We might not all be blessed with unblemished, glowing skin or long wavy hair; and even if you are, college WILL change you when you least expect it.
Now, we may not all have money to spend, but if (or when) you do these are the things you should consider, whether it be a new foundation or something to control the stress acne of finals. Over all I try to find holly grail drugstore and higher end products, but whatever works for you will do. These are my top recommendations:
1. Coconut Oil: Retail $10-$20
Coconut Oil can do WONDERS for so many different things. For one, you can obviously cook with it for a health benefit. Second, it removes makeup, yes you read that correctly, it removes makeup without any harsh chemicals (side note, I don't recommend it for taking off heavy makeup and you'll need to rinse your face with warm water quite a bit). Third, it is a great moisturizer for hands, feet, elbows, knees, face, and etc. Sleep with this on overnight and you will have skin that is baby soft to the touch. Fourthly, but surely not last, it is a hair mask! If you suffer from dry damaged hair like me, just throw some of this to the ends of your hair 10-15 minutes before a shower, and you are set.
2. Purity Made Simple Face Wash: Retails $8-$45
This bottle of face wash may seem a bit pricey the first time you buy it, and I was skeptical too, but I have used this for almost two years now and I am addicted. This face wash removes make up without having to scrub you face. It is gentle to sensitive skin and eyes, and helps fight dirt and oil that builds up through out the day. After using this in the morning I feel more awake, and my skin feels completely clean after a long day. It makes up for its rice because you only need about a quarter size each use.
3. Vaseline: Retails $3-$6

4. Neutrogena On-the-Spot Treatment: Retails $6-$8
This literally saved my life after my first semester at college. I had always been oily, but never produced acne before, but I had never broken out so badly in my entire life and I had no idea ho to fix it. I didn't want to spend money to go to a dermatologist and get a proscription because I'm stubborn and don't have time for it, so I decided to do what all girls do: research. As I was browsing I came across this gem and immediately ran to Walgreens to pick this up. The next morning I saw an immediate change, not drastic, but something I could notice. I will say this did dry out my skin a bit, but follow through to my next recommendations and they solve that problem.
5. Mario Badescu Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream: Retails $18
Starting college really makes you question what sleep really is, and every morning I woke up, my eyes looked dull and were dry, I even began getting the dreaded crow's feet. Once again I did my research and was astonished that most eye creams were above $25. I had heard of Mario Badescu, which is usually a reasonably priced skin care brand, and decided to try their eye cream. I have finished my first tub and I am definitely repurchasing.
6. Simple Moisturizer: Retails $10 (at Target)
This is the moisturizing without leaving you feeling oily. I have combination skin, so it changes through the year and I have some spots that are oily and others are dry. But you can NOT leave your skin to fend for itself on oil, if you replenish it with a moisturizer that sinks into your skin and is paraben-free, you are less likely to have breakouts and excessive oil. This has no smell and it doesn't clog your pores.
7. Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen: Retails $12 (at Walmart)
I never knew that sunscreen was important even when you're not at the beach! it is vital to wear sun protection on your face, neck, and hands, since these are the places that show signs of age first. Even if its cloudy outside you should still wear SPF that is 30 or above, but not just any sunscreen will do the trick. We all remember the summers when our grandma's used to rub Banana Boat's white sticky sunscreen all over our shoulders and face. I didn't want residue or an overly white face every day, so I set out to find a sunscreen and found Alba's. This has no parabens and is 100% vegetarian and cruelty free.
8. Lather Honey Moisture Mask with Propolis Extract: Retails $22

9. Mario Badescu Cucumber Tonic Mask: Retails $18
This mask helps fight build up and black heads. This is such a relaxing mask while its still clarifying. This is gentle and tightens deep down in your pores without drying out the surface of your skin. You will need this after hours of studying and accidentally falling asleep in your makeup. You have to fight back what gets into your pores.
10. Nivea Sensitive Post Shave Balm: Retials $6 (at Walmart)
Here comes the craziest of all my recommendations: a shave balm as a PRIMER. This is a wonder when it comes to makeup lasting all day, because if you're like me and have morning class and then head into work; you want your makeup to last all day. Glycerin is one of the main ingredients which is sticky, therefore makeup will stick to it all day long. This however does not combat against pores. For me, being outside while walking to class and fighting the elements was the key reason I bought this product. It is soothing on the skin, and will not make you oily, if anything it adds a natural glow.
11. Maybelline Poreless Matte Foundation: Retails $6 (at Target)
Hands down this is my favorite foundation. I think this is great for any skin type because I have combination skin (if you are oily I would recommend you set it) and it doesn't set into fine lines or dry spots, and it isn't cakey! This is light weight on the skin but the coverage is flawless, it looks like your skin and is easily buildable. The color selection is also great because it offers neutral, cool, and warm undertones.
12. It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer: Retails $24 (at Ulta)
Now this product is a bit pricier for a concealer, but Ulta has great sales (got mine during Black Friday online), and with this product a little goes such a long way. I suffer from redness on my cheeks, eyes, and nose but if I apply this, I immediately see the difference. This is not just for under your eyes, it covers acne and scars as well as redness all over the face.
13. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent: Retails $4 (at Walmart)
This powder keeps my T-Zone completely matte all day without having to do any touch ups. It isn't cakey and doesn't build up on skin, it just leaves a dust of powder; just enough to keep everything in place.
14. Essence Lash Princess: Retails $5 (at Ulta)
This is my holly grail mascara because it lengthens and adds volume my lashes in just one application. I don't have to spend minutes applying coats of mascara to gets the "falsey" look. It is natural (as natural as mascara gets) on the lashes. The nice thing is, is that it is buildable so that you can add more layers for volume instead of having to make a mascara cocktail.
15. Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths: Retails $15 (at Ulta)
Again, this may seem a bit extreme for makeup removal wipes, but it does so much more than that! I put a bag of these in my back pack and I don't have to worry about feeling gross if I didn't have time to shower that morning. Or I use one of these after the gym so that I'm ready for my next class. Also after a long night of work and studying I am too tired to wipe my makeup off and wash it, so why not do both in one step? With these you can!
16. Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Masque: Retails $12 (at Target)
If you have dry, thick, and curly hair like me, then you NEED this in your life. The first time I used it I was stunned by how soft my hair looks and feels. After I straighten it, it doesn't looked damaged and is shiny (not greasy) and doesn't seem to have as many fly aways. Trust me, you will not regret this.
17. Ojon Damage Reverse Oil: Retails $25
I use this every time before I use heat to my hair, it protects it and keeps it nice and shiny. This helps nourish hair that is being stripped by heat or harsh chemicals (or even the elements) without it feeling weighed down. A little goes a long way, so you can really get your money's worth.
18. Carol's Daughter Hair Milk: Retails $12 (at Target)

19. Herbal Essences Dry Shampoo: Retails $5 (at Target)
I'm pretty sure this is crucial in any woman's life, but if you don't have a dry shampoo, look no further. This smells amazing for one, doesn't leave huge white streaks in your hair, and is paraben free! This leaves your hair and head feeling fresh after a day without washing it and keeps it that way all day. It doesn't weigh down your hair and make you feel dirty.
20. Not Your Mother's Leave in Conditioner: Retails $8
This leave in conditioner is great to fight against fly away hairs or baby hairs without feeling greasy and grimy on your scalp. I just spray this in my hair after sleeping on my curls for a night and they are as good as new! Plus the formula is also to help your hair grow in the long run as well!
I hope these 20 products will be added to your shopping list in the near future. Just remember its better too start with a beautiful canvas (complexion) than trying to cover up one. Be kind to your body and it will be kind to you.






































