Never mind the cynics, Clinique’s new gym makeup is excellent

Clinique’s new collection – CliniqueFit – is the topic of much discussion in beauty circles. A collection of skincare and makeup products designed specifically for wearing during and after workouts, it has some people crying “notions!” Others are asking whether there is any setting in which women can catch a break from being expected to look nice, and more again seem delighted to see a fuss-free collection of basics specifically designed to fit into your gym bag.

This collection is not designed solely for wear during exercise – it is also intended as a handy capsule collection to allow makeup wearers to get ready in a jiffy post-workout and get back to the office. There is nothing to dislike about this collection – after all, Clinique is not petitioning for mandatory makeup at the gym, and judging by the new collection's instant popularity, the appetite for products like these is there.

The benefits of a collection designed to withstand even hard exercise extend far beyond the gym. The whole collection is sweat proof, making it perfect for holidays in hot or humid climates and for people who just tend to sweat a lot. CliniqueFit Workout Makeup SPF 40 (€33.50) is ideal for anyone who finds their base migrates through the day, or just disappears when they sweat. Do you need it at the gym? Certainly not. But if you wake up with a breakout or just simply like wearing a little bit of foundation that will stay put, this one is without competition.

CliniqueFit Workout 24-Hour Mascara (€22) is my favourite product from the collection. Long have I chewed angrily on my own fist on hearing "experts" recommend waterproof mascara to anyone whose mascara bleeds or moves through the day. Waterproof mascara is no match for sweat, and sweat-proof mascaras are hard to come by. This one is absolutely excellent but ensure you have a good oil cleanser when it's time to remove it. When I forgo other makeup, which I usually will during exercise, I still find mascara a comfort on days when I feel my face looks like a batch loaf with two beady little raisin eyes. This mascara adds deep blackness and definition, and won't come off even when you're watery eyed and dry-retching from exertion next to the squat rack.

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CliniqueFit Lip + Cheek Flush (€22) is the least necessary product in the range, or rather it is the most prettifying. A dual-purpose cheek and lip stain, it gives a bit of natural colour to lips and cheeks to brighten the complexion. My own complexion creates enough of its own vivid colour during exercise, thank you very much, so I prefer to apply a touch of the CliniqueFit Post-Workout Neutralizing Face Powder (€31) after exercise to neutralise the redness a little. Worn atop CliniqueFit Post-Workout Mattifying Moisturizer (€29) – a lovely product for oilier skin regardless of whether or not you exercise – it neutralises shine without flattening the appearance of the skin and generally makes me feel a bit less red and conspicuous.

CliniqueFit Post-Workout Face + Body Cleansing Wipes (€18) are a good idea in those instances when you may be unable, or unwilling, to use the gym showers (because have you ever seen the average gym shower?), and CliniqueFit Workout Face + Body Hydrating Spray (€14) is a wonderfully cooling, refreshing facial spritz which, due to its dinky size and general loveliness, I have taken to keeping in my handbag. You can use it as often as you like to cool and refresh the skin and it has some nice, beneficial ingredients.

Overall, this collection features great, versatile products in beautifully simple packaging, despite the high-horsery of some naysayers. If you want to wear makeup to the gym, look no further. If you don’t? Well, jog on.