My Health, Workout & Beauty Routines
This weekend when I did my Instagram AMA (“Ask Me Anything”) I got a lot of questions about my health and workout routines (and what kind of products and procedures I use/do on my face as well!) As you know, I tend to be mostly an open book so I’m happy to share my daily routine, with the caveat that I know these kinds of things can be triggering for those with body images issues- hell, I still have body image issues. Lots of them. As someone who was diagnosed as having body dysmorphia, I certainly do NOT see myself the way other may see me. I’m no longer struggling with an eating disorder and I work hard trying to maintain a healthy mindset, but I know how hard it can be when you are really feeling down about yourself. So please don’t take this as anything but answering some of your questions and sharing my personal favorites. My entire family is naturally thin and tall, and I was lucky to inherit pretty decent (albeit huge and cavity riddled) teeth, hair and eyebrows from my mother, so I do acknowledge that as well (although the unibrow in middle school was a hard road to travel, let me tell you ;) )
Also, I find that all of this- beauty rituals, working out and eating well all are a part of self care and that is important in maintaining some semblance of mental health, especially now. I am very lucky to have a nanny who works until 6pm and a husband who is happy to trade on and off with the kids so we each can work out and take time to do things that make us relaxed a little. I always end my workday with enough time to work out and spend time with my kids, and try every night to do a little something to relax- a mask and tea or wine and a bath. Big advocate over here of that kind of thing.
BEAUTY:
I do not have a crazy routine. I wash my face with a few different washes depending on how my skin is feeling (faves being Tammy Fender, Tata Harper and this Naturopathica one with the brush for winter when my skin is DRY). I use a prescription retinol at night and have been liking this rich Neocutis face cream over it. I have yet to find an eye cream I’m obsessed with. So I have a few so-so ones now. Please share if you have a good one! Every night I use my LED mask– at first I thought it was a crock, now I’m thinking maybe there’s something to it (if I do it every night- takes 10 minutes, and makes Emma cry when I wear it and Henry think I’m an Avenger of some kind). It’s been a couple months- we’ll see. For masks, I am OBSESSED with this cheap Versed one. Seriously gives you a lift and brightens! I also always feel better with a little faux tan, so if I use a couple drop of TanLuxe on my face and the classic standby St. Tropez mousse on my body (with the mitt!) I also will use my gua sha tool and this oil to massage my face every few days in the morning to wake it up and de-puff. Also feels great on sore jaw muscles! Speaking of sore muscles, this basic epsom salt with lavender can’t be beat for relaxation in the bath. And my newest find is this Miami Beach Bum cream- guys, I always get razor burn on my legs…. since I switched to using mens razors (they are SO much better than the ones marketed to ladies) and using this cream after- not ONE BUMP! Amazing. Even though I sort of smell like a pizza from the oregano oil. #worthit
(CLICK IMAGES FOR LINKS)
OK, now I’ve mentioned before I do have some injectables now that I’m in my 40’s. I get Botox between my eyebrows and above my upper lip (I have a gummy smile and this keeps the top lip from flipping under) as well as in my jaw for TMJ (which has, as a side effect, slimmed my jawline significantly a la Bethenny Frankel’s before and after pics- LOL). I also get filler in my cheeks to help with my Resting Bitchy Face lines around my mouth that make me look like I’m pissed all the time. I also plan to get, what my doctor says is “baby Fraxel” in October as my dark spots are out of control now. She says I’m gonna LOVE it, and she knows her stuff. I’m very much on the side of doing whatever makes you feel best- no shame, no guilt. And heavily advocate for going to an actual doctor for anything injected, not a med spa/ beautician. You do NOT want injectables done in the hands of anyone not properly trained!
