Let’s just get one thing straight: I am not, and never have been, the sporty type. Not long ago I informed my husband that the very last words he was ever likely to hear coming out of my mouth are: ‘I’m going to run a 10k.’ So for once, this is really about doing what I say – not what I do…!

But honestly, what I have observed is that in 2015, the fitness trend has truly taken hold. There are healthy restaurants springing up all over the place, and many friends and acquaintances have embarked on fitness regimes and, this year, stuck to them. I’m not surprised: I may not run, but I know that my daily power walks save my sanity (and let me eat pretty much what I like) – and I’ve long believed we should nourish our bodies with the best ‘fuel’ possible (which means fresh, healthy dishes – interspersed, naturellement, with the occasional square of Green & Black’s. But for all those gym bunnies out there, here are some tips to ensure you emerge looking cool, calm – and fit in every way, rather than red-faced and sweaty.

Count to five as you splash ice-cold water on your face and over wrists. The fastest way to cool down, after a workout.

In the power shower, cleanse with a gentle all-in-one body wash. Try zesty, uplifting scents which will keep up the good work of making you feel energised and alive after your Stairmaster session. 

Use a dry shampoo. There’s always the option of washing, conditioning, blow-drying, styling… but if you don’t want to wash your hair from scratch, freshen it up with a dry shampoo.

If you’re perspiring after you shower, reach for deodorant. Don’t just apply to underarms, but between your breasts – an area that can stay hot and sweaty after a workout. I’ve long preferred natural deodorants – Pitrok Crystal Roll-On Deodorant is a favourite; I’m just not that keen on having lots of synthetic ingredients near my lymph glands.

Apply body moisturiser. Sweat dehydrates skin – it’s the saltiness – so you must replenish. (And chlorine, if you’re also having a dip, is of course seriously dehydrating.) I’m addicted to the serum-style This Works Skin Deep Golden Elixir, which is seriously skin-smoothing and leaves your body subtly glimmering with particles of gold. (Very fetching on bare forearms, NB.)

Smooth in BB Cream. ‘Alphabet’ creams are (of course) a big beauty buzz; BB cream stands for ‘Beauty Balm’. These originated in Asia, and are now super-popular in the West. Creamy and moisturising, they help to even out skintone; they tend to be lighter in weight than foundation, but slightly heavier than tinted moisturisers, and are just the ticket when you don’t want to slather on a thick foundation, post-workout. Apply your regular moisturiser, as usual, and smooth your BB cream over the top – and among those I’d recommend Derma E Tinted Moisteriser BB Cream SPF 30.

Pat tinted lip balm onto lips and cheeks. We all love a time-saving product, but these are great time-savers: Lanolips offers a range of tinted, lanolin-powered lip balms (I personally lust after The Lanolips Lip Collection, which has every shade….) Really stays put, too.

Apply a waterproof mascara. If you’ve applied one before your workout, you shouldn’t need to reapply – but if not, choose a waterproof option because if you continue to ‘glow’ after working out, this can cause mascara to ‘travel’ and smudge.

Now give yourself a little pat on the back for taking such good care of yourself, through your fitness regime. It’s definitely to emerge from the locker-room looking radiant and healthy, rather than hot and sweaty. And that rosy glow of post-workout achievement is probably the biggest beauty boost of all…

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