What's In Ashleigh's Gym Bag?
Product Reviews For Summer 2016
There are few things that bring me more joy than lifting at the gym. But one of them, is playing with hair and makeup products at Sephora.
So I am giddy with excitement that you lovelies have been asking me about some of the brands I mention. I've really been waiting for this moment.
We get to talk girl stuff.
How to hit the street looking fresh post workout
And this post is all about my current faves for getting out of the gym and back to the street after a sweaty session.
It's a rare occasion that I get to shower after a lift. I'm typically booked pretty solid with clients and constantly hustling to the next appointment. I'm chronically and perpetually short on time. But I don't want to necessarily look like I am.
Plus, rushing or not, skipping out of the locker room without wiping off the sweat is never a great idea. It's like sleeping with your makeup on. DON'T DO THAT.
So, I've pretty much spent the last ten years mastering the art of cleaning up quickly. And a year working on Broadway in Soho, coupled with a plunge into the NYC dating pool has only pushed me to up my game. In the words of Lily Allen, It's hard out here for a bitch.
I know you are busy too. And you shouldn't have to cut your workout short to get to that next meeting or meet up looking fresh. These products will have you on your way in about five minutes or less.
BONUS: Most of these products come in travel sizes for gym bag convenience.
1) Pacifica Beauty Deodorant Wipes
I am completely skeptical of "natural" deodorants. They just don't work for me. I am constantly running from workouts to clients to the subway and well -- let's just say Dove Clinical was my go-to. I tried Tom's and Lush and all the different alternatives and none of these options seemed to completely cover the stink.
But I kept walking past these deodorant wipes I found at Target with curiosity. I want so badly to eliminate all the crappy chemicals I can. I am the kind of person who fears regular dyed toilet paper and buys only simple cleaning products. And I'm also very drawn to pretty packaging and all things coconut scented. So, I threw em' in my basket.
Pulled back the sticker on the pouch and the smell mesmerized me. I figured, if they did't work, I'd get my eight bucks worth in fragrance application at the very least.
Used one swipe under both arm pits after my workout on Day 1. Waited the next 36 hours for the stink that never came. I was and still am amazed.
And yes, I didn't shower for like 48 hours. There was a lot going on.
ANYWAY... I have officially broken up with my Dove dry spray. Sorry, boo. It's not you. I just found someone better.
Pacifica Deodorant Wipes $8.09 @ Target
2) Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes
If you cannot shower directly after a sweat session, you still need to get that sweat off your body. Doing so is an easy safeguard to preventing unnecessary blemishes.
I actually stole my first pack of these wipes from Drive495. I was in a rush, as usual.
And because we are so selective at Drive -- we have a holistic expert who approves every product we offer -- you know these Simple cleansing wipes are actually made from the most simple and effective ingredients. Great on even the most sensitive of skin types.
Wiping yourself down with these guys is pretty much the sophisticated way to shower without showering.
Hit all the spots where sweat can pool and typical breakout spots like butt, shoulders, and face.
Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes $4.49 @Target
3) dr. brandt poresnomore poresolution
To sweat every day is truly great for the skin. Sweating opens up our pores and helps push out toxins.
However, when we work out a lot, we are subsequently more susceptible to bacterial irritations of our pores i.e. pimples and blackheads and other blemishes.
And most of this susceptibility is more environmental. Dirt and grime and oil sitting on top of the skin that makes it's way into these pores, causing blockages.
A toner is a great solution to the problem. And one that contains lactic acid, is gold. And I mean, really rare. They're very difficult to come by and often very expensive accordingly. But your aesthetician will tell you it's worth the rush.
Recently pulled from Sephora and Ulta -- I'm convinced this is because the people don't know the secret -- dr. brandt poresno more poresolution is my go to. Made from lactic and salycilic acids, it exfoliates and tightens pores without drying out the skin.
I use it after washing my face every day. And I have zero breakouts when I use it, but for the rare hormonal blemish. Changed my life.
Squirt some onto a cotton pad and apply to face from inside to outside.
dr. brand porenomore poresolution $35 on drbrandtskincare.com
Clinique Moisture Surge: Extended Thirst Relief
After I disinfect my face with toner, I go right for my favorite moisturizer. I originally received this product as a sample with the regular yellow Clinique pump. And while that friend will always be a standard on my shelf at home, the pink one is perfect for my gym bag.
It's super light and super silky, cools the skin, and is available in a "very dry skin" formula for extra care.
I will sometimes even use it for a dewy look over makeup at night. It just leaves my skin feeling fresh and glowy, which is exactly how I feel on the inside after a good sweat session.
Dab the gel on and your skin with fingertips and your face will reflect your radiance as you hit the street. Moisture Surge will also improve the surface of your skin over time. Like big time.
Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief $39 @ Ulta Beauty
Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder
I wash my hair once a week. I have that fine, mostly straight white girl hair that most women find they need to wash at least three times a week to avoid oil slicks. But I wanted to grow my hair past a certain point and multiple washes a week with colored hair would never support my desired length.
So, I scoured the shelves. I have tried every highly recommended dry shampoo and powder I could get my hands on in the tri-state area. Which is pretty much everything out there.
This one slays them all. Like, there's not even a comparison.
This powder mops up the grease and sweat and gives my roots that lioness lift you all keep asking me about. I'm giving you my biggest hair secret with this one. Trust me. It's worth the price and you can stretch the regular size bottle for months and months.
It's amazing. Truly a life saver when you need to get to a date right after your workout.
Apply to roots and work down the strands for serious volume. BONUS: If you've got an extra 60 seconds, blast your hair with the blow dryer real quick!
Bumble&bumble Pret-a-Powder $31 @ Sephora
Urban Decay Naked Skin One & Done Hybrid Complexion Perfector
This product is a brand new release by Urban Decay, this summer. I am a certifiable Urban Decay junkie. I have every Naked eye shadow palette. And Big Fatty is my go-to mascara. So, of course I placed my order right away.
Color correcting creams(CC creams), Beauty balms(BB creams), and barely-there foundations are gaining real popularity. And for good reason. Skin should look like skin. Especially when you're leaving the gym.
I love my Clinique CC paired with Urban Decay's skin perfecting makeup for going out. But, the possibility of hitting all the marks with one tube sparked my curiosity.
And this one and done hybrid does exactly what it's name implies. With less coverage than their lightest makeup, this single cream simply PERFECTS your skin. I've got a list of compliments to prove it.
Use a foundation brush to apply evenly. Also mixes well with a deeper CC cream if you're wondering. Great for mixing a slightly darker tone as you spend more time in the sun.
I chose Light Medium.
Urban Decay Naked Skin One&Done Hybrid Complexion Perfector $34 @ Sephora
Five products and you are ready to hit the street. Test em' out and let me know how these bad boys work for you!