Glow Up 101: 20 Skincare & Beauty Essentials Every College Student Needs

College life is a whirlwind—late-night study sessions, early morning lectures, and the occasional (or frequent) social outing. 

Amidst all this, remembering to put on sunscreen can feel like such a chore, let alone setting a timer for a face mask.

But then that one old lady from your granny’s brunch club tells you her 45-year-old son is single and asks if YOU are interested!!!

That’s when you realize the bitter truth… Your skin is NOT giving young.

So let’s fix that!

Say hello to the tried and trusted, new and hyped, dermatologist-recommended skincare and beauty must-haves of the century.

You don’t need to have every single one of these. Read through and find which ones seem most suitable for your skincare needs.

1. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Okay. I know you know this one. CeraVe is basically a household name now. But has anyone called it over-hyped? I don’t think so. 

This gentle cleanser removes dirt without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. While the ceramide-rich formula restores the skin barrier. 

It’s so easy to use, a partially brain-dead zombie like you (after a 12-hour day of back-to-back lectures and study groups) can’t mess it up. 

2. The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm

I don’t know about you, girl. But the worst part of makeup removal for me is the mascara. It takes some work to get it all off, doesn’t it?

That’s why you need a cleansing balm like this one.

Ideal for removing makeup and SPF, this balm soothes sensitive skin with oat kernel oil. 

It’s a favorite among skincare enthusiasts for its affordability and effectiveness (that means perfect for broke people).

3. Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0

Got hormonal acne? 

Not me, girl. Can’t relate. 

But this editor over at Who What Wear said this product actually cleared her skin. 

These exfoliating pads are infused with AHA and BHA to unclog pores and smooth skin texture. 

Medicube is a Korean brand, so I don’t think I need to say much. It’s not crazy affordable, but it’s not over-the-top expensive either.

4. La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum

Listen, you don’t need to know how to pronounce it to get it to work like magic for you. 

This serum combats dark spots and uneven skin tone with 10% niacinamide and the Melasyl complex. 

It’s a wicked witch’s potion for fading hyperpigmentation.

Spoiler: It does cost a pretty penny…

5. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

The girlies have K-pop biases and anime faves; I have skincare biases. And Neutrogena’s one of them. 

This lightweight moisturizer hydrates with hyaluronic acid, leaving skin plump and refreshed. 

Perfect for layering under makeup or wearing alone.

Bonus: It has SPF 25. 

6. EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40

Ever leave your dorm room in the morning and come back at 4pm looking like you tried to embrace the sun?

Yeah… a good sunscreen is a non-negotiable.

This one provides broad-spectrum protection while giving a subtle tint for a natural glow. Hailey Bieber includes this in her skincare routine for its dual benefits. 

7. Starface Hydro-Stars

Again, not to bragggg, but those acne problems are not on my list of prayers.

But to girls who need them, these fun-shaped hydrocolloid pimple patches protect blemishes and promote healing. 

A favorite among celebrities and students alike.

8. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Do your pores stand out on your face like models on a runway?

Do you have blemishes that just won’t leave, no matter what you do?

This is for you.

A budget-friendly serum that targets enlarged pores and uneven skin tone. It has a minimalist formula that delivers maximum results.

This whole brand rocks, ngl. 

9. Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

I still don’t fully understand why they decided to experiment on snail mucin for skincare. 

But it works, so I’m not complaining.

Corsx harnesses the power of snail mucin to hydrate and repair skin. It’s a K-beauty staple known for its soothing properties. 

Want glowy smooth skin? Start here.

10. Summer Fridays Summer Silk Nourishing Body Lotion

In summer or winter, a good body lotion is a main ingredient in any true recipe for healthy skin.

Summer Friday’s Nourishing Body Lotion is both easy on the skin and easy on the wallet.

Don’t believe that name, though. You can use it on all days of the week.

11. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

It has gentle’ in it. That should make you feel safe. 

Cetaphil doesn’t have as much hype as a lot of other brands, but this is a good product for the price.

A classic, non-irritating cleanser ideal for sensitive skin. It’s a go-to for dermatologists and students on a budget.

12. Pixi Glow Tonic

Some say this product gets its name from the forest pixies who made it. 

Some is me. I am wrong.

This exfoliating toner with 5% glycolic acid brightens and refines skin texture. Use it a few times a week for a radiant complexion.

13. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+

Want to have skin as succulent as your favourite period K-drama leads?

You can’t. They use filters, and makeup, and expert lighting.

But you can protect your skin as well as they do.

This lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen blends seamlessly into the skin. It’s perfect for daily wear and doesn’t leave a white cast.

14. The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream

Caffeine isn’t just for staying awake. It’s also for having pretty eyes.

Inkey List’s eye cream targets puffiness and dark circles with caffeine and peptides. A must-have for early mornings after late-night study sessions.

15. TULA Skin Care 24-7 Moisture Day & Night Peptide Lip Mask

Whether for talking, eating, or slurping down lattes, you use your lips every day. 

They deserve some love.

This deeply hydrating lip mask nourishes your lips and keeps them glossy and smooth all day long.

And it’s less than $20 on Amazon.

16. Saie Glowy Super Gel Illuminating Primer

After a good skin prep, a primer is the next layer you need to get a solid base for flawless makeup.

Saie cooked, ate, and left no crumbs with this primer. 

It naturally adds a dewy glow to your complexion, making it perfect for a no-makeup clean girl look or a glow from within look under a full glam.

17. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Setting Spray 

When you’re done with the face beat, of course, you need to set and seal in your work.

This $16 setting spray just won best setting spray in Cosmopolitan’s Holy Grail Beauty Awards. So it comes well recommended.

L’Oréal also claims this spray lasts up to 36 hours, so it should see you through a full day on campus.

18. Minoxidil

This is a hair growth treatment. Super random, I know.

But college is a non-leading cause of hair loss. Engineering students might know what I mean. 

In any case, hair is a part of beauty. And some people struggle with hair loss at a young age. Minoxidil works super fast and is medically approved. 

It can be tricky to use though, and once you start using it, you have to use it forever or go right back to square one. 

Check out dermatologist Dr Shereene Idriss’ hacks for using Minoxidil.

19. Homecourt Cocomoi Body Wash

This is a wash that stays with you after you leave the shower.

You’ll be smelling like nature, sunsets, and relaxation. Basically, the opposite of what you’ll be feeling with school stress.

Tired of body washes that just smell like roses? 

Try this one.

20. Byoma Brightening Serum

Hyperpigmentation kicking your multi-coloured butt?

Byoma might have the solution.

This serum combines niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to brighten and hydrate the skin. 

It’s a great addition to any skincare routine for a luminous complexion.

Invest in Your Self-Care 

Navigating skincare in college can be tough, but your skin needs attention and love. 

Pick your must-haves from this list, and you can build a routine that fits your schedule and budget while keeping your skin healthy and glowing. 

Remember, consistency is key, and your skin will thank you for the TLC!

Wishing you peace, funds, and healthy skin,

Dee