our rides she looks alittle scary - lipstick and eye liner all askewed, makeup running. Bad enough so I know I don't want to look that way. If going out for a ride alone, I usually clean my face, put on sun screen and go. I think it better for the pores not to have all that makeup on.

PS: But I always wear my earrings !

[Trek420]

bcipam "I have a good friend that ....after our rides she looks a little scary - lipstick and eye liner all askewed, makeup running."

'fraid I'd look like that BEFORE the ride if I put makeup on :cool: ;)

sunscreen (I like Nivea), chapstick, road id, earings, that's it.

[Grog]

Earrings: I don't remember when in my childhood, must have been around physical education class, heard of another girl who tore her earlobe where her earring had been in a fall or something similar. I sometimes look at the earrings box before I leave for a ride, and then I remember about that and take them off. If I fell off my bike or my helmet straps got stuck in the earrings somehow or or or..... I just don't do it, but frankly I don't think the risk is very important...

Sunscreen: I don't apply any over the eyes because my helmet covers my forehead pretty well anyway. Depending on how I manage my hair, I may put some on my scalp (if I part the hair in two to make pigtails)... Someone on this board last Summer suggested lip balm (the stick type) in eyebrows to prevent sunscreen running in the eyes. I never tried, but it sort of makes sense.

Dreaming of the Sun already...

[annie]

Sunscreen on my face. Always. I have fair, freckled skin and don't need to burn! Moisturizer, too. But that goes on every morning, regardless. So does mascara, just a light coat. It's a habit. If I forget, I feel naked. :eek:
I have to confess to lipstick, too. I love Burt's Bees lip gloss. It's a moisturizer as much as a color. None of this runs or streaks when I ride and sweat...... if it did, it'd be out. My girlfriends that I ride with - we have a favorite saying, sort of a joke. "You can always do lips!" Meaning it's so easy, why not? I guess we're all a little vain. I admit it. :rolleyes: But I'm content that way, it does not affect my riding, so what the he**! ;)

annie

[Crankin]

sj, my husband has more bike toys than most, so I know accesorizing is not entirely a female thing. He has quite a few matching jerseys and socks, some in quite shocking colors.
As far as those riders who looked like they hadn't broken a sweat on the century ride, I think that is more of a physiological thing than a make up thing. If I am riding in hot weather, or even other times, I generally look like a truck has hit me (why do we use that comparison?) even if I have lipstick on... I am trying to grow my hair out, from a pixie short-short to a more, all one length short around my chin. Since I have to blow it dry now, to get it to look OK, I am dreading what it will be like when i take my helmet off after a long, sweaty ride. I do a fair amount of riding where we stop for lunch, etc. I know there has been a thread on hair styles before, but I am wavering on whether comfort, styling, etc for riding should rule my hair decision. This is really stupid, given some of the other issues we discuss here, but I wonder how much cycling should rule my life (in all aspects). I don't want to get too unidimensional. Does this make sense?

[betagirl]

I never wear makeup so I don't put any on to go for a ride :D I guess if I go to a wedding or something fancy I put a little on, but day to day nada. When I ride I do put on sunscreen, especially on my nose which always seems to get crispy if I don't. I too couldn't imagine sweating through makeup. Or god forbid you rub your eyes :)

[sarahkonamojo]

I had a makeup phase, but it didn't stick. I make the makeup counter ladies at the department stores cringe, I'm sure. But what has got to stick for me is the sunscreen. I use Vanicream (http://psico.com/products/vani_sunscreen.cfm). It goes on white but then disappears. I have not had any problems with it in my eyes. I tend to avoid the gels they get in my eyes and also dry my skin.

My sister brought me some sunscreen from France that is nice, too, but not approved in US.

[Melody]

I'm with beta and sarah. I don't use makeup normally so none goes on while I ride.

I _do_ sometimes use sunscreen, but it's rare. I very very rarely get sunburned though as I age it's happening more often so I should be using it more often. It just gets hard to remember since I so rarely used it before.

Mel

[DeniseGoldberg]

I _do_ sometimes use sunscreen, but it's rare. I very very rarely get sunburned though as I age it's happening more often so I should be using it more often. It just gets hard to remember since I so rarely used it before.

