We’re back with another themed week on the site: Beauty Week. This semester, Her Campus FSU has created themed weeks dedicated to exclusive content we believe all of our readers should have access to. Keep up on the site for the next few days as we tackle everything from the best beauty brands to follow to the much-debated brazilian. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this.
The days where you’ll be able to hide those legs you’ve been neglecting to shave for a week at a time won’t last much longer. Warmer days are slowly approaching so part ways with Chewbacca and try to embrace the weather where your favorite pair of black leggings, an oversized sweater and boots are no longer needed. After months of on-again, off-again harsh winter temperatures and wind, your skin really takes a beating. Luckily, there are numerous quick fixes that will have you shedding your unsightly winter skin and sporting that healthy glow in no time.
Exfoliate
If there is one beauty tip that is extremely underrated, it’s exfoliating everything. Your legs, arms, face, lips and even your bikini area should be exfoliated about twice a week to clear away all dead skin. Not only does this polish your skin, but it can also help prevent breakouts or ingrown hairs that get trapped under the skin. Exfoliating will also allow you to evenly apply any tanning lotions or bronzers while dodging that streaky, sickly look. For the face, you’ll want to choose one with small exfoliates that won’t enlarge your pores.
Courtesy: Ulta
One product that really supports its claims is Clean & Clear Advantage 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser, which you can find just about anywhere for under $7. Not only does it prevent breakouts, but it also gently exfoliates, leaving your face feeling fresh and smooth without over-drying.
For the body, there are many great scrubs. Since you can use less caution than you would on facial cleansers, you can shop based on which scent or texture you like best.
Courtesy: Allure
If you’re looking for something fresh and energizing, Bliss Super Minty Soap’ n Scrub is a great way to start the day feeling clean and wonderfully rejuvenated. Normally this stuff can cost between $25-$32, but it can be spotted at Marshall’s for just over $12. Plus the bottle is a good size and a little goes a long way so it lasts a while!
Courtesy: Pinimg
Who says chocolate is only to eat? This rich, Shea Sugar and Brazilian Nut scrub has a strong cocoa scent, leaving you smelling as sweet as candy and feeling smoother than ever before. Publix carries it for just under $7, so it’s definitely a must try!
Courtesy: Tumblr
Nearly everyone owns chap stick, especially to survive wintertime, but so few people actually exfoliate their lips before applying it, which can make a world of difference. When you plaster on chap stick without using a lip scrub, you are just putting product on top of a layer of dead skin on your dry, cracked lips. Exfoliating beforehand allows you to get to the root of the problem and plumps your lips as it buffs away any roughness. Some lip scrubs can be pricy, but Lush is great for their fresh handmade cosmetics, including this popcorn lip scrub for $10. Take the tiniest amount on your fingertip and scrub your lips back and forth and in little circles, repeating as many times as you feel necessary, then lick off the excess!
Moisturize
Unfortunately, we don’t all just “wake up like dis,” and obtaining healthy, smooth skin actually does take a little bit of effort. On the bright side, there are so many products that make this chore easier without breaking the bank or cutting into your Starbucks fund.
Courtesy: Pink Peonies
For the face, there are tons of moisturizers, however, BB creams offer multiple skin benefits all-in-one. You can find many inexpensive brands at any local drugstore as well. Garnier’s Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream comes in three shades and has received positive feedback, including leaving the face even, radiant and smooth. Target sells this product for around $11. If your skin is pretty fair, I recommend choosing one with SPF 15 or above.
Courtesy: Boots Scene
I am a huge advocate of all Burt’s Bees products, especially the original peppermint flavors for on-the-go daily chap stick. However, if you are looking for even more thorough moisturizing, Carmex is an old favorite that really does relieve dry, chapped lips, especially when left on overnight. It might smell a little funny, but cracked, flaky lips are worse, so it certainly can’t hurt!
Courtesy: Aveeno
No matter your skin type, you’ll want to choose a good daily moisturizer and try to keep up with it. If you really want the lotion to absorb into your skin, apply right after showering and before bed. If you find that your skin has become chapped, ashy and itchy during these last few months, it is most likely due to dehydration. Make it a part of your daily routine to apply lotion either in the morning, after showering, or right before bed, or even at all three times until the moisture has been restored. I recommend any Aveeno moisturizers because they contain natural ingredients and have a subtle, pleasant scent without the perfume additives that can sometimes irritate the skin.
Bronze
Courtesy: Ulta
Once your skin is exfoliated and smooth, it is safe to try out some self-tanners. Jergens Instant Sun is very buildable and delivers immediate results with amazing color and no streaks. It comes out as foam and should be rubbed in directly after contact with the skin. Of course, remember to wash your hands between applications. I recommend washing after applying it to each individual body part in order to avoid staining. Depending on your preference, self-tanners can be applied under your usual lotion or on top, or even by themselves- whatever works best for your skin and the look you are trying to achieve. It may take a few times to get it right but the result is definitely worth it!
Courtesy: Target
After successfully tanning the rest of your body, it is extremely important to avoid that pasty face look and show a little love to your cheeks as well. There are so many bronzers that it can seem overwhelming to choose one that will do the job, but Milani Baked Bronzer (found at any drugstore) delivers that healthy, warm glow and a bit of shimmer to the areas on your face that need a little pick-me-up. Dust it on your cheekbones, dry for a subtle glow or apply it with a wet brush for a bolder statement. This also works wonderfully on your chest and shoulders to top off the look!
Winter can be rough, but your skin doesn’t have to be! With spring break just around the corner, start shopping around a little and try out some products to see which skin care regime works best for you. It may take a little while to perfect it, but it is well worth the effort. Get your glow on, Collegiettes!