Yesterday’s 2025 London Marathon saw 56,000 runners pound 26.2 miles of the capital’s pavements in temperature’s that reached over 20°C at times. And if you were wondering how some of them still looked so good when they crossed the finish line – and want to know how to keep your own make-up looking flawless during intense exercise – we’ve found a beauty expert (and runner) who has shared her top tips and tricks.
A beauty influencer and video creator called @chloeandcosmetics, who has over 600k followers on Instagram, ran the London Marathon yesterday, and ahead of this had posted a Reel demonstrating her sweat-proof make-up routine for when she does strenuous activity such as running, which includes some helpful advice and brilliant affordable product recommendations.
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Chloe started her routine by applying “SPF always” to her face. The one she uses looks like it’s the £17 Ginseng Moist Sun Serum (SPF 50+ PA+) by Beauty of Joseon, a Korean skincare brand that has recently launched into Boots, but there are plenty of other brilliant facial sunscreens available to choose from (we’re currently obsessed with this one).
Next comes what we think is a crucial step to ensure your make-up lasts well: primer. E.l.f. Power Grip Primer is the one used in the clip, much loved for how long-wearing it makes your make-up, and now currently reduced from £10 to £8.40 on Amazon. There’s also a matte version if you prefer to stay as shine-free as possible.
Chloe keeps her base light by just applying a little bit of concealer, then adds another well-known product: Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint, £22. These twist-up cheek and lip tints have gone viral for their innovative texture and super long-lasting finish, making them perfect if you want to wearing blush when exercising.
Other top tips Chloe shares including using two layers of this £8.99 setting spray plus a tubing mascara instead of a regular formula, which, she says, is “less likely to transfer”. Chloe uses Too Faced Ribbon Wrapped Lash Mascara in the video, and we’ve tested it out too. You can watch the rest of Chloe’s sweat-proof make-up routine here.
Using long-wearing, smudge-proof or waterproof products isn’t just for marathon runners; they’re also ideal for weddings, summer holidays or early mini heatwaves, like the one hitting the UK this week. Other waterproof mascaras that come highly recommended both by experts and by shoppers include Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara, currently down from £25.50 to £20.40, and MACStack Waterproof Mascara, £27.
Meanwhile our shopping writer Grace has been converted to setting sprays after trying this new natural-looking one.
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