
Going to the gym isn’t as easy as just showing up and exercising. Not only do you have to be equipped with the right clothes and tools to work out, but you also have to pack your entire post-gym life and beauty regimen into one little bag to take with you. We picked out 17 must-have items to keep in your snazzy gym bag that won’t weigh you down. Whether you’re a runner, a yogi or queen of the elliptical, these beauty essentials will keep you looking and feeling fresh before, during and after your workout.
1. Lip And Cheek Stain ($30): To save time and space in your bag, pack a two-in-one color for lips and cheeks that will naturally enhance your post-workout glow.
2. Clean and Clear Makeup Dissolving Facial Cleansing Wipes ($7): These wipes instantly lift away all traces of oil, dirt and even waterproof mascara without drying you out. In one easy step, your skin is left perfectly clean and refreshed with no oily residue, so there’s no need to rinse.
3. Dry Shampoo ($8): It’s completely possible that you’ll be a hot mess after a hard workout, so your hair will definitely need a pick-me-up. Try using a dry shampoo to get some volume back and to help mop up the sweat.
4. Tinted Moisturizer ($15): If you’re heading outdoors to exercise, don’t leave home without protecting your skin! This SPF 30 tinted moisturizer works extra hard to give you sheer coverage, even your skin tone and blend away imperfections.
5. Hand Sanitizer ($2): After touching all that germy gym equipment, you’ll be ready to disinfect with some deliciously scented sanitizer.
6. Lip Balm ($4): Inconsistencies in temperature and humidity levels at the gym can lead to uncomfortable dryness and chapping, so be sure to keep your favorite lip balm handy.
7. Shine Control Blotting Sheets ($7): Reduce shine and remove excess oil without drying your skin or messing up your makeup.
8. Deodorant ($7): It’s an obvious one, but your day can easily be ruined if you forget deodorant. We like this motion sense stick for workouts that are extra sweaty and super intense.
9. Spray Moisturizer ($8): When you’re dripping wet, the last thing you want to do is rub lotion into your skin. This spray moisturizer absorbs quickly for a non-greasy feel, and requires no rubbing at all.
10. Mini Perfume ($11): A mini fragrance will give you a scent boost to carry you through the rest of your day. This fresh, herbal scent by Lush features spearmint, tarragon and thyme for a clean and natural smell.
11. Exfoliating Wash ($15 and up): A great time to exfoliate is after a solid sweat. This wash does an awesome job of digging deep to clear away blackheads and dirt.
12. Moisturizer Serum ($13): Most of us tend to skip serum and just slap on some moisturizer before heading to the office. By using a two-in-one serum and cream, though, you can get maximum skincare benefits with minimal effort.
13. Compact Foundation ($15): A liquid foundation can be messy to apply after showering, so opt for a cream or powder foundation with an included applicator. Buh-bye bag full of brushes!
14. Waterproof Mascara ($18): Stay glamorous throughout your workout and in the steamy locker rooms with a durable, waterproof mascara.
15. Body and Shine Shampoo ($38): We always appreciate complimentary supplies, but the free shampoo and conditioner at the gym are not always the top-notch quality we’re after. This little kit gets you sleek and shiny post-workout hair in hardly any time at all.
16. Eye Pencil ($5): These waterproof pencils can be used as eyeliner or eyeshadow for a pop of color before you head back out into the world.
17. Body Mist ($24): A lightly fragranced body mist is a must after a hard gym sesh. This body wash packs skin brighteners, hydrators and clarifiers into one convenient can with a light, refreshing scent.
Will you be adding any of these beauty essentials to your gym bag? What are your post-workout must-haves? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook.
Your relationship with your finances is one of the most important relationships you'll ever have, and you can't avoid it. That said, for many of us, the pandemic only added to our financial stress. If you find yourself feeling frazzled, just remember that financial insecurity isn't a net-worth issue — it's a mindset issue. And, we happen to have plenty of advice on how to turn your money mindset around so you can take charge of your funds once and for all.
