By Maddy Hill
It’s finals week, and you look awful. You spent the past four nights at the library, and your style is in emergency mode. Dark circles, stress-induced breakouts and dull, matted locks mark the bane of your existence.
Even though you’re combating the drudgery of finals week, it’s still possible to find solace in your style. You were made for more than an ugly finals week, and the following tips will help you achieve full-on finals glam, even if you only have enough time to run home and change before running to your test.
You should always dress for success, right?
Face Mask
This may sound like a tough task to complete while trying to rush out the door, but a quick five minute face mask while you style your hair can do wonders for your skin after a sleepless night. Que Bella makes a line of face masks that come in one-time-use packets, perfect if you want to try a variety of masks or don’t feel like spending a lump sum of money on a bottle you know you won’t finish. We recommend Que Bella’s Refreshing Pomegranate Peel-Off Mask to get rid of built up impurities while hydrating dry, tired skin. Look for masks that contain glycerin for a rejuvenating element and use after washing your face. This a great treatment for weary skin, and you’ll feel like you’re at a spa enjoying a brief period of relaxation.
Under Eye Serum & Concealer
To de-puff your tired eyes, invest in Clinique’s All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage. It costs about $30, but it’s worth it. The product comes in a tube with a roller ball, making it easy to apply the serum quickly. For best results, keep refrigerated and apply during your face mask. The oil-free serum contains caffeine and absorbs into your skin quickly, shrinking bags and brightening dark circles.
For further dark circle coverage, apply a lightweight cover up that is a lighter shade than your foundation. Fakeup by Benefit is great for brightening dark circles and can be found at both Macy’s and Sephora. The concealer, which comes in what looks like a tube of lipstick, has a layer of Vitamin E around the center, making it ultra hydrating and smoothing. Sweep Fakeup under your eyes and use your finger to blend it in, adding another later if necessary.
Highlighter
Add some dimension to your skin with The Balm Cosmetics’ Mary-Lou Manizer Luminizer. This simple shimmery highlighter powder acts as both highlighter and eyeshadow. Swipe a light coat on the apples of your cheeks to give your skin a healthy, well-rested glow. Apply this product after you put on your foundation, concentrating on the cheekbones for a bit of contouring.
Dry Shampoo & Texturizer
Second day hair should not be the cause of more stress during finals. With the right dry shampoo, you can leave the bathroom feeling like you just washed your hair. We recommend Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo. Spritz this drugstore dry shampoo onto your roots generously and comb through, or even blow dry the product into your hair for a fresh feel.
If you want to go for a messy chic look, try using Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray. Spritz onto your day-after hair or on damp hair after a quick shower, and scrunch the ends. If you have naturally wavy hair, this product is great for making it look a little more styled.
Go-to Lazy Girl Clothing Pieces
Cotton tees. Stock up on simple cotton tees to throw on before you head out the door to ace your test. Stick with light colors that repel the Texas heat, and if there’s a cut you like, don’t be ashamed if you decide to buy it in every color. Great places to get simple tees are Madewell, Aerie, Gap and J. Crew.
Cool Sneakers. If you’re looking to maintain great street style the week of finals, invest in a pair of cool shoes. Adidas by Pharrell Williams Superstar Supercolor ‘70s-inspired shoes come in a rainbow of colors and are perfect as an accent to a dull outfit. And since they are monochrome, you don’t have to worry about them clashing with your outfit.
Comfort pants. Not much feels better than looking good while wearing something that you could have gone to sleep in. Sleep pants can double as day pants in your finals wardrobe, and pairs like Cotton Spandex Jersey Harem Pants from American Apparel will keep your street-style game strong during finals week. If you want to maintain a more carefree look, try Aerie’s Lace-Up Shorts. Lightweight and available in different colors, these shorts will add dimension to your outfit without taking away from the comfort.
Simple jewelry. Basic gold pieces will make even the simplest outfits look polished and put together. A finishing touch will add dimension to your outfit and doesn’t require much thought in the morning. Madewell is the best place to find simple gold jewelry at a price that won’t break the bank.
