People always seem to pass off week one of the semester as easy, but you have no idea what this peaceful “syllabus week” actually is––you’ve been doing homework since day one! If beginning of semester struggles are already weighing you down, it’s important to find a little “you” time during each week to relax and get a fresh start.
Every collegiette knows that the best way to rejuvenate is with a good pampering session. Not sure how to find the time or how to treat yourself? Just clear an hour on Sunday to restore your energy for the coming week, and then follow these eight self-care steps for the ultimate fresh start.
Step One: Relax and Mask
There’s nothing like slathering on a yummy face mask, then curling up with a cozy blanket and your latest Netflix binge for some blissful relaxation. Our absolute favorite masks are the ones from Freeman Beauty because they have a huge selection of mask offerings for the mood and are perfect for a college girl’s budget. Pick from the Rejuvenating Cucumber + Pink Salt Clay Mask, Manuka Honey + Tea Tree Oil Clay Mask + Cleanser or the Detoxifying Charcoal + Black Sugar Mud Mask for skin that’s nourished and fresh for whatever this week throws your way. Want to make your skin pampering a group event instead? Host a ladies’ night in and mask with your squad!
Step Two: Love Your Locks
Hair is honestly ~everything~. When your tresses feel bad, so do you. That’s why your key task for the coming week is to love your ‘do with some of the yummy hair cocktails from Bed Head by TIGI! Give your hair a fresh smell and feel with Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo or Oh Bee Hive! Matte Dry Shampoo, and then set your style with Masterpiece Shine Hairspray or Hard Head Hairspray. Honestly, your hair will never have felt better after TIGI is done with you.
Step Three: Keep Your Summer Glow
The surest way to start a new week looking fresh is by maintaining that just-back-from-summer glow. Sadly, a new semester means saying goodbye to tanning by the pool, but L'Oréal Paris has some amazing hacks for keeping up that bronze-y beauty throughout the school year. Use Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes or Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Salon Airbrush Mist for skin that looks like you walked straight off a beach, and then hydrate and moisturize with Hydra Genius to solidify your glow. When your skin looks better, you’ll feel that much better.
Step Four: Flash a Smile
It’s true that nothing is more beautiful than a bright, happy smile, so take some time during your pampering session to care for your pearly whites. One handy tool you might not have in your medicine cabinet is the Steripod Clip-On Toothbrush Protector! Steripod uses thymol (which is also found in mouthwash) to release active vapors that create a clean environment for your toothbrush. Say hello to a toothbrush that’s fresh and protected for three months, and goodbye to stray contaminants that may come near––this is super important for flu season and finals! Your semester will be totally improved by your revitalized smile.
Step Five: Dress Up in Denim
A hack for making your week that much less stressful is to plan your outfits ahead of time. On Sunday night, peruse your wardrobe and set aside a chic look for each day––no more stressing about what to wear! To keep your daily style versatile and on trend, we recommend donning some Aéropostale denim. Whether you’re going casual to class or dressing up for a sorority event, a pair of Aéropostale jeans will carry you through. Definitely include these in your weekly plan!
Step Six: Snack
Are you really even pampering if you’re not snacking while doing it? To give your semester that extra but of fun, try choosing a snack that’s tangy and bright! HI-CHEW Candy is the perfect pick-me-up, whether you’re relaxing before a long week or need something to pop in your mouth between classes. Plus, how can you not feel refreshed every day when you're literally munching on goodies made with real fruit juice and purees?
Step Seven: Hydrate
Hydration is key for making your body feel detoxed and ready to take on anything, but why not add a little fizzy, fruity fun to your water? We love Spindrift Sparkling Water because it’s the only sparkling water made with real squeezed fruit, and the freshness it provides will have you feeling better all week. We’re ready for a glass right now!
Step Eight: Organize and Motivate
End your pampering session with some much-needed planning and strategizing for the week to come. Whether you’re tackling your to-do list or goal setting, spending some time immersed in your Erin CondrenHardbound Life Planner is a must! Organization never looked more stylish than with this personalized 18-month book. Visit ErinCondren.com to pick back to school essentials that you can customize to your individual style and personalize with your name. From the colorful 3-ring binder to metallic pocket folders and designer pencil sets, you have everything you need to stay motivated and on-trend so you can keep being the amazing, overachieving collegiate that you are!
Do you feel relaxed and refreshed yet? With our eight steps for self-care, we hope you can keep stress low and happiness high throughout the semester. And if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, remember to slow down and take time to give yourself that fresh start you so definitely deserve.