The Her Campus National Editors write about products we love and think you’ll love too. Her Campus has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. All products are in stock and all prices are accurate as of publication.
I spend a lot of time these days focusing on self-care. Taking time out of my day to take care of myself and my body in college has done wonders for my stress levels. In addition to getting enough sleep, drinking water, and eating regularly, I’ve taken the time to test a ton of different beauty products to find my absolute faves. Here are nine affordable beauty products for the best at-home spa day that won’t break the bank (we’re in college, after all!).
Candles
No at-home spa day is complete without mood lighting. If you can’t have a real candle in your dorm room, fear not — this flameless LED candle from Anthropologie will do just the trick. It’s battery-powered, looks super realistic, and is perfect for a cozy night in when you want to create a warm ambiance but can’t make it to the spa just yet. If you’re in an apartment or off-campus housing where real candles aren’t an issue, try this fall-scented one inspired by sweater weather.
Bathrobe
Having a bathrobe in college is a must, especially if you’re in a shared bathroom situation! Apart from being practical, it’s also the perfect way to stay cozy and feel a little luxurious during stressful times. You know those comfy bathrobes from the spa that make you feel like you’re about to get pampered? Grab one of your own and bring that feeling to your dorm — subtle, but goes a long way.
Body Butter
I’ve been using this body butter daily for almost a month, and I love how it makes my skin feel. The scent is fruity and leaves my skin feeling soft and glowy. It’s perfect for the fall and winter months, since it easily heals any cracked or damaged skin. I especially love Beautycounter’s products since they don’t have toxic, harmful chemicals that many other skincare products use.
Charcoal scrub
Charcoal has been all the rage for a while in the beauty world. It helps absorb trapped bacteria and toxins in the skin, and is great for oily skin since it helps unclog pores while removing dirt and oil. This mask made me a believer — it’s quick, easy, and it gets the job done. The cooling menthol makes it very pleasant to sit for a few minutes and chill out while the natural charcoal gets to work. Simply wash your face, slather a generous amount on your skin, and relax for five minutes — that’s all it takes! My skin feels so much fresher each time I wash it off, and it’s the perfect complement to any dorm room spa day.
Hair mask
I recently revamped my hair products, and this mask (which works to nourish and moisturize hair) has quickly become one of my favorites. I had residual damage from when I bleached a section of my hair over the summer, but once I slathered this mask on, the difference was almost instantly noticeable. Find a product that works for your hair, and add it to your must-have list for an at-home spa day. It’s a simple product that’s worth it for healthier, shinier, hair!
Exfoliating body scrub
I have never used another exfoliant that leaves my skin as smooth, shiny, and hydrated as this one. The scrub differs from other exfoliating scrubs in that it really does stick to your skin — other formulas seem to fall off sometimes, but not this one. It has less than ten ingredients, has no synthetic preservatives, and I literally feel like I’m glowing after each use. It leaves your skin soft and smelling like roses, so give it a try the next time you want to take some time for self-care.
Intensive foot peel
Once I saw a video of someone doing a foot peel on TikTok, my roommate and I knew we had to try one! Foot masks are used to get rid of the dead, calloused skin on the bottom of your feet (you know what I’m talking about). Personally, I fell in love with Patchology’s version, but there are many out there to choose from for your next at-home spa day.
The kit comes with a foot mask and socks, which you pour the solution into before slipping them on your feet. Then, you relax for an hour or so, take the socks off, and move on with your day. In around three to seven days, your foot will begin peeling (I didn’t start peeling until day five), and you’ll be left with smooth, soft skin! Remember to soak your feet in warm water for five to ten minutes first, otherwise it may not work.
Dry Brush
If you haven’t heard of dry brushing, it’s a great way to gently exfoliate, restore firmness, and boost circulation to your skin and body. If you want to create the spa ambiance from your dorm, a dry brush can be a super simple way to practice skincare — plus, it doesn’t break the bank. This one from Kate McLeod is awesome and goes great with the brand’s assortment of nourishing body stones, which you can get for stress relief, massage, intimacy, sensitive skin, and more.
Gel Nail Polish
One of the most simple, fun ways to bring the spa vibes to your dorm is by giving yourself an at-home manicure. There are plenty of fall nail trends to try right now, from celestial print to mermaid colors and more. If you’re looking for colors that’ll last while you’re on-the-go and won’t break the bank, this gel nail polish is the next best thing to a salon gel mani you’ll get! Next time you’re staying in for a spa night in your dorm, give yourself a mani/pedi and thank me later.
College is stressful, but self-care shouldn’t have to be — nor should it be super expensive! These are just a few of the many products that can help you create the perfect at-home spa day from your dorm without breaking the bank. Remember, no matter how busy college life gets, rest matters — so give yourself some time to rest and rejuvenate.