NUTRITION:
After 7 years of IVF hormones and pregnancies, my body is finally settling back into a “normal” balanced state. And it feels GREAT. I also have found that working out has become therapy to me for my anxiety (especially these days with the world one big ol’ dumpster fire) and so I’ve been hustling more than normal and more active than I’ve been in years. So right now, I’m a little thinner than I’ve been in a while as I find the balance of working out and eating. But eating well has also helped me feel better about myself too, mentally and physically. In no way do I deny myself something I’m craving (in fact I housed a Burger King Double Cheeseburger on our drive to CT this past weekend), but during the week I try to eat pretty healthy. On the weekend, all bets are off for the most part.
I start my day with a smoothie chock full of supplements and good stuff to make sure I know I get SOME goodness in my system should the whole day’s eating plan go in the crapper. I blend a cup of frozen wild Maine blueberries, handful of spinach, scoop of Athletic Greens, scoop of collagen peptides, scoop of vanilla protein, 1/2 a banana, coconut milk and the juice of half a lemon. A yummy and fast way to power up. I get a nonfat latte on the way to work and then usually have a protein bar mid-morning. For lunch, I eat a Sweetgreen salad almost every day (spinach, arugula, chicken, broccoli, carrots, beets, shaved parm, lentils and balsamic vinaigrette) I’ve been so crazy busy lately with work, workouts and the kids that I usually don’t eat again until dinner. Which could be order in pizza or Indian or Andrew will cook up some mix of protein, carb and veggie. Oh and wine. :) Again, #moderation.
WORKOUTS:
I am so excited to be building our basement gym right now with Brookes + Hill because I’ve been riding my Peloton under a literal raincloud of fiberglass insulation that will probably kill me. :) We’ve decided we will most likely never join a gym again, so this is a great investment. We got a Peloton during COVID (as did everyone else) and while I still am not a HUGE fan of spinning, I LOVE the thing. The classes are great- running (outdoor audio or treadmill ones), biking, strength, HIIT, yoga– I try them all! And the teachers are really motiving (shoutout to my faves -Emma, Alex and Selena) I’m @eringates1979, if you wanna follow along. I also LOVE Melissa Wood Health classes and Sculpt Society. I also found this girl, Rachel Gullotta, on YouTube I like quite a bit too. I bit the bullet and got an Apple Watch so I can run without lugging my phone and love that it tracks my stats. The best part of my new routine- how much STRONGER I am, and the endurance I have is shockingly improved! Actually seeing results is pretty cool.
I work out about 30-50 minutes a day 5-6 days a week. Everyday I do something different so a week may look like this:
SUNDAY: Off
MONDAY: Running outside- 3-4 miles or inside Peloton running class
TUESDAY: 30-40 minute Melissa Wood Health class
WEDNESDAY: 30 minute spinning class or Peloton treadmill running class/ 5-10 minute abs or arms class
THURSDAY: 30 minute HIIT or strength/ circuit workout with bands/sliders/weights
FRIDAY: 30 minute Yoga class
SATURDAY: Morning run outside (2-4) miles plus short abs/arms/butt class
As for workout clothes- here are some of my faves! Currently obsessed with the Alo Airlift leggings top left, but also was “Instagram Ad Influenced” into these Landr leggings that are pretty awesome too (thick, so better for fall).
CLICK IMAGES FOR LINKS
I hope that answered a lot of your questions! If you have faves- clothes, creams, classes– drop them in comments so we can all try!
Browse:
What are your thoughts on athletic greens? I’m seriously contemplating ordering them over other brands near my home inAZ. I’m thinking, from reading reviews they may taste better in a smoothie
Where in your skincare routine do you use the tan face drops?
I use retinol every night and read that the two shouldn’t mix. But should I use it in the morning mixed into SPF tinted moisturizer?
Thank you for sharing all this!! Regarding the mini fraxel is it Clear and Brilliant? If so you will love it!! I have done 2 so far and it’s great.
I’m curious about the timing of when you noticed your jaw looked slimmer after your TMJ Botox injection. I just had it done for the first time last week. I feel so much better but I’d be thrilled if these oversized jaw muscles of mine faded away a bit. Thanks.
