Bogus helmet hair and sweat patches are not that office friendly. But these side effects are actually very easily avoided. Here are TWC’s top tips from head to toe on looking like a goddess as soon as you step off the bike:
1. Hair:
There are an abundance of hairstyles out there that will remain looking perfect even after your helmet off after a ride. Check out some of our favourites here.
If you prefer to wear your hair down, then draw your hair back into a loose braid which you can shake out once you arrive at your destination. A quick spray of dry shampoo is great cheat to ensure your hair is looking fresh as a daisy.
Check out our top tips on how to banish helmet hair here
2. Skin:
Keeping a packet of face wipes in work is a great idea, they’ll remove any grime and dirt in a flash! If you can try and avoid wearing make up to work and instead apply it when you get there.
Barrier creams to protect your skin from the elements are definitely advisable. My personal favourite is Clinique Super City Block. It is really light and sheer on the skin, has SPF 40 and also protects your skin from pollution.
If you are using your bike to head to meetings and social events, then it’s likely you are going to want to wear make up. I have played around with a lot of products and have settled for the following combination as I feel it is kind on the skin and is pretty robust:
Bare Minerals READY Foundation – this solid foundation is great for commuting as it is quick and easy to apply and also stays put longer than liquid foundations. It offers pretty good coverage which can be easily built up for night time.
Bare Minerals Warmth – this tiny pot of bronzer goes a very long way and will give you a nice sunkissed glow.
Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge – doubling up as blusher and lipstick, this has become my favourite product. Easily and quickly applied it stays put on even the wamest bike rides and gives your skin a great dewy glow.
Benefit Bad Gal Waterproof Mascara – this literally stays put in torrential downpours!
Check out our guide to dry shampoos and showering here
3. Clothing:
The sweaty back is one of the most common symptoms of commuting. One way around this is to avoid using a backpack and opt for a basket or panniers instead. If however you do like to carry a backpack, it is worth investing in a merino wool tank top or t-shirt. This will wick away your sweat, preventing you from freezing to death when you get off the bike. Merino wool is a completely natural fabric so it also doesn’t smell, which is great news for those who have to be around you!
When it comes to trousers for commuting, I tend to buy jeans based on their stretch. Leigh jeans from Topshop are particularly good for commuting as they are light, they dry super quick if you do get caught in the rain and they are super comfortable.
There are commuter specific trousers on the market but these can often be expensive and not to everyone’s tastes.
Heels and flip flops can be ok for really short journeys but for longer ones it is probably best to slip on a pair of trainers and do a quick changeover when you arrive in work.
4. Rain Rain Go Away:
First up to protect my hair, I keep a disposable shower cap in my bag which I discreetly pop on under my helmet to keep my hair dry. I also keep a lightweight waterproof jacket and a rain wrap (this handy item keeps your legs dry!) in my bag.
Check out 10 of the best waterproof jackets for commuters here
All of these items take up very little space and are so easy and quick to pop on and off.
5. Luggage:
There are lots of options when it comes to lugging your kit around. If you do not have too much stuff then a satchel will suffice. If you’re planning on lugging around larger volumes of gear then it might be better to opt for a basket, panniers or a backpack. All of which are available in a wide range of styles to suit all tastes.
Check out our round up of the most stylish commuter backpacks here
Also worth a look:
