Being a beast in the gym, and being a beauty isn’t mutually exclusive. Being strong and active as well as having an interest in beauty and maintaining a beauty regimen can all go hand in hand. If fact, I love seeing “kikay” females working out, further proving that strong is beautiful.
In light of this, I’d like to share some of the basic beauty essentials that help me look and feel good before, during, and even after my sweat sessions.
1. BareMinerals Complexion Rescue
Whether you work out or not, it’s important to moisturize. And if you do a workout, it’s even more important to have the right moisturizer. I use this gel moisturizer from BareMinerals® because it is a hydrating gel, serum, sunscreen, and light makeup all rolled into one product. The best part is that it is non-chemical, mineral-based and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores which is common for most products, especially when you sweat. Another added benefit is that it’s tinted, so it allows me to have a bit of coverage without going full makeup, which isn’t advisable when you’re sweating it out.
2. FRESH Sugar Tulip Tinted Treatment
I often have dry lips, which worsens during intense exercise when I’m breathing through my mouth. It’s a requirement for me to have lip balm always handy, and my top pick is FRESH’s soothing sugar-based lip balm. This is one product I can’t live without! Sugar is a natural humectant known to prevent moisture loss, so far this keeps my lips dry- and flaky-free all day. This is an all-natural product, plus it has SPF and is tinted, so it also gives your lips a nice touch of pink that will match with your post-workout glow. I found this to be the most moisturizing lip balm I’ve ever tried. And believe me, I’ve tried plenty!
3. Human Nature All-Natural Sanitizer
I don’t want to scare you, but gyms are well known to be a common germ-infested area, even when well-maintained. You’re touching and handling equipment that many people have handled and sweat on. Some gyms offer anti-bacterial wipes or sprays so gym-goers can wipe down any equipment before and after use. Just in case it’s not offered, I use Human Nature Sanitizer Spray. It’s another all-natural product (Do you see a trend here?), and I’m addicted to the refreshingly mild Citrus Burst scent. It also has aloe vera as one of the ingredients, so it’s safe to use on your hands as well as any gym surfaces.
4. Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Facial Wipes
If I keep my hands clean constantly, I do the same for my face. If I’m not able to shower right away post-workout, I make sure to at least wipe away the superficial grime that may have accumulated on my face and body with facial wipes. I used Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Wipes for this because it’s the most effective (can dissolve any long-staying makeup!), yet is gentle on the skin. The latter is quite important to me because I suffer from eczema. In light of that, a big plus in my book is that it doesn’t have any harsh chemicals or perfumes!
5. Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid
Females (and some males) know that it’s almost impossible to get a good workout if you don’t tie your hair back if you have medium-length to long hair. If you workout often, that means you often have your hair tied. That takes a toll on your hair because the constant pulling and friction can weaken your hair follicles and eventually cause breakage. Even worse, it can eventually lead to long-term hair loss.
This is why when I do put my hair up in a pony-tail or bun, I use Aveda Smoothing Fluid. First, it helps lessens the friction that my hair experiences when being pulled back. Second, since it controls frizziness (a common occurrence when you’re mid-sweat) and helps sleek your hair back. Because of that, I find that I don’t have to tie my hair too tight to keep it away from my face. Double the benefits!
6. Dove Detox and Purify Dry Shampoo
While we’re on the subject of hair, I think dry shampoo is one of the coolest and useful products currently gaining popularity. Nothing can beat a good old fashioned wash with water and shampoo and conditioner, but I’ve been told many times over by hair professionals that it’s bad to wet and shampoo your hair every day. But what is a girl who exercises and sweats heavily every day to do? I went on a search for a good dry shampoo. And after trying so many kinds, I’ve landed on Dove’s Detox and Purify Dry Shampoo. It truly refreshes my hair with a light clean scent, and it doesn’t leave a powdery build up as plenty other dry shampoos do. Even on days, you don’t work out, I still use this for a midday refresh for my hair, especially if I’ve been out in the heat.
Fitness and beauty are quite in sync with each other. In fact, other than the numerous health benefits of being active has, it can also enhance one’s natural beauty. Did you know that exercising causes smoother, more radiant skin? That it can also lower stress and anxiety? How about having a more restful sleep? All those active individuals out there can look forward to fewer wrinkles and more beauty sleep, because of their consistent workout routine. Did you notice I said individuals, not females? That’s because this applies to ladies and gents! With that said, I highly encourage all of you to find a beauty regimen that helps support your workout routine and works best for you. If you haven’t done so yet, you can start by trying what has worked so far for this fitness lover.
