Workout

What Beauty Product Never Leaves Your Gym Bag?

We took a Spin class last week with fellow FITNESS editors, which made us wonder what beauty goods they tote along with them. Here’s the one product that never leaves these FITNESS ladies’ gym bags: 101735938

  • “Lip balm! My lips tend to get dry during my workout, so lip balm keeps them kissable. I love Burt’s Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil- it smells delicious!” —Theresa K. Brady, editorial intern
  • La Fresh Instant Body Soother Wipes—they’re the perfect way to cool off and freshen up right after a workout. I wipe one over my neck, face, and shoulders for a quick pick-me-up, and keep a stash in my purse for sticky summer days.”—Colleen Moody, web editor
  • Neutrogena Deep Clean Sport On-the-Go Cleansing Wipes take up no space in my gym bag, thanks to individual packets. I use one wipe before and one after my workouts.”—Amanda Downs, beauty intern
  • “Face moisturizer—gyms usually have body lotion, but not the good stuff for your face! It also helps with clearing off any leftover eyeliner if the shower didn’t do the trick.”—Mary Anderson, deputy editor
  • “I can’t head to the gym without my Dove Clinical Protection Visibly Smooth Antiperspirant/Deodorant Solid in Wild Rose. It keeps me smelling fresh without the clumpy residue.”—Lauren Cardarelli, editorial intern
  • “My face lotion! After a sweaty SoulCycle session, I always need to jump in the shower and rinse off. I don’t go anywhere without my La Roche-Posay face lotion with SPF. It’s smooth, light, and comes in a nice travel size. “—Jenna Autuori, fitness editor

What beauty product never leaves your gym bag?


Do You Wear Makeup at the Gym?

gym-rat(5)Many a dermatologist have professed that it’s best not to wear makeup at the gym because it can clog your pores, cause bacteria buildup on your skin, and various other ugly side-effects. Yet many of us do it anyway—including our own staffers. We asked the ladies of FITNESS whether they wear makeup at the gym, and here’s what they said:

  • “No makeup, what’s the point? I’m there to work out, not to win a beauty pageant!”—Julia Savacool, articles director
  • “Only mascara—I wear glasses, but it’s usually too sweaty to do so during a workout, so I swap in contacts and need the mascara so I don’t look sleepy. Anything else would make me feel like I was creating zits.”—Sarah D’Angelo, assistant editor
  • “No, except maybe lip gloss. If I have mascara on, it usually ends up running down my face. It doesn’t feel good to have makeup on when I’m working out.”—Kathy Green, managing editor
  • “I don’t do full-on eye makeup, but I definitely have to have mascara on. Gyms are lined with mirrors and I don’t want to cringe a little every time I see myself. If anything, I wear a little makeup so that I stay focused on my workout!”—Christie Griffin, digital director
  • “No way! I think it would make me feel claustrophobic. I actually prefer to go au naturel as much as possible all the time, so when I’m sweating it’s a must. I can’t imagine that dripping through Spin class with mascara running down my face would look so hot, either.”—Karla Walsh, editorial assistant
  • “I never go anywhere without putting on a smidge of bronzer. I’ve found that the best one that doesn’t sweat off is Bare Escentuals BareMinerals All-Over Face Color in Warmth.”—Kelly Garner, beauty intern
  • “I wear mascara. Otherwise it looks like I have no eyelashes!”—Pam O’Brien, executive editor
  • “I wear no makeup to the gym. It winds up coming off when I sweat anyway, and I’m there for myself—to get fit—not to impress anyone.”—Alexa Cortese, web intern
  • What about youdo you wear makeup during a workout?


