In my first year of college, I noticed a rapid change in my skin: I was breaking out more, my combination skin was suddenly dry, and by the end of a long day in class, I found myself looking tired and my skin lacking brightness. This can likely be attributed to all of the wonderful things that go along with being in college: stress, a poor diet, late nights, and WAY too much Netflix. I knew pretty quickly I needed to step up my skin care game! So here are 10 of my favorite skin care products that bring back that high school glow even in the midst of a college schedule.
1. Mask of Magnaminty: Lush, $24.95
This mask is a saving grace for acne-prone, oily skin, or anyone with blackheads or large pores. The clay in the mask works like a magnet to take away imperfections and leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and overall flawless. Bonus points because you can use it on your back, chest, or anywhere else that is less than perfect!
2. {Dew Over!} Hydrating Gel Moisturizer: Olay, $12.99
I love this moisturizer for nighttime. It is a gel formula, so it sinks into skin super fast and doesn’t feel heavy. Slather this on before bed, and in the morning you will wake up feeling fresh and energized (depending on how much sleep you got—this isn’t a miracle worker!). A word of caution: this moisturizer is lacking SPF, so I wouldn’t use this if you’re planning to be in the sun all day!
3. Oil-Free Acne Wash: Neutrogena, $5.49
This face wash has been a staple in my skin care routine since I was in middle school. The formula is gentle, effective, and non-abrasive, so it is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin who is still looking for some acne treatment.
4. Precision Pore Cleansing Pad: Sephora, $6.00
This tiny device has revolutionized my skin care routine! This little silicone pad has tiny, flexible bristles that get deep into pores and lightly exfoliate your skin while remaining gentle enough to use once (or twice) a day. Pop on a bit of your favorite (non-exfoliating) cleanser and scrub in circular motions for your best skin ever!
5. Facial Spray with Aloe, Herb, and Rosewater: Mario Badescu, $7.00
This facial spray is a lifesaver if you find your skin feels dry or tired after a few hours of wearing makeup. Toss this in your bag and spritz it on throughout the day to refresh and rejuvenate your skin without making your makeup run! I love spraying this on first thing in the morning to wake my skin up and give it a little bit of a moisture boost.
6. Tea Tree Water: Lush, $9.95
I love a toner for days when my skin is feeling a bit oily or dull. This tea tree toner balances oil, treats blemishes, and has a lovely tingly feeling! I recommend testing this out in the shop before using it, as tea tree can be a bit harsh for sensitive skin. Spray a bit on a cotton pad and wipe over your skin (focusing on the T-zone, or any area that gets the most oily on your face) and follow up with your favorite moisturizer.
7. Facial Cleansing Towelettes-Pink Grapefruit: Burt’s Bees, $6.00
I don’t use these wipes every day, but when travelling, or if you’re just having a lazy day, these are great for wiping away dirt and face makeup from the day! The pink grapefruit scent is heavenly, and the towelettes are soft enough that I don’t feel like I’m taking off a layer of skin when I use them. Use these in place of a cleanser and follow up with your favorite moisturizer.
8. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: Viva Labs, $13.95
Coconut oil has been having a moment over the last couple years, and it isn’t hard to see why! There are about a million uses for it, but my personal favorite is as an eye makeup remover. Grab a penny-sized bit of the oil, rub it between your fingers until it turns liquid, and then rub your eyes and eyebrows. This gently removes even the toughest of waterproof mascara!
9. Cleansing Micellar Water: Simple, $6.99
Micellar waters have been all the rage in European skin care for years, and thankfully this trend has come stateside! This is significantly less expensive than most cleansing waters, and still just as effective. Use this in place of your morning cleanser to quickly wipe away any lingering makeup, oil, or dirt for flawless skin that lasts throughout the day.
10. Plastic Bottle Drying Lotion: Mario Badescu, $17.00
This is the best product for that horrifying moment when you find a big blemish before a big event. Apply this lotion to the spot with a Q-tip and let it sit for a couple hours. This will shrink the blemish in most cases and sometimes make it disappear completely! Use it sparingly, though, because as the name suggests, the product can dry out your skin if used too often.
What skincare product do you swear by? Share it in the comments!