Things To Keep In Your Bag If You're Schvitzing All The Time
huffpost.com2 days ago
Stay cool, calm and collected all summer
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I run hot. In the winter, in the summer, doesn’t matter, I am experiencing a life-long hot flash that never seems to cease unless I’m standing in the walk-in freezer of a convenience store. I run sweaty too. Which doesn’t always come with running hot, but in my case does, because the universe loves me.
I also live in the beautiful city of Philadelphia, which is as full of culture as it is humidity. And so I often find myself at a free outdoor concert or mile-long food festival, with the sun in my eyes, moisture in the air and perspiration everywhere.
At a recent outdoor art fest, I realized the sheer inadequacy of the contents of my summer bag and graciously accepted a body wipe from a kind stranger when waiting in line for the bathrooms. I immediately went home and equipped myself with everything one needs when they run hot and sweaty, and really, everything I’ve seen iconic women use in the city. They’re good for summer, sure, but really, for keeping you less sweaty all year.
And now, in the spirit of being a good neighbor, I will share my list with you.
The top of the list and really, the most game-changing item I can suggest is a modest but mighty handheld fan. When I walk around the city, so many iconic women have them, and now I get to join the club. After 20-ish minutes of "research" (that's what we call indecision and frantic scrolling) I opted for this Honhey guy. I knew I needed something with the blades covered, I didn't want it to be too small and I liked that it came in blue. (It comes in a bunch of other colors, too.) The fan is about the size of a smartphone and can be recharged. It works at three speeds and truly is becoming something of an emotional support fan.
A handheld, rechargable fan
For cool air with a light mist, this fan is still a compact, rechargeable option — only it has a water mist feature. Simply fill the handle part with water and enjoy both fresh air and a fresh spritz to keep cool on a hot day.
Or one with a mister
There is nothing, I tell you, nothing, like already being sweaty and then needing to use a public bathroom and either not having toilet paper or having bad toilet paper. The women of Philly have taught me the joy, relief and sometimes, necessity of carrying your own toilet wipes around. Especially ones with a durable, reusable, hard plastic opening and not that sad little flap that will betray you and have the entire pack dry out. I especially like this set because it comes with a ton of product and a super cute packaging that doesn't scream "BATHROOM WIPES" and could pass for something else in your purse.
A set of toilet wipes with a cute carrying case
I can't tell you the number of times I've seen people in the city whip out body wipes, especially during festivals or ball games or general long, outdoor activities. I've started them myself now, especially if I know I'm going to be out of the house for long and can attest to how helpful they are to feel fresher on the go. These come in citrus, lavender and unscented options.
A single-pack body wipe
When I'm out in the city and feeling sweaty, my hands get extra clammy and become magnets for dirt and grossness. Also having a little sani spray just makes you feel instantly more refreshed and put together. I suggest (and often see) a spray hand sanitizer to keep in a summer bag — it's easy to share with kids or others, can be sprayed onto a seat or table and you can easily give a spritz to a kind stranger. If you're looking for the elite option, Touchland hand sanitizers, cost a slightly shocking $10 but truly are chef's kiss. These sprays are rectangular and thin, so they're super easy to sneak in a bag. They literally smell like perfumes and feel so good on the hands and aren't sticky or wet. They like immediately dry upon being sprayed, but not in a dry-out way, just in a not-clammy way. Even if you don't spring for the Touchland,
A spray hand sanitizer
Another tip I've learned from watching and envying is to carry a small, light face mist with you. If you love Thayers toners and other products, you'll be pleased to carry this mini guy with you, offering a soothing and hydrating rose petal mist wherever you are.
A mini face mist
To keep the good smells going, a mini perfume is a must. Yet, instead of shelling out for another, smaller bottle of your favorite scent, grab a pair of these refillable atomizer containers, that easily let you fill from your existing perfumes to bring your scent with you on the go.
A pair of mini refillable perfume atomizers
Sweaty people know, a simple swipe in the morning simply will not do. You need to get into the deoderant re-application game, which is much easier with a mini. You may only think about these when traveling, but I'm telling you, stock up on a couple now and keep one in the car and one in your bag — you won't be sorry.
A mini deodorant
I'll be honest, I originally purchased this in person — grabbed this one at randombecause I had to ask the cashier to unlock the deodorants and felt too stressed to then really look for one I wanted. Well, what a happy accident for me, because this stuff rocks. I use it before hot yoga — the sweatiest of sweaty activities — and it's not melty or irritating. It doesn't get on your clothes, lasts a long time and keeps you really fresh and feeling dry.
Or this random men's deodorant that I now adore
OK, if you haven't checked out everything from the vintage-inspired sun protection brand Vacation, you should do so now. They make super cute and campy products from an SPF 30 that looks like whipped cream to a new sun-screen take on the old-school Orange Gelée tanning oil. Their Super Spritz its a gentle face mist with SPF 50 in it that's easy to apply and re-apply and is made to go over makeup. I wouldn't use this in place of face sunscreen, but it's great to carry and use through the day. The Super Spritz offers some cooling and soothing effects while still keeping you protected from the sun.
A face spray with SPF
This is a HuffPost reader favorite which truly is so popular it had to make the list. This handy tool promises to reduce shine without getting in the way of your makeup. The roller ball is made with volcanic stone and can be easily washed, removed and replaced.
Revlon's oil control stick
Another reader favorite, these discreet liners slide easily under the base of your bra to absorb sweat and prevent chafing. They come in packs of four, with two color pack options and sizes ranging from small to XX-large. They're made from moisture-wicking material and are compatible with most bras.
A four pack of sweat-absorbing bra liners
For even more under-boob sweat help, try this editor-favorite and highly-rated "Bust Dust" from Megababe. It's a sweat-absorbing powder that's aluminum- and talc-free and isn't an aerosol can (though it kind of looks like one.) I can attest, you pump it and the powder comes out. It's truly a low-mess option that's body-safe and cornstarch-based, with aloe and chamomile to soothe skin and lavender to inhibit bacterial growth.
Sweat-absorbing Bust Dust
Another Megababe mega-sweat hack: Thigh Rescue. Their trademark product is this truly beloved anti-chafe stick that helps you stay moving and grooving without getting sticky and red and patchy. It's really gentle and non-scented and is a sweaty person's dream to be used all over your body to keep you from rubbing and getting irritated when you're clammy and sweaty.
Megababe's Thigh Rescue
This is a bit of a wildcard, but I've learned having a nice mini lotion in your bag makes you feel more put together and can give your skin some TLC, if you, like me, are sweaty but somehow still really dry? We live, laugh, love La Roche-Posay at HuffPost and this mini is no exception. I just picked one up at a drug store, and have really liked it. I like that there's no scent and it's really gentle, so it plays well with whatever products you already have on.
A mini La Roche-Posay
I have publicly proclaimed my love for these hydroseal blister Band-Aids before, and I am happy to do so again. A sweaty foot means blisters are coming and these truly are the unbeatable option. I carry a couple in my wallet at all times and at the faintest sign of a blister starting I'm quick to put them on.
Hydroseal blister Band-Aids
Sweating a lot likely means losing a lot of water, and I'm a huge fan of Liquid I.V. I got onto it from old friends who are party animals and use it for hangovers. I'm not a big drinker, and just use it on really hot days or when I'm under the weather to get extra hydration in. These come in a bunch of fun flavors like pina colada and Acai berry.