Solution: What’s In Your Gym Bag?
Most days I set my alarm early to workout in the morning; nine times out of ten I go right back to sleep. So I've sort of accepted that I'm an evening gym person–which is fine, except that it does mean leaving the house fully prepared for work and excercise, and, as often as not, a late dinner out. It's that third event that's the real kicker. I have to transition from Sweaty Me to Pretty Me in a matter of minutes, step out the door of my hot, humid gym and into cool, chic New York City and look the part. I've got it down to a science at this point, so here's what's in my gym bag:
In the shower…
Schleping from home to work to the gym to dinner is nothing if not traveling, so I keep my gym-related bath and body products in this clear plastic travel kit ($10.49). It comes with four reusable bottles, which I fill (and refill) with shampoo-and-conditioner in-one (Pantene Pro-v Classic Clean). I'd never use this product every day, because, well, Pantene is just so 1992. But it's perfect for these purposes: when used once or twice a week, there's no build-up problem, and it really is the best of the two-in-ones. The refreshing scent of Organics Rosemary and Mint Body Wash ($10.99) will get you ready for a night out and leave you lightly perfumed. Cetaphil face wash ($11.99) is a mild classic, but strong enough to really clean your post-gym face, and Relief moisuturizer ($7.99) is an all-around great moisturizer (and fragrance-free). HINT: Take this kit with you when you travel, too. It's security checkpoint-ready!
Out of the shower…
I keep the following products in a compact clutch by Escama Brazil ($39). (You can keep yours in anything you want, so long as it's space-efficient. I just love the recycled pop-top design and fair trade background of Escama's stuff.) Tinted moisturizer serves the two-in-one purpose of moisturizing skin and evening its texture. I currently use Shiseido's version ($36) for its easy squeeze container and dinner-ready matte finish. Maybelline's Define-A-Lash ($7.95) is my new mascara of choice. Not only does it lengthen lashes amazingly, but the waterproof version is smudgeless, which is importantísimo when applying in a steamy locker room. Nars Duo Lip Gloss ($28) is genius: one tube, two colors, two uses (it works as both lipstick and also as wonderfully shimmery blush).
Almost ready…
No post work-out routine is complete without deodorant (at least I hope not…). This Degree travel size stick ($.99) takes up virtually no room (I carry it in my purse for other times, too), and is a powerful antiperspirant. After a workout, you're likely to keep sweating a little even when showered, so extra strength is a plus. And finally, since there's never time, space, or blowdryers enough to style my hair, I always keep bobby pins ($2.99 for 48) and a few elastics ($3.59 for 12) ready to create a quick bun, spunky pony tail, or sexy updo.
Now it's time to show off that hot bod on the town!
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