12 Gym Bag Beauty Essentials, According To A Beauty Editor

From a salicylic acid body wash to banish body acne to a magnesium balm to soothe tired muscles, discover our top picks of products to stash in your gym bag this season. When it comes to prepping for a workout, many of us pack our gym bags with a But with hot Pilates fast becoming a bona fide social activity, alongside the meteoric rise of activewear selfies on Instagram, workout looks have never been so visible. As glowy as you may feel immediately after your sweat session, a few simple beauty and wellness swaps can ensure you look that way, too. This is especially true for skin. Sweat left on the skin can mix with natural sebum, dead skin cells, bacteria and leftover makeup, leading to blackheads, whiteheads or friction-related breakouts (also known as acne mechanica). Thankfully, a handful of brands are branching out into workout beauty and wellness essentials: think purifying body washes to use post-Pilates, or skin-refreshing facial mists to spritz on after pump class. Here are the top-rated beauty and wellness products you’ll want to reach for in the changing room time and time again. Form meets function in Lorna Jane’s latte-coloured backpack, crafted in a durable semi-shine twill fabric to withstand being pulled from gym lockers and slung over your shoulder for your morning walk to work. The multi-pocket design has compartments for just about everything, including a large base pocket to accommodate running shoes, insulated side pockets for snacks and drinks, and a back pocket wide enough to stash a laptop. Stay hydrated with this triple-layer insulated water bottle from Owala, designed to keep drinks colder for longer. The patented FreeSip spout allows you to drink your way, whether that’s sipping from the built-in straw or swigging from the wide-mouth opening. The Owala FreeSip Sway Bottle comes in a variety of colours, including Lightly Toasted (pictured), or a selection of warm neutral hues.No time for a proper shower post-sweat? No bother, Nécessaire’s latest body care innovation promises to remove impurities, sweat and odour on-the-go, leaving you feeling fresh and revitalised. The body wipe draws inspiration from the brand’s body wash, and is formulated with skincare-grade actives including niacinamide, omegas 6 and 9, plus vitamin-rich plant oils to clean, refresh and soften skin. Each body wipe’s lingering scent smells fresh and herbaceous, with notes of eucalyptus, Siberian fir, lavender and ginger. With its powerful blend of AHA and PHA to unclog pores, visibly smooth bumps and rinse away sweat, this gel formula from Kit: was created with active bodies in mind. Sure to elevate any post-gym shower ritual, it refreshes skin with its blend of lactic, mandelic and glycolic acids, alongside fermented papaya fruit extract, while the minty fragrance energises the senses.Formulated with fermented enzymes to neutralise odour, Malin+Goetz’s deodorant feels delightfully refreshing after a gym class. It glides on smoothly and absorbs excess moisture from the skin thanks to its blend of kaolin clay and cornstarch, all while not disrupting the body’s natural perspiration system. Lovers of floral fragrances will obsess over Otto’s delicate scent. Banish body acne with this salicylic acid-spiked body serum, which targets uneven skin texture on blemish-prone skin. A 0.5% concentration of salicylic acid is said to encourage the natural shedding of dead skin cells, helping clear skin of dirt and debris that block pores and cause congestion. It features a nozzle tip for easy and precise application over areas of the body prone to breakouts, including shoulders and back. Replenish any water lost through your skin during your workout with a spritz of ultra-hydrating face mist to immediately restore hydration and diminish dryness. An essence and mist in one, this lightweight mist from New Zealand skincare maker Raeso encapsulates bioactive ingredients for long-lasting moisture that plumps, hydrates and soothes skin for up to 72 hours. If you’re rushing from the gym to the office, a spritz of Bouf’s new Grease Lightning Dry Shampoo will absorb excess oil and refresh your style, banishing any tell-tale signs of greasiness. The unique wet-to-dry technology creates a fast-drying mist that lifts grease and nourishes the scalp without leaving any white residue. Achy muscles post-workout are a given, but can be remedied by this magnesium cream. Formulated with a 33% concentration of magnesium chloride, Australian brand Salt Lab’s Magnesium Muscle Repair Cream is ideal for soothing sore muscles or stiff joints. It penetrates deeply into the skin for rapid relief from aches and pains, and can be applied immediately after exercise (or as needed) to alleviate post-workout soreness or tight muscles. Apply after a warm shower for even better magnesium absorption. Lifestream’s Vegan Protein+ Powder is a premium plant-based protein blend designed to support muscle health and metabolism. Unlike other protein powders that can leave you feeling bloated, this easy-to-digest blend is gentle on your stomach and is free from dairy, soy, gluten and added sugar. It comes in two flavours (original and chocolate), and every 30g serving can be mixed with water, juice or blended into a smoothie for a creamy shake with 18g of protein derived from peas, yeast, quinoa and rice. Bored of protein bars with a metre-long ingredients list or that leave behind a chemical aftertaste? Enter Betty, the New Zealand wellness brand founded by nutritionist Olivia Scott-Guise, founder of The Raw Kitchen, who set out to create protein bars that prioritise natural ingredients over artificial flavours, colours and fillers. Three new flavours have recently been introduced to the existing range, including Banana Bread, Salted Pistachio and Lemon Meringue & Toasted Coconut. The former tastes exactly like a slice of banana bread, but with 15g of plant protein, banana, crunchy almond pieces and a hint of cinnamon – ideal for fuelling up after a sweat session. Unlike electrolytes that offer a hint of salt, this powder tastes like sour peach lollies. It’s one of the two new Hydro Babe flavours from New Zealand supplement brand Cadence, alongside Pineapple & Coconut (good for piña colada lovers). Not only does it taste delicious, but every 4g serving contains a blend of mineral electrolytes for hydration, plus glutamine and magnesium to support wellbeing and fend off tiredness. More beautyAre you getting the most out of your sunscreen? What’s worth buying from Merit now that it’s available from Sephora? What’s next in skincare and appearance medicine? Beauty editor Ashleigh Cometti speaks to the experts for their hot takes.