It’s that time of year again, where schools re-open and the learning begins. Whether you’re looking forward too it, or already counting down till Christmas, there are plenty of things to do before you find yourself in those crowded halls again.
You’ve probably already stocked up on your school supplies, with your schedule and classes written down and uniform washed and ironed (if you have one.) So instead of focusing on the schooling essentials you probably already have, let’s focus on those self-essentials, to have you feeling and looking your best, from the start to the end of the school year, hopefully taking some of those added worries off your chest.
Skincare
Looking after your skin is important, especially so in your teens to early twenties. Those tumultuous years are where you will experience the most changes in your skin, whether that is due to hormones, anxiety, stress or, just the emotional rollercoaster that being young can bring. No matter your skin type or the concerns you may have, you want to make sure that you are taking care of your face, morning and night.
Luckily, there is no need for a ten-step skincare routine here. All you really need is a good, basic and affordable routine that will give your skin the tlc it deserves, without taking up too much time or money. A simple, all needs covered routine includes: A Cleanser, A Moisturiser and An SPF. There is a fourth step that can be added, IF you feel it’s necessary for your skin, but I will speak on that in a bit.
When it comes to cleansers, you want something that is going to get rid of the dirt and sweat in one fell swoop, leaving you with fresh, smooth skin, without turning you into a prune. This is where I think the CeraVe range of cleansers really shines, as not only do they do all of the above, but they do it affordably. My personal favourite, the SA Smoothing cleanser also doubles as gentle exfoliator, as it contains Salicylic Acid - and exfoliation is key in maintaining soft and clear skin. However, all their cleansers have great benefits, and they have a wide range to suit all skin types.
The key to a good moisturiser is understanding what your skin really needs. The basic rule of thumb is as follows: If you have oily and/or combination skin, then opt for a lighter moisturiser, such as a lotion or gel, that has no added oils. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, look for a cream, the thicker the better depending on your needs. Though this isn’t set in stone, it is a good rule to follow.
Though my skin is currently sat in the dehydrated/normal category, I used to have oily/combo skin, so I have tested moisturisers on both ends of the spectrum.
So, my top picks: If you have oily/combo skin, go for the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser. Honestly, this stuff is amazing and I’ve been using it repeatedly this summer. It has kept even my unquenchable skin nourished all day, which is saying something. For those of you with dry/dehydrated skin, give the Weleda Skin Food a try (in normal or light.) This gem is an absolute and affordable life saver for skin that will just not stay hydrated. I recommend trying the light version first, as the normal is incredibly thick and felt a bit too heavy for the warm weather. I do have some honourable mentions, so check my picks below.
Finding the right SPF can be a little tricky, especially if you’re trying to find a good one that doesn’t leave a white cast. My all-time favourite SPF is actually an odd one, it’s the Vitamin E Day Lotion SPF30 from the Body Shop. Though it’s technically a moisturiser and not the strongest protection on the market, it sinks in beautifully, doesn’t leave a cast and a little goes a long way, so it will last you a while. Another good SPF is the La Roche Posay Anthelios Hydrating Cream SPF50. This is powerful protection, that won’t break the bank and has a nice, smooth texture with the added benefits of hydrating the skin.
As a possible fourth step, that you’d slot in between your cleanser and moisturiser, is an exfoliant. If you feel like your routine just isn’t cutting it, or are looking for a product to better help you combat acne, scarring and uneven skintone, then investing in an exfoliant, whether that be physical or chemical, is a good idea.
If you’ve been keeping up with the blog, then you know I have long ranted and raved about my love affair with the Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Exfoliant, which is a holy grail product for me. However, it can be a little expensive to upkeep. Therefore, two good alternatives to Paula’s Choice BHA I'd suggest, are the: The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum and The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (another holy grail product for me.) Both of these products are affordable and will give you the same results; you just need to have a little patience. As for those of you looking for physical exfoliants, give the Secret Key: Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel a try (especially good for uneven skintone,) or the Dermalogica: Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator (this one is pricey but a gem.)
Bodycare
Your body is just as important as your face and, you want your hygiene game to be on point. I’ve already talked in depth about routines that will keep you fresh and smelling good all day, so please check those out here: Summer Body Care Routine and Affordable Hygiene Routine. However, I will talk about some hygiene products you will want to make sure are in your school bag throughout the year, to help keep you fresh and odour free.
A good deodorant is a must have. Always keep a travel one in your bag so you can top up during the day if you need too. Personally, I find cream deodorants work the best, but sprays and roll-ons are fine aswell. If you feel that your deodorant just isn’t cutting it, try layering. Use a cream or roll-on, let it dry down a bit, then apply a spray over the top. Keep both in your bag to top up later.
I know a fair few people wear perfume to school and that’s great. However, if that's something you can't do, for whatever reason, then body spray is a cheaper and safer alternative; just throw in your bag and bring it along for the day. You can easily refresh it during lunch and it’ll last the several hours you are there. I'd recommend scents that are clean and fresh, or lightly sweet, so they are easily wearable throughout the day.
Don't forget the wipes! Wipes are a godsend honestly, as they can be used for so many things. School can be a dirty and sweaty place, so it’s always good to have a pack of wipes on hand. For those of you that use wipes after using the toilet, make sure you get the flushable ones. I’m also going to slide in some antibacterial gel or lotion here, especially with recent events, you will want to be making sure you are keeping your hands as clean as you can.
This might seem like an odd one, but the number of times I wished I'd had a hand cream with me at school is maddening. You spend so much of the day doing things with your hands, by the time you leave they look like they’ve aged by twenty years, especially if you are actively trying to keep them clean. So, pop a non-expensive hand cream in your bag and break it out whenever your hands are giving you the side eye.
Finally, looking after your body includes the inside too, and that means making sure you stay hydrated throughout the day. Get yourself a water bottle that you can easily refill between classes. If you can afford it, invest in one that will keep your water cold all day, or just a cute one that will encourage you to stay hydrated, because we all know drinking water can feel like another task.
Have a good school year and thanks for reading!
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