It's time for reality to descend for the thousands of students around the country and going back to college or school (or starting for the first time) means you're going to be brokeio for the next four years. Unless you've got a rich pair of old dears in which case you can skip merrily over this post and head straight for the LaMer counter.
But if you're like the rest of us (and of course you don't have to be in college to want to get the best products for the best price) then read on.
Facecloths
Seriously, this will be your best investment. For a tiny amount you can pick up a pack o' facecloths (or muslins if you prefer) - or even better you can nick some from the bathroom at home. They'll work hard all year, taking off makeup and exfoliating gently while they're at it.
And either someone has made a boo boo on the Tesco site or the face cloths are EXTREMELY cheap. I spotted this yesterday.
Cleanse
- In times fadó cleansing oils cost a blaaady fortune and unless you could stretch your grant money to Shu Uemura you could forget about this handy method of face washing. Now of course the market has opened up and the latest oil cleanser I've been very taken with is No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Oil (€14.75). I like the fact that it contains rosehip oil and Vitamin E and with 150ml in the bottle it will last you right through til exam time in May.
- Can you use oil on oily skin though? A big yes to that, but if you'd prefer not to, then pick a cleanser by studying the ingredients on the back of packaging. Avoid anything with alcohol (far too harsh and will aggravate spot prone skin), anything 'foaming' (ditto) and possibly mineral oil too, if you find your skin is prone to clogging up.
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- And NO WIPES. Or we will hunt you down. On lazy nights Garnier Micellar Water (€4.20, 400ml) is the most brilliant value on the planet.
Spots
Plagued by spots? Although Clearasil and Neutrogena spot creams and cleansers might have been automatic buys in your younger days, they are most definitely not good for oily, hormonal skin. Your skin needs to be balanced in a much kinder manner - see the ingredients above for ones to avoid. One of the best spot remedies is facial oil believe it or not - if you've got a bottle of rosehip oil, dab a drop onto the spot and it will clear it up. Of course Sudocreme is only brilliant on spots too.
Foundation
Sometimes the oldies are still the best. Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse has been around for yonks but it still performs really well. Another great, reasonably priced buy is my current favourite L'Oreal Infallible 24 Hour.
Eyeshadow, concealer, powder
You honestly can't beat Catrice and Essence for good, cheap, bits and pieces. We're mightily impressed with this seasons collections - take a look at our review here.
For more recommendations see Beauty Call in the Irish Times today.
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So what do you think? Got any good, college worthy beauty recommendations? Tell us in the comments!
