Confession: here at marie claire, we’d be far more likely to exercise regularly if you could guarantee that we’d still look presentable by the end of our 45-minute sweat sesh (Vain, us? Never). How else is a woman supposed to fit in an 8am boxing class before a 9am boardroom meeting?
But with summer on its way, hitting the gym has escalated to the top of our priority list. And who better to coach us on gym-friendly hair and make-up than Kenneth Stoddart and Rae Morris, Priceline Pharmacy’s Hair Director and Make-up Director respectively. Add the below expert tips to your workout routine and suddenly, you’ll be snapping gym selfies with the best of them…
1/ Before your workout
Our hair tends to suffer the most from regular exercise – sweat and sunscreen does not usually a good hair day make. Securing your strands into a style that keeps all flyaways well away from your face and neck is the first step. “The ponytail is the simplest of hairstyles as this only leaves a slight band on the hair afterwards,” Stoddart says (watch his how-to video for the perfect high pony below). Use Lady Jayne Styleguards Spirals to eliminate kinks when you take your hair out, as well as a wide headband, which “worn at the front to pull hair off the face, will keep hair smooth,” Stoddart guides.
But don’t feel limited to the humble ponytail – do as the Victoria’s Secret crowd does and add double rope braids, looped low ponytails and top knots to your training arsenal (watch the helpful how-to for each style below). Keep shine serum and hairspray in your gym bag to secure your look – Stoddart recommends John Frieda Frizz Ease Perfect Finishing Polishing Serum to eliminate frizz and L’Oreal Paris Elnett Hairspray to keep everything in place. A brushable hairspray like this is ideal so you have the option of changing your hairstyle when you leave the gym.
And if you just can’t bring yourself to go anywhere without make-up, Rae Morris recommends the following exercise-friendly products. “A tinted moisturiser with skin benefits that won’t clog pores is best,” she says. “Then curl your lashes and use a waterproof mascara.” Morris recommends the Nude by Nature Tinted Mineral Moisturiser (available in store at Priceline Pharmacy) as it’s non-comedogenic and offers a natural finish. And always look for long-lasting formulas to ensure your make-up always outlasts your squat count.
2/ After your workout
Dry shampoo is your best friend here. Stoddart swears by Batiste to soak up sweat and give hair back its oomph – spritz through then blast with the gym change-room hairdryer to evenly disperse the product and revive your style.
For your face, carry micellar water wipes in your gym kit to effectively remove sweat, sunscreen and any make-up, then spritz a facial mist all over (Morris likes Trilogy Hydrating Mist Toner) to refresh, tone and hydrate. Follow with your usual moisturiser and a matte finish primer to provide a flawless base for make-up after your workout.
Gym devotees will also benefit from weekly detoxifying facial masks and purifying hair scrubs to counter the cumulative effects of extra sweat and extra oil. “The best shampoo and conditioner that regular exercisers should look for would be a gentle daily wash shampoo that doesn’t weigh the hair down or strip colour from the hair,” says Stoddart, who recommends Herbal Essences Detox Shine Shampoo and Herbal Essences Daily Detox Shine Conditioner.
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