With summer just around the corner, you may be one of plenty who are starting to amp up the workout routine. But if you’re the kind of person who hits the gym before work or on your lunch break, you know it can be tricky to come out of a workout looking (and smelling) prim and proper. Fear not! With these quick and easy tips, you’ll be able to go from the gym to the workplace looking and feeling like a lady.
FACE
· BEFORE THE WORKOUT – When you get worked up, your pores naturally open up to release sweat and toxins. Your skin needs to breathe during this process and when your face is covered in heavy makeup, it becomes a breeding ground for pimple-packing bacteria. Not to mention you’d probably end up looking like a hot mess afterwards, literally. When you’re in a rush, using moist face wipes like No7 Beautiful Skin Quick Thinking Wipes ($10 CDN) do the trick.
CAILYN B.B. Cream ($38 USD) Marcelle Twist Push-Up Instant Volume Mascara ($13.50 CDN)
· AFTER THE WORKOUT – Notice how your face has that flushed, radiant glow after a good workout? Go with it! Start by giving your face a good wash to remove oil and bacteria, pat dry and if need be, use oil-absorbing sheets to reduce shine. When it comes to your makeup, take advantage of your natural radiance and keep it light. BB creams do double duty to moisturize and even out complexion without looking cakey. Add a light layer of mascara, some eyeliner on your lower lids and finish it off with a neutral lip gloss—a quick and easy makeup regimen to take you back to beautiful. Here are some products to help get the job done:
Lise Watier Haute Lumière High Shine Lip Gloss in Star Light ($22 CDN)
BODY
· BEFORE THE WORKOUT – For the sake of your fellow gym members, never overlook the power of deodorant. Many brands offer extra strength or clinical formulas for superior odour protection and even if you put it on in the morning, it wouldn’t hurt to add a quick swipe before your afternoon workout. Trust me, your workout buddies will appreciate the extra effort.
· AFTER THE WORKOUT – The ideal situation would be a quick shower. It might take some practice but if you put your mind to it, five to seven minutes are just enough time to get in, lather up and pat dry. Use an energizing soap like Simply Olay Simply Refresh Rainforest Flower Body Wash ($5.49 CDN) followed by a fast-absorbing moisturizer. Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer Aloe Fresh ($8.99 CDN) is a new non-greasy spray lotion that absorbs in seconds so you can jump right into your clothes. The fresh scents will have you covered even if you skip the perfume.
Simply Olay Simply Refresh Rainforest Flower Body Wash ($5.49 CDN)
Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer Aloe Fresh ($8.99 CDN)
HAIR
· BEFORE THE WORKOUT – Keeping your hair pulled back during your workout will help keep it fresh because it’s not picking up the oil and sweat from your shoulders, neck and face. Instead of a ponytail that leaves hair limp and with that annoying dent afterwards, try a bun or a French twist instead. Thanks to accessories like the Stylize French Twist Clip Kit ($6.99 CDN) or the Stylize Bun Maker ($6.99), there’s no skill required.
Stylize French Twist Clip Kit ($6.99 CDN) Stylize Bun Maker ($6.99)
· AFTER THE WORKOUT – If you want to let your hair back down but don’t have time to wash and restyle, use a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil. Try Brazilian Blowout’s Instant Volume Body Boost Powder ($28 CDN), which also adds a little extra oomph. If you want to keep your hair up, the French twist or a chic bun are styles that effortlessly transition from gym to work. Even if you take your hair down later, they’ll leave your strands with natural wave and volume.
Soriyya Bawa
Author
Soriyya Bawa has been featured in national publications including ANOKHI Magazine Tribute Magazine and Canadian Family Magazine. Soriyya currently works as a freelance writer and editor based in Toronto, Ontario and also specializes in customized web content and socia...