What's a Workout Without Makeup?

Dec. 4, 2007 — -- What does it take to run a marathon? If you're first-time marathoner Katie Holmes it takes lots of training, a good pair of running shoes and apparently, some eyeliner.

A photo taken of Holmes after she finished the New York Marathon set beauty bloggers buzzing because it looked like Holmes was wearing makeup during the 26.2-mile run through the streets of Manhattan — a practice normally frowned upon by hard-core racers.

But Holmes is hardly the only celebrity to think sweating and a little shimmer go hand in hand. Serena Williams has been known to enter the Center Court at Wimbledon in full glamour mode.

So, do cosmetics and exercise mix? The answer depends on whom you ask.

David Goldberg, of Mount Sinai Medical Center and director of Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists in New York and New Jersey, couldn't be more clear: "My recommendation is not to wear makeup."

When you exercise you increase the blood supply to your skin. That's a good thing.

More nutrients are delivered to your skin cells, making your skin healthier. But sweat can clog your pores and when you add foundation on top of that, well, the results can be ugly.

"We see it all the time," said Goldberg."We see more breakouts and skin problems because of this."

But just try explaining the no-foundation rule to West Coast makeup artist and regular exerciser Mary Erickson.

"I wouldn't go outside without makeup, never mind to the gym. I'm 48 OK, not 20. Of course, I wouldn't have gone outside without makeup at 20 either. … I don't wear a lot of makeup, but I put my full face on to go anywhere."

On the East Coast, makeup is also the rule, not the exception, at the Equinox Fitness Club in New York City on Park Avenue

"The age range of our club is between 25 and 35. It's a little more of a scene here. People see people they know so they want to get a little glammed up when they go to the gym. I've seen women doll themselves up before they go into a fitness class," said club general manager Kellan Finley.