Who says beauty products have no place in the school yard, or that males have no use for them? Now that classes have started, I’ve put together products I consider essential for most students. If I knew then what I know now, I would have been armed with these as early as first grade when most of us stopped smelling like milk and baby powder.

Number one on my list is Naturepel Insect repellant. Dengue is serious business and we should be protected at all costs. The DEET in the usual mosquito repellant is nauseating scent-wise and considered toxic (long term exposure affects nervous system and kills brain neurons) especially for very young children. Naturepel is DEET-free, effective and smells like peppermint candy. Its active ingredient is African Leleshwa oil, a natural insect repellant that according to the Carroll-Loye Biological Research in California may be used on babies as young as 6-months-old.

Schools, even those with air-conditioned classrooms are mosquito breeding grounds and I cringe when I see students in short pants and skirts parading around like a mosquito buffet.

This is only available at Skin Station outlets. I get mine at the Makati Branch (tel. 0917-8097691). Also try: Human Nature 100% Natural Bug Shield DEET Free, also safe for babies 6-months-old and above which uses eucalyptus oil as its active ingredient and is available at Rustan’s Supermarkets.

Gym class aroma

Remember the stench of perspiration and body odor after PE class? It seems the strong deodorants all have that manly smell to them which again will clash with women’s cologne.

Nivea Dry Comfort 48H Antiperspirant regulates perspiration for up to 48 hours. It has a gentle clean scent that does not overpower. The product does not contain any alcohol, colorants and preservatives that may darken underarms. I still advise putting this on daily to prevent odor breakthrough.

Note: Apply on thoroughly washed and clean underarms. Those who apply a new coat over the old without showering are depositing bacteria on your deodorant stick, and sealing in dirt

and grime into your pores causing skin irritation and darkening.

For the acne-prone, invest in an anti-acne skincare kit like Celeteque’s Acne Solutions line with a cleansing gel, acne control toner, facial moisturizer (mattifying) and spot corrector to keep oil production under control. They even have Back Acne Spray to eliminate back zits. Sebum or excess skin oil are food for acne causing bacteria so controlling it will keep acne population at a minimum.

Of course, if your acne is the cystic or over populated anyway seek the help of a dermatologist or go for regular glycolic skin cleaning (at least once a month) at facial centers or clinics like Let’s Face It, Skin Station or Flawless which have very reasonable rates for students.

Also Try: Neutrogena’s Blackhead Eliminating Range or Watson’s Men Oil Control.