School is back in session. I’m personally starting this fall back to the grind, adding extracurriculars and expanding my gym and recess sessions. But my daughters, on the other hand, will be immersed in their respective schooling. One with university demands and a busy schedule, and the other planning for university and prom. Back to school beauty demands are on my doorstep. Sudden zits, flyaway hairs, eczema…there’s always something.
And with one kid almost three hours away, it’s hard to be hands-on with all these little emergencies. Instead, I send them away with some tried and treasured tools and tricks to keep their focus on what matters, their studies. And boys. ¯_(ツ)_/¯
Dorm Beauty: Everything You Need for Head-to-Toe Care
Just as when they were little: haircuts, teeth cleaning, eye checkups and, well, now, a facial and some pedicures too. While most of this may get chalked up to self-care, it’s an important step to returning to a routine, and when fostering new friendships, we tend to feel our best when we look our best.
A terrible haircut in mid-August is way more forgiving than one in early September. Same goes for adjusting to new glasses. Getting back to basics, embracing individuality and building confidence for what’s ahead can take you a lot further than a pair of Uggs ever will.
There may not be much room in the budget for blowouts, but you can get the same look for way less right in your room. One caveat I always cling to: the better the quality, the better the outcome. Outfitting your dorm beauty war chest with a few good weapons means you can feel confident in creating the trendiest new looks for tresses.
Starting with what goes on the hair, employ deeply protecting and nourishing products that support seasonal changes and tighter schedules. OLAPLEX is a go-to duo for its hydrating formulas that protect against heat damage.
Back to School Traditions: CNE Survival Guide
Some goodies to stash for hair girlies: OLAPEX No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo & No. 5 Conditioner, OLAPEX No. 7 Bonding Oil
Getting the look for way less, a magic wand-like alternative to a blow dryer, Infiniti PRO by Conair is a high-tech effort that takes up little space. The infrared thermal brush comes with an ionic generator to pull four heat settings up to 400°F.
For on-the-go flexes, even for the broccoli boys, this hot pink number, also by Conair, brings easy frizz control and smoother locks on the fly. The Cordless Heated Touchup Brush is rechargeable via USB-C and is a handy two-in-one for tight spaces.
Dorm Beauty: Body Essentials for Campus Life
Nothing can derail a first impression quite like a massive pimple. And while stress, new eating habits and sleep deprivation play a role, being prepared for the worst is a part of life. I’m 46 and still getting the odd zit. Lame! Stock them with some proven acne treatments to support the inevitable as they arise.
Pimple patches did not exist when I was a wee lass, and I wish they did. So discreet, these targeted patches mean no missing out. Also new for this generation, the acknowledgement that we sometimes get acne other places too.
A few of our favourite treatments to banish the baddies: 🧼 Panoxyl Daytime Invisible Patches 🧼 Acne Gel Wash 🧼 Acne Banishing Body Spray
As essential as a sturdy shower caddy and flip-flops, an exfoliating EcoTools Bath Cloth is a spa-like treatment that refreshes the skin. Some kids may be venturing out on their own for the first time, and something as natural as body odour can feel like a social dealbreaker.
One fun way to remember home (and to shower) is to send them off with a few favourite bars of soap. La Puck Body Soap smells like winning, and a reminder of our rink times together. Georgian Bay’s The Holmstead uses pure goat’s milk for its beautiful line of earthy suds. Dorm beauty rule basics are to not smell. Hit back to school with a bang, not a bleh.
And year-round, we can’t ignore the real risks of sun damage. As the mother of a ginger, sunscreen is non-negotiable. Equip them with a variety of easy-to-wear formulas, like the popular line from Blue Lizard. Because it blends quickly and is long-lasting, this trusted brand is both my daughter’s favourite SPF.
From Home to Dorm: The New Face Routine
Meanwhile, sharing a bathroom can create countertop chaos for back to school beauty routines. Streamline the process with a kit that can go from gym to dorm and everywhere in between.
For students heading back to the dorms, Di Morelli’s Canadian-made medical-grade skincare kit is a smart little lineup for acne-prone skin. Built for dorm beauty multitasking, it includes a quick-absorbing, lovely-smelling soothing gel formulated with botanical ingredients. A foaming gel cleanser boasts oat amino acids for nourishing and protecting. A deep clarifying charcoal mask derails any dead and oily skin issues.
For sensitive and acne-prone skin, this four-step kit helps keep skin clear by targeting breakouts, clogged pores and excess oil.
🦋Cleanser Foaming Gel 🦋Soothing Gel 🦋Clarifying Charcoal Mask 🦋 Clear Skin Solution Packets
Shop at DiMorelli.com
Lead photo by Gabriel Beaudry on Unsplash.
All other photos by Libby Roach.
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