We appealed to our resident gym bunnies, to share which products they rely on pre-, during and post-workout – from sweat-resistant make up staples to the muscle-soothing soaks they turn to after an intensive training session – and here are the top seven exercise essentials…
Chikay Lo, Affiliate Marketing Manager
“I’m addicted to Pixi’s {Glow Tonic} and these clever, pre-soaked pads – {Glow Tonic to Go} – are a firm fixture of my post-run skin care kit (there’s no risk of them leaking). Refreshing and toning, they also help my moisturiser to sink in – I can always tell the difference when I skip this crucial step.”
Verity Douglas, Content Editor
“I’m quite new to the workout thing – I admit to having all the gear and no idea – but, I’ve awarded myself ten points (and a lot of fancy ‘athleisure’) for trying. Remiss about my water drinking, I bought the day-glo yellow {Gigi Water Bottle} by BKR to remind me to hydrate (and help me fit in at the gym).”
Leanne Finlayson, Buyer
“I must have my eyebrows drawn on at all times. I know it might sound ludicrous, but without some definition I can look a bit… well, bonkers. Anastasia Beverly Hills’ {DipBrow Pomade} is ideal when applied with fine, hair-like strokes for a natural (water-proof!) finish. AND, I always have a {Wet Brush} with me – the ‘Pop Fold’ version is perfectly portable, and makes light work of teasing tangles.”
Maria Pires, Digital Designer
“I love a facial spritz to refresh and re-energise after a sweaty HIIT class – there’s something spirit-lifting about misting your complexion with a heavenly-scented spray. I love Caudalie’s miniature {Beauty Elixir}, and have recently discovered {YUNI Beauty} – their {Wind Down Wonder Warming Body Oil Spray} is gorgeous! It’s ideal for hydrating skin and minimising stiffness.”
Louisa Harris, Buyer
“I adore a hot bath to ease aching muscles and relieve any cramps after cross-training. My go-to is Mio’s appropriately named {Liquid Yoga Restorative Bath Soak} – it is literally ‘namaste’ in a jar. Like the joy of ‘Child’s Pose’ at the end of a rigorous class, this relaxes and helps me to get to sleep when endorphins are keeping Zzzzs at bay.”
Alexia Inge, Co-Founder
“While I don’t apply foundation before skipping off to yoga, if I know I’ve got a class I try to choose something that’s featherweight so I don’t have to faff around with cleansing pre-workout (nobody has time for that…). Jouer’s lightweight {Matte Moisture Tint} feels like a second skin – it’s flexible and dewy and won’t melt off as you sweat.
“I also love an energising balm, applied to pulse points before ‘gymming’. Therapie’s {Energy Lift} smells incredible and really helps inspire me to go the extra mile (or stretch).”
Holly Broome, Social Media Exec
“MV Organics rose booster – I’m at the gym every morning and after an (excessively) sweaty work out and hot shower, my skin’s often red and ‘stingy’. MV Organic Skincare’s {Rose Plus Booster} calms everything down and allows me to apply my day cream without aggravating my easily-offended complexion. Plus, it gives that enviable ‘gym skin’ dewiness and ensures that I’m not a sweaty mess when I arrive at work.”