In your dorm room, there is not much space for bins filled to the brim with beauty products to rotate through all the time. Usually, you stick to your same holy-grail, essential products. One thing to consider is to look into natural, multi-purpose products that can not only provide your everyday regimen with great ingredients, but that will also maximize your budget!
Coconut Oil
If you Google search “Coconut oil beauty uses,” lists of hundreds of ways to use this product are available! Coconut oil is great for an all-over body moisturizer during every season of the year (it is great in cooler months when you need something soothing, but is also great in the summer for sunburns and the light scent that remains on your skin). Use this for nails and cuticles, rough skin on your feet or elbows, or to tame flyaways and chapped or wind-burned lips. This is truly nature’s big beauty secret! P.S Make sure to purchase unrefined, extra virgin oil for the most natural and pure form of the product.Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is another great option for moisturizer, as it it closely resembles sebum, a waxy substance produced by our skin glands, so it can act as a natural skin conditioner. According to Natural Living Ideas (http://www.naturallivingideas.com/jojoba-oil-benefits-for-skin-hair/), jojoba oil “has antibacterial properties that help control bacterial growth in the hair follicle. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, soothing the irritated skin. When used regularly, Jojoba oil can control acne; the Vitamins A and E in the oil also may have a role in this.” Make sure to look for cold-pressed, organic jojoba oil (which can be found at any grocery store or pharmacy– Trader Joe’s has a great one for cheap!).
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree, also known as melaleuca, is well-known for its powerful antiseptic properties and ability to treat wounds. This oil is great for treating acne prone skin, however, due to its potency it is recommended that you mix a few drops (maybe 1-2) with a carrier oil (such as the jojoba oil discussed above, extra virgin olive oil, or rosehip oil) and lightly pat the mixture all over a clean face before bed. You can even put a little bit onto a Q-tip and spot treat any blemishes as they come. Tea tree can also be great mixed in with body washes and shampoos for an extra cleansing effect.
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil is a natural disinfectant; since lemon has antibacterial and antifungal properties, it is a good cleaner! It can be used for cleansing the body, metal surfaces, dishes, and clothes. You can also use it mixed with hot water (or put it in a diffuser if you have one) as a natural room freshener.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil has a few different uses, and it can also be used in the same way as tea tree oil (for spot treatment on blemishes). According to Dr. Axe (https://draxe.com/peppermint-oil-uses-benefits/), peppermint “gives a cooling sensation and has a calming effect on the body, which can relieve sore muscles when used topically. It also has antimicrobial properties so it can help freshen bad breath and soothe digestive issues.” Another great tip: put a few drops in your shoes after wearing them, or put some on your feet (then wear clean socks to lock the oil in) before going to bed– no more smelly feet!
Lavender Essential Oil
According to Mindy Body Green Blog (https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7769/13-uses-for-lavender-oil-the-only-essential-oil-youll-need.html), “if you only use one essential oil, this is it! Lavender (lavandula angustifolia) is the most versatile of all essential oils. Most commonly known for its relaxing effects on the body, therapeutic-grade lavender has been highly regarded for the skin. It may be used to cleanse cuts, bruises, and skin irritations.” After a long day of classes and other activities, try taking 5 minutes to relax on your bed or somewhere comfy. Place a few drops of this in your palms and rub together; then massage into your temples, underneath your nose, and on any other pressure points. After 5 minutes of deep breathing, you will be surprised at how de-stressed and clear-minded you will feel!
Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap
Dr. Bronner’s is a classic bath product that everyone should keep on hand– no mixing of ingredients required! A list of the many uses of the soap are listed right on the bottle; everything from shower and laundry uses to furniture cleaning as well. You can buy this at CVS, Walmart, Target, or any other grocery store, and it comes in recycled plastic bottles in a variety of sizes and essential oils (lavender, peppermint, rosehip, and the classic castile soap original version). A little goes a long way, so one bottle will probably last you an entire semester!
Baby Powder
A household staple when you were growing up, baby powder can continue to provide you with uses even in collegiate life. A few of the more popular ways to use baby powder include as a dry shampoo, for oil blotting on the face, and for any rashes or stubborn chafing (aka from Raft Day!). Side tip: use a little bit of baby powder on any spills on carpets or linens; it will help absorb liquids and will aid in a faster cleanup!
Enjoy these tips and maybe you will find a new cult favorite to add to your beauty routine this semester! HCXO