What's the number one New Year's resolution that people make year after year? Exercise! Working out regularly exercise is a great way to boost your physical and mental health, but it can be pretty tough to fit into our already-busy schedules. On top of that, it's obviously ideal to take a shower and wash your hair after a workout, but we don’t always have time for that! I think you moms out there can vouch for that!
I found the best way to fit in a workout into my already packed day is to be in and out of the gym as quickly as possible. Everyone can cut down their time at the gym by streamlining their beauty routine and having the right post-workout products to make getting off and ready a breeze. Keep reading to learn about my must-have time-savers that can freshen you up in 10 minutes flat.
1. Dry Shampoo
Confession: my hair always gets sweaty when I exercise. After working out, I spritz my roots with dry shampoo to absorb excess oil. I let the product sit in my hair while I complete the rest of my post-workout skin care routine to give the powder a chance to work its magic.
As my last step in my post-workout routine, I quickly blow dry the excess dry shampoo from my hair to get rid of any residual moisture and residue and then brush. It’s not a professional blowout, but it’s definitely a huge improvement! Plus, I find this process helps to remove any ponytail creases in my hair.
2. Baby Wipes
Leaving sweat on your skin can lead to acne not only on the face but on your body as well. If you don’t have time for a full shower at the gym (who does?) wipe your underarms, chest, back, and shoulders with a baby wipe and change into fresh clothes.
3. Anti-Perspirant
After a sweat session, my antiperspirant and deodorant tend to stop working. I make sure I keep an extra tube in my gym bag and reapply after my workouts to make sure I smell fresh for the rest of the day. This may sound obvious, but the key to this step benefitting you the most is to identify the right kind of deodorant. I've made steps to start using only all-natural deodorants free from metals, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colorings. Deodorant is one of the most harmful chemicals that can be put into your body if you aren't using the right one. It could inhibit your body's natural cleansing and detoxifying process, while natural deodorants can actually work unclog pores and allow the good bacteria to work. But don't sweat it (pun intended), natural deodorant isn't a one-size-fits-all kind of thing, so it might take a few tries to find the right one for you. But once you do, you'll never go back.
4. Makeup Remover Wipes
I personally always remove my makeup before I exercise. For me, this just works better because I find that wearing makeup during my workouts can make my skin break out. Plus, my eye makeup tends to run when I’m sweating – not a good look!
After I’m done exercising, I splash my face with freezing cold water to reduce flushing. Then, I follow that with a makeup remover wipe to rid any sweat residue or makeup left on my skin.
5. Pore Revolution T-Zone Mattifier
I’m always prone to oily skin, but post-workout I definitely have some extra shine that I don’t need. If your workout is also giving you too much glow (never thought I’d say that), try Pore Revolution T-Zone Mattifier.
This revolutionary makeup primer reduces post-workout shine with Huberderm 1000, which absorbs excess oils, specifically around the midface and t-zone areas. This special formulation also features natural Willow Leaf and Watercress Extracts to calm and clarify the skin. Plus, this multi-tasker minimizes and unclogs pores using Salicylic Acid. I absolutely love it for blackheads too! I apply just one quick thin layer to my nose, chin, and forehead and my complexion looks instantly mattified. Forget blotting papers - I never head to the gym without my Pore Revolution!
6. Tinted SPF Moisturizer
I always use a tinted moisturizer post-workout since it's the best way to achieve natural-looking coverage but doesn’t require brushes or precision like foundation. Not to mention, it accomplishes three steps in one! Since I always wash my face after working out, I use a tinted moisturizer with SPF before going back outside. UV exposure is the number one cause of premature aging, so I want to make sure I always keep my skin protected!
7. Mascara
Finally, I love to finish my post-workout look with a coat of mascara. It's the best and easiest way to make yourself look put together, without having to invest in a lot of time and energy. In less than a minute, I can feel like a new person with the right mascara. If I have a little extra time, I keep a small angled brush in my makeup bag, so I can use the mascara as my eyeliner.
For me, having a simple, time-saving and effective post-gym beauty routine is a must! I want to leave the gym (and the sweat) behind, feeling cleansed, fresh and energized and that all starts with great products. What are your favorite post-workout beauty products? Let us know in the comments!