Back-to-campus beauty finds that promise to work as hard as you do this year

So you've already picked up your tech, new clothes, perhaps dorm room staples and other gear. But don't forget to assess you beauty supply situation! Student life can be pretty unpredictable. Especially when you think about late night study groups, last minute weekend trips and the occasional pub crawl, you'll need products that run the gamut from helping you simply feel refreshed, to helping you look your best.

These affordable, uncomplicated beauty products can give you an extra hand.

Batiste Dry Shampoo Rose Gold

Of course your ultimate frisbee tournament is happening right before your psych final. Not to worry this dry shampoo has your back… well actually your hair! The smell is reminiscent of  pink sugar and will give your hair a quick refresh until you have time to do a proper shampoo. Perfect for spontaneous campus life.

Batiste Dry Shampoo Rose Gold, walmart.ca, $8.76

L'Oreal Paris Stylista #Sleek Smoothing Serum

If you're into straight styles opt for this new smoothing serum. It'll give you an all day sleek and shiny look that you can take to class, your evening group meeting and then on to the pub. It's also silicone-free, works well with your flat iron and is ideal if you're trying to pull off a badass Zendaya ponytail.

L'Oreal Paris Stylista #Sleek Smoothing Serum, amazon.ca, $8.99

Foreo LUNA play plus

You've probably seen your favourite beauty Youtuber talk about this cleanser. It's super cute and compact, so you won't have to worry about the LUNA play plus taking up much needed real estate. It has major cleansing power; its soft bristles get deep into your pores to get rid of leftover makeup and other impurities. For guys, it conditions skin to give a smoother, closer shave. Bonus, it's so tiny you can throw it in your weekend bag if you're heading home for Thanksgiving.

Foreo LUNA play plus, sephora.com, $59

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC + Oil Free Matte Cream

This CC cream is natural looking, but actually gives you a full coverage matte finish. So you can look confident and professional during your class presentation or that internship interview. Plus, no stress if you're studying outside because it contains an SPF 40 sunscreen.

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC + Oil Free Matte Cream, itcosmetics.ca, $49

L.A Girl Pro Conceal HD

This cheap and cheerful concealer downplays any sign of that all-nighter. Its lightweight creamy texture covers up darkness, redness and imperfections. The soft brush tip means you can apply it with one hand, so it'll fit right into your multitasking morning rush.

L.A Girl Pro Conceal HD, clorebeauty.com, $5.99

Sephora Collection Ready In 5 Face Brush Set

This mini brush set makes it easy to dust on some powder, blush and bronzer on your way out the door. It won't add bulk to your backpack and the rose gold colour will make you want it even more.

Sephora Collection Ready In 5 Face Brush Set, sephora.com, $31

Quo Deluxe Blotting Paper Compact

Makeup or not, pat away shine without touching your fingers to your face. Reach for this blotting paper on those long days where all your classes seem to blend into one. The compact neatly keeps all the  charcoal bamboo papers in one place, and the built in mirror definitely comes in handy.

Quo deluxe blotting paper compact, shoppersdrugmart.ca, $9

Tweezerman nail rescue kit

Keep one of these kits in your dorm room or in your bag for quick nail fixes — it comes with a nail clipper, file, cleaner, cuticle and hangnail nipper. Just make sure your professor doesn't catch you filing your nails in class!

Tweezerman nail rescue kit, tweezerman.ca, $30

NEUTROGENA Rapid Clear spot gel

So you're stressed because of that looming assignment deadline and you've only had time to grab pizza and chips for dinner all week. Inevitably a few pimples are bound to pop up! Fight back with this spot gel. It's got maximum strength benzoyl peroxide in it to help dry out those pimples and ease redness, and it promises to keep working throughout the day ...just like you have to.

NEUTROGENA Rapid Clear spot gel, shoppersdrugmart.ca, $11.49

Nair Hair Remover Shower Power

Waxing or laser hair removal can get expensive especially for a student. This in-shower hair remover is less than 20 bucks and can leave your skin smooth for up to 6 days. That saved shaving time can be spent on some extra shut eye. It also contains 100% natural coconut oil and is dye and paraben free.

Nair Hair Remover Shower Power, walmart.ca, $14.47

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil 3 in 1 Wash.Scrub.Mask

Having blemish free skin can be a major boost for your self esteem as you head to campus, especially if this is your first year. Help make a smoother transition with this multitasking product. Wash away excess oil, coax out blackheads and reduce the appearance of pores, all with the same product. Be sure to follow instructions for desired result.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil 3 in 1 Wash.Scrub.Mask, thebodyshop.com, $22

Nneka Elliott (@nnekaelliott) is a lifestyle blogger, host and actor. She shares her adventures with fashion and beauty in her pursuit of a gutsy life. nnekaelliott.com