How to wear your hair while exercising

This was the topic that actually encouraged me to start my blog. I couldn't find any good hairstyles that would work with my long hair (thanks Mr Google), and especially when I was getting sick of my hair flicking in my face! I still haven't had much success in finding different styles to try, but the ones below are what I use often. If you know or use a different style that you think will work with my hair, please leave me a comment so I can try it out!

Simple pony

This style works really well, and is my go-to when I'm in a hurry out the door. I can wear this hair style all day and then go for a run without having to worry about restyling my hair. The only downside with this style is that often my hair flicks in my eyes and mouth and that can be annoying! Also, I find my hair sticks to the back of my neck in warmer weather and that seriously bugs me.

Pony with plait

I'm using this style more and more. It means less whips to the face and looks quite 'athletic' I think! I can quickly put my hair into this style,  as I often have my hair in just a simple pony. I'm a stay at home mum with two young children, so I need to put my hair up everyday. I can quickly transfer my hair from a simple pony to a pony with plait in less than a minute.

Messy bun

When done right and tight, this can be a great style when it gets hot or when you're wanting to do something different. This can be quite hard to do with my long hair, but all I need is an extra hair tie and I'm good to go! I like that this style looks great and is practical. And it keeps my hair off my face and neck. Gold!!

If you know or use any other hairstyles, it'll be awesome if you could share them with me.  Then I can do an updated blog about my favourite hairstyles to wear while exercising,  instead of posting the only three styles I know! 

Beauty products I use before and after a run

Alright, this will be a bit different to my other two posts, but this will be about the products I use before and after a run. I decided to do this post to cover my two passions, running and beauty products. Cause let's face it, what female doesn't like beauty products right?

After I get my running clothes on, I'll put on deodorant. The one I use and like is Mitchum roll-on. It is an anti-perspirant with powerful protection all day long. It claims to be 24 hour active, and keeps you dry and odour free for up to 48 hours. It's also gentle on skin, won't stain clothes and dermatologist tested. I really like this roll-on as it has a nice scent and seems to work really well for me. I buy mine from my local supermarket.

I then do my hair. I recently purchased a tangle teezer and I absolutely love it! I have really long knotty hair and I can brush my hair very quickly with this hair bush. I purchased mine off beautybliss.co.nz, they have great service and fast postage! I then use a hair tie to put my hair up, often into a high pony tail (running hair styles will be in an upcoming blog post) and use a couple of clips to tame any random bits of hair. I purchase mine from the pharmacy.

I then spray my face with my Sukin hydrating mist toner to freshen up my face. I really love this toner and a lot of other products from Sukin as its a natural skin care range. This toner is alcohol and paraben free. It combines camomile and rosewater to soothe and tone the skin. It is suitable for all skin types. You can use this after cleansing or whenever your skin feels tired or stressed. It's perfect for hot days, long flights or long days in an air conditioned environment. It can be used on face and body, over and under lotions, creams, oils, gels and makeup. After spraying onto my face, I rub it in so that it dries faster. I buy all my Sukin products from Farmers.

Next, I apply some lip balm. This is especially important on cold or windy days. Lately, I've been using my Blistex intensive repair and really like it. I find it very soothing on already dry lips, and helps to protect my lips from wind burn. I buy mine from either a pharmacy or supermarket.

I then apply sunblock to my face. The one I've been using from last summer is by Serene birth products. Look them up on Facebook, they usually only make one batch up in late spring or early summer. This all natural sunscreen is made of organic sunflower oil, zinc, helichrysum roman camomile, coconut oil and organic beeswax. It's approximately spf 25. This product is thick, so a little goes a long way. I brought two tubs at the start of last summer and I've barely used half of my first tub. I'm really impressed with this sunblock and use it on my whole family. I use this during the winter as more of a moisturizer, but also like that it has spf too.

I sometimes use Plasters to stop chafing, there is a particular sports bra that I have to apply Plasters before wearing as I always get chafing from it. It's a pain, and I intend in replacing it soon!

Lastly, after my run if I don't have time to wash my hair, I use a dry shampoo. I had to mention this, I just love this product so much. The best one I've tried is from Batiste. I currently have the cherry scent and love it! This product is an instant hair refresh for all hair types. This dry shampoo is perfect to use between washes. A quick burst revitalises hair and removes any excess grease. Hair feels gorgeously clean and fresh with added body and texture. This is great for my oily hair and after brushing the product through my hair, it looks and smells clean. How easy is that?! I purchase mine from Farmers.

I hope you enjoyed this post. I'd like to know what your favourite beauty products are to use before or after exercise, please leave a comment below :-)