Mel

Although there seems to be a bit of controversy here - as with everything these days - sunscreen also is believed to help prevent skin cancer. So even if you don't get burns, you should use it - on your face and on other exposed skin too.

Here are two articles that promote the use of sunscreen: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/health/skin-cancer/skin.htm#5
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/cri/content/cri_2_4_2x_can_skin_cancer_be_prevented_51.asp?sitearea=&level=

--- Denise

[snapdragen]

Ooo, sarah, thanks for the site. Looks like sensitive skin snap will find all kinds of good stuff there.

I do wear makeup, but not while riding. I've got enought problems with my skin, don't want to exacerbate it!

This reminds me of when I was on a hiking trip in Canada. There was one woman that would be in full makeup every day, foundation to lipstick. (Deep red lipstick at that!) Makes my face itch just thinking about it...

[Brandi]

LOL at this thread... I was riding a century and two women came walking to the bathroom line, perfectly made up and looking like they had yet to break a sweat... this was 53 miles in... :eek: I looked like I'd been hit by a truck... that backed up to be sure the job was complete!!! LOL

these women even had pretty earrings on... :rolleyes: ah well, guess it didn't inspire me that much cause I still go out sans makeup! I do well to remember sunscreen... gotta work on that this year.

I need to find a sunscreen that stays put tho... not one that rolls into my eyes when I sweat! That stuff STINGS!!! :eek:

the one thing I wear consistently is lip balm... I would like to recommend surfer's sun block. I get sun block from my local surf shop. It is 45. My dermatolagist last year said it's a must since I work outside so much and bike. It's good stuff,won't get in your eye's. Email me and I will get the name for you and anyone else who is interested. I sweat a lot and it doesn;t get in my eye's at all.

[Brandi]

A very good friend of mine is a skin dr. And let me tell you he has told us stories that would make you slather on sunscreen every waking moment! Even the skin that is not exposed is effected. He said you can even get it between your toes and under your hair.He says he does a thorough head check on all he's clients.
Even if you don't think you burn wear sunblock. The results of not are far worse then your eye's stinging

[Trekhawk]

A very good friend of mine is a skin dr. And let me tell you he has told us stories that would make you slather on sunscreen every waking moment! Even the skin that is not exposed is effected. He said you can even get it between your toes and under your hair.He says he does a thorough head check on all he's clients.
Even if you don't think you burn wear sunblock. The results of not are far worse then your eye's stinging

Brandi is right slap on that sunscreen and wear a hat in summer. Recently I noticed a red spot on my husbands head and off he went to the Doc. It is a Basal Cell Carcinoma and will have to be removed. Lucky I noticed it because he couldnt even see it. So I guess get someone to check those places you cant see yourself.

[snapdragen]

Yup. I use sunscreen, and still ended up with precancerous spots. I finished up treatment around December with Aldara cream. I will now check myself and go to the derm religiously.


Brandi is right slap on that sunscreen and wear a hat in summer. Recently I noticed a red spot on my husbands head and off he went to the Doc. It is a Basal Cell Carcinoma and will have to be removed. Lucky I noticed it because he couldnt even see it. So I guess get someone to check those places you cant see yourself.

[DirtDiva]

In summer the sunscreen goes on as soon as I get out of the shower: arms, shoulders, legs, face, ears, neck and anywhere else the sun might see me. More goes on if I'm going to be outside for more than 15 minutes. The hat goes on if I'm going to be outside for more than about a minute. Sunnies are on my face if it's not night-time. :cool: It's all just one of those things that gets ingrained when you come from the ozone-deficient southern reaches of the world.

[bikerchick68]

Brandi... I sent you at PT... thanks for the offer of the name of the sunscreen!!! I'll give it a shot! :)

[Jo-n-NY]

You all are right. I had basil cell removed in a few places on my face and now go for a skin check every 6 months. The damage was done in my teen years as it takes the cells 15-20 years to come out.

~ JoAnn

[VenusdeVelo]

...but I know I must go. As all of us born in the 60's we tanned with unthinkable stuff like baby oil and iodine ... iodine? What were we crazy???!!

