After a year full of 8 a.m. classes, cheap beer and plenty of ramen noodle filled days, you’re probably ready to live a luxurious summer. But in reality, most college students are still on a tight budget during this warm and sunny season. Whether you’re visiting the pool in between your summer classes or just enjoying some sun on your lunch break at work, you’re going to need some affordable beauty essentials at some point. So pro-long that tan and sweat-proof that makeup because there’s a way to experience summer on a college student budget.
Makeup
I am a big believer in the saying "less is more" when it comes to wearing makeup during the hotter months of the year. Between trips to the pool and outside concerts or festivals, your makeup routine during the summer is bound to get simple. My top three summer makeup essentials usually include bronzer, a waterproof mascara and lightweight concealer. My all time favorite affordable bronzer is the N.Y.C. Smooth Skin bronzing face powder in "Sunny." Retailing for only $3, this product acts as my everyday eyeshadow and bronzer all in one. My current favorite mascara is the Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara which retails for around $7. An ideal summer mascara should be waterproof but this one isn't and still holds up through sweat and water. At $12, the Garnier Anti-Dark-Circle Roller is my favorite concealer for the summer. It feels lightweight on the skin and is dispensed through a cool roller ball that decreases eye puffiness. These three drugstore makeup items are perfect for any college student's tight budget.
Skin
Coconut Oil - $13
Coconut oil is not only an awesome moisturizer but it also can act as a natural sunscreen. With an SPF of 4, coconut oil can block 75% of UV radiation. So pair this inexpensive product with a low SPF sunscreen and you have a great replacement for those fancy tanning oils. This coconut oil by Coastal Scents retails for around $12.95 and comes in an easy to dispense bottle.
Jergens Self Tanner - $13
If your summer internship is keeping you from getting out in the sun everyday, then you can always opt for a self-tanner to get your glow on. For around $13 you can get a natural looking tan and fool all of your friends into thinking you've actually been in the sun this summer. This is a great dupe for more expensive tanning mousses and it blends easily on the skin with an application mitt.
Hair
Not your Mother's Sea Salt Spray - $7
I am a sucker for sea salt sprays during the summer. It is good to give your hair a break from the heat and sea salt spray creates natural waves that are perfect for the beach. At only $7, this Not Your Mother's seat salt spray is super easy to use. I like to keep it in my pool bag and apply it to my damp hair, scrunch it a little and let it dry into a wavy beautiful mess.
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum - $6
Frizzy hair is almost always guaranteed to happen in the humid months of summer. This hair serum by Garnier Fructis is a must when trying to control the frizz. It comes in a travel friendly bottle that includes a pump for easy application. This product smells like heaven and leaves your hair super soft and shiny. At only $6, it is a great hair product for any broke college student.
The life of a broke college student can sometimes be difficult, but you don't have to sacrifice quality when trying to find the perfect summer beauty essentials.
