The new term is creeping up now, and many of you will be moving away from your homes for the first time to a new city and new life as a student for the next three to four years. Moving away to University is a big deal. It is the start of your independence as a young adult and an opportunity for you to dip your toes in the water to see what it is like to live on your own and look after yourself.  In this two part article I will be giving you some advice on the essentials you’ll need in order to make sure you look and feel good whilst meeting your dorm mates for the first time, attending lectures, and that all important Fresher’s Week.  Part one is dedicated to the affordable beauty essentials you may want to stock up on whilst away at University…

Batiste Dry Shampoo; £2.39 from Superdrug

Dry Shampoo is a must whilst you’re at University.  If you wake up a little late for lectures after a night out on the tiles and you don’t have enough time to wash your hair, this is perfect for a boost to refresh your hair for the day ahead.  It is also ideal for styling hair to give the illusion that your hair hasn’t been washed for a day or two, and also helps get rid of those pesky fly-away hairs when you want to wear your hair up.

Tresemme Cleanse and Replenish 2-In1 Shampoo; £4.99 from Superdrug

Whilst you’re away at University, there are certain products you are better off buying where you get your value for money, and you know will last you for a good few months.  Shampoo is one of these products, and this Tresemme shampoo is perfect for storing away for Uni.  Tresemme is an extremely popular brand used by luxury hair salons as well as being available as a household brand.  This is a 2-In-1 shampoo, so it both cleanses and conditions your hair, and you get 900ml of product, so could potentially last you a whole term!

Sleek MakeUp Honour Blush; £4.29 from Superdrug

There are certain make-up staples I believe are essential, and one of those is blush.  Blush is a great way to add some colour back to your face if you’re feeling a little peaky after a night out, or if you’ve pulled an all nighter in the library and you’re looking a little pasty due to lack of sleep.  A great blush I love to use is the Sleek blush, where there are a range of colours.  Looking at the packaging you would think it is a high end brand, and it is certainly a high quality product, but with a high street price tag.

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer; £4.19 from Boots

 Concealer is a great product to use to help hide dark circles under your eyes, concealing spots and disguising any redness in your skin tone.  The Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer has become quite a cult product as this concealer does all of the above and then some.  My favourite thing about this product that has had me repurchasing it again and again is the fact that it also hides any large pores, giving the illusion of a flawless complexion.

LOreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara; £10.99 from Superdrug

Mascara really helps to open up your eyes and gives them an instant lift, making them look brighter, even if you’re not really feeling too bright.  The LOreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara has become rather popular recently in the beauty blogging circles.  You can either wear this on it’s own if you’re in a rush, or dress it up with some eye make-up if you’re glamming it up for a night out with your house mates.  Whichever way you chose to wear it, your eyes will look fantastic.

MUA Heaven and Earth Eye Palette; £4.00 from Superdrug

The MUA Heaven and Earth Eye Shadow Palette is the perfect affordable palette to jazz up your eyes.  it has a beautiful range of neutral colours, and just goes to show you don’t always have to fork out a huge amount of money to have good quality make-up in your collection.  There is literally a colour for every occasion in this palette, taking you from a casual day time look, to glamorous evening eyes.

Shea Beautifying Oil; £9.00 from the Body Shop

Keeping your skin moisturised is very important, especially during Fresher’s Week, when you’re no doubt going to be going out A LOT.  Drinking high amounts of alcohol can really dehydrate you, so a little help hydrating your skin again can go a long way.  I find using body oils is far more beneficial than using moisturisers, as it really locks in the moisture after you have been in the shower, and sinks into the skin far quicker as well.  The Body Shop Shea Beautifying Oil is a great quality oil, which leaves your skin feeling beautiful.  £9.00 may seem a little steep for a body oil, but there are always such great offers and discounts on the Body Shop website that it’d be unlikely you’d actually ever pay the full price.

Blistex Intensive Moisturiser; £2.59 from Superdrug

Taking good care of your lips is just as important as taking care of the rest of your body.  The skin on your lips is extremely delicate and needs some TLC from time to time.  Blistex is a fantastic brand and is super hydrating on the lips.  This is essential, especially with the cooler months setting in now.  It’s also important that is has an SPF as well.  Just because it’s coming up to winter, doesn’t mean you cannot suffer from sun damage.

Kleenex Cleansing Facial Wipes; £2.99 for a pack of 24 from Superdrug

As a student it’s always helpful to have some face wipes handy.  after long days in the library, or late nights out on the town (or early mornings depending on how you look at it), sometimes a full cleanse, tone and moisturise routine just seems like a marathon task.  Instead of going to bed in a full face of make-up though, make sure you at least take the excess off with a wipe.  these Kleenex ones are a great brand of face wipes, and are super soft on the skin.

Clean & Clear Advantage Spot Control Kit; £9.29 from Superdrug

Finally, be sure to have a good cleansing kit for your face.  Over the first few weeks of University, when all the excitement is still in place and you’re going out practically every night, your skin may suffer at some point and the odd spot may make an appearance.  To keep spots at bay invest in a kit such as the Clean & Clear Advantage Spot Control Kit, which will help keep your face looking fresh, even if you don’t feel so fresh.

Make sure you call back next week, when I will be sharing part two of the Freshers’ Essentials Kit.  Next week; fashion essentials…