Leading an active lifestyle calls for a different beauty regime for most women. Heavy makeup will not look so good after an intensive workout no matter how well you apply it beforehand.
After a workout, most women have around 10-15 minutes to apply their makeup and style their hair before having to dash straight to work or to pick up the kids. The following list gives ten important beauty tips to help you look your best no matter how hard you train.
1. Hot Oil Treatments
Your hair is one of the first things that suffer after spending all day under the sun. Those who play outdoor sports often find that their hair becomes dry, brittle and more prone to split-ends. Nourish your hair with a hot oil treatment using Argan, coconut or even olive oil.
Warm a little of the oil, and add a drop of your favorite essential oil. Massage into your hair and scalp, and leave for several hours before shampooing.
2. Facial Wipes
Facial wipes are a woman’s best friend as they can be used to remove smudged makeup, sweat and oil from the skin. They can even be used under the arms for a quick way to freshen up after a workout. You can buy the specially formulated facial wipes if you prefer, but a pack of ordinary baby wipes will work just as well.
3. Semi-Permanent Makeup
Semi-permanent makeup has come a long way over the years, and many women are now choosing to have simple procedures done to save time. If you need to fill in your eyebrows every day, why not consider having them tattooed on?
Eyebrow tattooing often looks more natural than makeup and lasts for around ten years. Those with light colored hair can choose to have their eyebrows and eyelashes dyed to add more definition.
4. Dry Shampoo
Most women can’t imagine not washing their hair after a workout, but over-washing leads to dry, damaged hair and causes the scalp to produce more oil to combat the drying effects. Dry shampoo is the perfect pick-me-up for dull, oily hair and is much faster than having to wash and style your hair every time you hit the gym.
More: 10 Beauty Boosts That Take 5 Minutes or Less
5. Use Specialised Cosmetics
Certain cosmetics are designed to withstand heat, sweat and water. Waterproof mascara is an essential addition to every makeup bag, and a good foundation that stays put will make a world of difference. Always purchase non-comedogenic makeup that will not block pores and cause breakouts when you sweat.
More: 10 Heatwave Essentials Every Woman Should Have
6. Choose a Low-Maintenance Hairstyle
Going to the gym with big, tousled curls is for reality TV stars and Z-list celebrities. If you will be heading to work straight from the gym, choose a haircut that does not require a lot of maintenance. A sleek bob or pixie cut is a good option for most women, or those with curly hair can simply sweep it up into a tousled chignon.
7. Invest in a Good Moisturizer
Constantly sweating or staying out in the sun too long will take its toll on your skin. After a shower, apply moisturizer to your entire body to keep it hydrated.
Natural moisturizers such as Shea butter, beeswax or coco butter are ideal and leave a delicious aroma on the skin. Apply an intensive moisturiser to chapped hands and feet, and always reapply to the hands after washing them or doing the dishes.
8. Stay Hydrated
Those that lose a lot of water through sweat need to replace lost hydration in order to stay healthy. Drinking a lot of water also helps to flush out toxins from the body and leads to a healthier, brighter complexion.
Keep a bottle of water with you all through your workout and continue to sip water during the day. Avoid mineral waters and vitamin drinks that are often loaded with sugar and artificial sweeteners.
More: 10 Essential Beauty Foods for Women
9. Protect Yourself from The Sun
Although a certain amount of sun exposure is good for the health, too much can be aging and even result in serious diseases such as skin cancer. Cover up your skin with a hat and long-sleeved t-shirt wherever possible, and try to stay out of the hot, midday sun.
If you can’t avoid it, apply a good suntan lotion with an SPF of 30. High SPFs are usually a waste of money and offer no added protection.
10. Apply Body Oil
One of the best ways to keep your skin firm, toned and hydrated is by applying a high-quality body oil and massaging it into the skin. Choose from coconut, Argan, olive or almond oil, and apply it directly to damp skin after a shower.
This will help to lock in moisture and keep your skin feeling silky soft. Coconut oil is antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal making it the ideal choice as it protects against body odour and conditions such as athlete’s foot.
More: 10 Nourishing Oils for Your Skin and Hair
As well as an active lifestyle, diet and nutrition are equally important for overall health and well-being. Those on the go often cannot find the time to prepare healthy meals and have to rely on readymade dinners or snacks from the supermarket.
Throwing together a healthy salad or sandwich takes only a few seconds, and is far more nutritious than relying on fast food alternatives no matter how healthy they claim to be. What are your beauty tips for an active lifestyle?1