We've all been there; we see the girls (and boys) with flawless skin and hair walking around campus as if they were gods and goddesses. How do they do it? We're all in the same boat of having approximately $5.64 in our checking account, and not a dime to spare on our appearance. Here are 7 must-have products that will keep you radiating during a time when you need to be most frugal:
1. Detangler
Who remembers this from childhood? Definitely me. Mom would spray it in our hair as we sat on the bathroom floor, and she would comb our tangles after bathtime. If you have long hair and are working hard at combatting split and dead ends, detangler can help separate strands of hair so that you don't end up breaking off more of your hair than absolutely necessary. This helps your ends stay strong and your hair stay voluminous. Sure fancy brands make detangler, but you can score the good ol' Suave octopus bottle for just $2.99.
2. Fortifying Creme
This is the one product I cannot stop talking about it. I discovered it completely by accident when the lady I was nannying for had an extra bottle from work and asked if I wanted it. Put a little bit of this cream on damp hair, and you will feel your hair getting stronger. With no parabens, this product will do wonders for your hair. I typically had to get a hair cut every 3 months because of split ends, but I am now on month 5 and have virtually none. It typically costs about $25, but for my fellow students, here's a link to get this magical product for $14.99 on Groupon.
3. The RIGHT Shampoo/Conditioner For Your Hair
I cannot stress enough how important it is to buy products suited for your hair's needs. With that in mind, Aussie has a wide variety of the best hair products I've ever used. The Aussie Volumizing Shampoo is the only thing that doesn't make my hair greasy enough to fry potatoes after 24 hours (and for only $2.97). The 3 Minute Miracle (also for only $2.97) keeps my hair soft and shiny well over the 24-hour claim.
4. Moisturizer
If you're anything like me, you have eczema, sensitive, and dry skin in the summer, spring, winter, and fall. The only lotion that will both stop the dry skin from flaking off of my face AND soothe eczema up and down my arms is Cetaphil Eczema Calming Moisturizer. Considering this product is a bit expensive ($14.99/10oz), if your skin is not as complicated as mine, my sister highly recommends CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($10.99/16oz).
5. Micellar Water
Do not be afraid of hopping on the bandwagon. There is a reason that this product is one of the most talked about in beauty community. This serum of the gods is a makeup remover, cleanser, and toner all in one. Some nights you get home late from ~studying at the library until 1 am~ and removing your makeup and washing your face is just not an option. On days like these, throw a couple drops of Micellar water onto a cotton pad, swipe it over your face, and you are good to go. For such a great price ($6.95/13.5 oz), there is no product that can beat micellar water.
6. Lip Exfoliator
This may sound kind of silly, but trust me it is a must have. Lip exfoliators remove all of the dry skin from your lips, making it easier to apply makeup (if you do that), or kiss (if you do that), or feel confident about your smile (because all of us should do that). Elf offers a Lip Exfoliator for a very low price ($2.99). Even if that is a bit too much, there are plenty of DIYs involving 3 simple ingredients you most likely have in your kitchen.
7. Lip Moisturizer
After removing the dry skin from your lips, Aquaphor can replenish and protect your newly revealed lip skin. Aquaphor may be the only product that doesn't make my lips more chapped than they were before. You know how sometimes you have chapped lips, and the product you use only make your lips flaky, and then the skin around your lips becomes chapped and flaky? Not with this ($3.79) miracle worker. Throw some on before bed, and your lips will be baby soft and completely refreshed in the morning.
Conclusion: If you were to buy everything on this list, your total would be $52.64. After one coupon, sale, or redeeming some drugstore points, you can get the cost down to under $50. While that still seems daunting, you probably already have some of these items in your bathroom. Always remember, feeling beautiful and nourished is possible (even while on a budget).
