In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway: Gym Bag

If you read my last post, you know that, this afternoon, I took a trip to TJ Maxx. What you probably don't know is that I went there on a mission to find new athletic attire.

You see, I recently joined a gym. After a long hiatus, I'm back on the scene - and I have to admit that I'm feeling a little zafdig next to all of the resident hard bodies. So until I slim and trim my body, I've resorted to hiding underneath some sporty outfits. Trying on the gear was a workout in and of itself cuz I'm majorly sore from my personal training sesh yesterday. But I found some cute separates, so I'm ready to head back tomorrow.

What I didn't need to buy, however, was a stylish gym bag. More on that in a minute...

So what are the necessities for your gym bag this summer? Obviously, you'll want to pack items like a towel and an mp3 player. But I also recommend that you also include a few key beauty essentials...so that, post-gym, you won't have to take your sweaty, smelly self straight home. Give your credit card a little workout and stock up on the following:

* If your hair is normal to oily, I'd recommend taking along travel-sized shampoo and conditioner. If your hair is dry/damaged/color-treated, then you might want to carry a dry shampoo or a product that revives your style.

* If you shower at the gym, you'll need some sort body wash and facial cleanser. Many gyms have those basic amenities. But if you're reading this, you're a beauty junkie...and you don't want no generic toiletries. You're better off bringing along some deep-cleaning products that will clear your pores of dirt, oil, and sweat.

* Odor may be a sign of an effective workout, but I think you'll agree that it's far from fetching. Deodorant is a no brainer. No?

*Spritzing on a light, fresh fragrance is also a nice precautionary measure - especially if you forgo a splish splash in the gym shower.

* A reusable water bottle is an excellent idea. I advocate aluminum (like those from SIGG) over plastic. But whatever you choose - you might want to pour your agua into a cup. Recent reports have shown that quenching your thirst straight from the bottle leads to "water bottle lips" - which are fine wrinkles around the mouth. Quel horror!

Today is day two of our In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway Week, so I'm spoiling you pretty with this lovely Lug gym bag.


The Puddle Jumper Gym Bag was featured on Oprahs "O List" and is a must-have for any active individual. Stuff it solid with items galore! From your ipod, glasses, pens, papers, clothing, bottles, cosmetics, etc., even throw your stinky sneakers in the back separated ventilated pocket! This bag represents functionality at its best while not compromising your sense of style!

For the winner, this bag will be accompanied by the following goodies:


Ojon Revitalizing Mist: This alcohol-free, leave-in conditioner detangles, refreshes and reactivate your style without washing. With a revitalizing fragrance, it neutralizes odor as it moisturizes and preps the hair for restyling. It's also a great moisturizer for the skin!


Neutrogena Rainbath Shower & Shave: As a body wash, this fresh, marine-scented gel is enriched with ingredients that clean and moisturize your skin without leaving behind a heavy residue. As a shave gel, the silky lubrication helps your razor glide smoothly over your skin while soothing aloe helps prevent dryness and irritation. This clean-rinsing formula won't build up on your razor—or your skin.


Clean & Clear Deep Action Refreshing Gel Cleanser: The icy gel turns into a foaming lather that instantly cools and invigorates your skin as it dissolves dirt and oil trapped deep in your pores.
After washing, it leaves your skin feeling refreshed and revived, with the unmistakable tingle of a really deep clean. Completely oil-free, rinses clean, and won't clog pores.


Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets: Softer than paper, these silky sheets leave your skin feeling refreshed by instantly removing excess oil and shine from your face, without smudging makeup or leaving behind powder.


Bath & Body Works Body Splash in Enchanted Orchid: This lighter, casual fragrance is perfect for fragrance layering or enhancing the fragrance effect of previously applied products, such as body lotion. Notes include Calypso Orchid, Pink Grapefruit, Waterlily, Crisp Apple, Fresh Gardenia, Vanilla Orchid, Heliotrope, and Creamy Amber.


Goody Ouchless Detangling Comb: Flexible teeth slide through wet or dry hair without snags or pulls. Easy does it with this gentle approach to soft, manageable hair.


Secret Flawless Antiperspirant/Deodorant: Performs in more ways than any other anti-perspirant. It has strong protection, goes on clear, has self-renewing fragrances, it's smooth and lightweight, and has skin-nurturing conditioners.

To enter, send an email to fotohotcewekcontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Lug Gym Bag Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Monday, June 30th. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Tuesday, July 1st, I’ll announce the winner’s name. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. & Canadian residents only.

And be sure to check out the other bag giveaways. You can enter all of the giveaways, but you can only win once. Good luck!