This college-friendly skincare routine takes away all the fuss and gets the job done
College students are always on-the-go and looking for the least time-consuming method of doing anything and everything. As they say: work smarter, not harder! The hours in a day are simply not enough for a college student's full to-do list. On top of that, everything is expensive. (In this economy?!) Being a student means that you have to budget your expenses and save when you can. This is why we figured out an ideal college-friendly skincare routine that won’t take up too much of your time and money.
Everyone wants to achieve that natural glow from within, and we learned how to do just that without the gazillion steps that come with an elaborate routine. Breaking it down into three simple steps, this routine is perfect for beginners and individuals who simply don’t have time. And don’t worry, all our recommendations are P1,000 and under, budget-friendly for students! We’re all here for affordable yet effective products.
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Double Cleanse
The first step is the essential double cleanse. After a long and grueling day of moving from place to place, stressing over papers and attending meetings, the build-up of dirt on your face is very likely. Not to mention the whole day of mask-wearing and sweating underneath. And if you wear makeup, this step is especially important! Two of our favorite cleansing balms are Issy & Co’s Cleansing Butter and Banila Co’s Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm. They are so easy to use, and melts makeup and dirt right off.
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| Issy & Co’s Cleansing Butter (P549) | Banila Co’s Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (P620) |
Don’t forget to use a water-based facial cleanser after a cleansing balm to ensure that your skin is thoroughly cleansed (without that drying feeling)—guaranteeing that the next skincare steps will be absorbed right into skin. For facial cleansers, the Human Nature Balancing Facial Wash Elemi and Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser are must-tries.
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| Human Nature Balancing Facial Wash Elemi (P219.75) | Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser (₱321) |
Moisturize
The next step in your skincare routine is to moisturize! Moisturizing hydrates and refreshes your skin, which in turn, will leave you with a youthful glow. Whether you have extremely dry or oily skin, you can’t forget this step. The trick is to find a moisturizer that balances your skin and leaves you feeling good. Listen to your skin!
For moisturizers, we have to recommend Happy Skin’s Overnight Calming Cream and Etude House’s Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream. Happy Skin’s Overnight Calming Cream is formulated with Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides and Cica—four skin-loving ingredients that aim to soothe skin and will let you wake up feeling refreshed. Meanwhile, Etude House’s Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream is made with natural ingredients that strengthen and protect the skin barrier. So slap on that moisturizer, your skin will thank you for it.
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| Happy Skin Overnight Calming Cream (P899) | Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream (P1,000) |
SPF
And last but not the least, our favorite step: sunscreen. Please (we beg you), don’t forget to load up on SPF! Using a good sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun; it also reduces skin damage and wrinkles. Before you ask, yes, you have to wear sunscreen—even when it’s not sunny out.
For affordable but protective sunscreens you can use daily, you have to try TikTok-approved Fairy Skin Premium Brightening Sunscreen and local favorite BLK Cosmetics Daydream Airy Sunscreen. Both are loaded with SPF 50 PA +++ and have lightweight formulas.
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| Fairy Skin Premium Brightening Sunscreen (P169) | BLK Cosmetics Daydream Airy Sunscreen (P549) |
Don’t forget to slather on sunscreen before you leave the house, especially when you find yourself commuting and walking to different buildings on campus.
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This one is for all of you beginners who don’t know where to start. This is also for busy guys and gals who have trouble fitting skincare into their schedules. Skip everything but these three steps!
Words Julia Makalintal
Art Macky Arquilla
