November is the year’s last hurrah for developing good habits before giving in to all the indulgences of the holidays.
They say it just takes 21 days to develop a habit, and quite a lot can change in that time. You can still lose that excess weight. You can still create the skin care routine that’s best for you.
In no time, you’ll be putting on that holiday dress and playing around with makeup with confidence. Plus, you can treat the feasts of December as a reward for your hard work.
It’s all about looking for the right fashion, beauty and wellness accessories that will keep you motivated.
Hit the gym
Silly as it may seem, cute gym clothes get me excited to go to the gym. A #gymselfie is necessary at times to remind yourself of your progress.
I love the sets from local brand Chic Fitness Activewear. Developed by a Filipina, it addresses a lot of concerns women have when it comes to gym gear. Its Freedom Contour line comes in cute colors to match your mood.
Each top and pair of leggings feature a seamless design to avoid “camel toe” and friction, maximizing mobility while you workout. It also has anti-UV protection for those who like to exercise outdoors.
To help you stay hygienic, the breathable, moisture-wicking fabric is also made with antibacterial technology.
Stay hydrated
I keep a Nalgene’s Pink Bottle with me. A good sports bottle is helpful in tracking your water intake. I’m a protein shake loyalist, so the guide printed on the bottle helps make sure I get the right amount, down to the last milliliter.
Made with Tritan and is BPA-, BPS- and phthalate-free, the bottle is durable, safe and easy to clean. You can also use it for your collagen drinks and other beauty shakes.
Another necessity is a durable gym bag. You need something that’s grab-and-go and can hold a lot of stuff: Ripstix for Pound, resistance band, a pair of shoes, your towel and shower needs, etc. This way, you can’t make excuses when you’re running late to the gym.
I stick to a reliable one, like the Adidas Classic Mini Backpack. With pink and black panels, it’s stylish and goes with every other gym ensemble I have. It’s also balanced for petite frames and created with fuss-free fabric.
Cleanse properly
Cleansing your face pre-gym and post-workout is a must. You shouldn’t go to the gym with the day’s makeup on, or else the buildup of cosmetics, bacteria, and sweat will cause breakouts.
After the gym, you also have to give your skin a cool-down, which helps you reset it and get all the gunk out.
As an oily-skinned girl, I favor Simple Micellar Cleansing Water. It doesn’t sting even as it melts everything down to the toughest eyeliner. I also like how it has niacinamide that soothes acne, rosacea, pigmentation issues and wrinkles. When pressed for time, there’s also the Micellar Cleansing Wipe.
When you work out in air-conditioned spaces, your skin can take quite a beating. Flaking and dryness can occur. Reach for a hydrating mask.
You can opt for the Saturday Skin Cotton Cloud Probiotic Power Mask. It has vitamin E, prebiotics and probiotics to give you that boost. If you exercise at night, as I do, this is one way to unwind before sleeping.
To address buildup and sudden acne bumps, I reach for Origins Out of Trouble Mask 10-Minute Mask to Rescue Problem Skin. The zinc oxide, sulfur and camphor rid your skin of dirt and soak up excess oil. Afterward, you have a clean slate ready for the next day.
—CONTRIBUTED