Beauty on the Go

Marisa Walker shares after-workout quick tips

Training after work isn't always an option for publicist and marathon runner Carly Morrison. With two young children and a husband at home, Morrison must often squeeze a quick workout into her lunch hour so she can be home for dinner with her family. But to jet back to the office in time, she often skips the shower and finds herself sitting at her desk feeling sweaty, flushed and, let's admit it, a little greasy.

For many of us like Morrison, juggling work, family and fitness is a challenge. But with planning and the right products, you don't have to sacrifice beauty for your active lifestyle. Follow these quick tricks to freshen up post-workout.

Cleanse & Tone
It sounds simple, but your best bet for preventing post-workout skin issues is to wash your face immediately after exercise. "The key is not so much what you use on your skin, but rather when you do it to help prevent problems," says Dr. Brian B. Adams, director of Sports Dermatology Clinic at the University of Cincinnati.

For a quick clean on the go, Bioré Daily Deep Pore Cleansing Cloths ($10 for 60, drugstores) gently exfoliate as they remove sweat, dirt and oil from your pores. Plus, no water is necessary, so you can swipe, toss and go. Or try the all-natural Befine Food Skin Care Gentle Cleanser with Sugar, Mint, Oats & Rice ($2, befine.com), which comes in "single serve" disposable packets and is easy on all skin types.

After cleansing, hydrate just-washed skin and help even out trouble spots with a toner. Spritz on botanical-based Osmotics Cosmeceuticals Balancing Tonic Facial Mist ($35, osmotics.com) to control oily skin and calm redness and irritation. Or swab on alcohol-free Kinerase Hydrating Antioxidant Mist ($35, kinerase.com) to help re-energize your skin.

Save your moisturizer until after your body temperature has cooled down to ensure the best absorption and to prevent an oily complexion. When ready to apply, choose a lightweight, non-greasy formula like Zia Natural Skincare Skin Basics Everyday Moisturizer ($20, zianatural.com). If oily skin persists, keep blotting sheets in your purse to spot-clean during the day. Clean & Clear Morning Burst Oil-Absorbing Sheets ($6, drugstores) do the trick.

Red Alert
"The glow of red cheeks after exercise is normal and results from dilated blood vessels as you exercise," says Adams. But for sensitive skin, exercise-induced splotches can be persistent, not to mention embarrassing. A gift to the fair-skinned, Palmer's Skin Success Eventone Brightening Facial Wipes ($7, etbrowne.com) help reduce blotches and leave your complexion more even-toned.

When redness is combined with puffiness, apply the creamy Neutrogena Illuminating Eye Reviver ($13, drugstores) to the area around your eyes to reduce swelling and dark circles, and to brighten your skin tone.

Body Care
Sweat, oil and dirt clog pores on the chest and back, causing breakouts. The problem is exacerbated if you skip the shower after a workout. When you don't have time to rinse off, you can keep blemishes and bacteria at bay with VMV Hypoallergenics Id Sweat Acne and Overall Antibacterial Monolaurin Gel ($20, vmvhypoallergenics.com). This anti-viral formula treats the fungus that causes sweat acne and cools the skin to prevent post-exercise sweating.

The Sniff Test
Even if your skin looks flawless after a workout, you don't want to smell like the gym. Perfume can be overwhelming, and the heavy scent doesn't always work in your favor after you've been sweating. We suggest a body mist with a fresh and light scent, like The Body Shop Aqua Lily Body Mist ($13, thebodyshop.com), or a subtly scented lotion.

To fight body odor--and underarm wetness and stains--our top pick is Secret Clinical Strength anti-perspirant and deodorant ($7, drugstores). If you perspire heavily, you may want to consult your doctor about prescription-strength deodorant.

Hair Help
Keep your hair from looking greasy with Stila Jade Blossom Hair Refresher ($28, stilacosmetics.com). Infused with a fresh green-tea and floral fragrance, this powder absorbs excess oil, especially at your roots, and buys you some time until you have a chance to shampoo. Ojon Rub-Out Dry Cleanser ($24, sephora.com) combines silk powder, rice and potato starch to eliminate sweat and product build-up in unwashed hair. Add flyaway control and shine with a light, leave-in treatment like Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream ($20, sephora.com), which absorbs quickly without feeling greasy.

For a polished look, smooth on Charles Worthington London Results 2nd Day Hair Mud ($6, drugstores) and pull hair back into a low ponytail. Manage frizz along the hairline with a headband or chic scarf, and you're put-together and out the door in minutes.

All-in-Ones
You can't carry your entire medicine cabinet in your gym bag, so stash these small, multipurpose items in your yoga bag, duffel or glove compartment for quick fix-ups.

Borba Atomizer
This almond-scented mist adds a clean scent to your body and even your hard-worked gym clothes. $21, borba.com

Per-fékt Skin Perfection Gel Mini
This pocket-size, sheer-color gel works as a foundation, primer, color corrector and powder. It hydrates while reducing redness, enlarged pores and fine lines. $20, perfektbeauty.com

Nature's Gate Organics Be SOLective Sunscreen For Face
Lightweight and non-greasy, this SPF 30 sunscreen also functions as an anti-aging cream. $15, natures-gate.com

Pür Minerals Pür Balm
Use this balm on all dry areas, from lips and elbows to feet and cuticles. Containing shea butter, vitamin E and essential oils, it can also be used on hair to control split ends. $17, purminerals.com

E.L.F. All Over Color Stick
At a price that can't be beat, this tiny stick works as a concealer and foundation when applied with a brush or sponge. $1, eyeslipsface.com

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Moisture Mist
Rich in amino acids, vitamins and the Hawaiian medicinal plant awapuhi, this hydrating spray leaves both skin and hair hydrated and healthy. $8, salons

Lorac ProtecTINT Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer
This lightweight formula evens out your complexion while offering sheer coverage as a moisturizer, foundation and sunscreen (SPF 30)--and it's great for sensitive skin.
$30, sephora.com

Marisa Walker is a beauty and health writer in New York City. A former dancer, she is always on the search for practical beauty ideas for active women.

Her Sports is the only magazine for women who regard sports as a way of life. To subscribe to the e-newsletter, the magazine or to learn more, visit www.hersports.com.

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