Love this and will file it away. I want you to know that I saved your video tutorial on eye makeup. I was in a rut with my makeup, just running out the door with nothing more than foundation and mascara, and not really sure what to do for special occasions, so I loved your video. I went to Sephora (and CVS) and bought all the products, and have been really happy with them – I think my favorite is the tattoo from Maybelline which is such a nice eye brightener. I know you mentioned you have been trying various mascaras, and my recommendation is the liquid lash extensions from Thrive “causemetics”. I was also addicted to Dior until I found this one, which is amazing – it coats your lashes with little “tubes” so there is absolutely no smudging – comes off with soap and water, and makes your lashes crazy long (and I love that Thrive gives back, hence the term “cause” metics.
Biossance eye cream! amazing!
Hi I had that issue for years with eye creams & I literally threw money away – for a long time now I have used Clinique repairwear anti gravity eye cream an so would recommend it to everyone not just for sensitive eyes 🥰
Are you comfortable sharing your height and weight. Also, your favorite and least favorite thing about your body?
Gin you may not have been reading here long but as Erin shared in the post, having had an eating disorder this question may be upsetting and she is unlikely to answer.
I don’t want to speak for you Erin but I have an eating disorder so I wanted to be supportive, but friendly to Gin as she may not realise this question is upsetting to many.
100% agree with you about going to a doctor for anything injected into the face. I’m sure I pay a premium for it, but it’s worth it to me.
I am a working mom of two and you are such an inspiration. Thank you for reminding us to prioritize ourselves, too.
I love this post, and the corresponding IG post you published yesterday. It’s so important for women that we learn to love our bodies, honor them and take pride in them. Bravo to you for finding that confidence and strength, and for inspiring other women to do the same.
Thank you for sharing! :)
Question about the Miami Beach Bun cream! I also ALWAYS get razor burn when I shave (everywhere, not near or on my bikini line). #sensitiveskin. How do you use this cream? Do you use it as lotion? Recommendations like this are few and far between because most women don’t seem to have this problem… at least from what I can tell.
A few things that have helped in my quest: Billie razors and changing the blade often, exfoliating before (I find physical is better than chemical like salicylic acid), and using shaving cream (I like Billie’s and Aveeno’s for sensitive skin).
Can I ask what hair products you use? Shampoo/conditioner? Your hair always looks fabulous
Mario Badescu eye cream, as well as all MB products, is great!
Revision DEJ Eye cream is amazing!
I love the Bioessence eye cream, and it’s totally clean. I also agree wholeheartedly about going to a dermatologist for any procedures, but more importantly, making time for yourself as you raise children. My kids are older teens, and finding what helps keep you on an even keel and feeling good while in the thick of child raising is crucial. I’m so glad you’ve reached this current place of feeling good, I’ve been following you for years and you deserve this!
Also Using the Biossance Eye Cream for a few months and now a friend is. Really seemed to make a difference.
Check out the Silk Therapeutics eye cream from Carasoin.com. Best I’ve tried in years!!
Would you mind linking the treadmill? In the market for one:)
Love this and I have been following you for many years how much you have “come back” to yourself and seem great. Obviously the last 7 years were hell. I just always think it’s nice to let others know the positives and your joy and confidence is infectious.
On a practical note I have given up my man razors for Billie Razors. I absolutely love it!
Seconding Billie Razors, they’re awesome. Best non-aerosol shaving cream, too. All around great products, highly recommend!
Congratulations on your routine and great achievements (career , yourself, family , etc!) Best eye cream that is worth the money: La mer , the eye concentrate. Give it a try ! I have tried them all … and this one is a game changer!
Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment. Alastin Skincare products are the best I have ever used.
Thank you for listing all of this out. I have been thinking about ankle/wrist weights and have been wondering how useful they are? What do you use them for?
My Melissa Wood Health classes! They are Pilates/yoga combo
Can I ask who your dermatologist or plastic surgeon is? I’m localish and your injectables look great!
