BEAUTY

KEELY HODGKINSON IS OUR MARATHON MAKEUP INSPO

By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 17 April 2026

Let’s start by confirming that you absolutely don’t need to wear makeup to do any form of exercise. But if you want to, you can – and should! With the London Marathon 2026 approaching faster than your pace on Strava, we thought we’d serve you some sweat-proof race-day makeup inspo courtesy of Women’s 800m World Champion and Olympic gold medalist, Keely Hodgkinson.

Picture: Getty

Keely gears up in sweat-proof glam for her race days.

The Manchester-born middle-distance runner always glams up for her races, but the most impressive thing (besides all the medals, of course): her makeup always stays put. If you're going to wear makeup for the marathon – or any other competitions and races you've got coming up – locking in a sweat-proof routine is important. We're getting into all things waterproof makeup so you can focus on those last weeks of training without worrying about getting mascara in your eyes 15K into the race. Here's how to prepare for a marathon with four steps to sweat-proof makeup. Ready, set, scroll!

HOW DOES WATERPROOF MAKEUP WORK?

You’ve likely encountered a myriad of makeup products with ‘waterproof’ or ‘water-resistant’ in the name, but they’re not quite the same. While both promise aversion to H2O, waterproof products are generally more effective. So if you’re marathon-bound or simply spending the day in sweltering heat, you’ll want to go waterproof. These cleverly crafted formulas form a protective film against moisture, which prevents any makeup meltdowns – whether you’re sweating, crying or running into an unexpected downpour.

STEP 1: MAKE TIME TO PRIME

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, £35

Bobbi Brown primer being applied on a hand

Bobbi Brown Primer Plus Protection SPF 50, £30

Before diving into your makeup trove, let’s talk priming. Without a proper primer, your makeup risks slipping, sliding or entirely melting off. Waterproof primers not only give your base products something to cling to, but – upon drying – they create a barrier that shields against sweat droplets and humidity. Top tip: the fewer layers you apply to your skin, the fresher you’ll feel. To help, you can seek out a primer with built-in SPF30 and above, or choose a priming moisturiser to consolidate both steps into one.

STEP 2: GO FOUNDATION-FREE

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless powder foundation

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder, £35

Rimmel Multi Tasker Full Coverage Concealer, £8.99

If you ask us, a full face of makeup during 26.2 miles of London terrain just isn’t it. This summer, skip foundation and dab a high-coverage, skin-toned concealer onto any hyperpigmentation and blemishes for a natural finish. With less product, there’s less that could end up melting off. If putting down the foundation feels too close to heartbreak for you, switch formulas and opt for a powder foundation instead. They're less susceptible to sweat, and will leave you with a soft-focus, matte look that looks impeccable in pictures. Set with an oil and sweat-controlling powder to make your base last as long as possible.

STEP 3: PICK WATERPROOF PRODUCTS

MACStack Waterproof Mascara, £27

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat- Pillow Talk, £22

Keely tends to skip false lashes as they risk obscuring her vision during the heat of the race. Follow her lead by opting for a good waterproof mascara instead. It’ll take you through both the sweat and tears that are bound to gush once you reach the finish line.

Marathon makeup calls for a different approach when it comes to lips. Glosses and dewy lipsticks? Not today. They’re just not made to last. Stick to waterproof lipsticks and lipliners in a matte finish. But if you’re still craving that hydrated, juicy look, pop a lip balm over your chosen shade to look fresh mile after mile.

STEP 4: SET LIKE YOU MEAN IT

Pictures: ASOS

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Setting Spray Mist, £15

Charlotte Tilbury Setting Spray, £33

Ready to make your masterpiece truly marathon-proof? Enter the final (and crucial) step: a waterproof setting spray. Setting sprays are packed with ingredients that ensure your makeup will stay firmly in place – just give your face a spritz, let it dry and go in with a second round for the best results. See you at the finish line.