How do women fit working out into their busy schedules? Working out in the morning means getting up early and rushing to get ready before work, while a p.m. workout can mean taking off a face full of makeup. But regardless of when you schedule your workout, all it takes is a little planning to make getting ready no longer a hassle. Find out how to speed up your gym-to-work or work-to-gym routine with suggestions and handy products that’ll make your life a little easier.

Wearing makeup to the gym: The facts. Maybe you think that it’ll be easier if you just wear your makeup to the gym, or maybe you simply don’t want to go bare-faced. Whatever the reason, heavy makeup simply doesn’t have a place at the gym. Here’s why.

• Clogged pores and acne. David Goldberg, of Mount Sinai Medical Center and director of Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists in New York and New Jersey, tells ABC News that he advises against wearing makeup during workouts because sweat can settle into pores and, when mixed with foundation, causes them to clog. "We see it all the time," said Goldberg. "We see more breakouts and skin problems because of this."
• Most makeup won’t last. While most formulas claim to be long-lasting, only a select few products will actually live up to this promise. By the end of your workout, when your lip color has faded and your waterproof mascara has flaked off, you’ll most likely end up looking just as sweaty and bare-faced as you would’ve if you’d gone to the gym sans makeup.
• A mess waiting to happen. Have you ever wiped your face after an intense aerobics session only to find streaks of foundation on your towel? After a workout, you’ll likely find your makeup smudged and smeared, plus raccoon eyes from mascara running – not a pretty sight.

Gym-friendly products. If you’re a makeup maven and can’t stand to go cosmetic-free, even for an hour or two, do your skin a favor and make a compromise. Replace your usual cosmetic repertoire with long-lasting formulas that won’t clog your pores. Wondering where to find makeup that has marathon potential when it comes to lasting through a workout? Here are a few top tips.

• Cream foundation. While liquid foundation streaks during a hot yoga session and powder will most likely disappear completely, a long-lasting cream formula will stay better on the skin. According to makeup artist Mary Erickson for ABC News, “It's going to sit nicely on the skin and won't move if you sweat.” Make sure it’s oil-free and doesn’t clog pores – a common problem when wearing foundation during a workout. Try Colorescience PRO Sheer Creme Foundation - California Girl, which also includes sun protection – essential for those workouts outside.

• Concealer. If you want to go makeup-free but are self-conscious about imperfections like acne, scars or under-eye circles, try skipping the foundation and just applying a long-wearing concealer like Illuminare Ultimate All Day Foundation/Concealer Sienna Sun where you need it.

• Lip color. Skip the heavy matte lipstick, and instead go for a tinted gloss or balm that’ll leave your lips looking healthy and full. On ABC News, Stila's Amanda Rozelle recommends using moisturizing products that won’t dry out the skin or lips further than a workout already will. “If you use a regular lipstick with pigment, it will dry your lips. You don't want that when you're biking or working out. So I recommend using a gloss or glaze." Try Stila Lip Glaze - Plum for both moisture and shine.

• Mascara. Eyeliner and shadow most likely won’t stand up to the heat of an aerobic workout, and aren’t necessary at the gym. Waterproof mascara is your best bet when it comes to eye makeup. Look for a smudge-proof formula like bareMinerals Flawless Defintion Waterproof Mascara.

The a.m. workout. If you like working out first thing in the morning, the challenge is to go from glistening to gorgeous in that short window between your workout and your workday. Here’s how to do it in a matter of minutes.

• “Shower” fresh. Start the process by using a cleansing cloth to quickly wipe your face clean. Try Korres Milk Proteins Cleansing Wipes, which will also put moisture back into your skin. To help control odor, consider antibacterial wipes like Crystal Body Deodorant Towelettes, which are also great for refreshing your body. If you still feel a little hot and sweaty, blotting sheets like Boscia Peppermint Blotting Linens will also come in handy to leave you shine-free – and you can use them later in the day without disturbing your makeup.

• A smooth complexion. Fitness magazine suggests blending equal parts sunscreen and foundation and using it instead of lotion. Kerstin Florian Oil Free Daily Defense SPF 50 also contains potent anti-aging ingredients and works great with a lightweight foundation like Stila Perfect and Correct Foundation Light.

• Brighten the eye area. Even if you’re exhausted, the right concealer will help you look refreshed and awake for that morning meeting. Use an illuminating formula like Peter Thomas Roth UnWrinkle Conceal and Brighten - Deep under the eyes and blend gently with your fingers.

• Choose a shade for cheeks and lips. "Applying the same color to your skin and mouth instantly awakens your face," explains Petra Strand, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist. You can find lipstick/blush multitasking products like Stila Coconut Crush Lip and Cheek Stain, which takes the guesswork out of finding matching colors.

• Skip the eyeliner. According to Fitness magazine, applying mascara to the roots of your lashes will add definition and make eyeliner unnecessary. Hold a business card above your lashes to prevent smears on your eyelids, and move your mascara wand back and forth at the roots to add depth and color.

• Freshen your strands. Fitsugar suggests using dry shampoo to clean your hair without showering. You can also use a hand dryer, either at the gym or at work, to help dry your hair post-workout.

The p.m. workout. Evening workouts have their own challenges. If you’re the no-makeup at the gym type of gal, you probably don’t want to spend a lot of time removing your makeup when you hit the gym after work. Try these tips to make it a speedy process:

• Use high-performance makeup remover. Ideally, hit the Stairmaster with a clean face. A simple cleansing cloth will usually do the trick when it comes to removing your foundation, but keep some makeup remover handy for eye makeup. Your best bet is to find pre-soaked makeup remover pads, like Ole Henriksen Purifying Eye Make-Up Remover .
• Screen your skin. Now that you’ve removed your makeup, the sunscreen you applied earlier in the day is gone, too. If you’ll be going for a run or playing soccer outside while it’s still light out, make sure to reapply your sunscreen – and use an oil-free formula that won’t clog pores.
• Try a simple updo. A simple ponytail is the easiest way to prevent stray locks from getting into your face, but you can also try a headband or just clip back your bangs or any layers that frame your face. Not only does this make it easier to focus on your workout, but also it’ll prevent sweat from building up around your hairline and causing acne.
• Maximize moisture. To prevent dry skin, use a super hydrating lip balm before and after your workout. If you’ll be outside, make sure it also has SPF, such as  Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick Sheer Tint SPF 15- Honey. After your workout, have some lightweight, oil-free lotion handy to replenish your skin.

• Prepare for post-workout makeup. It’s a good idea to gather your essentials in a small cosmetic bag that you can toss into your gym bag, for those days when an unexpected dinner invite prevents you from going home after your workout. Try a stylish and eco-friendly bag like Eco Tools Alicia Silverstone Cosmetic Bag, and fill it with tiny versions of your favorite necessities.

If you’re a busy professional, it can be challenging to fit working out into your already hectic schedule – regardless of whether you hit the gym in the morning or evening. But if you’re prepared for anything and a skilled multi-tasker, your gym time can be a stress-relieving activity rather than added stress.

Learn everything you need to know about workplace beauty and skincare for a professional lifestyle in our Office Beauty Handbook.