Brooke Sikora at Skincare Physicians – she’s a friend, and now booking for March 2022 😬
Shout out to Brooke, who is the younger sister of one of my college girlfriends!
Love this post–so much good stuff to unpack here! After following you for years, crying over your losses, championing your wins (personal + professional), meeting you (and Andrew) at a book signing, it sounds weird to say because I obviously don’t KNOW you, but I am so proud you feel so strong inside and out. It’s been a long journey and the best part is you figured it out, what makes you happy, what calms the noise, what fuels your fire. xx
What an awesome post!! Thanks! I get bad puffy under eyes and have found the La Mer Intense Eye Balm to be great, I can genuinely see the results unlike other products I have tried. It’s spendy at $285 BUT so worth it to not hate looking in the mirror.
Super inspiring! Thank you for being so open.
Re: eye creams, I’ve tried them all and I come back to Lancôme Renergie Eye or High Resolution Eye every time!
I’m shocked to find out I have a longer workout routine than you do. But since you look fabulous (it’s not ALL great genes) you must be pushing it a lot harder than I do. Looking at your biceps, A LOT HARDER. And I keep sneaking cashews out of the pantry. I don’t even want to know how many calories in a 1/4 cup.
Sigh.
Inspired! If you have one near you, throw in an orange theory class! I like that it’s cardio plus strength training and you’re only competing with yourself!
Yes! I did Orange Theory for a while, and I really enjoyed it. I don’t do them any more, but it did help me understand some basic workout moves that I can now do at home on my own.
I just saw there is one in my town!
You will love. First class is free (though there is the inevitable cringey sales pitch). Go get em
Neocutis makes a great eye cream!
Hi Erin! I’d love to follow you on Peloton, but I can’t seem to find you using the name you provided in the post. Am I missing something? I’ve been following along for a while now and I truly appreciate your authenticity, style, humor and grace. Much of what you say really resonates with me. Thank you for sharing all that you do.
Whoops it’s @erinflynn1979 🤭
Thank you! See you on the leaderboard☺️
My Apple Watch has made a world of difference in my personal health goals and fitness. Also working from home helps. Great post!!
Eye cream reco… None!! I’ve dropped rye cream altogether and now use my regular facial moisturizer under my eyes. I haven’t noticed a single difference in either how the skin around my eyes looks or how my concealer goes on. I heard about this a few months ago on the Goop Beauty Closet podcast and decided to give it a try. Really happy I did!
I’m also a huge fan of prescription Retinol at night. I just turned 70 and am constantly getting compliments on my skin. I credit that to sunscreen and Retinol.
Waiting to hear the verdict on your LED mask!
Erin it’s been lovely to see your confidence in yourself grow. I remember years ago you tried to post pictures of yourself in outfits(which I loved) then you stopped, as I think you said you felt uncomfortable. Big hugs for how far you’ve come xx
I love the Bailey Brown 5 min abs and butt videos on you tube!!
love it thank you, feeling inspired!!!
Love the workout clothes. But I find that most, if not all, posts about nice workout clothing is for anyone who’s in shape. As I start back to the gym I would feel so uncomfortable is these pieces. Maybe in a few months but not now. So I keep searching for nice pieces that are not the old baggy tshirts and leggings.
I’ve done the research! Tasc makes THE most flattering workout tops for those of us who want our workout tops to hang gracefully and cover our rears vs being form fitting. Here’s a link to their tanks but they also have items with sleeves. I also have some looser fitting tops I like from Outdoor Voices and Oiselle. You have to read the item descriptions carefully but I promise there are good options out there! https://www.tascperformance.com/collections/womens-tanks
Anne, I feel you! Check out old navy activewear – they have a nice selection of workout wear, particularly tops, that aren’t super form fitting but still look good with nice colors and patterns. Plus they’ve been really intentional about being inclusive in their sizing which is nice to see.