Fashion for the gym and beyond

If you must wear makeup to the gym, keep it light and as minimal as possible. Makeup in excess can clog your pores. There is nothing worse than sweating and wiping your “face” off on a towel. My advice is to remove makeup before workouts. (All are available at major department stores, the manufacturers’ websites or Sephora.com.)

• Sweat is good for your skin. It opens up pores and helps skin breathe. However, it’s a good idea to cleanse your face or use a pre-moistened face wipe before and after a workout to prevent clogged pores. Estée Lauder Take It Away Towelettes, $20.

• If you must wear makeup to the gym, keep it light with a coat of waterproof mascara. Diorshow Waterproof Mascara, $25.

• After sweating during a workout, it’s important to replenish hydration with a moisturizer. Clinique Jumbo Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, 6.7 oz., $38.

• After moisturizing, apply beauty cream and concealer. Make Up For Ever’s Full Cover Concealer, $32.

• Finish your look with another swipe of mascara and a sheer tinted lip color. Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm, $17.

— Carl Ray, first lady Michelle Obama’s makeup artist-in-chief

A new generation of fitness clothing is appealing to gym rats and couch potatoes alike for its sweat-wicking, ab-smoothing, butt-firming fabrics, practical pockets and overall flattering silhouettes. With leggings and yoga pants almost de rigueur on the streets, exercisewear companies have upped the fashion quotient on their offerings.

Whether you’re cycling, boxing, weight training or lounging over a latte at your neighborhood cafe, give these styles a workout.

• Ready for action in a Nike Dri-Fit cropped tank ($35) and Nike Pro Hyperwarm Nordic tights ($60, Nike.com)

• This halter-style balletlike tank top with pleated peplum ($64) shouldn’t be reserved for stretching at yoga class. The same goes for the Emerge Renewed cropped leggings ($98) with mesh paneling. Post-practice, wear under a moto jacket for that trendy feminine-masculine mix. Tank top and leggings available at Lululemon stores and lululemon.com.

• An MPG nylon, expandable tote ($48) slung over the shoulder, leaves your workout behind, slipping on an R&R Surplus thermal hoodie ($180) over a Vimmia Pointe top ($92) and Blue Crush Leggings ($105).

• Ugg Australia’s Sheepskin Mini Bailey Fingerless Gloves ($145, Ugg stores and uggaustralia.com) and a Oiselle heather gray, super-soft mock turtleneck pullover ($76, Core 72) are the perfect pair for a run on a chilly morning.

• Don’t just exercise, make a statement with Onzie Graphic Leggings ($76) and Oiselle pullover. For something warm and fun to wear over tights while dog-walking or snowshoeing, try a Skhoop Short Down Skirt ($130), insulated with duck down.

• Stay cozy in a buttery-soft Think Fast herringbone zippered pullover ($98, at lululemon.com) with sweat-wicking fabric, Lycra to keep its shape and thumbholes to keep sleeves down. Coordinate with slate snakeskin-print Speed Tight II ($108, lululemon.com). Completing the graphic look are Nike Free 5.0 Fit 5 print sneakers ($110, Nike.com) and a favorite pair of neon-colored socks.