What to Buy the Friend Who’s Turned Run Club Into Their Identity

November 12 | 4 minute read

Words by Izzy Wight

It seems between sold-out starting lines, Harry Styles' Berlin Marathon jaunt and the meteoric rise of run clubs, the world has caught the running bug – and no-one is safe. Let my recent half-marathon sign-up be your proof.

As someone who considered school cross-country a form of torture, I never, ever thought I would enjoy a jog. But I’m nothing if not curious, and after being asked countless times if I “have Strava”, I finally succumbed to the pressures of my athletic friends. Now I own a pair of Hokas, and I’ve even considered gulping down one of those radioactive-looking energy gels. It’s a slippery slope.

Given the sheer number of fitness freaks (complimentary) in my life, I’ve been on the hunt for some high-performance beauty gifts this holiday season. In addition to my own intel, I tapped MECCA social media specialist and recent New York City Marathon finisher, Scarlett, to learn what the runners really want.

Emma Lewisham Supernatural Face Crème Riche

“I always apply my skincare before I run, especially because I’m often battling against wind and sun and want to create a protective barrier for my skin,” Scarlett explains. “Packed with hyaluronic acid, shea butter and jojoba oil, this nourishing cream from Emma Lewisham keeps my skin looking smooth and dewy – even after kilometre 30.”

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To My Ships Stand Up Bravely Marjoram Roll-On Deodorant

If serious sweat is an inevitability, they might as well make it a pleasant experience, right? From the London-based brand To My Ships, this sandalwood, vetiver and bergamot-scented roll-on is the most elegant deodorant they’ll ever use. Not only does it smell exceptional (woody, floral, not overpowering), but it dries instantly and eliminates odour for up to 24 hours.

MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen

“This lightweight SPF50+ formula came with me to NYC in two sizes,” Scarlett says. “I like to pop a mini in my running belt so that I can reapply as I run. It sinks in quickly, leaves zero white cast and makes my skin feel amazing, too!”

Uni Body Glow Kit

After a workout at New York’s iconic Equinox Fitness Club, Uni founder Alexandra Keating realised the lotion provided in the gym’s bathrooms wasn’t quite cutting it. “You couldn’t put your jeans on... and then I realised after all that effort, it didn’t really hydrate my skin,” she shared on the MECCA Talks podcast. “So, I wanted something that would absorb instantly and wouldn’t leave any greasiness.”

Enter Uni’s 24-Hour Serum – a fast-absorbing, ultra-hydrating formula that leaves skin feeling nourished without a trace of residue. When layered with the brand’s Golden Microalgae Body Oil (both part of the limited-edition Body Glow Kit), the result is skin that feels soft, moisturised and ready to take on the elements.

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Kosas Air Brow Fluff & Hold Treatment Gel

“The combo of sweat and often wind isn’t ideal, so I always use a brow gel to keep my brows in place,” Scarlett explains. “I like this Kosas one because it’s lightweight, stays put and doesn’t leave my brows feeling at all crusty.”

The Gut Cø Protein (Collagen & WPI) Prebiotic & Probiotic Blend in ‘Vanilla’

How many grams of protein are in a beautiful evening spent with friends? I have no clue. What I do know is there’s 20g of it (and 12g of collagen) in this multitasking formula from The Gut Cø. Created by Australian naturopath Pernille Jensen, it’s packed with all the post-run, muscle-recovery goodness they need – and it tastes like a vanilla milkshake.

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Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

“I keep one of these mists in my makeup bag and one in my car. The soothing formula helps reduce my post-run redness without leaving me feeling dry, and it helps remove any excess salt from my face after my longer runs,” Scarlett reveals, adding, “This is perfect for anyone who runs or loves a good, sweaty workout!”

PHLUR Father Figure EDP

“I was working on PHLUR when it launched at MECCA, and I heard [creative director] Chriselle Lim talk about this fragrance. I knew from the way she described it that it would be my marathon scent,” Scarlett tells me. “She said it makes you feel commanding and strong but tender and feminine at the same time, which I love. I like to smell good when I run... I also love the idea of connecting scent to a memory, so I can’t wait to wear this and have the familiar memories of race day!”