Most of the time, college is anything but a daily routine. Sometimes, we only have one class a day, while other days, we’re gone at 8 a.m. and not back to our dorms or apartments until 8 p.m. Then there are the days when we have class and work, and just cannot resist grabbing a beer with friends after dinner. Our makeup and hair looks less than ideal after 8 hours of stuffy classrooms, walking in the wind, and picking our split ends out of pure boredom, so what can we pack that is little, yet helpful in keeping us looking fresh? Here is your guide to backpack beauty.
Tresemme Fresh Start Travel Size Dry Shampoo ($2.50 at Target): We all touch our hair throughout the day, whether it’s split-end picking, pulling it behind our ears, or trying to brush out the knots. It eventually gets greasy, but that is where dry shampoo comes in. You can buy this travel-sized bottle at Target, and while it is a little pricey for the size, it really works in soaking up the excess grease in your roots. Spray on between classes, wait a minute or two, and brush through, and your hair will look good as new.
EOS Lip Balm Sphere ($3, evolutionofsmooth.com and drugstores): This lip balm is essential for anyone looking to keep their lips in tip top shape. The sphere shape makes it cute and unique (and not to mention super easy to apply) and they all smell wonderful. The balm keeps your lips smooth and moisturized without making them sticky. For added shine, pick up a Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss to put on top. This is one of my absolute favorite lip-glosses because it adds just enough shine, and still is insanely moisturizing. Your lips will look super kissable afterwards (hello, cute guy in your afternoon classes).
Travel Size Deodorant: An essential to feeling refreshed! Dove and Secret both carry travel sized versions of their deodorants in Target or Walmart, so stick one in your bag for those warm spring days, or when you decide to stop at the gym between classes. You’ll be glad you did!
E.L.F Oil-Blotting Paper ($1, E.L.F): These “essential shine erasers,” as they are called, do just that: absorb the oil and shine you buildup as the day goes on. Quickly pat one of these sheets on your t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), and watch the oil absorb. For an extra touchup, keep a pressed-powder compact in your bag to apply after to “matte-ify” your face and give you that extra ‘fresh’ look.
Bath & Body Works Mini Fragrance Mist ($6, Bath & Body Works): With an abundance of scents to choose from at a mild price, there is no reason not to grab one of these adorable fragrance sprays to keep in your bag. You can spritz them on between classes to refresh, and they aren’t too heavy or too light (so you don’t have to worry about suffocating those around you).
Mini Hairbrush: After walking from Philips Hall to the EPB in the Iowa wind, the one thing you want is to brush your hair. Pick up a travel size brush from a drugstore to quickly brush out the knots and kinks from the outdoor elements, and you’ll look like you just came from home. If you aren’t feeling the hair down thing, pack extra hair ties so you’re never caught looking at your wrist in shock realizing you don’t have a hair tie again.
What do you pack in your bag to keep refreshed throughout the day? Tell us in the comments below!
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