Finding the motivation to get myself to the gym each week has never been much of a challenge – where else can I listen to my iPod at full volume for a whole hour undisturbed? The bigger challenge has been editing down my post-workout skincare to a bunch of essentials that is small enough to squeeze inside my kit bag.
Generally, I’m not very economical when it comes to bag packing - I adopt the ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ approach (I’m terrified I’ll leave something important behind, so tend to over pack whenever I travel).
But as a seasoned gym goer – I’ve been pounding the treadmill for a good *cough* 20 years now – I like to think I’ve become pretty adept at knowing what skincare my face does (and doesn’t) need after a sweaty workout and a hot shower.
Here’s a peek inside my gym bag – my 5 skincare essentials:
Ole Henriksen Grease Relief Cleansing Cloths - £ 12 for pack of 30 cloths
They have their detractors but pre-moistened wipes are invaluable at the gym. They are the first thing I grab after a workout. These ones have small exfoliating bumps on one side and contain natural AHAs, which help to remove stubborn sweat and grease. The eucalyptus scent is refreshing too. Available from Lookfantastic.com
here.
Avene Thermal Spring Water - £10 for 300ml
Spraying this all over my beetroot face after a workout is THE most refreshing thing in the world. I prefer to use the bigger cans to the travel size ones as the spray is wider and so more cooling. I’ve tried using tonic spritzers instead but the Avene water spray is more effective at cooling me down. It is also incredibly good value. Buy it from Boots
here.
Dr Organic Dead Sea Mineral Eye Rescue Rollerball - £8.99 for 15ml
The metal roller ball is super cooling, and the thin clear gel is both refreshing and light – a heavy formula could overload skin and cause puffiness. Includes dead sea mineral salts, natural extracts and organic oils. Available from Holland & Barrett
here .
SteamCream Moisturiser - £12.95 for 75ml
As I’m reapplying skincare for a second time in the day (and it’s not even lunchtime!), I don’t want to use anything thick or heavy. SteamCream is perfect. Its texture is light and this cream melts into the skin very quickly. Available from SteamCream
here.
Finally, I also like to smell good after a gym session, so a fragrance for my body is an essential too.
.
Q Balance, The Fine Fragrance Body Spray - £1.75 for 100ml
A 2-in-1 deodorant and perfume – just the job when bag space is tight! Balance is a sophisticated, punchy fruity fragrance that’s very wearable - and affordable! It has top notes of bergamot and pear blossom, a floral heart (pink peony, stargazer rose and luminous orchid), with woods and crème de musk at the base. Available at Sainsbury’s
here.
Post contains PR samples
