With back-to-school season around the corner, we're dreaming of stylish ways to deck out our dorm rooms so they feel like home. While we’re eyeing move-in essentials like twin XL-sized sheets and laptops, we aren't forgetting about beauty buys, especially for on-campus life. Here, everything you need to put your best face (and body) forward for the semester. Scroll on to see them all!
For the Shower SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo ($8): Great hair doesn’t start with your stylers but with your shampoo and conditioner combo. This one skips the sulfates, parabens, and phthalates and instead infuses the hair with nourishing argan oil and shea butter to soften and hydrate.
Dove Nutritive Solutions Conditioner Daily Moisture ($4): While we tend to shampoo our tresses only when they’re feeling extra greasy, this conditioner could work wonders on the daily. Thanks to its Pro-Moisture Complex, it's hydrating enough for curls but lightweight enough for fine hair, just in case your roommate runs out and needs to borrow your bottle.
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner ($3): Communal bathrooms can turn into pure chaos when students are trying to get ready for morning classes. And most deep conditioners are not conducive to a speedy shower... except for this one, which can have you in and out in a flash without sacrificing any beauty benefits.
DryBar The Morning After Shower Cap ($16): Since blow-drying your tresses daily can zap moisture from your mane, slipping on a terry cloth-lined shower cap can help extend your look.
Schick Intuition f.a.b. Razor ($6): We’ll admit that unless you’re living off campus, your shower is likely to be a tight squeeze. Since this razor can slide back and forth across your skin, you won’t have to worry about performing any acrobatics to get after every last hair you’re looking to remove.
Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel ($10): Speaking of shaving, this rich, hydrating body wash doubles as shave gel, saving you time and space in your shower caddy. Not to mention, the invigorating scent is sure to wake you up even if you pulled an all-nighter.
Showaflops Sand & Gold Stars Flip Flops ($24): Shower flip-flops are essential for preventing foot fungus, but not every sandal is built alike. These not only feature star-studded holes to drain water and dry faster but also offer a little rock-stud action so you can look stylish while waiting to snag a shower stall.
Bed Bath & Beyond Mesh Shower Tote ($10): No matter what shower essentials you stock up on, you need to carry them around somehow. This tote has enough space for everything, including your phone so you can sing in the shower. And the mesh construction ensures it can dry out completely so you don’t end up scouring soap scum later on.
For Your Vanity Zadro 1x/5x Back to School Vanity Mirror with Tray in Alloy Grey ($13): There’s only so much vanity space in the bathroom. But instead of bumping elbows with your floormates, this magnifying mirror makes it easy to turn your desk into a pamper-friendly zone. Plus its base serves as a handy tray that you can keep jewelry in.
Remington 1" Flat Iron With Anti-Static Technology ($20): If you’re trying to save space, it’s best to buy items that can do double duty. This slim flat iron comes equipped with ceramic and tourmaline plates to straighten and smooth but can also create curls with a flick of a the wrist.
Conair Compact 1875 Watt Folding Handle Hair Dryer ($30): ... Or you could opt for items that easily fold away, like this one from Conair. Don’t let the size fool you — it provides plenty of power to dry your locks and even comes with a cool-shot button so you can set your style.
Batiste Dry Shampoo ($6): Dry shampoo is a busy girl's best friend, especially when there’s no time to shower and style your strands before your next lecture.
Herbivore Prism Exfoliating Glow Potion ($62): There’s no question that college can be stressful, making it way more difficult to keep your complexion clear. This serum is formulated with a rainbow of fruit acids to tackle acne, uneven texture, and tone with rose water and aloe.
Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Crème ($26): All-nighters are a given. But if you’re in zombie mode, this concealer can make you look bright and bushy-tailed in a flash. And since it doesn’t dry out, crack, or budge, no one will know how late you stayed up to finish your assignment.
Tarte Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette ($30): Cosmetic junkies may have some trouble trying to condense their collection in order to fit into a communal space. But if there’s one palette you should pack, it’s this one. With a multitude of nudes, you can create a variety of looks that work for class or that party off-campus.
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($5): Whether you stayed up to finish a term paper or just partied too hard, it’s hard to muster the motivation to do anything besides face-planting into a pillow after. If you’re too tuckered out to go through your full skincare routine, these wipes will get off every stitch of makeup before you snooze.
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