One mile a day for 30 days. That’s how the LA-based running coach Courtney Phillips, initially got hooked on the sport, which she says is more about community than anything else. “As soon as you get into it, you realize that running is better with others. You can go further [together].” It’s the type of motivational sparkplug that makes the 33-year-old such a great leader in the space, with partners like Nike and Olympian Allyson Felix’s Saysh brand tapping her for their community collaborations. It also doesn’t hurt that Phillips’s post-run glow is the stuff of no-makeup makeup dreams. “I’m not going to lie, I always try to show up cute,” she says with a laugh.
Phillips’s pre-workout routine begins and ends with SPF (indie brand KOA is her current favorite). From there, she’ll lightly apply Vital Skin Foundation Stick (in Atelier VI) or Liquid Super Loaded Illuminator (in Peau de Soleil) for a radiant all-over base that’s packed with skincare actives that won’t clog pores. “Both allow me to feel like I didn’t just roll out of bed.” On days when she wants a little more definition and glow, she turns to The Clean Glow Trio: Face Trace Contour Stick in Truffle for soft sculpting; Baby Cheeks Blush in Garconne for just-pinched flushiness; and Lit Up Highlight in Brûlée to catch the light.
By the time she crosses the finish line, the look has transitioned into a second skin of sorts—with help from a healthy, endorphin-boosting sweat. “Ultimately, when I’m done running, I don’t really care how I look,” says Phlilips, who may or may not feel the need to touch up her makeup before going on with her day. “I feel so good mentally, it gives me this inner confidence that radiates.”
Watch Courtney's full beauty routine and discover her top makeup picks below.
