Going to the gym is enough of a struggle without having to worry about what we look like, a) while we are actually working out and b) post-exercise when, if you’re anything like me you’re less endorphin-fuelled and glowing and more a red, hot, sticky mess. While some women seem to be able to stroll out of exercise sessions in a zen-like state, I'm left with mascara-induced panda eyes, hair glued to my scalp, and face resembling a sundried tomato.
Fear not though, wannabe gym bunnies - I've compiled a handy list of products to solve all your changing room conundrums. Hitting the gym with a full face of slap isn’t recommended (we don’t want to clog up any pores now) but if that is just too much to bare (excuse the pun) then skin-first, lightweight tinted moisturisers, BB creams and waterproof mascaras are all sweat-friendly options.
From face sprays and face wipes, to dry shampoo and muscle relaxants, there are a whole host of products on the market to pop in your gym bag that will not only have you refreshed and cleansed, but will have you out of the changing room and looking great quicker than you can say on your marks, get ready, GO! Who needs stylists anyway?
Shop: The best beauty essentials for the gym
www.boots.com
Do not let the fear of chaffing ruin your work out. Loaded with pomegranate extract, vitamin E, grapeseed oil and ginger root, this balm-like anti-friction stick glides over skin to form an invisible protective barrier wherever you need it, all while fortifying and evening out the skin.
kosas.com
Putting a deodorant in your bag seems obvious, but which one? This Kosas Chemistry Deodorant has a serum like formula which not only leaves you feeling fresh, but it has a unique blend of alpha hydroxy acids and botanicals extracts which fight against stains, ingrown hairs and discolouration. Plus, it works to soothe your skin, too. Let's just call it, the new-gen deo.
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Despite what you've been told, washing your hair after each workout is not a necessity – everyone's unique scalp and hair types have a different set of requirements after all. If, like me, you're more on the dry side of the spectrum, expect this spritz to extend the freshness of your hair, as well as soothe your scalp and deodorise your locks between wash days thanks to a blend of aloe vera leaf juice, neroli flower water, lactobacillus ferment, and lupine seed extract.
You will have seen this red hued skin saviour floating around TikTok in recent years thanks to its seriously impressive effects on stressed out skin. Packed with hero ingredient hypochlorous acid (a naturally occurring organic compound found in our defence systems), it protects against daily damage and every day aggressors like pollution, sweat and make-up in a bid to strengthen the skin, support its renewal and keep the skin at a happy pH of 4.5.
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Workouts - and sweating - can dehydrate your skin, so it is essential to replenish. This sensitive skin-friendly cream will give you long-lasting hydration, replacing the moisture you've lost while exercising, and is powered by ceramides as well as panthenol that work to nourish and reinforce the skin barrier all while restoring bounce. Plus, it won't clog your pores.
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, working across all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).