To start, feeling secure begins with a strong foundation, and there's no better time than now to get started stacking the bricks. It's easy to get swept up in the January "new year, new me" mentality, but really? Any time is the right time to get yourself in order. You don't need to wait for a new year, a new moon, the right moment, or a sign from above. You don't even have to start on the first day of the month — you just need to start.
Introducing NerdWallet: A Safe and Reliable Money App
To help with that, we've put together a list of the just-right-for-you ways that NerdWallet can help you monitor your financial outlook. Haven't heard of them yet? NerdWallet is a personal finance company that helps consumers make smarter financial decisions. Their website and app let you compare different financial products, find articles and tools to make financial decisions with confidence, and keep tabs on your finances (hey there, credit score, I see you!) all in one place. Plus, NerdWallet has over 75,000 glowing reviews in the App Store (and a 4.8 star rating) if you want to read up on any more testimonials.
Tim Chen, NerdWallet's CEO and co-founder, started this financial journey in 2009 after his sister needed help finding a credit card. Even with an economics degree and a Wall Street background, it took awhile for Tim to find the right recommendation (so don't feel too bad when it takes you a while, too). Their mission is to bring clarity to all of life's financial decisions.
So it's safe to say that NerdWallet is a pretty good sherpa for your journey, too.
Get the most from your money
Did you know that the money you park in a savings account can lose value? Harsh, but true. If your money isn't earning interest that's on pace with inflation it will actually be worth less to you in the future. And if the bank charges fees? Forget about it. Make sure you're earning the interest you deserve and come out on top. NerdWallet has researched dozens of financial institutions to help consumers find the best options. The hard work has already been done for you, so you can just select the account that works best for you and your nest egg.
Keep an eye on everything, securely
Once everything is set up, tracking and managing your finances is what will keep the money machine running smoothly. You can create an account either through the site or the app and link your bank accounts, then keep tabs on all your finances in one place. Get a clear picture of your saving and spending, get insights into how to master your money, and even build your credit score all in one place.
Get extra credit points
Do you have the best credit card for your lifestyle? Some cards give cash back on every purchase, ones with travel perks, and ones that charge way less interest than you're paying now. NerdWallet takes the guesswork out of choosing the right credit card with simple side-by-side comparisons of different credit cards so that you feel confident choosing the right one. Whatever you want to do, NerdWallet can help you find the best credit card to get it done.
Know your options for settling down
Mortgage rates are pretty low and it looks like they're going to stay that way for awhile, so buying a home might be the move sooner than you think. But there's so much more to a mortgage than just the interest rate! To help you choose a mortgage lender, NerdWallet has in-depth reviews on multiple lenders in a mixture of categories so you get the home loan with the mortgage rate, term, and fees that's right for you.
Settle an old score
NerdWallet helps you monitor your credit score for free and helps you see how little things (like raising the limit on your credit card or paying your bills on time) can increase your score. NerdWallet partners with TransUnion® to provide your VantageScore® 3.0, based on information in your TransUnion® credit report. Your score and credit report information are updated weekly. But that's not even close to all:
- They provide you with tips from experts on how you could build or optimize your credit score
- You'll get a detailed look at your credit score and all the factors that go into it—your payment history, credit utilization, the age and type of accounts, balances, and any recent inquiries
- The credit simulator tool gives you an idea of how your credit score would change if you applied for a new credit card, closed your oldest credit card, or got a new auto loan
- You also get free, unlimited access to your credit report
When it comes to managing your money, safe and reliable is where it's at. Establishing a healthy relationship with your finances begins when you take control and practice habits that build wealth. Signing up just takes a few minutes. Set your intentions to build a solid financial foundation, it will only strengthen your relationship with your finances. And don't be afraid to get a little nerdy while you're at it.
Photo via Shutterstock