Christina Hendricks Chats with FITNESS

Yesterday we had the pleasure of sitting down with Mad Men star Christina Hendricks in her Manhattan hotel suite to discuss everything from lipstick to that gorgeous pale skin (she’s absolutely stunning and so sweet in person!) to her workout regimen. Hendricks is supporting the Latisse Wishes Challenge, which allows consumers to donate a minimum of $20 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which LATISSE then matches, working toward a goal of donating $500,000. Take a peek at our conversation:


Favorite Find Friday: Degree Women Clinical Protection in Sexy Intrigue

Deodorant isn’t usually a subject on which we wax rhapsodic, but we can’t help but sing the praises of Degree Clinical Protection Fine Fragrance Collection Antiperspirant/Deodorant in Sexy Intrigue. The formula not only keeps us dry through the toughest workouts and stifling New York City subway commutes, but also has the most sophisticated scent we’ve ever encountered in a deodorant: A subdued blend of jasmine and vanilla developed by Ann Glottlieb, creator of iconic fragrances like Dior J’Adore and CK One.  What deodorant—and scent—do you like best?


Faith Hill Talks Fitness

We recently chatted with country singer Faith Hill about her newest fragrance, Faith Hill True, her favorite beauty products and tricks for on-the-go, and her stay-in-shape secrets. The scoop:

FITNESS: How does your new fragrance, True, differ from your first fragrance?
FAITH HILL: My first fragrance had several notes in it that reminded me of growing up in Mississippi, such as magnolia.  I wanted to keep this one fresh and clean and current…I really liked the yuzu, lily and gardenia notes.”

FITNESS: What kind of woman is True made for?
FAITH HILL: “It’s made for every woman.  Whether you work in your home, outside of your home, in sweats or a suit, everyone can wear it.  I wanted the fragrance to appeal to all women.”

FITNESS: How and when do you wear fragrance?  What’s the best way to wear it?
FAITH HILL: “I wear fragrances every day. It’s like a part of my outfit.  I wear it with sweats, casual or dressed to go out.  It completes my outfit.”

FITNESS: How do you take care of your skin and hair on-the-go?
FAITH HILL: I try to keep my skin clean and moisturized.  On my hair, I use a leave-in conditioner most of the time when I’m not working.  I also drink lots of water.”

FITNESS: How do you keep yourself in shape with your busy lifestyle and while you’re on the road?
FAITH HILL: I have to schedule workout time or I simply will find an excuse to not workout.  I’m doing the Tracy Anderson method right now and I love it.  I don’t get bored as easily because of all the movement involved in her program.”

FITNESS: What are your favorite beauty products for after your workout and for carrying with you when you’re on-the-go?
FAITH HILL: “I always clean my face after my workout.  I use Obagi cleanser and sunscreen.  When I travel, I do the same treatment, just with more moisturizer and I drink loads of water.”

FITNESS: What workouts do you do regularly?
FAITH HILL: “I used to run, however, now I enjoy a brisk walk for 2-3 miles, in addition to the Tracy Anderson method.”

Faith shares her workout playlist in the Fit Life section of our January issue, out next week!


No-Sweat Skin Savers

At FITNESS, we know the importance of a good workout. While the sweat may work wonders on your body, it can wreak havoc on your face, resulting in unwanted blemishes. Here, a few tips to prevent workout woes:

  • Avoid contact with equipment. It’s impossible to steer clear of equipment when you’re at the gym, but it is possible to avoid contact with it. Before sitting or laying down on any of the machines, lay out a clean towel to use as a barrier, protecting your skin against dirt and bacteria. Don’t feel like carrying around a towel with you? Wear workout clothing that covers breakout-prone parts of your body, such as the back and shoulders.
  • Tie your hair. When you’re working out, your scalp produces oil more quickly than usual. If your hair falls onto your face during exercise, the likelihood of a breakout increases. Prevent blemishes by keeping hair off your face and back with elastic hair ties and headbands.
  • Hands off! Touching your face is the number one way of transferring bacteria onto your skin. No matter how strenuous the workout, keep sweaty hands out of your skin!
  • Clean your gym bag. Let’s face it: We require quite a few on-the-go supplies after a long workout. Storing your gym bag in a locker (or putting it on the locker room floor) can allow dirt and bacteria to get in, as does touching your products before washing your hands. Clean the outside of your gym bag with an antibacterial wipe or spray every couple of uses, and store makeup in Ziploc bags so it doesn’t come in contact with your sweaty gym necessities.
  • Choose cotton. Nylon and polyester clothing hinder the skin’s ability to breathe, clogging pores and causing body breakouts. Choose cotton as your go-to material; it allows skin to breathe even during your most grueling cardio class.
  • -Nina Ramadan, beauty intern


