I don’t know about the rest of you, but I love fall weather. However, fall weather does not seem to love me back. With the drop in temperature comes dry skin, chapped lips, and frizzy hair. Not to mention the severe case of “mask-ne” that seems to follow me wherever I go (to be fair, the mask does do a good job of covering any pimples that it makes). I’ve compiled a list of a few of the products that are helping me survive 2020, and because I know most of us are college students on a budget, everything listed is $20 or less.
1) The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 20% Peeling Solution
If you were on TikTok this summer, you are probably very familiar with this product. And while there are far too many videos of people using this serum as a primer, when applied properly this peel is great at clearing up acne. Remember to use sparingly–I only apply this once every 2 weeks or so–and always wear sunscreen when you go out as chemical exfoliants make you more photosensitive. NOTE: chemical peels are tricky and may not work for everyone. Always read reviews and do research on your skin type before buying.
2) Soap & Glory The Scrub of Your Life
This body scrub has quickly become a staple in my shower routine. It works wonders for removing dead skin from arms, elbows, and legs. And for those like me who struggle with Keratosis Pilaris (those annoying itchy, red bumps that appear on your arms and sometimes legs), this scrub is meant to help clear up your skin. While in my experience the bumps don’t disappear, the scrub makes my skin feel much smoother and helps to tone down redness.
3) Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots
This is a holy grail product for me. I’ve been buying these little miracle workers from the CVS on 20th Street since freshman year, and seriously, they are INCREDIBLE. You place a dot over any pimple, and it absorbs the excess sebum and shrinks the blemish in just a few hours. Also, with masks covering half of your face, you can let your Spot Dots work their magic while on the go (as long as the pimple isn’t on your forehead, of course).
4) TONYMOLY I’m Real Mask Sheet
TONYMOLY is a K-beauty brand with super cute and super effective products. Their sheet masks are perfect for an at-home spa night, and they have a ton of different ingredient options which cater to a wide variety of skincare needs. My personal favorites are the Avocado Mask for hydration and the Red Wine Mask for pore care.
5) Paul Mitchell Lavender Mint Overnight Moisture Therapy
High quality but affordable hair products are hard to come buy, but Paul Mitchell usually gives good results at a reasonable price. If you’ve been dealing with dry, frizzy hair, this one’s for you. Just apply evenly through damp or dry hair and leave in overnight. Alternatively, if you’re unsure about dropping $20 on a product, try the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender Mint Deep Conditioning Mineral Hair Mask for only $3.75.
6) CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
You probably already know about this one, and for good reason. I have combination skin, which makes it hard to find a good cleanser that will hydrate my dry T-zone without leaving the rest of my face super oily. This is the one daily face wash I swear by, especially in the colder months when my skin is dry pretty much 24/7. It’s super gentle and almost feels like lotion when applied, but does some serious cleaning action. This product is also eczema-approved and is great for sensitive skin!
7) Clearasil Stubborn Acne Control 5-in-1 Weekly Scrub
If chemical exfoliants aren’t for you, physical exfoliants can be good in moderation. This Clearasil face scrub has really helped with removing dead skin and clearing up acne. I don’t recommend the suggested 1-3 uses a day on the bottle, as too much exfoliating can cause micro-tears in the skin. Instead, scrub with this about 1-2 times a week for the best results. NOTE: Don’t use this and a chemical peel at the same time. This is meant to be an alternative, not an addition.
8) Vaseline Aloe Vera Lip Therapy Stick
I have perpetually chapped lips, and nothing ever seems to help. Carmex, Burt’s Bees–I’ve tried it all. These Vaseline Lip Therapy Sticks are the only product I’ve tried that provide long-lasting moisture without feeling too greasy. Definitely a must-have for those cold, windy fall nights!
Also, a must-have for chapped lips. These sugar scrubs are great at removing dry, flaky skin, and are a great addition to your daily routine. Plus, they smell great (my favorite is white grapefruit). E.l.f. products are amazing quality considering the price, and you can find them at any drugstore, Walmart, or Target.
10) OGX Pracaxi Recovery Oil Combing Cream
Is your hair not quite curly but not quite straight? Did you treat your hair as though it was straight for years and only recently discovered that you had a curl pattern? Then, this one’s for you! After towel drying your hair, rub through to the ends and then comb through with a wide-toothed comb. This oil is great at combating frizz and leaves you with soft, shiny waves.
Note: These are the opinions of the author on these products and this may not work for everyone!