Any true beauty junkie knows that product obsession doesn't end with hair and makeup; a well-thought-out beauty regimen starts in the shower! From body washes and loofahs to good ol' shampoo and conditioner, how you prep your skin and hair in the shower makes a world of difference when it comes time to primp for the day. To make sure that you're getting the most out of your products, the dedicated beauty editors at Her Campus are sharing with you the secrets of their showers and divulging their best bathroom beauty tips!
I have a confession to make: I take really long showers. I know that it's bad for the environment and I really try to cut back when I can (I brush my teeth in the shower so that's definitely saving water, right?), but there's something about a nice, hot shower that helps me clear my head. I like to use a shower as an opportunity to give myself a mini pamper session and make sure I'm looking and feeling my best. For a little background info, I shower every day, usually at night, and then let my hair air-dry while I sleep. Read on to find out which products I use, how I use them and how you can, too!
Cleanser
The very first thing I do when I get in the shower is cleanse my face to remove the bulk of my makeup or any sweat or debris that could be clogging my pores. I love the Aveeno Positively Radiant Brightening Cleanser ($6.99) because it's gentle enough to use both morning and night and has a brightening effect that makes my skin look healthy and glowing. I have combination/oily skin, so I love that it controls any oil without stripping my face or making it feel super dry.
Shampoo and Conditioner
After I've wet my hair, I go right in with shampoo. I mix up my shampoo and conditioner every few months, but right now I'm using an old favorite, the Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner with White Nectarine & Pink Coral Flower (both $4.97 at Walmart). Not only do these products smell amazing, but they also add serious volume without weighing my hair down with product. I do wash my hair every day, which I know isn't great for it (gulity as charged). I concentrate the conditioner on the middle and end sections of my hair, especially if I've been in the sun a lot or my hair has been exposed to chlorine. If my hair is feeling dry, I'll let my conditioner sit in my hair for a little longer while I shave to really hydrate my strands.
Clarifying Shampoo
I only use a clarifying shampoo once a week or so, or if my hair is really oily or I've used a lot of product recently. Basically, a clarifying shampoo is specifically designed to remove any product buildup and leave your hair squeaky clean. You don't want to use a clarifying shampoo every day because it can strip your hair of its natural oils and leave it brittle and susceptible to breakage, but if you use a lot of product or have oily hair, it can be a great way to remove any buildup. I discovered the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo ($5.49-$7.99) in high school and I've used it religiously ever since!
Exfoliant
Once I've washed and conditioned my hair, it's time to deal with my body. I start by exfoliating with a scrub. The fan favorite St. Ives Fresh Skin Invigorating Apricot Scrub ($5.29) does the trick, and I can use it on my face or body. I use it to exfoliate my face about once a week to remove dead skin, encourage glowing skin and help my foundation apply more smoothly. I exfoliate my body every few days and make sure to use the exfoliant everywhere, concentrating on areas that tend to be a bit rougher, like my feet, elbows and knees (this is especially important if you use self-tanner!).
Razor
An especially important step in the summer months, shaving is most likely an integral (if annoying) part of your shower routine. I shave under my arms every day and everything else every other day or so, but it really depends on how quickly your hair grows. I typically use my Dove body wash as a shaving cream because of how thick and moisturizing it is, but a shaving cream is obviously ideal. I've been using a razor very similar to the Simply Venus Disposable Razor in Pink ($7.99 at CVS) for the past few days and I love it, especially on freshly exfoliated skin!
"Down There"Cleanser
Let's have a little chat, collegiette to collegiette. You really should be cleansing your lady parts, and while a normal body wash will do the trick, your best bet is a pH balancing wash like this Summer's Eve Simply Sensitive Cleansing Wash ($4.69 at Target). It's designed specifically for the land down under. Gentle and effective, it will keep you feeling fresh all summer long!
Body Wash
Once you've taken care of the specifics, you're ready to get squeaky clean everywhere else. I love the Dove Go Fresh Rebalance Body Wash with Plum & Sakura Blossom ($7.79 at Walgreens) because it smells good enough to eat (although I don't recommend this) and it's a really thick consistency for a body wash, which means it's super moisturizing. It helps to soothe your skin after shaving but doesn't leave a residue. Lather up, and don't forget behind your ears!
I finish off by washing my face one last time before stepping out of the shower. Sometimes I'll add an intense hair mask and throw on a shower cap while I shave if my hair is feeling really dehydrated, but for the most part, this is the routine. I love pampering myself in the shower and feeling fresh and clean at the end of a long day.
What are your shower must-haves, collegiettes? Share your favorite products in the comments!