So you're workin' up a sweat? That doesn't mean you can't work your look while you're at it. Being sporty does present a girl with certain beauty challenges, but there's no reason you can't look adorable while you're gettin' your game on.

STAY SUN SMART

SPF is a must for protection from the sun, even in the fall and early winter months. But when you are hitting the field, the last thing you want is to slather on heavy cream that will melt by second quarter. Neutrogena Active Breathable Sunblock ($10, drugstores) absorbs oil and feels extra light.

When doing the jock thing, skip foundation, which will slide right off your face like a boarder off a cliff when you get all sweaty. If you need a little coverage on the field, opt instead for a tinted moisturizer, then dust a pressed powder over your nose and forehead to keep you dry. We're rooting for Murad's Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 15 for Face in Sheer Tint ($22, murad.com) since it stays sweat-proof for over an hour.

Can't deal without a little cuteness? We have two words for you: waterproof mascara. A single coat on your lashes is enough to give your eyes some definition. And, as a bonus, it won't drip down your cheeks while you're dribbling down the court. If you want to really get girly, use an eyelash curler for lusher-looking lashes. Physicians Formula ExercEyes Mascara ($7, drugstores) scores for its lash-building and sealing waterproof layers. Want to really get into the spirit? Many waterproof mascaras come in shades like green, blue or purple to match your team colors! Go for Too Faced Liquid Lava Mascara in Violet Lava

LIP SERVICE

If you hate going without lip color, here's a great trick. Line and fill in lips with a N.Y.C. Waterproof Lip Pencil ($4, drugstores). Make sure it's in a shade as close to your natural lip color as possible. If you're playing outside, top your pencil with a protective balm like Sun Smackers Trio ($4.50, drugstores). Whatever you do, skip the lipstick and gloss when you're getting all sporty. Lipstick just looks weird when you're working out, and lip gloss is a waste of time since it will disappear the second you start to sweat.

DON'T COMMIT A FACE FOUL

When you're being track 'n' fieldy, keep your hands away from your face as much as possible. Your fingers pick up oil, dirt and bacteria (Dick!) that aggravate zits. Every time you touch your face after picking up sporting equipment or patting a sweaty teammate on the back, you are transferring all that nasty stuff. Ew. Also, be sure to wash headbands, towels and sports clothing after every use. Those breed bacteria, too!

HAIR TODAY, ZITS TOMORROW

Want to banish bacne (breakouts on your back and shoulders) this season? Keep your hair off your neck and back as much as possible. Oh, and steer clear of conditioners with panthenol, says Renee Rouleau of the Renee Roulcau Skin Spa in Dallas. It's a pore clogger.

HIT THE SHOWERS

No matter how tired you are, don't skip your post-game shower. Exercise cranks up perspiration, leading to prime conditions for a zit reaction. Know how your skin gets salty when it's sweaty? Not showering allows those salts to dry, leading to scaly body skin. Playing away and can't miss the bus? Towel off, and shake on baby powder to absorb wetness. Next, swipe your face with non-foaming Noxzema Wet Cleansing Cloths (84, drugstores) to mop up dirt, sweat and oil. Revive your sweat-soaked hair with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol-free toner. Run it along your hairline to sop up excess sweat. Now, go celebrate your victory looking fabulous!

Q&A

My ponytail always comes loose during games. What works?

A weak hair tie is definitely at fault here. Trade up to a heavier one like Goody's StayPut high performance hair bands ($5, Target). Each band has rows of treading to qrip hair and keep it from rolling out of place. The bands come in thin, large and jumbo elastics to handle the finest strands to thick hair. For extra-thick or long hair, double up.

KEEPING ACTIVE SKIN CLEAN AND CLEAR

* Don't overwash. Using cleansing products more than twice a day can cause your skin to pump out extra oil, which leads to breakouts.

* Read labels. Rouleau advises, "Avoid drying ingredients like sodium laureth." Opt instead for a low-foam cleanser like Lumene Matte Touch Balancing Cleansing Gel ($8, CVS).