    Find A New Favorite Fragrance

    In our November/December issue (on stands now!), I wrote a feature about how your workout of choice can lead you to a perfect-for-you perfume pick. Researchers say that the part of the brain that’s linked to your sense of smell has a direct connection to your personality and exercise preference.

    In the issue, we have fragrance finds for active readers who love to hike, run, spin and practice yoga, but we had to drop one exercise category from the layout: dancing. Read on to sniff out a new signature scent for the season!

    Your Workout: Dancing
    Your Fit Fragrance: Gourmand

    If you love ballet, jazz, hip-hop, or even Zumba classes, chances are you enjoy being in tune with your body. And scrumptious food-inspired fragrances take the cake in terms of increasing your self-esteem. “Because they’re often associated with positive, nostalgic feelings, research suggests that these sweet scents can raise your endorphin levels, making you feel better about yourself,” explains Alan Hirsch, M.D., of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago. Try these yummy, but still subtle, scents:

    • Victoria’s Secret Dream Angels Heavenly Stardust ($49, Victoria’s Secret stores) has comforting traces of caramel and praline.
    • The star note in Pure DKNY ($80, dkny.com) is vanilla, which smells fresh, thanks to hints of creamy sandalwood.
    • Mary Kay Thinking of You ($30, marykay.com) sweetens skin with delish dashes of tonka bean, vanilla, and sugar.

    Thrifty Thursday: Clear Mascara

    I switch out beauty products like I switch out shoes—way too often. But the one product that has managed to stick around in my makeup bag is Maybelline New York Great Lash Clear Mascara. It goes on smooth, and never gets dry and flaky. I use it to tame my eyebrows, and under mascara as a base coat to make my lashes pop. My lashes are naturally curly and can go a little crazy on their own, so I use it alone during workouts to keep them groomed but natural. The best part: It’s under $5! What’s your favorite thrifty find?

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    -Kari LaPrade, beauty intern


    Post-Workout Strand Secrets

    Here at FITNESS, we’re always looking for new ways to beautify our workout routine. If the dreaded ponytail crease is preventing you from hitting the gym before a night on the town, try these simple tips to keep your smooth strands intact:

    locker-roomCrease Release Fill an empty spray bottle with water and spritz lightly onto the ponytail crease, moving all the way around the crown. Take a flat brush and place it under the crease. Brush the hair downward and blast the crease with a blow dryer until smooth. Bonus: Using a  fabric-covered elastic can reduce indentation.

    Clip It Instead of pulling your hair into a ponytail, try clipping it up. Lightly twist locks up and secure with a clip that will stay in place. We like Goody StayPut Slide-Proof Hold Claw Clips, which are specially designed to grip your hair and not slip off.

    What are your post-workout beauty tricks?

    —By Kari LaPrade, beauty intern


    A Twist on a Classic

    156724001French braids aren’t just for summer camp anymore.

    I love the look of French braids, but sometimes I want a style that’s a little more relaxed. When I was pulling my hair up into a braid today, I decided to try something new. Rather than start near the front of my head, I parted my hair to the side and combed out a two-inch section from the middle of my part. I began to braid, adding small pieces from the front and back of my part. I weaved the pieces under each other (rather than over) to achieve the inside-out effect. Once I reached my neck, I gathered all my hair together to form a regular braid. It still had the loose, relaxed feel I was aiming for with a little extra flair. And the French braid helped keep fly-aways out of my face during my workout. It’s my new go-to! Would you wear it?

    – Catherine Q. O’Neill, beauty intern