Problem: you cycle to work or are thinking of starting, you don’t want to carry too much stuff with you, but you want to arrive at the office looking fresh and cool. What do you do?
Fear not! Adele Mitchell has uncovered these multi-tasking miracle workers to help cut the beauty corners, and keep you looking your best post-commute.
Clean
Roads are grimy places. This dirt gets on the bike, and it gets onto you. Keeping your steed clean will help, but the chances are you’ll arrive with the occasional oily mark on your leg, grubby fingers, or congested skin. These products will help you clean up your act, and your bike too.
REN NO 1 PURITY CLEANSING BALM
Price: £23 (100ml)
Don’t be fooled by the pretty packaging, natural ingredients and gentle formula: this cleanser knows no limits when it comes to melting away dirt and make up, including waterproof mascara. Speaking from personal experience, it will also deal with chain oil on your leg – a couple of swipes and it’s gone! It does all this without leaving your skin feeling tight. It can even double as a gentle exfoliator too; just use it with a muslin cloth.
Price: £10 for 70, £3 for 15
If you end up having to do a roadside repair, these handy little wet wipes cut through grease and grime easily, and contain lanolin to sooth and soften the skin. Perfect for post-puncture hand cleaning, and you can even use them to clean your bike too. Available in a tub of 70 or a portable packet of 15.
Price: £24.99 (15ml)
A slightly more glamorous alternative to the sort of mud mask you get during a ride in the rain, Glam Glow is a ten minute facial in a jar based on volcanic minerals, French sea clay and green tea leaf. It’s perfect for deep cleaning your face after several days in the saddle about town. Simply smooth it on, then feel the tingle as it lifts impurities, and softens and smoothes your skin leaving it bright, glowing, tightened and toned for up to three days.
Protect
Cycling can be tough on the skin, as you are exposed to the sun, wind, dirt and everything else the great outdoors can throw at you. Keep protected with these offerings.
Price: £11.22 (17.5ml)
100% natural wonder ointment and winner of multiple beauty awards, Lanolips is made from Ultra Pure Grade lanolin and tackles everything from chapped lips to dry cuticles and even flyaway hair. Keep it in your bike bag, warm between your fingers and apply where needed.
THIS WORKS IN TRANSIT SKIN DEFECT SPF30
Price: £29 (40ml)
While most of us reach for moisturiser on a daily basis, its actually sunscreen that will make all the difference to your skin’s long term appearance. It therefore makes sense to choose a moisturiser that conditions your skin – this one contains hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and calming Vitamin E – and also offers high spf and broad spectrum protection. For best results, reapply throughout the day.
Refresh
A hot commute and helmet hair don’t usually combine to produce a cool, sophisticated and office-ready person. This should help!
PAUL MITCHELL AWAPUHI MOISTURE MIST
Price: £9.25 (250ml)
A classic head-to-toe multi-tasker, a spritz of Awapuhi Moisture Mist will replenish and soften both your hair and skin. Use it post-ride to pep up helmet-hair and to refresh your skin, between shampoos to reactive styling product, as well as to set make up and as a post-shower lightweight body moisturiser. And it smells nice too.
Style
If your office has a casual or smart casual dress code, there are some great clothing options out there designed to work on and off the bike.
Commuter trousers have features like stretch fabrics, higher backs, and water resistant coatings but still look smart when you’re not riding. We’ve got a whole list of potentials to pick from.
A t-shirt or jersey made from a breathable fabric like merino or bamboo will wick sweat away from your skin quickly, dry fast, and are naturally anti-microbial, keeping any whiffy armpits at bay. Brands like Vulpine, Trail 42, Howies and Café du Cycliste have some great offerings.
What are you top multi-tasking products for the daily commute?
