Everyone has their own “beauty routine.” But the problem with all routines is that they become, well, routine. It is easy to get comfortable in the familiarity of your own make-up, skincare and hair regiments that you forget to update it.
Don’t get caught being complacent. Instead of moisturizing in autopilot, here are five things you need to incorporate into your beauty routine that are not only super easy, but super important.
One—Change your moisturizer with the season
Just like you switch up your wardrobe depending on the season, you should do the same with your skincare routine—especially your moisturizer. During the winter, your skin is obviously more dry (thanks snow/wind/freezing temperatures!) and in need of major hydration. But come summer, the dirty truth is we sweat more and a heavy moisturizer can clog your pores. Switch your moisturizer to make sure your skin glows year round!
Two—Use anti-aging products now
As a college student, probably the only thing you aren’t stressed about are wrinkles. (Ah, to be young!) But instead of simply waiting around and waiting for that first smile line to appear, get ahead of the game. Even though your skin is wrinkle-free now, slow down the aging process by incorporating anti-aging products in your skincare routine. (Bonus—eye cream helps reduce the tired appearance of those late-night study sessions!)
Three—Stock your medicine cabinet at the grocery store
Most of my favorite beauty products are actually not from the cosmetics counter, but rather the grocery store. Think about it. Why would buy a product that boosts the benefits of Vitamin E when you can just buy Vitamin E instead without all the other nonsense? Whole, natural products are not only far more effective, but also relatively inexpensive and versatile. For example, instead of a traditional lotion, slather on some pure coconut oil after you shower. (Bonus—you can use it in a pinch when you are craving some late night baking as well!)
Four–Beauty sleep is about more than clocking the hours
Even if you are getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep a night (which you definitely should!), you can still wake up looking a little disheveled. One thing that works serious magic while you sleep is a silk or satin pillowcase. Standard cotton pillowcases suck moisture and cause a lot of friction. A high-sheen fabric does wonders for your hair by preventing frizz and prolonging styles. Plus, resting on a smoother fabric reduces the appearance of sleep lines and prevents bacteria from spreading (adios acne!).
Five—The power of a cold shower
Before you hop out of the shower, stay 10 seconds longer and turn the temperature way, way down. Rinsing your hair with cold water at the end of a hot shower helps seal the cuticle, adding shine and retaining all the goodness from your shampoo and conditioner within the strands.
