College Essentials: Grooming

I decided to compile a cardboard box of grooming essentials that was simple and compact for college, especially since last year I brought way too much stuff. I am not a fan of buying the large size of cosmetics because I feel it collects more bacteria from such prolonged use and it may expire before I use it, but I need a no fuss, no muss routine. It is less expensive just having bulk sizes and I won't have to worry about finding time to shop for supplies in between classes. Below I have created a generic list of cosmetics every girl will want to bring to college as well as my personal, more specific list.

Of course, everyone's needs differ, so please consider what works best for you and modify the lists as you please.

Skin and Body Care
You will want a shower gel or cream because I tend to drop bar soaps in the public shower at school. You will also want body lotion, shampoo and conditioner, facial cleanser, facial moisturizer, hand lotion, lip balm, fragrance, and perhaps a body scrub. Try not to overwhelm your dorm with three different body lotions and four facial cleansers, etc. The simpler your grooming kit is, the easier it is to keep it organized and clean.

My Picks:

L'Occitane Shea Butter Body Lotion 16.9 fl oz

L'Occitane Shea Ultra Rich Hands & Body Wash 16.8 fl oz

Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish 14.1 oz

KIEHL'S Ultimate Strength Hand Salve 5 oz

Josie Maran Argan Oil 1.7 oz

La Mer Creme de la Mer 2 oz

Dior 'Escale à Pondichéry' Eau de Toilette 4.25 oz

COR Facial Soap 120g

WEN Cleansing Conditioner 32 oz (A shampoo and conditioner in one.)

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

Dior Color Awakening Lip Balm

Makeup
For makeup, try to keep the selection small. I noticed that when I bring more makeup, the less likely I am to put it on in the morning and look presentable because the over abundance of makeup products will overwhelm me. You will want a tinted moisturizer or foundation, eye primer, liquid or kohl liner, mascara, eyelash curler, and one or two eye shadow compacts that can used day or night. Try to stick with one of each product.

My choices are:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

Laura Mercier Eye Base
YSL Liquid Liner

YSL Faux Cils Mascara

YSL Eye Shadow Duo #17

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

Small Essentials

Hair Bands

4 Sided Nail Buffer

Nail File

Makeup Sponges

Antiperspirant

Razors

Shaving Gel/ Cream