Last week welcomed in the first day of spring, but judging by the not-so-cute SmartWool® socks still nestled in my Uggs, I’m guessing St. Louis didn’t get the message. Even though it could be awhile before you’re trading sweatpants for sundresses, now might be the time to check out some new beauty products to help you make the transition.
Haircare: Between sweater static and rainy day frizz, springtime can be a huge hassle, and, personally, I can only rock the now-obsolete Miley bun for so many weeks in a row, and shaving it off is definitely not an option. Most collegiettes probably already know and love the miracles of Garnier’s Sleek and Shine products, but they’ve recently added the brand-new Moroccan Sleek Oil Treatment. It’s way cheaper than salon oil treatments, and it does a great job taming both wet and dry hair.
Skincare: Spring is a tricky time for skin. The last vestiges of winter are enough to seriously dry you out, but the beginnings of spring’s sunshine can also leave you with a burn. Adding a light, oil-free moisturizer (preferable SPF 15 or higher) to your morning skin regimen will definitely pay off, not only for next week’s formal pictures, but also in the long run as an anti-aging measure—bonus! Try Neutrogena’s Oil Free Moisturizer; it’s dermatologist-recommended and so light you won’t even remember you’re wearing it.
Weather-resistant Makeup: As demonstrated by the snowflakes I saw during lunch today, St. Louis weather is unpredictable at best, and it’s important to be prepared. Short of standing in front of a hand dryer for half an hour, there’s really no way to save your hair from a sudden spring shower. Your makeup doesn’t have to be the same story. Just make sure whatever you buy is water- and sweat-proof. If you’re completely addicted to something that runs off your face at the slightest moisture, consider investing in a mini makeup bag that can fit in your bag for emergency reapplication between classes.
Accessories with a Purpose: If the gloomy “springtime” weather is still bringing you down, some retail therapy might be in order. Instead of depressing yourself further with flip flops and shorts you won’t need until June, keep an eye out for something a little more practical. Umbrellas and rain boots come in a thousand adorable prints and patterns, so look for something that’ll cheer you up when you’re ankle-deep in mud on the way to your 10:00AM class. On the other side of the meteorological spectrum, you can finally justify buying sunglasses again. You probably have a few more weeks with your pea coat, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a few seasonal touches in anticipation of what’s to come.
As far off as it seems right now, spring is just around the corner. Unfortunately, before the benefits kick in—flowers, fresh green grass, and days without earmuffs—collegiettes are going to have to make it through its awkward adolescence. Luckily for us, there’s plenty of fun shopping to help us on the way to summer.
Image courtesy of WellCareStrategies and Coastal Living