Last week the ELLE Running Club, plus 120 of our readers , took to the streets of London and achieved our goal of running 5K at the Nike UK #FlyKnit event. We’d done the training, we’d followed the plan, we’d got our swanky new Nike kits and our motivational playlists at the ready – next stop? To really put waterproof, smudge-proof and long-wearing make-up to the test. Here are our tried and tested favourites from the night…
‘On application Benetint looked great – blended really well and gave a rosy stain to my lips and cheeks. Plus, even though I put it on before running - I didn't look ridiculously red faced after the exercise - the effect is very natural and I can't fault its staying power.’
‘I like looking a little glam when I pound the pavement – you never know who you might bump into. This eyeliner has swiftly become my sweat-proof product of choice after first use. It gave me great definition and stayed put.’
‘This tint gave me a really nice, subtle colour that perked up my complexion and lasted for the whole 5K run (although the cold weather and running might have added to the colour too).The next morning I tried it again, paired with a slick of Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour balm over the top for a softer feeling finish and a pretty day look. Very versatile.’
'One of the most resilient mascaras I’ve ever used. I’ve worn make-up to exercise in the past and always look ten times worse post-workout with black panda eyes. But even after 5K this mascara remained smudge-free and, unlike other waterproof mascaras, it boosted the length and volume of my lashes too. Win,win, win.’
‘It was so easy to apply and created a soft, smoky finish which could be blended with the other end of the pencil. After running 5km, some of the colour had rubbed onto my oily (ok sweaty) upper eyelids, but otherwise it was still in place. It came off easily with my usual eye makeup remover too.’
‘I sprayed a bit too much thinking it would smell pretty but it has quite a strong scent that says 'I'm not here for fun, I mean business'. While I was enjoying my 5k race, the mist was busy keeping my make-up firmly put and at by the end I had someone ask, ‘how come you don’t look worn-out?’. This is how...’
‘This lipstick was amazing – it still looked perfect when I had finished the race despite drinking a lot of water along the way. I’ll be wearing this for work-outs and night’s out after putting its staying power to the test.’
‘I wasn’t too keen on the scent but it absolutely did its job and I couldn’t fault the results. My make-up looked just as good when I finished as when I started and my skin felt hydrated and fresh. Highly recommended.’