Let’s face it: going to the gym is a pain. Aside from the actual exercise you have to do (which is, quite frankly, bad enough), you’re also forced to take your beauty routine on tour. So how can you make the best of a situation where home comforts are sorely lacking? By careful packing, of course! Here are the best beauty products to keep in your gym bag.
Fill Your Gym Bag With Hair Products
Post-workout, a hair wash tends to be necessary. And if you’re a sweater, then you’ll want a deep clean. The Davines Solu Shampoo is amazing for this – intensely clarifying without ever feeling like it’s totally stripping your hair. If you’re an unnatural blonde like me, I enjoy mixing in a little bit of the Bleach London Smoky Shampoo with it to help keep an ashy tone.
As someone with damaged hair, I tend to try to use a mask basically every time I wash. Think of it as a souped-up conditioner. The Garnier Hair Foods are among my favourites, and the Aloe is perfect for post-gym. It feels light but doesn’t skimp on hydration. As a bonus, you can also run a small amount through towel-dried hair as a styling cream.
Most gym showers offer some sort of soap – but they tend to be drying and smell like cleaning products. For a proper in-shower treat, the L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil is wonderful. It smells like Bakewell tarts and produces the silkiest, most hydrating foam ever. It’s also ideal for shaving with, FYI.
Toning on the go can be a real pain – but the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads make it easier. Rather than packing a heavy bottle and a whole pack of cotton, you get a two-in-one. They also work amazingly at refining texture and boosting glow.
Don’t Forget a Multi-Use Moisturizer
A great multi-use moisturizer is the Lotil Original. If you suffer from eczema or dry patches, a dab of this will have you sorted for the day. I also use it on the face – particularly during cold winter months. It does feel slightly heavy, but it creates a barrier between your skin and the elements. It also makes makeup grip far better.
I’m also a huge fan of the Votary Intense Eye Oil. It adds hydration and glow around your peepers and comes in a handy rollerball, making it perfect for on-the-go application. If you find your under eyes can look parched throughout the day, toss this in your handbag for touch-ups.
Along With Your Gym Equipment
There are a couple of other huge recommendations I have for my gym bag. I’m a swimmer, and I have two swimsuits on rotation that are both absolutely incredible. The Reign Studio Jummai Swimsuit manages to both flatter my figure and keep everything feeling secure even when splashing about in the pool. And the Cheeky Wipes Period Proof Swimsuit ensures I can even swim during that time of the month.
Finally, for the long, cold journey home from the gym, I absolutely love wearing the Cozy Earth Bamboo Ultra-Soft Wide Leg Patch Pocket Pant. They’re unbelievably soft and buttery and genuinely feel like a real treat – and frankly, if you’ve been to the gym, you’ve earned it.
Shop the Edit
The Davines Solu Shampoo
Bleach London Smoky Shampoo
Garnier Hair Foods
L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads
Lotil Original
Votary Intense Eye Oil
The Reign Studio Jummai Swimsuit
Cheeky Wipes Period Proof Swimsuit
Cozy Earth Bamboo Ultra-Soft Wide Leg Patch Pocket Pant
