As I mentioned in the past, I love going to the gym. One thing that always surprises me is when I see women apply makeup BEFORE their workout only to return to the locker room with foundation-colored sweat running down their faces and smeared raccoon eyes. Now if you insist on doing this, allow me to suggest waterproof and sweat proof cosmetics.

That aside, many people such as myself go to the gym on their lunch break, and when returning to the office you don’t want anyone to say, “Hey, what happened? You looked like you just came back from the gym!” (That’s not a compliment). Then, there are nights when I go to the gym directly after work, and then meet up with friends right after, and I don’t want to look sloppy for a night out on the town. So, what’s a girl to do if she can’t lug around her entire vanity, but still wants to look polished before walking out of the gym? I’ll tell you.

1. Take a shower.

I don’t know of many gym facilities that do not have showers in the locker room, and many of them go as far as providing you with soap and body lotion, so there is no excuse. If your face is beautifully made up, but your body odor is ghastly, the amount of makeup you applied will no longer matter if people want to look at, but not smell you.

If you are really in a rush, or on the shy side, at the very least use disposable wet cleaning wipes. Have a mini deodorant stick in your bag and apply it as soon as you get out the shower.

2. Wash your hair without washing it – Try Dry Shampoo.

If you don’t have the time to wash and dry your hair, then use dry shampoo, a fabulous product that cleans your hair without water. I suggest buying the mini bottles so you can just toss it in your purse or gym bag.

3. Have your Makeup Ready.

Have a ziplock bag or makeup pouch ready with everything you need to achieve your desired look, find a good spot in front the mirror and apply.

4. Extras.

My gym supplies the ladies locker room with blow dryers, and while I do see some women blowing out their hair, I also sometimes see some of them whip out their flat or curing iron, and proceed to style. If you have a car that you can throw this into or a really chic bag, then add this extra tool to your list of steps.

5. Be wrinkle free.

I have never seen irons in the locker room, so be sure to neatly fold your clothes when you put them in your locker, so you don’t have to deal with wrinkles when it’s time for you to change.

6.Look at yourself.

Take one last look in the mirror on your way out to be sure that you have concealed any hints that would indicate that you got ready in a gym locker room.