When it comes to beauty routines, active women don't have time to scour drugstores for the ideal sunscreen or perfect dechlorinating hair treatment, so SI Women took on the job. We scoured the shelves and triathletes Nicole DeBoom and Andrea Fisher gave dozens of beauty products a workout. After a two-week trial, here are the ones that earned pro status. For more great products, check out SI Women's September issue -- on newsstands now.
By Martha Corcoran
Redken Sun Shape Shampoo and Rehydrator
As an 18-time All-America Division I swimmer, Andrea has spent an inordinate amount of time immersed in chlorine. The downside of this is damaged hair. Discovering Redken's Sun Shape line was a pleasant surprise. "My hair has never had more body," she says. Shampoo $8 (pictured), rehydrator $9;
800-733-5368, www.redken.com
Gillette for Women Soft & Dri Power Stripe Anti-perspirant
"My pet peeve is overly fragrant deodorants," says Andrea. "I liked the Soft & Dri because it worked well, and even though you can smell it when you take off the cap, it doesn't leave an overwhelming flowery scent on your body." $2.45;
800-445-5388, www.gillette.com
L'Occitane Shea Butter
"I put this on my hands before bed at night," says Andrea, who was amazed
at shea butter's restorative properties. "It repaired everything -- dry skin, brittle nails. All you need is a dot of it. This tin would last a year." $35 for 4.9 ounces; 888-623-2880, www.loccitane.com
BlissGloss
Andrea approved of both the compact size and natural-looking tint of this lip gloss. "I liked the Bashful [tint] for day and the Grape Juice for night, because it has more color." Available in 10 shades. $18; 888-243-8825, www.blissworld.com
Nivea Visage Gentle Cleansing Cream
"My favorite product was the Nivea cleanser," says Andrea, 29. "Being out in the sun all day, my skin gets incredibly dry and flaky. Most exfoliators are too harsh for frequent use, but I used this one twice a day and it's very gentle." $5.20; www.niveausa.com
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Hair and Scalp Treatment
"This was one of my favorites," says Andrea. "You can tell it's working; it tingles and feels invigorating. It got rid of residual buildup and left
my hair feeling so clean and natural." $13; 800-321-5767, www.paulmitchell.com
Creative Nail Design SpaPedicure Sea Salt Glow and Marine Masque
"Triathletes' feet aren't pretty," says Nicole. "You get blisters and you lose toenails. So it's nice to treat them sometimes. I scrubbed my feet with the sea salt, slathered on the masque, then wrapped them up in a hot towel for 10 minutes. It was like going to a spa." Sea Salt Glow $20 for 5 ounces,
Marine Masque $15 for 5.25 ounces; 877-263-6245, www.creativenaildesign.com
Philosophy Shelter
"When you're out there sweating a ton and wearing a sunblock that doesn't breathe, you really feel the sweat on your face," says Nicole. "I used the Shelter while running and cycling and I didn't feel it. It wasn't the least bit greasy." $16; 800-568-3151, www.philosophy.com
Nikali Liquid Sugar Exfoliator
"The product I loved was the Liquid Sugar," raves Nicole, 30. "You want to eat it, it smells so yummy. Best of all, it contains natural oils -- aloe vera, jojoba and olive oil -- so when you rinse off, you have a light layer of moisture on your skin." $24; 800-349-1280, www.nikali.com
Max Factor LipFinity
Curious to know whether long-lasting lipsticks really work? Nicole tried a few for the sake of experiment. "Lipfinity stood the test of long workouts -- and we're talking hard-core," she says. "I'd just finished a two-hour swim, I came out of the water and my friend told me, 'Hey, you look like you just put on lipstick!'" Available in 25 shades. Lipstick and top coat $13; 800-526-8787, www.lipfinity.com
Nars Face Glow
"I loved this stuff because, first of all, it has SPF 10," says Nicole, noting that it works well on its own or over another sunscreen. "But it also has a little bit of sparkle. I have fair skin and it made my eyebrows show up more. And it's oil-free." Tinted gel available in two shades, Polynesia and Seychelles. $30; 888-903-6277, www.sephora.com
Cargo ColorTube and Lip Gloss
Cargo got top marks. "The ColorTube is an easy, low-maintenance solution for those who don't go for tons of makeup," says Nicole, who favored a shade called Santiago. "It was great for adding a little color to cheeks and eyelids. And the shiny gloss, Soho, was great too." ColorTube $24 (pictured),
Lip Gloss $17; www.sephora.com
Photographs by Davies & Starr
For more great products, check out SI Women's September issue -- on newsstands now.
