Welcome to Beauty School! Every Monday, JET experts will teach you how to preserve your sexy. This week, beauty expert and former pageant gal Nicole L. Townsend shares tips on how to properly pack your cosmetic bag for the gym.
I’m sure you read endless articles, columns and blog posts about the importance of exercise, “maintaining the sexy,” and blah, blah, blah, but have you ever wondered about the importance of preparing your cosmetic bag for the gym? I’ve lost count of the number of crossed eyes that I received from my friends when I tell them about it. For everyone’s benefit, let’s take a look at some of these gym bag beauty essentials:
Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Cleansing Cloths (Oil-Free)
These cleansing cloths are the best thing since sliced bread. They contain Salicylic Acid, which exfoliates the skin’s surface without stripping away its natural oils, and they also remove impurities from makeup that would normally cause breakouts. The scent of the wipes remind me of a tropical rainforest, and unlike other brand-named cleansing wipes, Neutrogena’s cloths don’t leave the skin feeling sticky or dehydrated. SIDEBAR: Use these to remove your perfume, too. Nothing says, “Hello, I’ve arrived” (in the worst way) like the sweet aroma of Tom Ford and your sweat glands…
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes
If you come to the gym with makeup on, I’d assume two things: 1) You didn’t really come get your workout on and 2) You’re trying to impress someone. The good news is that no one cares what you look like when you’re working out, so maybe chill on the Lupita Nyong’o glam look and use these towelettes to make sure your skin is ready to go. And, wait for it….these cloths remove waterproof mascara without pulling out your eyelashes! There are 25 pre-moistened towelettes in a pack for easy use, but please notes that there’s a HUGE difference between makeup remover and cleansing clothes. You’ll still need to wash your face after you workout!
Eye Drops
Yes, I know it sounds hella strange, but if you’re a contact lens wearer, then you’ll totally feel me when I say that eye drops are essential pre and post-workout. I’ve been wearing contacts for years, and my eyes always get super dry from the ventilation fans during a spinning class, or the dry heat running from the vents during hot yoga. I’m talking eyes dryer than a desert–on my best day. Trust me when I tell you that a few drops for your eyes will save your life, plus it’ll cut back on any eye irritation from sweat.
Clean & Clear Oil Blotting Sheets
Use these babies in lieu of the locker room gym towel. You can certainly choose whatever oil blotting sheets you want, but I like the Clean & Clear brand because they’re more translucent than others, which helps oil to absorb faster, and the packaging is easy for travel.
And of course, don’t forget these essentials:
– Water Bottle
– Workout Timer
– iPod
– Deodorant
– Extra clothes and socks, if needed
Did I miss anything? What are some of your gym bag beauty essentials?
