It may seem hard to have a consistent skin care routine in college, but it’s totally possible. Read on to hear college student Allie’s tips for keeping a solid multi-step– even when you’re busy!
Something that every college student learns (the hard way) to cherish is time. Whether it be because of a way too early morning class or a day jam-packed with meetings and deadlines, I am pretty much always rushing from one place to the next. Frequently forgoing an allotted time to take care of my skin, I’ve had to rethink my skin care products to better cater to the lifestyle of a college student.
College, unfortunately, often means sacrificing the time and space when it comes to our skin care routines, so I’d like to help out my fellow peers at college who are learning how to live away from home and away from their own personal bathroom counter. Here are my best tips:
Make facial mists your best friends
Facial mists and make-up wipes (sparingly!) are my most basic lifesavers that have allowed me to get my work done while also ensuring my skin isn’t as stressed as I am.
I will never stop singing the praises of facial sprays and mists for all people alike, but their multi-functionality makes me especially treasure them as a college student. They help me keep my face moisturized during the winter when I am going in and out of buildings, and when I’ve been sitting in the library for hours on end. But my absolute favorite thing about facial sprays is how much they help me stay awake! If you’re addicted to caffeine like I am, I’m sure that you have already cultivated your own coping mechanism for the inevitable crash, but try adding a facial spray to the mix next time!
If you’re looking for a nourishing and hydrating spray for long nights in the dry library, I recommend Neogen’s Real Ferment Micro Mist. Packed with fermented ingredients, vitamins, and hyaluronic acid, this fine spray is sure to give your skin the boost it needs.
Ditto with cleansing wipes
I really rely on cleansing wipes to get me through the day since I almost never have time to completely redo my make-up during the day. Cleansing wipes make sure that I’m not going into my next class with complete raccoon eyes and they help refresh my face after a particularly busy day that isn’t completely over yet. Formulated with argan oil, the Leaders Labotica Argan Oil Deep Cleansing Tissue always helps me to remove unwanted eyeliner and mascara.
Word to the wise though: I wouldn’t recommend using a make-up wipe as your sole means of cleansing, but if you’re in a pinch still make sure to splash your face with water afterwards. That way, your make-up will actually come off!
Be strategic at your Ikea shopping trips
Okay, onto space next. Being economic with space in college has always been a tough one since you are most likely sharing a room and a bathroom with another person. I’ve found that if you’re someone who has a lot of products, buying vertical stacking containers that are small enough to stand on a desk or bedside table is really helpful. I like the ones that are see-through because it cuts down time in the morning that would otherwise be spent rummaging around in drawers.
Be extra cautious when you use your products in the communal bathroom
Investing in a durable bathroom caddy is a must, and I try to buy products that are less bulky. I also like to put my cotton pads in a plastic bag so that they are more easily transported from my room to the bathroom. Unfortunately, there tends to be a lot of bacteria in dorm bathrooms since everything is shared, so always make sure to keep your skin care and make-up products—especially the ones that go directly onto your face—in clean and cool places. Believe me, the last thing you want is a mysterious eye infection during finals week.
Wake up and massage your face
Finally, I’d like to shine some light on the ways in which paying attention to my skin has not only helped me maintain a clear complexion in college, but also helped relieve some of my school-related stress. Although I have talked a lot about time, or lack thereof, make sure that some of what you’re scheduling in is time for yourself! In the morning, I try to make sure that I have at least a couple of extra minutes to massage my face. It helps my face’s blood circulation, which in turns helps to wake me up.
It’s also nice to do one after staring at a computer screen for a while, especially focusing on your eye region. When I am in the middle of studying or writing a paper and am either in my room or am able to go to my room, I like to do a mask and completely veg out for the 15-20 minutes I’m waiting until I can take it off. My favorite is either the I’m From Mugwort Mask or Klairs Youthful Glow Sugar Mask, or both depending on how much time you can spare! I find that even just 15-20 minutes helps to clear my head and actually reenergize me before I start working again.
Bottom line:
School may be hard, but it is possible to have a K-beauty routine for college. I promise you that is much harder when your body, including your skin, isn’t getting the care that it needs! Oh, last tip: Drink water, lots and lots of water!