I took better care in my 20s and 30s but now in my 40s going to the derm this year for a cancer scan....of course, a little worried of what might be found. I am much better now -- sunscreen is usu a necessity but even now I slip up sometimes!

I personally don't mind concealer under the eyes (another sad by-product of my 40s...circles!!) or mascara and lite gloss of some sort, but make-up -- no, I sweat too much. The issue of make-up though while working out is not usually a problem provided it was recently put on clean skin (and assuming it's not pore clogging). The problem with most make-up (or even if you had none on) is that people had their make-up on all day, grime and pollution gets embedded in it, and you go off to spinning class, and then the grime starts to get into your pores...esp after you just wiped your equally grimy hand across your face! :p So whether you had make-up on or not, best to just do a quick swipe with witch hazel or something, at least on the trouble areas....nose, forehead, chin, before you head off to a sweat-fest type class.

I love Bobbi Brown's moisture tint though if I absolutely need something and won't be sweating too much. It's a sheer moisturizer with SPF, and gives pretty decent coverage (very very light but the pigment is good) for a moisturizer. Feels like a moisturizer and not a make-up. A thought. Am I allowed to endorse stuff here? Oops...:confused:

[fixedgeargirl]

I am trying to grow my hair out, from a pixie short-short to a more, all one length short around my chin. Since I have to blow it dry now, to get it to look OK, I am dreading what it will be like when i take my helmet off after a long, sweaty ride.

Robyn, I'm in the process of growing out from a pixie to long layers, so I know what you mean about being in the must-blow-dry phase. Have you thought about wearing a do-rag or skull cap? Or bring along a Buff? You can do all kinds of creative wrap/headband things with those and they come in cute colors and prints.

I totally understand questioning the validity of letting your sport(s) determine your hairstyle :D :rolleyes: ! I lived in the mountains, skied quite a bit, and spent most of my outdoor time with a hat or helmet of some kind on. I had long, straight hair for years b/c it was so easy and always looked the same post-helmet as it did pre-helmet. But I finally realized it wasn't the least bit flattering (finally outgrew my hippie phase ;) ). I have given lots of thought to each subsequent hairstyle, I don't want to waste $40 and eight weeks of regret :rolleyes: . It is a consideration, especially if you do a lot of riding. It's valid b/c it matters to you. Now, if you start obsessing about it, I'll start to get worried ;) :p !

[yellow]

Oh, after reading about Robyn's hair adventure, I realized that I fibbed earlier. :p

When I first got my hair cut super short (like about 1.5" all around), it only took one person to call me "Sir" to push me into the world of makeup. So to work, where I had contact with other humans, I wore mascara and eye shadow (and earrings!). But no makeup on weekends.

Of course since I'm not working at the moment it doesn't even occur to me to put makeup on. Plus, like Robyn, I'm attempting to grow my hair out a tad, so I'm not looking so "Sir-like" anymore. Robyn, I have lots of cute hats to disguise my hair once off the bike :rolleyes: and, like FGG recommends, I often wear a Buff while riding since it kind of doubles as a hat when I take my helmet off. I noticed that the latest Terry catalog has Buffs that match their other clothing. Cute!

[Crankin]

I haven't thought about the skullcap or buff. Right now, any riding I do (only one outdoor ride this month) is with a hat for warmth under my helmet. I usually start my season in March, but since I live in New England, my outdoor riding can be on and off until well up through April. Last year it rained right up through the middle of June...
well, back to hair. I might try one of the above accessories. My husband swears by the skullcap to keep cool and warm. I'm not sure if wearing one will help achieve my goal of not looking like a monster when I take the helmet off. I generally look pretty bad in hats; I love them, but I have a teeny head and putting any kind of head covering on sort of accentuates that and makes me look weird. I finally found a small sized headband at Terry, which I wear for x country skiing when it isn't too cold. Regular winter hats are always falling down over my eyes. I have the same problem buying eyeglasses; all the cool looking ones look awful on me. I ended up getting my reading glasses in a kid's frame! Mostly, I wear contacts, but my bifocals are also kid's frames. I have until March 17th to decide about my hair. That's the date for my next trim.