WITH better weather, we can all start to think about doing more outdoor exercise.
Studies have shown exercising outdoors helps lower blood pressure and heart rate more than doing it indoors.
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Today I look at ways to help you get on your bike, and our Beauty Editor has put base make-up to the test.
HEALTH: with Jane Atkinson
THERMAL TOP: Let’s face it, we have very changeable weather, so you need to be prepared.
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The Icebreaker Merino 200 Sonebula high-neck long-sleeved thermal top is perfect for cycling in cooler weather, maybe as a layer under another top.
Fits tightly but comfortably and did not make me itch or come out in a rash.
The high neck can be rolled down if you get too hot.
Great for skiing too. Comes in royal and midnight navy. (£85, icebreaker.com)
HELMET: The Dashel urban cycle helmet comes in a range of colours, plus a special-edition Team GB version.
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I liked this. It sits comfortably and has a more casual look than some conventional cycle helmets.
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It has five air vents and washable “coolmax” pads inside, designed to keep you comfy.
Probably best used for cycling around town rather than on long-distance rides.
I like the magnetic clip buckle on the chin strap for ease of use.
This UK-based brand will even recycle the helmet when it is no longer needed. (£79, dashel.co.uk)
WOODEN BIKE: Strange but true: Coco-Matbike cycles are made from sustainable white ash wood.
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They have just gone on sale here. We trialled the Odysseus 7-speed, with Shimano gears and a front luggage rack.
Not the lightest to carry but well-designed with a mudguard set, built-in lighting and front and rear brakes.
To help maintain the solid wooden frame, every bike comes with a maintenance kit including beeswax.
Expensive, though. (£2,450, coco-matbike.uk)
BEAUTY: with Tara Ledden
BUDGET: Rimmel Kind & Free Skin Tint Moisturising Foundation (£9.49, lookfantasic.com):
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I am a full-coverage matte-foundation girl, due to my oily, redness-prone skin.
This is the opposite and my problem areas needed quite a bit of concealer with the sheer coverage.
But I don’t imagine anyone with an even skin tone would have cause for complaint.
I loved the dewy finish.
Fragrance-free so would be great for sensitive skin.
Plus, it contains moisturising B5 and vitamin E.
MID: Typology Tinted Serum Vitamin C, Squalane & Aloe Vera (£28.40, uk.typology.com):
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This comes with serious skincare benefits you would not normally associate with make-up.
“Skingredients” include brightening vitamin C, hydrating squalane and soothing aloe vera.
Silicone-free, too. Coverage is more like an IRL Instagram filter, almost imperceptible, the best version of natural.
Not enough for me every day but a good pick-me-up on a lazy Sunday. The pipette is tricky to use.
LUXURY: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation (£34, charlottetilbury.com): If you are a fan of IT Cosmetics’ Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream, you will love this.
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While the coverage is similar – medium but buildable – the finish is far more luminous without being glittery or shimmery.
It is packed with hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate skin.
Every time I wear the glow-giving formula, I rake in the compliments.
It does not catch in the dry patches of my combination skin and stays put all day.
Fast becoming a go-to and my favourite of these.
