Hop on a bike and train outdoors with these great products

WHEN the weather improves, we can all think about getting more exercise outdoors.

Studies have shown that outdoor exercise lowers blood pressure and heart rate more than indoor exercise.

7

Today I’m looking at ways to help you get on your bike, and our beauty editor put basic makeup to the test.

HEALTH: with Jane Atkinson

THERMAL TOP: Let’s face it, we have very changeable weather so you need to be prepared.

7

The Icebreaker Merino 200 Sonebula Long Sleeve High Neck Thermal Top is perfect for cycling in cooler weather, perhaps as a layer under another top.

Fits snug but comfortable and didn’t cause me itching or a rash.

The high collar can be rolled down if you get too hot.

Also great for skiing. Comes in Royal and Midnight Navy. (£85, icebreaker.com)

HELMET: The Dashel City bike helmet is available in a variety of colors and as a special Team GB edition.

7

I liked that. It fits comfortably and looks more casual than some conventional bike helmets.

It has five ventilation openings and washable “Coolmax” pads inside, which ensure a comfortable fit.

Probably best for city cycling and not for long distance rides.

I like the magnetic clip buckle on the chin strap for ease of use.

This UK-based brand even recycles the helmet when it’s no longer needed. (£79, dashel.co.uk)

WOODEN BIKE: Strange but true: Coco Matbike bicycles are made from sustainable white ash wood.

7

They just went on sale here. We tested the Odysseus 7-speed with Shimano gears and front luggage rack.

Not the lightest to carry but well designed with a fender set, built in lights and front and rear brakes.

A care set including beeswax is included with each bike to care for the solid wood frame.

However expensive. (£2,450, coco-matbike.de)

BEAUTY: with Tara Ledden

BUDGET: Rimmel Kind & Free Skin Tint Moisturizing Foundation (£9.49, lookfantasic.com):

7

Due to my oily, redness-prone skin, I’m a full-coverage makeup girl.

This is the opposite and my problem areas needed quite a bit of concealer with the sheer coverage.

But I can’t imagine anyone with an even skin tone would have anything to complain about.

I loved the dewy finish.

Fragrance-free, so ideal for sensitive skin.

It also contains moisturizing B5 and vitamin E.

MEDIUM: Typology Tinted Serum Vitamin C, Squalane & Aloe Vera (£28.40, de.typology.com):

7

This brings serious skincare benefits that you wouldn’t normally associate with makeup.

Skinredients include brightening vitamin C, hydrating squalane and soothing aloe vera.

Also silicone free. The coverage is more like an IRL Instagram filter, almost imperceptibly, the best version of naturalness.

Not enough for me every day, but a good pick-me-up on a lazy Sunday. The pipette is difficult to use.

LUXURY: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation (£34, www.charlottetilbury.com): If you’re a fan of IT Cosmetics’ Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream, you’ll love this cream.

7

While the coverage is similar – medium but buildable – the finish is much more luminous without being glittery or shimmery.

It is enriched with hyaluronic acid to replenish and moisturize the skin.

I get compliments every time I wear the glowing formula.

It doesn’t get caught in dry patches on my combination skin and lasts all day.

Quick to a stop and my favorite of these.