Sorority Recruitment Beauty Guide
Top Products for a Stress-Free Rush Week
written by a former sorority woman for you, the future sorority woman
As new students and upperclassmen alike begin to pack their bags to arrive on campus, you may find yourself a bundle of nerves. Taking new classes, interacting with new professors, and creating new friendships can be overwhelming. On top of all of these stressors, many women decide they want to join Greek Life and find themselves having to also balance the packed schedule of Sorority Rush Week.
If you’re thinking about joining a sorority, there are probably a thousand thoughts and questions you have clouding your mind as the big week approaches!
What should I wear during each round?
What topics should I talk about?
What if my number one chapter does not invite me back?
All of these are valid concerns,
but we’ve put together THE Sorority Recruitment Beauty Guide
– everything you need for your rush week beauty routine, all in one convenient place!
Joining a sorority should be about making life-long connections, and these forever friendships are possible when you find others who share your same interests and values. RushTok might make you feel like you need to spend exorbitant amounts of money on outfits, jewelry, and a professional blow-out, but sorority women are interested in getting to know the REAL you underneath the makeup and hairspray.
When getting ready for recruitment, the best piece of advice is to be authentically you and let your confidence shine through!
Recruitment rounds are long and tiring to begin with, so for that reason, comfort is key! This is not a suggestion to show up in sweatpants and slippers, but this is your reminder that sporting that super-sleek, tightly-pulled ponytail you know causes you migraines, or earrings so heavy they make your lobes sore, probably will become more of a burden than a fashion statement.
The recruitment rounds will start to feel longer as the day goes on, and if you’re irritated by your fashion or beauty choices on top of it, you won’t be able to present the best version of yourself. Aim for a polished version of your best natural self that will stay fresh through long hours of conversations. Keeping your hair and makeup confident, approachable, and classic is the best way to go.
Skincare & Preparation
Hydrate early: Start prioritizing hydration in the days leading up to recruitment rather than waiting until the morning of. Drink water consistently throughout the day and use a lightweight moisturizer that works well with your skin to help maintain a smooth, comfortable-looking complexion. Well-moisturized skin can create a more refreshed, plump appearance and provide a smoother base for makeup.
Avoid new products: Stick to skincare products you already know work well for your skin in the days leading up to recruitment. Avoid introducing new products, harsh exfoliants, or strong treatments right before rush, as they can cause unexpected irritation, dryness, or breakouts when you want your skin looking its best.
Ice your face: Use a cold ice roller or ice cube in the morning to reduce puffiness and wake up your skin.
Sunscreen is a must:
Apply an oil-free, non-greasy sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin during outdoor waiting lines.
Pimple patches:
Keep clear, matte pimple patches in your emergency kit for unexpected breakouts before and during recruitment. They can help protect blemishes from picking and reduce the temptation to touch your skin, while their discreet finish makes them less noticeable.
Face & Base
Long-wear foundation:
Choose a sweat-proof, transfer-resistant foundation or skin tint so your makeup does not melt off during the day.
Setting spray:
Finish your makeup with a long-lasting setting spray to help keep your look fresh and in place through heat, humidity, and long recruitment days. A reliable setting spray can give you extra confidence that your makeup will stay polished from the first conversation to the last.
Natural flush:
Add a soft powder or cream blush for a healthy, glowing appearance. A natural-looking blush adds warmth and dimension to your face without appearing overly made up.
Eyes & Lips
Neutral eyeshadow:
Stick to warm, neutral tones that look bright and open in person and in photos. Aim for soft definition and subtle dimension that enhances your natural features without making your makeup the focus.
Smudge-proof mascara:
Waterproof mascara is a must to prevent running or smudging when you talk and laugh… or maybe even cry during a Preference Ceremony!
Long-lasting lip color:
Choose a lip stain or a matte liquid lipstick that will not smudge or transfer on your teeth while chatting, eating, or drinking. Before heading out, check your teeth and the edges of your lips in the mirror!
Hair & Nails
Polished hairstyle: Wear your hair clean and styled - either a smooth blowout, soft waves, or a neat half-up style. Choose a style that feels comfortable and reflects your personal look while keeping flyaways and frizz under control. Most importantly, make sure your hairstyle can hold up through long days, changing weather, and plenty of conversations without requiring constant touch-ups. The goal is to look effortlessly polished while still feeling like yourself.
Prevent fly-aways:
Keep your hair looking polished throughout recruitment with a strong-hold hairspray that helps tame flyaways and keep your style in place. Lightly mist hairspray over your finished look, focusing on areas prone to frizz or loose strands, without oversaturating your hair.
Fresh nails:
Keep your nails clean, neat, and polished with a versatile shade like soft pink, nude, or a classic French manicure. These timeless options complement every outfit and keep your overall look feeling polished and put-together throughout recruitment.
Fragrance & Finishing Touches
Choose light scents: Pick soft florals, fresh citrus, or warm vanilla scents that feel clean and welcoming. Light, versatile scents are less likely to become overwhelming in warm weather or after several hours of wear. The goal is to find a fragrance that complements your overall look and leaves a subtle, pleasant impression without distracting from the conversation.
Avoid heavy perfumes: Stay away from strong, musky, or overly sweet perfumes that might cause headaches in crowded, warm rooms. The goal is to smell clean and polished without your fragrance becoming overwhelming to those around you.
Pulse points only: Spray lightly on your wrists and behind your ears so the scent travels gently when you hug or talk.
Layer for long wear:
Use a matching scented body lotion first, then spray your perfume on top to make the scent last all day. Well-moisturized skin can help fragrance last longer, while using a matching lotion can create a more noticeable layered scent.
Hair mist bonus:
Add a subtle finishing touch with a lightweight hair fragrance. Spritz it onto your brush before gently running it through your hair for an understated scent that moves with you throughout the day.
Blister and touch-up emergency kit: Pack tissues for keeping tears and sweat at bay, travel-size cosmetics for any touchups, and deodorant & dry-shampoo to combat any extra moisture. Pack your small rush bag with water, snacks, breath mints, bandages, safety pins, fashion tape, and any other essential you may need in between rounds!
Pro Tip: If you fidget and pick at your nails and skin when you are nervous, apply cuticle oil or lotion between rounds to keep your fingers feeling and looking healthy, allowing you to focus on conversation!
Final Thoughts
When you feel comfortable, confident, and prepared, you’ll be able to focus less on your appearance and more on making meaningful connections throughout recruitment.
Sorority recruitment is about making genuine connections and feeling confident in your own skin - not achieving a perfect beauty look. A little preparation can go a long way, so focus on skincare that keeps your complexion fresh, makeup that enhances your natural features, a hairstyle that stays polished, and a light fragrance that feels like you. Pack a few reliable touch-up essentials, stay hydrated, and choose products you already know work well. Most importantly, let your personality shine through!
From one Sorority woman to the future women of Greek Life - if you are confident in the authentic version of yourself, you will form genuine connections and end up receiving a bid from the chapter you are meant to be a part of. Everything happens for a reason. Have fun, take care of yourself, and best of luck as you begin your sorority journey!