Packing for college is overwhelming. There are so many important things to remember that it becomes really easy to forget about the little things. When it comes to packing beauty items for school, you might just bring along the makeup and hair products you've been using all summer. While this is totally fine, you probably want to consider bringing along a few other beauty products that will make your college life a little bit easier.
Even if you're not that into doing your makeup or styling your hair, you know to bring the bare basics: shampoo, conditioner, mascara, eye shadow, eye liner, a brush, some moisturizer, probably a nice facial cleanser. I hate to tell you this — but you're missing a lot. I'm not saying you have to turn into a YouTube fashion vlogger who owns seven different bottles of foundation and can contour in under a minute, but I do think you should expand your horizons and add some new products to your beauty bag.
Even if you're already in your dorm room, there has to be a drugstore nearby where you can pick up some of these things. Want to stock up on makeup and hair items that will make getting ready for class, parties, study dates, and everything in between more simple? Here are 20 beauty products you didn't know you needed in college.
1. Dry Conditioner
Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Conditioner, $25, Amazon
You've heard of dry shampoo, right? Dry conditioner is also a thing, and it's kind of a miracle-worker. While dry shampoo makes your hair look fresh and not greasy, stylist Natasha Sunshine told Cosmopolitan that dry conditioner makes hair look smoother, softer, and shinier, without feeling icky, It's a must for the days you don't have time to wash your hair but want it to look nice.
2. A Travel Hair Dryer
Bed Head Road Trip 1875 W. Tourmaline Ceramic Travel Dryer, $22, Amazon
Space is going to be limited in your dorm room, so you need to size down when possible. This travel dryer folds in half for easy storage, and, in my experience, works just as well as a regular dryer.
3. Tweezers
Tweezerman Slant Tweezer, $14, Amazon
If you want eyebrows on fleek but can't find a place to get them done near your new school, you'll need to touch them up on your own. In my opinion, Tweezerman tweezers are the best, and starting September, they have a tool that allows you to engrave your name on them. As silly as that might sound, it will come in handy when your roomies try to "borrow" this little guy.
4. The Wet Brush
Wet Brush Pro Detangle Hair Brush, $9, Amazon
If you haven't used the Wet Brush yet, I don't know what you're doing with your life. This brush is made for wet hair, and I can attest that it works like a dream. It detangles quickly and easily, and works better on wet hair than any other brush I've ever tried. Get one for quick styling before class.
5. Spot Treatment
Clean and Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment, $6, Amazon
I hate to break it to you, but just because you're out of high school doesn't mean your acne will magically go away. Bring along a spot treatment for those nights or mornings you realize a pimple is taking over your nose. I've tried plenty of similar versions, but this classic from Clean & Clear remains my favorite.
6. Face Wash/Makeup Remover
Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser, $8, Rite Aid
I'm sure you already thought to bring a face wash and makeup remover, right? This Neutrogena option is special because it's both in one — and it's gentle. I have sensitive skin and I use this all the time to remove my makeup and cleanse my face. It's so much easier.
7. A Razor That Moisturizes
Schick Intuition Pure Nourishment with Coconut Milk and Almond Oil Razor Refills, $16, Walgreens
Why buy shaving cream and a razor when you could buy a razor that has shaving cream in it? Much easier for storage!
8. Cleansing Towelettes
Yes To Coconut Cleansing Wipes, $7, Asos
Whether you're rushing around from class to class or you didn't have time to shower after your workout, cleansing towelettes are ideal for the days you need to freshen up fast. Use them until you have time to bathe.
9. Spray Body Lotion
Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturizer (Pack of 2), $16, Amazon
Yeah, it's nice to put on body lotion after a shower, but who has time for that every morning? This Vaseline spray moisturizer leaves skin soft and goes on in seconds. I'm especially a fan because of how fast it dries.
10. A Tooth Whitening Pen
Go Smile On The Go Teeth Whitening Pen, $19, Ulta
Just a guess, but you're probably going to be drinking a lot of coffee, which can stain your teeth. Get yourself a whitening pen to keep your smile bright, like this one I keep in my purse.
11. Dry Shampoo
Batiste Dry Shampoo, $8, Walgreens
Every single college girl needs dry shampoo. It's a must-have. I think it's a pretty obvious item, but in case you forgot, I had to include it. This will save your life on the days you don't have time to wash your hair but want to look presentable. Batiste is one basically the OG of DS, and it's still my favorite drugstore brand.
12. Skin Brightener
Vitamin C Instant Glow Enhancer, $24, The Body Shop
If you plan on partying, you can also plan on dealing with a dull complexion. This Vitamin C Glow Enhancer brightens up your skin while also moisturizing. It's so energizing, and I'm obsessed with the citrus scent.
13. Highlighter
Flower Glisten Up Highlighter, $10, Walmart
If you don't want to spend a lot of time on your makeup every day, get yourself this highlighter chubby. It's super easy to use and will brighten up your face. You can swipe this on your cheekbones, down your nose, and on your chin for an instant glow on the mornings you don't have time to do your whole face.
14. Tinted Moisturizer
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, $44, Sephora
This is another great product for the days you don't really have time for makeup. Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer is so clutch that you can use it in place of foundation when you need to. It gives a little color, makes skin feel awesome, and has SPF.
15. A Mini Eye Palette
Lorac Pro Matte Eye Shadow Palette, $28, Lorac
You're probably going to be running around to other dorm rooms to get ready before going out. A mini eye shadow palette is much easier to carry around. This Lorac Matte palette has some great neutrals for a brown smokey eye (or a more neutral, daytime look). Lorac's eye shadow is super pigmented and lasts forever.
16. Eye and Cheek Combo
Tarte Cheek Stain in Blushing Bride, $30, Sephora
Cut down on time and storage space with products that do two things in one. This Tarte Cheek Stain works as a blush and on your lips for a little color. I love the Blushing Bride shade, which is a bright pink that still manages to be subtle. This feels creamy and soft, and looks very natural.
17. Primer
Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Facial Primer, $32, Sephora
Face primer is great for keeping your makeup on all day long or all night. This Too Faced primer is made to keep makeup in place while also giving your skin life.
18. Undereye Concealer
Alba Botanica Fast Fix for Undereye Circles, $9 Amazon
Whether you're up all night studying, partying, or hooking up, one thing's for sure: You don't want to deal with dark undereye circles. This little concealer is yellow, so it really negates dark circles. It's also tiny enough to carry everywhere.
19. Nude Eyeliner
Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Inner Rim Brightener, $20, Tarte
Still fighting the exhausted look? Use this Tarte Inner Rim Brightener. The peach color works great on your lower waterline to make eyes look brighter and wide awake instantly. It's probably my favorite quick and easy beauty trick.
20. Styling Cream
Bumble and Bumble Don't Blow It Styler, $31, Sephora
This is my favorite hair product right now. Don't have time to blow out your hair? Apply this styling cream, which is made for the days you don't want to use heating tools. It leaves hair soft, frizz-free, and shiny, without having to struggle with a round brush.
Now you can head to college full equipped, but be prepared — your roommates will probably want to raid your makeup bag.
Images: jul14ka/Fotolia; Courtesy Brands
