Gym Bag Essentials
This small bag should contain more than just sweaty sneakers
We’ve already covered which products let you skip the gym and still (at least convincingly pretend) to whittle away those last few pounds.
But for those dedicated gym goers out there, what are the gym bag essentials you need to pick up?
First and foremost, a great deodorant is key. Ban Clinical Defense is the first clinical roll-on on the market, and actually boasts 25% more of the active ingredient (Aluminum Chlorohydrate) than even prescription products. You’re left with 24-hour wetness protection … More than enough to get you through that spin class. $6.99 at grocery and mass stores.
Another gym must is pulling your hair back – and I’m a huge fan of the Goody Ouchless collection of elastics for this (I opt for clear, but colored and straight black are also available). These simple elastics don’t break or snag hair, and always stay put. Even better, a package of 52 costs less than $5 at my local CVS.
The right dry cleanser is a miracle worker – you can step out of the gym with hair that looks fresh, revitalized and full … All without water. Ojon Rub-Out Dry Cleanser is a true multi-tasker, accomplishing all of the above while eliminating excess oil and product build up. This formula (which gets its effectiveness from a combination of Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Amazonian White Clay, Silk Powder and Potato Starches) is a perfect alternative to in-shower cleansing for those mornings when there just isn’t enough time to blow dry. $24 at Ojon.com.
The right leave-in treatment can help hair bounce back from grueling workouts. For hair that’s been put through the wringer (held up in tight ponytails, crushed against mats or weight benches, even whipped from side to side during classes), Ojon Revitalizing Mist is perfect. The product refreshes the hair by detangling and reducing odor, and can actually reactivate style weightlessly, without washing, after working out (or going out, or sleeping in …). For best results, spritz onto hair, style and go. $26 at Ojon.com.
You’ve worked hard for that muscle tone, so try spritzing on tarte celebutante moisturizing dry oil spray. This coconut-scented oil delivers a glistening champagne-colored gleam to skin, making muscles look long and lean. The non-greasy formula gets its moisturizing heft from apricot and avocado oils, as well as Vitamin E, while natural mineral pigments soothe and soften. $28 at tartecosmetics.com.
After a good workout, your skin glows, your eyes are bright and your lips/cheeks are enticingly rosy. Basically, you barely need to think about makeup – but if you’re like me, you’re not happy until you’ve put a little something on. Physicians Formula makes some great items that will have you glammed up instantly (all available at PhysiciansFormula.com):
Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Pressed Powder – Sweep this mistake-proof powder over cheeks, forehead, nose and chin for a gorgeously sun-kissed glow (don’t forget your neck and chest), or use to create or enhance cleavage.
Shimmer Strips Custom Enhancing Shadow & Liner (Bronze Collection) – Because the shadow and liner are packaged in one easy palette, it takes up less room. (Pictured above.)
Organic wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara – One sweep of this 100% natural and gentle product, and you’re ready to go!
Lily. You’re a genius.
I use the ouchless bands all the time. Especially since my hair is very fine and thin, all other bands just slide out. I also have the Ojon Rub-Out Dry Cleanser (still trying to figure it out) and the Physican’s bronzer.
About the deoderant though, does it leave marks? I don’t sweat a lot and rarely wear deoderant but when I do I can never find something clear that doesn’t rub off or leave those nasty little clumps after a day’s wear.
Ban’s known for not leaving white marks – if you don’t sweat a lot, give the regular Ban a try.