Can looking good actually boost your performance at the gym? I put Rimmel's Match Perfection Foundation to the test
For gym and fitness girlies, there is one question that often causes division - to glam or not to glam.
Now, I know what you’re thinking; the obvious answer is that no one wants to wear make-up while working out, everyone’s minding their own business, and sweating into a full-face of products isn’t always ideal.
Buy now: Rimmel's £9.99 Match Perfection Foundation SPF20 is available on Boots here
However, I’ve actually come to love wearing my make-up while working out, and often keep it on for Pilates classes, gym sessions and even to run a 10k race earlier this year - and it turns out I’m not the only one.
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British sprinter Amy Hunt recently told the BBC that ‘looking good and feeling good’ is all part of her process to get into the right mindset for a race.
Meanwhile, Olympian Keely Hodgkinson admitted she ‘gets ready to compete as if she’s going out’ and goes by the mantra ‘look good, feel good, race good’.
And there is research out there to back up that how you feel about yourself can influence exercise performance.
Dr Caitlin Artiaga, Clinical Director at Blume Behavioural Health, told Tyla: "Psychologically, there is a definitive connection between our outward presentation and how we ourselves perform and show up to a situation physically too.
"Having an outward presentation that makes one look 'together' can lead to an inner bump in confidence, which can trickle into motivation. Showing up to the gym in the first place, working out harder, and paying attention rather than feeling self-conscious.
"It is not about the make-up itself as much as the ritual aspect and the mental association with feeling put-together. For certain people, this small aspect of putting effort into yourself pre-workout sends a signal to yourself that you are worth showing up for."
Try it for yourself: Rimmel's £9.99 Match Perfection Foundation SPF20 is available on Boots here
Of course, we’re not saying that putting on glittery eyeshadow and pink blush will turn you into a medal-winning athlete, but for me, it definitely helps me to feel my best self.
I put the theory to the test this week by testing out Rimmel’s £9.99 Match Perfection Foundation during a gym session, and it reaffirmed what I’ve always thought.
As someone who can often struggle with gym anxiety, I felt more confident to just stride on in there and get what I needed to do done without worrying about what I looked like.
I feel the most comfortable and the most ‘myself’ wearing make-up, as it adds a layer of motivation and can change how I carry myself during a workout.
It goes without saying that this isn't a one-size-fits-all, and if not wearing make-up works for you and makes you feel confident, definitely don't stop doing that.
As for my experience, the foundation blended seamlessly with my other products and stayed firmly in place while I took on leg day - even after already wearing it for a full day of work.
If you prefer more natural glam for a workout, Rimmel’s Match Perfection Foundation is a great option as it’s pore-blurring and blends seamlessly with your skin, meaning you can look good (and feel good).
Powered by smart‑tone technology, the foundation uses a blend of pigments that mimic real skin tones to ‘create your perfect shade and undertone match’.
Formulated with Aloe Vera, the foundation provides 24-hour moisture for long‑lasting hydration, and includes SPF 20 for everyday protection.
It’s also available in 22 shades and matches 99 percent of UK skin tones, with a buildable coverage that Rimmel London explains ‘enhances - never masks - your natural look’.
It comes as the brand kicks off a season-long partnership with Chelsea FC Women.
The iconic makeup brand will bring Match Perfection Foundation to Stamford Bridge Stadium for the club's season opener against Aston Villa Women on 5th September, creating a dedicated fan experience that brings beauty pitch-side for the first time.
Together, Rimmel London and Chelsea FC Women are ‘celebrating the confidence, self-expression and community that unite beauty and sport’ and throughout the 2026/27 season, the partnership will come to life through fan experiences, sampling moments and community-led activations designed to bring supporters closer to the game while championing the continued growth of women's football.
To mark the start of the season, the Rimmel Match Perfection Team Bus will open its doors as the ultimate game-day beauty stop, inviting fans to discover their perfect match with Rimmel experts through mini on-the-go makeovers, product discovery and content-worthy photo opportunities.
Fans will also have the chance to win a full Match Perfection product bundle and exclusive Rimmel x CFCW merchandise.
Giulia Mazzia, Commercial Director for Chelsea FC Women, said: "What excites us most about the growth of women's football is the diverse community it continues to build. Both beauty and sport are spaces for connection, confidence and self-expression.
"Through Rimmel's partnership with CFCW, we're celebrating the individuality that makes every fan, player and beauty lover unique, while creating experiences that bring those communities together.”
While Janine Fernandes, Vice President of Global Marketing for Rimmel London, added: "We're proud to kick off the season with Chelsea FC Women at their new home, Stamford Bridge. At Rimmel, we believe beauty is lived, it's not perfect.
“It shows up wherever you are, from the streets of London to the stands of the stadium. Through this partnership, we want to create moments that bring fans closer to the game and help them feel match-ready so they can show up as themselves.”
Find out more: Rimmel's £9.99 Match Perfection Foundation SPF20 is available on Boots here
Madison Burgess